Males’s Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Overview

Backside Line

The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka is a singular and well-crafted down jacket greatest suited to technical outings in reasonably chilly temperatures. In contrast to conventional shiny materials and horizontal baffles present in different prime winter jackets we examined, it options stretchy, softshell-like materials and welded seams, giving it a clear look and spectacular sturdiness. This design permits for a wonderful vary of movement, avoiding the stiff really feel of standard jackets. The parka size gives glorious protection for true winter climate.

After placing the Stretchdown Parka by means of its paces this winter, we’re followers of its cozy heat and flexibility, however with a number of shortcomings. The boxy match runs massive and would possibly really feel overly roomy with out layering below it, notably within the chest and sleeves.

For a jacket that may do each entrance and backcountry moderately effectively, the stretchy material and sturdy construct make it a worthy selection in your subsequent winter jacket.

How We Examined

The Stetchdown was examined in all of the great winter climate of Alaska: snow, sleet, rain, wind, and chilly and clear. We’ve additionally examined earlier fashions of the Stretchdown Parka when it earned prime remarks in 2024 and 2023, and our gear analysts proceed to report again that this coat goes robust.

Heat

With 700-fill energy down, the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka is completely suited to most winter temperatures. 

We had been most comfy at low output actions on this jacket within the teenagers and twenties however wore this jacket right down to detrimental ten and had been comfy in it whereas exercising. On a day backcountry ice skating in Alaska’s frigid early winter, as temperatures dropped beneath zero, this jacket was heat sufficient to maintain us comfy all day. Whereas layering below this jacket is a should at these temperatures, the Stretchdown Parka offers versatility to insulate throughout most winter temperatures.

The 700-fill energy down is sort of a bit decrease than others in our lineup, however we discovered that this decrease energy insulation has its execs. It makes the jacket way more packable than others we examined and excels in temperatures within the teenagers and twenties. We liked the parka size for full protection and elevated heat in colder climate.

Climate Resistance

The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka offers elevated climate resistance to different down jackets examined, due to its distinctive shell building. The 20D Sturdy Stretch Doubleweave seems, feels, and performs extra like a softshell in comparison with the flimsy, shiny outer of conventional down jackets. We discovered that this correlates to a better climate resistance, and makes it higher at shedding moisture.

We deliberately took this jacket out in situations it was not supposed for on a moist and snowy day and had been pleasantly stunned with its efficiency. It shed moisture and beaded water, remaining climate resistant for much longer than different down jackets examined.

Whereas it did finally moist by means of, this is without doubt one of the extra resilient down jackets in our lineup. Ok for transient publicity to rain and snow, the Stretchdown Parka is a surprisingly efficient jacket for repelling gentle moisture.

Consolation & Performance

The match of the Stretchdown Parka is considerably awkward, and we discovered that it runs massive. Our typical dimension medium examined felt a lot bigger than different mediums examined.

We discovered the physique of the jacket boxy, and the size true to its parka specs. This match is probably not one of the best for everybody, so we advocate making an attempt it on first.

The stretchy materials of the outer does transfer with the physique and stretches and large actions are straightforward to perform. Whereas nonetheless being too heavy a jacket for three-season backpacking, its barely decrease loft implies that it additionally doubles as a fall or spring jacket along with winter day journeys.

Options

The standout characteristic of the Stretchdown Parka is the stretchable materials. This can be a nice characteristic for a jacket match for energetic outings. We liked climbing and ice skating on this jacket. This materials, and simply compressible down, make this jacket packable and we simply stuffed it into small areas in our backpack.

The twin exterior chest pockets are an enormous bonus for us. That is nice for protecting organized and gadgets separated. We regularly stored our cellphone in a single pocket and snacks/gloves within the different. Cinches across the hood and hem of the jacket are straightforward to make use of with gloves and tighten down properly to retain heat or assist block the weather. For an extended jacket, we appreciated the twin zipper to alleviate awkward bunching when zipping, or to extend airflow to chill down whereas exercising.

Ought to You Purchase the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka?

The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka gives the size and heat of a parka however doesn’t overdo bulk and weight. The 700-fill down is greater than sufficient for many winter temperatures however lacks that adequate heat wanted for being stationary in single digits or beneath.

This jacket excels whereas being energetic at decrease temperatures, however is sufficient to insulate decrease exertion actions at extra average temperatures. The match of the Stretchdown Parka is boxy and can match bigger torsos higher. Resizing could also be essential to dial within the acceptable match.

Its signature characteristic is its stretchable outer materials and we liked it for its maneuverability and its surprisingly sufficient climate resistance. Whereas this jacket isn’t the one for the coldest of days, it can get you thru most winter situations in consolation and be versatile sufficient for a lot of outings and settings.

What Different wINTER Jackets Ought to You Think about?

We even have some suggestions for different jackets much like the Stretchdown in addition to our full listing of one of the best winter jackets for males.

Rab Neutrino Professional Overview Overview: With a barely greater fill energy, the Neutrino Professional gives equally distinctive packability and is hotter for colder temperatures.

Patagonia DAS Parka Overview: Whereas lighter than the Stretchdown Parka, the DAS Parka is equally heat sufficient for chilly winter temperatures however with artificial insulation.

REI Stormhenge Overview: If the shell of the Stretchdown Parka left you wanting extra climate resistance, the Stormhenge offers heat with the safety of a water-resistant shell.