It seems that every year at Outdoor Retailer, Mountain Hardwear comes up with a new innovation. This year is no different.
STRETCHDOWN JACKET
The big news at the 2016 Winter OR is the StretchDown Jacket. The first of its kind, this puffy uses a stretchy material plus welded seams that expand when you move, unlike traditional stitched seams that don’t budge or might even fray or break. The company says this combination makes the down jacket more form-fitting, durable and comfortable. Plus, they claim it will keep you warmer as stitched seams literally poke holes into the jacket’s fabric, which lets cold air seep in.
Here’s the details:
- Stretch-welded channel construction
- Dynamic Stretch Knit (100% polyester)
- Q.Shield Down (750-fill)
- Weight: 1lb, 1oz
The MH StretchDown Jacket will be available in both hooded and non-hooded variations, as well as men’s and women’s versions. In addition, there will be an RS version with a more water-resistant, 15D Ghost Lite Ripstop fabric. Look for them all to be available in the fall of 2016.
I will be testing the StretchDown Jacket the remainder of this winter season and will have a full review in the coming months.
EXPOSURE PARKA
Also new for next year is the Exposure Parka. This is a multi-purpose mountain coat featuring waterproof/breathable Dry.Q fabric, weather skirt, and multiple pockets on the inside and outside to store all your winter alpine needs like bars, compasses, Voile straps, etc.
32° INSULATED JACKET
The 32° Insulated Jacket is a technical mid-layer with a lot of stretch and zoned insulation for targeted warmth where you need it. The jacket features zip hand-warmer pockets, 40 grams of Thermal.Q Elite insulation, reflective cuffs, and internal hem adjustments. This looks to be a great piece for backcountry skiing or even cold-weather running.
32° NOT SO TIGHT
Also part of the 32° line is the Not So Tight. This technical base layer has a good amount of stretch, and a looser fit. Wear this under your ski pants on the slopes, but then wear it to the bar without your outer layers. The Not So Tight is literally long underwear you can wear alone in public.
YUBA PASS FLEECE LINED SHACKET
Finally there’s the Yuba Pass Shacket. Yes, it’s a shirt and a jacket all in one. It has a fleece lining for warmth and an Oxford cut for a more casual look.
Look for all of this new gear and more from Mountain Hardwear in time for the 2016/17 fall & winter season.