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Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic - Women's Review

An exceptionally breathable and comfortable jacket for active adventures offering a full range of motion while repelling light moisture
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mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review
The MountainHardwear Stretch Ozonic was a key piece of gear on a damp backpacking trip.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Price:  $230 List
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Manufacturer:   Mountain Hardwear
By Jessica Albery ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 4, 2022
84
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 13
  • Water Resistance - 30% 7.0
  • Breathability - 25% 10.0
  • Comfort and Mobility - 20% 10.0
  • Weight - 15% 7.0
  • Durability - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is a versatile jacket. It is one of the most comfortable and breathable jackets we tested. This, combined with its packability and decent water resistance, meant we found ourselves reaching for it regularly when we were heading out in less-than-ideal weather where we knew we'd be moving and working up a sweat. The water resistance was pretty impressive for how soft the fabric feels, but for those regularly getting out in uber-wet conditions for extended periods, there are a couple of top-rated women's rain jackets that repelled water longer.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Breathable
Versatile
Not crinkly
Soft hand feel
REASONS TO AVOID
Hood doesn't offer great coverage
Editor's Note: This review of the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic was updated on October 4, 2022, to reflect updates to the product and additional data.

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Bottom Line An ideal rain jacket for active adventurers seeking protection from the elements, exceptional breathability, and a great range of motionWith its well-rounded balance of performance and comfort, this all-around top performer is built to withstand whatever mother nature has up her sleeveA quality rain jacket offering exceptional water resistance and performance that will hold up to the wildest weatherA barebones rain jacket that is ultralightweight, scrapping comfort features in an effort to keep weight and size at a minimumA reliable rain jacket that offers great value for good performance at a reasonable price
Rating Categories Mountain Hardwear S... Outdoor Research As... Patagonia Torrentsh... Outdoor Research He... Marmot PreCip Eco -...
Water Resistance (30%)
7.0
9.5
9.0
7.0
7.0
Breathability (25%)
10.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Comfort and Mobility (20%)
10.0
9.0
7.0
7.5
8.0
Weight (15%)
7.0
6.4
5.2
9.3
7.3
Durability (10%)
7.0
9.5
9.0
7.0
7.0
Specs Mountain Hardwear S... Outdoor Research As... Patagonia Torrentsh... Outdoor Research He... Marmot PreCip Eco -...
Measured Weight 9.7 oz 10.5 oz 12.2 oz 6.3 oz 9.2 oz
Number of Fabric Layers 2.5 2 3 2.5 2.5
Material 50D Stretch ripstop 50D Polyester 100% 50D nylon 30D Ripstop nylon 100% Ripstop nylon
Pockets 2 hand, 1 chest 2 hand, 1 chest 2 hand 2 hand 2 hand
Pit Zips Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Pit Zip Length 11" 20" 11" N/A 10"
Helmet Compatible Hood No No No No No
Stows into Pocket Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is a work of technological genius, managing to meld great mobility, the best breathability, and decent water resistance into one very comfortable rain jacket, thanks to the generous cut and the 2.5-layer 50D stretch ripstop fabric.

Performance Comparison


mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - the breathability and mobility of the mountain hardwear stretch...
The breathability and mobility of the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic make it one of our top picks for active adventures.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Water Resistance


Water Resistance is a key component when choosing a rain jacket, so we took the Ozonic out in every type of precipitation we could, from fine mist to tropical downpours. We also performed side-by-side lab tests to evaluate the water resistance of the fabric and zippers, as well as the hood coverage. For how soft, lightweight, and flexible the fabric is, we were pleasantly surprised with its water resistance. There are a couple of top contenders that kept our testers dryer for longer, but for those looking to prioritize mobility and breathability for active adventures, this is a great choice.


The Ozonic worked great for keeping testers dry in lighter precipitation from a mist to light rain. In sustained and heavier rain, a few other top contenders kept testers dry for longer. Running around in a tropical storm for a few hours, one tester noticed her skin was a bit damp under the jacket. The Ozonic was one of the first jackets to show that the fabric was taking up water, but it took longer for the water to actually penetrate the fabric and soak through to the shirt underneath, and soak the paper towel in the pockets. We also found that the hood coverage was not quite as good as some other options. It only tightened around the top; the bottom gapped some, letting in a bit of water. The coated zippers performed reasonably. While not the most water-resistant of the jackets tested, the Ozonic sat comfortably in the middle.

mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - the ozonic was one of the quicker jackets to take up water though it...
The Ozonic was one of the quicker jackets to take up water though it did take longer for water to soak through.
Credit: Claire Lawrenson

Breathability


Breathability is where the Ozonic really shines. The lightweight 2.5-layer fabric was one of the most breathable on our controlled uphill hike, even with the vents zipped up, and when we did open the vents they quickly dumped all excess heat. The fabric was able to wick moisture and expel it through the membrane, keeping the wearer from feeling swampy, even when intensity increased and the tester began to sweat. This especially came in handy while hiking in Hawaii in a storm with warm temperatures, allowing us to stay comfortable and dry.


We regularly found ourselves reaching for this jacket when we knew we would be breaking a sweat but still wanted protection from the elements. And while this jacket is not quite as wind resistant as a few other jackets with stiffer outer fabrics, we were pleased with the wind resistance in all but the most howling gales. For a rain jacket, the breathability of the Ozonic is pretty hard to beat.

mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - between the moisture-wicking fabric and the pit zips, the mountain...
Between the moisture-wicking fabric and the pit zips, the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic was the most breathable jacket tested for active endeavors.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Comfort and Mobility


The Ozonic was also the head of the pack in the field of comfort and mobility. This was one of the easiest jackets to move in. Mountain Hardwear achieved this with a slightly more relaxed fit and flexible fabric with a bit of stretch, so whatever activity you're pursuing, your motion won't be restricted. The roomy cut has a slightly longer hem and longer sleeves, making it a good option for taller folks. The relaxed fit also gives the most room for layering underneath, and we found our down puffy fit comfortably underneath when the temperature dropped. It should be noted that the fabric is a little thinner than others, so on its own, it does not offer very much warmth when the mercury plummets.


The garment feels light as a feather and is quiet as a mouse, thanks to the lightweight fabric. The softer, more flexible fabric feels smooth against the skin when wearing shorts sleeves underneath, and the cuffs and chin are less abrasive than many other options. The fabric lining of the pockets is also soft. The two hand pockets and one chest pocket are all easy to access and roomy enough for a phone and plenty of snacks. There are also key clips in both hand pockets. The drawcords around the bottom hem tighten from both sides, making it easy to evenly distribute fabric around the hem. The only aspect we were less stoked on from a comfortability standpoint was the hood. It only tightens from the back, and the elastic loops around the top of the head like a crown. We found this somewhat uncomfortable, as it applied a little pressure to the ears.

mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - the flexible, stretchy fabric and relaxed cut make the ozonic one of...
The flexible, stretchy fabric and relaxed cut make the Ozonic one of the most comfortable jackets to wear.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Weight


Weighing in at only 9.7 oz, this was the third lightest jacket tested and is very packable, making it a good option for when weight and size are important considerations. The lightweight fabric is a huge factor in keeping the ounces down on this garment.


The garment stashes in the rectangular chest pocket, making a compact package measuring only 9" x 4" x 3.5" inches. The fit is tight, but the mesh pocket lining is a bit stretchy, so it is one of the easiest to stow and unpack quickly. When stowed, the jacket is easy to stash in a nook in a backpack or suitcase. It was so light, small, and easy to pack that we were happy to tuck the Ozonic into its own pocket and chuck it in a bag as a just in case option.

The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is a lightweight, packable...
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is a lightweight, packable option for travel.
We took this jacket everywhere with us.
We took this jacket everywhere with us.
The Ozonic is lightweight and packs down into a pocket, making it a...
The Ozonic is lightweight and packs down into a pocket, making it a great choice for activities where size and weight matter.

Durability


With this model of the Ozonic, Mountain Hardwear upgraded the fabric from a smooth stretch 40D 100% nylon fabric to a slightly heavier 50D stretch ripstop fabric made of 100% recycled polyester. We found the new fabric to still be flexible and stretchy, and we saw no signs of abrasion at the completion of testing. We did find that the DWR coating had to be revitalized a little sooner than many other models.


All materials are high quality, the zippers ran smoothly (we loved the sealed zippers on the front), and the drawcords were easy to use and functional. This jacket held up well during our test period.

mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - the stretchy fabric used for the ozonic was lighter than most, but...
The stretchy fabric used for the Ozonic was lighter than most, but held up well through testing.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic?


Overall, we were impressed with the crossroads of comfort, breathability, and water resistance. While this was not the most water-resistant jacket tested, it excels at at managing internal temperature and moisture levels, and its stretchiness provides a full range of motion, making this a great option for those seeking a jacket for active pursuits.

mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - the slightly higher price tag on the ozonic is worth it for those...
The slightly higher price tag on the Ozonic is worth it for those looking for a rain jacket that is breathable and comfortable for those looking for a jacket that performs well while moving.
Credit: Jessica Albery

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?


The Outdoor Research Aspire II offers better water resistance for a longer duration, and while it can't match the Ozonic's ultra-breathable fabric, the full-length pit zips offer excellent ventilation while moving. The Rab Downpour offers decent breathability at a slightly lower price tag for those looking for maximum breathability on a tighter budget.

mountain hardwear stretch ozonic for women rain jacket review - testing the ozonic in a wide range of conditions and activities.
Testing the Ozonic in a wide range of conditions and activities.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Jessica Albery