WildSnow Weekend — Black Diamond’s Induction Shell for Women

by Rachel Bellamy
written by Rachel Bellamy
WildSnow Girl, Rachel Bellamy, prepping for pow.

WildSnow Girl, Rachel Bellamy, prepping for pow.

Just about everything looks good on a mannequin, and Black Diamond’s new women’s line of backcountry ski clothing looked impressive at ISPO last January. But the jury’s out until you exit the dressing room. Fit is key and can be as varied as the fobs on your keychain.

My first try-on yields a thumbs up. Pre-production sample sizes come in size small. BD’s form model works for me: torso is slim fitting with long arms, a coveted but hard to find feature for athletic females with average to plus length wing spans. Sleeves are often too short on smaller sizes which is always a drag. Longer sleeves work and are more versatile — if they’re too long you can simply roll them up or use the extra length to keep your hands warm.

During the last 6 months working as an Outward Bound instructor, I field tested the Induction this fall. In anticipation of harsh backcountry conditions this winter, I wore the Induction rock climbing in Canada, kayaking through the San Juan Islands, and hiking through dense Pacific Northwet forests.


My take:

Pros:

  • The length of the torso and arms are spot-on. Long enough to keep out drafty breezes.
  • The stretchy material around the wrist cuffs is my favorite part. It hugs my wrists and moves with me. Wrist construction makes or breaks a product for me. If it has big floppy wrists, I won’t wear it because they get in the way.
  • The pockets are located well and are large enough to have things in there while keeping my hands warm.
  • DWR coating on the exterior of the jacket. I wore it in rain and water just beaded up and rolled off.
  • The asymmetrical stitching design on the front and back.
    • Stretch panel low-profile cuffs are snug but fit over hand easily.

    Stretch panel low-profile cuffs are snug but fit over hand easily.

    Inside media pocket with cord port.

    Inside media pocket with cord port.

    How I pack it -- fold inside helmet compatible hood.

    How I pack it — fold inside helmet compatible hood.

    Cons:


  • I don’t think that I would personally choose that color, however, I have gotten lots of compliments on it. Maybe that’s because when I go blue, I go for turquoise. Note: my pre-production jacket is Spectrum Blue which is not available. For retail, the Induction Shell comes in black, white/ice and purple/grape.
  • While the BD logos on the arm and back look good now, they appear as though they could peel off.

    • Uses:

  • Good when you need something that is a little fuzzy on the inside and wind protective on the outside — wearing around town, hiking, biking…
  • Excited to use it for jumping in leaf piles, more climbing, and in colder/drier climates (like Colorado this winter!). It will be an excellent layer on hut trips.
    • Induction Shell range of motion test. Ma WildSnow fills up the wood pile at WildSnow Field HQ.

    Induction Shell range of motion test. Ma WildSnow fills up the wood pile at WildSnow Field HQ.

    Black Diamond Induction Windstopper softshell, also available in men’s version, available here.

    Recap of WildSnow posts during week of 11/3 – 11/7/2014:


    Layering 101 — Mountain Equipment WildSnow Girl Ensemble

    Fischer Transalp Hannibal & 88 — Ski Quiver Arrows of the Week

    5 Backcountry Ski Touring Items — Holiday Gift List

    Backcountry Skiing News Roundup — Avy Thoughts

    First Ascent Karakoram 0 StormDown Sleeping Bag — Review

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