Mountain Hardwear Womens Super DS Stretch Down Hooded Jacket

The newest Stretch Down jacket has arrived in the shape of the Super DS Stretch. It is still a down jacket focussed on movement and durability thanks to the unique stretch baffle construction.

Mountain Hardwear says:

The Super/DS™ is the first puffy to weave face, back, and baffles from a single fabric. Basically, that's just a fancy way of saying there's finally a jacket made without constricting glues or delicate stitches. (Read: more breathability/flexibility, less cold spots/down migration.) Before, if you were a climber at the Red River Gorge in the fall or warming up at the boulders before the sunrise, you would've had to sacrifice movement for warmth. Well, now you'll never have to.

Mountain Hardwear's newest version in the Stretch Down range is the Super DS which still uses the unique stretch baffle construction that's flexible and moves with you. Unlike the stitch-through baffles found on many comparable jackets there will be less cold spots. Another advantage of no stitches it will reduce down loss as the feathers can't escape. The outer fabric has a textured feel and has proven to be very durable.

Although this is certainly not lightweight compared to other down jackets such as the Ghost Whisperer, it is much more durable, comfortable and have the unique advantage of providing stretch. If you are going to be moving around in the outdoors while wearing a down jacket then this really is a good option. There are two handwarmer pockets. The wrists are slightly elasticated and the waist can be cinched in. There is no adjustment in the hood but it is reasonably close fitting.

- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Help and advice:

• 700-fill RDS-certified, lightweight, breathable down retains maximum loft.
• Eco-advanced fabrication: groundbreaking technique removes the need for glues and stitching.
• Woven-stretch construction creates durability.
• Continuous channel design traps more heat than standard construction.

• XSmall (UK 08) weighs: 362g
• Small (UK 10) weighs: 374g
• Medium (UK 12) weighs: 396g
• Fit: Active
• Centre back length: 25.5in/64.8cm

Fabric

• Body: Durable Stretch Woven (85% Nylon, 15% Elastane), 138 g/m2
• Insulation: 100g of Q.Shield™ DOWN 700-fill RDS Cert/Fluorine Free, 90% Goose Down, 10% Goose Feather