Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Editor: Katja
Just the facts:
The lightest rain shell with the most stretch of any on the market. Amazingly comfortable and clutch anywhere from the city to the backcountry. With pit vents for breathability and a hood cinch system to keep you covered.
Features:
Fabric Body: Dry.Q™ Active Stretch 40D 2.5L (100% Nylon)
Center Back Length: 27 in / 69 cm
Apparel Fit: Standard
Weight: 11.1 oz / 313 g
DryQ® breathable waterproof technology.
4-way all-over stretch fabrication.
Abrasion-resistant 40D face fabric.
Large under arm vents.
Hood cinch system.
Exposed matte vislon Aquaguard zipper packable chest pocket.
Zip chest pocket.
Aquaguard zipper.
My Story:
As I’ve gotten more into mountaineering, I have discovered that I need very different gear than I had for traditional summer day-hikes. Pursuing hikes and scrambles in the winter, I have had to rethink layering and protective gear at a much deeper level. When my aunt told me she was clearing out some gear and asked if I wanted any, I was skeptical, but when I saw the Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Jacket in such great condition, I jumped on it!
This jacket does not disappoint! I’ve used it as an outer layer on a soggy northwest conditioning hike, and as a protective layer for ice axe arrest practice in bright sunlight. I put the “abrasion-resistant” claim to the test as I hurled myself down the slope over and over demonstrating different ice axe arrest techniques, and this jacket held true to its reputation! The zippable sleeve vents are a lifesaver then it gets warm, and the water and windproof fabric kept me comfortable at a standstill on Mailbox Peak and Mt. Si when conditions were less than ideal.
Find it here:
What could be done better:
Granted that I probably use this jacket a little differently than it is intended, but I would like the inner snowskirt to be a little beefier or have a different connection to the jacket. During some of my downhill plunges, I had to stop and pull out snow several times that was caught between the jacket and skirt. Also, it is a very comfortable and flattering fit, but I don’t think I would have been able to squeeze another layer into the sleeves had I needed it (there was some stretch/give in the core but I had to take my time working the zipper up when I had layered up, and that was without my thicker puffy on). Otherwise, it’s a great jacket for my mountaineering purposes!
4 stars!
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Functionality
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Value
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Ergonomics
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Durability
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