REASONS TO BUY
Great weight
Easy to pack
Stretchy and mobile
Layering friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Chillier
Not the most robust
Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody Review
A pared‑down fleece designed for all-season missions, from fastpacking trips to frozen waterfall climbs
Credit: Ian McEleney
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 1, 2026
RELATED: The Best Fleece Jackets for Men
Our Verdict
If you're needing a do-anything fleece in a lightweight package, the Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody might just be what you're looking for. While other featherweight models had to sacrifice some performance or convenience to keep weight down, we found the Coefficient to be a bit more of an all-arounder. Its fit landed between slim and relaxed, making layering easy across multiple seasons. The stretch allowed us to take on any body position needed, whether practicing yoga or enjoying some summertime scrambling in the mountains. On its own, the CoEfficient isn't the warmest layer, and it isn't the most durable, but it's worth a closer look if you need a blend of low weight and performance.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We loved testing the Black Diamond CoEfficient Hoody and used it for everything from winter climbing adventures to strolls around town. From the dinner table to the ski area, we pushed this fleece and found it to be a well-made option in the lightweight category.
This fleece offers a great balance between performance and low weight. Credit: Ian McEleney
Likes
We were big fans of the weight of the Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody, especially when considering that it's comfy, mobile, and fairly breathable. We've often seen a trade-off between weight and performance, but the Coefficient breaks the mold.
The Coefficient Hoody lets us layer both under and over it, making this fleece a 4-season option. Black Diamond made this layer with 51% polyester, 36% nylon, and 13% elastane, adding some stretch and making this a very mobile jacket for a wide variety of uses.
This was a favorite of ours for mobility, with a great cut and fabric construction affording unrestricted mobility. Credit: Ian McEleney
The lightest layers in the review's lineup came in somewhere in the mid to upper 7 ounce range. While the Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody weighed 9.9 ounces, it offered a better overall score than the lightest options, with minimal setbacks in any one metric.
This is a lightweight layer designed for being on the move. Credit: Ian McEleney
Dislikes
This isn't the best choice if you simply want standalone warmth. The Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody does offer some insulation, but we needed to add more layers under or over it in the colder months.
The Coefficient is also not the most durable. We never had any crucial failures at the seams or zippers, but there was some mild fraying and fabric fuzzing on the face of the jacket, even after the first week of wearing it.
Should You Buy the Black Diamond CoEfficient Hoody?
If you want a low-weight, breathable fleece for wearing during times when your blood is pumping, this is a decent option. This is a one-stop shop for 4 seasons, as long as you add more layers to the mix in the chillier months. If you're hunting for a heat-retention champion, we'd look elsewhere, but otherwise, this is an impressively versatile layer.
What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?
If you're wanting to compare this to another light-yet-capable fleeces, consider the Rab Ascendor Light Hoody, which weighs a bit more but has a similar do-it-all build. If you're needing something light without breaking the bank, we loved the Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Black Diamond Coefficient Hoody versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $199 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A pared‑down fleece designed for all-season missions, from fastpacking trips to frozen waterfall climbs |
| Pros | Great weight, easy to pack, stretchy and mobile, layering friendly |
| Cons | Chillier, not the most robust |
| Rating Categories | Black Diamond Coeffi... |
| Warmth (30%) | |
| Comfort (25%) | |
| Breathability (20%) | |
| Layering Ability (15%) | |
| Weight (10%) | |
| Specifications | Black Diamond Coeffi... |
| Type | Midweight |
| Main Material | 51% Polyester, 36% Nylon, 13% Elastane |
| Number of Pockets | 1 |
| Features | Thumb loops, helmet compatible hood |
| Measured Weight | 9.9 oz (Size M) |
| Hood Option | Yes |
—Zach Lovell
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