ProView – Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Jacket

This jacket is has been an amazing addition to my gear closet and has withstood desert multi-pitches and snowy hikes. The durability and water resistance make this a unique down jacket. It withstands the elements in the mountains, as well as being stylish around the city. The woven-stretch construction has made this the most durable down jacket I have ever used.

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The Mountain Hardwear Super/ DS Stretch Down Jacket is my go-to for multi-pitch climbs and trips with uncertain weather. Picture this– you’re on pitch six of a ten pitch climb. You’re so cold that you’re wearing a beanie under your helmet and wool socks under your climbing shoes. It’s just starting to drizzle (yay fall climbing in the PNW!) This is the moment you will be very glad you brought the Mountain Hardwear

Super/DS Stretch Down jacket. I tested this jacket on fall multi-pitch climbs in Squamish, in the desert on Monkey Face in Smith Rock, and on snowy hikes in the North Cascades. And it held up well throughout it all.

Fit/Comfort

Unlike most puffy jackets, the stretchy knit fabric allows you to move with ease. I typically wear smalls in jackets, although I wished I would have ordered an XS for this particular jacket because it does tend to run big. I have smaller arms and a short torso (Im 5’1’’ for reference) and this jacket is a bit long on me.

Look/Style

It has a matte finish compared to other down jackets, and I now wear this jacket as my go-to around town due to its stylish fit. I get compliments each time I wear it since it stands out from most puffy jackets and I love that Mountain Hardwear has multiple color options.

Features

This jacket has everything needed for casual wear- zippered hand pockets, a chest pocket, and a dropped internal pocket for quick storage. It does not include a stuff sack, although I have discovered that the jacket fits within the dropped internal pocket for an easy way to fold it up. It has Eco-advanced fabrications, which removes glues and stitching, allowing for more breathability and flexibility in this comfortable jacket.

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Weight/Packability

Weighing roughly 15oz, this is certainly heavier than most of my other down jackets and doesn’t pack down as small. This wouldn’t be my first choice for colder, longer backpacking trips, but it is the best jacket by far I have found for climbing due to its durability and breathability.

Function/Performance

I love that this jacket kept me warm at every belay station, while not overheating while climbing. With the weather always unpredictable in the PNW, I was very impressed at how this down jacket beaded away raindrops and I don’t have to stress bringing it out when I’m unsure what the weather may hold. I also took this jacket on colder hikes and backpacking trips, although it wasn’t as warm as other jackets I have with the same amount of fill and doesn’t pack down quite as small.

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Durability/Construction

The thing that impressed me the most was the durability of this jacket. I’m typically someone who is hard on my gear and most of my jackets have holes and tears throughout the sleeves, but the Mountain Hardwear Super/ DS Stretch Down Jacket had not even a mark after taking it up some cold crack climbing.

The Final Word

This jacket has been an amazing addition to my gear closet and has withstood desert multi-pitches and snowy hikes. The durability and water resistance make this a unique down jacket. It withstands the elements in the mountains, as well as being stylish around the city. The woven-stretch construction has made this the most durable down jacket I have ever used.

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Claire Martin is an avid climber, hiker, backpacker, mountaineer, and budding skier. She volunteers for Washington Alpine Club as well as King County Search and Rescue. You can connect with her on Instagram at @heybear22.