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A Deep Dive Into Stretchdown™: The Technology Mountain Hardwear Spent a Decade Developing
Mountain Hardwear is renowned for its durability and quality, crafting gear tough enough for activities in harsh environments like 8,000-meter peaks. Since its founding in 1993 in Berkeley, California, the brand has been a trailblazer in outdoor apparel, consistently rolling out innovative products.
We spoke with Iori Kondo from Mountain Hardwear's Product Division about a down jacket the brand developed that's poised to become the new standard for the next generation.
The Evolution of Down Wear—From Insulation to a "Down Jacket for Action"
Historically, down jackets were primarily designed for protection against severe cold. By the 2000s, fashion became a major consideration, followed by a push for lighter materials. In the 2010s, sustainability entered the conversation, and the landscape and uses for down wear have been evolving ever since.Riding this wave of innovation, Mountain Hardwear set out to develop a "down jacket for action"—one that does more than just keep you warm.
Stretchdown™: A Decade in the Making
Typically, using stretch fabric for a down jacket was unheard of. The reason is that as the fabric stretches, its weave separates, which would allow down to escape.Mountain Hardwear dared to challenge this convention, and the result was Stretchdown™. Let's dive into the story behind its development.
"With traditional down jackets, you'd fill down packs[1] with feathers and then separate them with stitching. The problem was that the stitch holes allowed wind and rain to get in and down to escape. Plus, the stitched construction didn't stretch well, which restricted movement."
"The concept of 'active insulation'—which focuses on mobility while maintaining warmth—is popular now. But we wanted to create a 'down jacket for action' even before that term was common, and that's how the development of Stretchdown™ got started."
"We completely upended the conventions of down jacket design by taking a totally different approach from the traditional stitched construction."
"Stretchdown™ features a unique construction where the outer shell and inner lining are woven together directly by a specialized machine. This eliminates the need for stitch holes, preventing wind, rain, and down leakage. We successfully managed to lock in the down without sacrificing any of the fabric's stretch."
"It took a full decade to perfect. Based on our research, we believe this is the first time anyone has developed a down jacket by focusing on the actual weave of the fabric itself."
Two Core Models: The Stretchdown™ Hoody and Stretchdown™ Jacket
Here are two key pieces from the Stretchdown™ line, which launched in 2017 after a decade of development. The lineup includes two styles: the Stretchdown™ Hoody and the Stretchdown™ Jacket. A major part of their appeal is their versatility, making them perfect for both outdoor adventures and everyday city life.
The Details and Construction Behind Stretchdown™
Now, let's take a closer look at the details that make Stretchdown™ so unique."The distinctive, block-like pockets are called 'baffles,' and their staggered design is what enhances mobility."
"This staggered baffle construction also keeps the down from shifting around, which means we don't need the traditional down packs."
"The outer shell is made from a tear-resistant nylon fabric, making it durable enough for climbing and situations where it might scrape against rock."
"This nylon material is both water-repellent and lightweight. For insulation, we use 700-fill-power[2] 'RDS Down.' This refers to the Responsible Down Standard, an international certification that ensures animal welfare throughout the down sourcing process."
The Latest Stretchdown™ Model, Arriving in 2025
Next, we'll introduce the newest addition to the series, launching in 2025: the "Stretchdown™ Big Baffle Jacket.""This jacket is designed with extra-large individual baffles, allowing us to increase the amount of down fill. The design also features two chest pockets.
Its boxy silhouette creates a design that's easy to incorporate not only into your outdoor gear but also into your daily wardrobe."
Mountain Hardwear offers a wide range of products, from down jackets suited for grueling alpine expeditions to lightweight, packable, and portable models like their bestseller, the Ghost Whisperer™.
The "Stretchdown™" series, which we've been covering in this article, was created with an entirely different approach from the rest of the lineup.
It boasts incredible versatility for everything from outdoor adventures to city life, symbolizing a new era where you can choose your down wear based on your specific use and style.
[1] A down pack refers to the sewing method used to enclose the down inside a jacket, preventing feathers from poking through the outer fabric.
[2] Fill power is an indicator of down quality. The higher the number, the more air the down can trap, resulting in superior insulation and higher quality. High fill power means less down is needed to create the same loft, which makes the garment lighter.
PROFILE
Iori Kondo
Columbia Sportswear Japan, Ltd.
Mountain Hardwear Product Division, Apparel Merchandising Department
"I fell in love with the comfort of Stretchdown and now wear it everywhere, from the city to the great outdoors. As someone who's always cold, it's a jacket I can rely on in the mountains, and I especially love that it's lightweight and packs down surprisingly small."
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