New for Winter 23/24, the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody offers lightweight warmth in a modern style.

 

As part of Mountain Hardwear’s popular Stretchdown Collection, the updated Mountain Hardwear  Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody mainly differs from its predecessor in that the half zipper has been removed, giving it a more urban, understated aesthetic. Adding to its refined look, the MHW logo was also moved from its prominent position on the chest to a more discreet location along the bottom.

 

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody Review

How it looks

I was primarily interested in the Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody because I wanted the technical function of outdoor gear with a more refined, modern look.

 

I appreciated how the fabric has a matte look to it and also how the not too-tight, not too-loose standard fit allowed for layers underneath but still retained some of its overall structure so it didn’t look like I was wearing a potato sack.

 

Also, Mountain Hardwear’s distinct baffle construction keeps it simple by eliminating stitching by interweaving yarns from a single piece of durable stretch fabric. In other words, you can still look stylish wearing down outerwear and avoid looking like the Michelin Man.

 

If you like wearing hoodies and prefer them over jackets, the Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody is for you- it is basically an elevated version of your favorite hoody designed to be durable and withstand cold conditions.

 

Paired with leggings, technical pants, or jeans, the Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody looks good with everything. It can be worn anywhere as the modern look makes it equally suitable for meetups in the city, or when you want to switch it up and do some camping and hiking outdoors.

 

How it delivers

Carefully constructed from 20D durable stretch doubleweave fabric, the Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody doesn’t restrict movement and resists snags and tears.

 

This hoody also brings warmth without the bulk. Filled with 700-fill RDS-certified down, the Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody keeps you warm in cold conditions and packs down small so you can stow it with ease. Complete with an insulated hood, this is a great option for outdoor concerts and events where you want to look stylish and stay warm doing it.

 

My favorite feature of the Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody is the Kangaroo front pocket that is thoughtfully lined with soft material that keeps hands cozy and warm (hopefully this same lining is added to the inner collar in the next design change).

I most recently wore this on a day with variable mountain weather (started out sunny and ended with drizzle and cold) and it did not disappoint. My core was kept warm and my hands and ears protected (thanks, Kangaroo front pocket and adjustable insulated hoody!).

 

Other features: elastic binding on cuffs and hem to keep warmth in, internal drop pocket.

 

Feel good

Lastly, you can feel good about what you’re wearing, because the Responsible Down Standard certifies down against animal welfare requirements and tracks it from the source to the final product.

 

The Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody is available in five colors (Dark Storm Heather, Black, Copper Clay Camo Print, Jack Pine, and Outer Dark) and five sizes (XS-XL).

 

The updated lightweight Stretchdown Light Pullover Hoody is a stylish, minimalist addition to your closet that will keep you warm anywhere you go.

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Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.