Mountain Hardwear has been around since 1993, and is based out of Richmond, California, where they operate out of a former Ford Motor Company assembly plant. Columbia Sportswear took the helm in 2003 when they acquired the brand, but the “focus on the mountain, not the masses” ethos continues to drive the company after 30 years.
Stretchdown Hoody | $300
A down puffer coat is a staple for me, and the right one can segue between the fall, winter, and spring seasons with ease. The Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown hoody strikes the perfect balance between weight and warmth without being bulky, and the 700-fill RDS-certified down/144 gsm ratio is suitable for various temps in my mountain town, comfortable on its own to about 20°F. When worn with a base layer underneath, colder temperatures (within reason) pose no challenges.
The total weight of the coat (size medium) is 14 ounces, and it packs down to the size of a giant grapefruit, making it easy to take with me wherever I go. Moveability is excellent, thanks to the 20D durable stretch combo of nylon, elastane, and polyester; Stretchdown “weaves pockets of down insulation from a single stretch fabric,” further eliminating restrictions in movement. Small touches perfect the package, such as the elastic binding on the cuffs and insulated hood, drawcord hem adjustment, and inside drop pocket.
The zippers on the outside side pockets do not inspire confidence, however. They are somewhat fiddly to open and close (more so to close since they catch), and you definitely can’t operate them while wearing gloves. I’m still waiting for them to break, but they are hanging tough. The Stretchdown runs large, and I’d recommend sizing down by a full size unless you want to leave room for several layers underneath.
I’ve been wearing the Stretchdown daily for four months, and it has become my go-to. Basic black suits me, but the gem-colored teal (jack pine) option is another appealing choice among several colorways offered. Available in sizes for men and women.
Summit Grid Tunic Hoodie | $85
Wool and cotton are my preferred base-layer fabrics, and I steer clear of synthetics when possible, even with the increased breathability and benefits of the latter in recent years. But there is a time and place for everything, and when someone handed me the Mountain Hardwear Summit grid tunic hoodie on a chilly June morning in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, I was happy to have it. The 100 percent 200 gsm polyester insulating fabric is ultra soft, enveloping you in a cozy blanket of warmth that immediately zaps the cold.
This pullover is super lightweight and stretchy, with a cinching scuba-style hood and hemline. The kangaroo pocket ensures that your hands stay as warm as your torso, and the hoodie is the ideal length for pairing to multiple layers.
I keep the Summit close at hand, reaching for it most to wear as a standalone when the days are cold, and I know I will be outside for a good portion of it. I sometimes don it for short hikes but inevitably remove it (or wish I could) about halfway through due to heat buildup. Zip vents would be a game-changer and are something that I would love to see added to the Summit. Available in sizes for men and women.
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