Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic - Women's Review

The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is a work of technological genius. It melds the best in breathability and exceptional mobility while offering decent water resistance for outdoor adventures. Thanks to the generous cut and the 2.5-layer 50D stretch ripstop fabric, this is one very comfortable rain jacket.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

Water resistance is a key component when selecting a rain jacket, so we took the Ozonic out in every type of precipitation we could, from fine mist to tropical downpours and heavy and wet snow. We also performed side-by-side lab tests to evaluate the water resistance of the fabric and the performance of the zippers and hood coverage when wet. Considering how soft, lightweight, and flexible the fabric is, we were pleasantly surprised with its water resistance. A few other top contenders kept our testers dryer for longer; however, the Ozonic is a great choice for those looking to prioritize mobility and breathability on active adventures when mild precipitation may also be in the cards.

The Ozonic worked great for keeping testers dry in lighter precipitation, from subtle mists to light rain. Still, we do not recommend this jacket for those seeking maximum protection in afternoon thunderstorms. After running around in a tropical storm for a few hours, one tester noticed her skin became a bit damp under the jacket. The Ozonic was also one of the first jackets where we noticed the fabric absorbing moisture, even if it took longer for the water to actually penetrate the fabric and soak through to the shirt underneath, where it finally soaked the paper towel in the pockets. The pocket material is perforated, which is great for increased breathability yet not an exceptional design choice for increasing water resistance to the jacket's interior. We also found that the hood didn't provide as much coverage as other top performers. It only tightens around the top while the bottom gapped some, letting in some water. The coated zippers performed reasonably well, too. While not the most water-resistant of the jackets tested, the Ozonic sat comfortably in the middle of the pack.

Breathability

“The Ozonic is one of the most breathable designs I tested,” says lead tester Trish Matheny. The lightweight 2.5-layer fabric proved by far the most breathable during our controlled uphill hiking tests. This jacket breathes well even with the vents zipped up, and our testers found any lingering heat was quickly alleviated once they opened them. The fabric was able to wick moisture and expel it through the membrane, keeping our testers away from an uncomfortable, clammy experience, even when intensity increased, and the tester began to sweat. This impressive moisture control especially came in handy while hiking in Hawaii in a storm with warm temperatures, allowing us to stay comfortable and dry.

Although the Ozonic was our first choice for fast-paced, sweaty missions, it wasn't our favorite during cold weather activities unless we threw another layer underneath. And while this jacket is not nearly as wind resistant as other jackets with more rigid and stiffer outer fabrics, it does at least provide a nice barrier during windy conditions. The perforated pockets featured in this design also contribute to ample airflow within this versatile jacket but, unfortunately, sacrifice some water resistance, eventually allowing water to penetrate the interior during sustained rainfall. That being said, if you don't mind sacrificing some wind protection and waterproof performance in exchange for a soft and stretchy design, the breathability of the Ozonic is pretty tough to beat.

Comfort and Mobility

The Ozonic was also the head of the pack in the field of comfort and mobility. It 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 range of 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 dimensions also give the most room for layering underneath, and we found a puffy fit comfortably when the temperature dropped. It should be noted that the fabric is a little thinner than others, so it provides a very limited amount of warmth on its own. The lightweight construction, combined with how easy it was to layer, make the Ozonic one of the most versatile jackets we tested. The wide range of performance makes it a great choice for year-round use.

The Ozonic feels light as a feather and is quiet as a mouse, thanks to Mountain Hardwear's lightweight, 2.5-layer 50D Dry.Q fabric. The softer, more flexible fabric feels smooth against the skin when wearing short sleeves underneath. The wrist cuffs are less abrasive than many other options, and the lining inside the pockets is soft. There is even a softer fabric covering the main zipper so that the chin isn't irritated by the sharp teeth of the zipper when fully closed. 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 distribute fabric around the hem evenly. The only aspect we were less stoked on from a comfortability standpoint was the hood. The design only tightens from the back, with elastic that loops around the top of the head like a crown. We found this closure to be somewhat uncomfortable, as it applied a little pressure to the ears.

Weight

The Ozonic was the fourth lightest jacket tested, weighing only 9.1 oz for a women's size small. Although this review covers some more packable jackets, it is a good option when weight and size are important considerations. “The flexible fabric makes the Ozonic very easy to stash in a bag,” says one tester.

The jacket stows into the rectangular chest pocket, making a rather compact package measuring only 9.5 x 8 x 3 inches. The fit is tight, but the mesh pocket lining is a bit stretchy, so it proved one of the easiest to put away and unpack quickly. When stowed, the jacket is easy to tuck into a nook in a backpack or suitcase. The design is so light, small, and easy to carry that we were happy to tuck the Ozonic into its own pocket and chuck it into a bag as a just in case option.

Construction Quality

With this model of the Ozonic, Mountain Hardwear upgraded the fabric from a smooth-stretch 40D 100% nylon to a slightly heavier 50D stretch ripstop fabric made of 100% recycled polyester. The new fabric remains flexible and stretchy, and our testers didn't note any signs of wear or abrasions, even after an extensive testing period. That said, our test team found the DWR coating had to be revitalized much sooner than other models with stiffer, more rigid fabric.

The materials that make up the Ozonic design are high quality, the zippers ran smoothly (we loved the sealed zippers on the front), and the drawcords are functional and easy to use.

Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic?

Overall, we were impressed with Ozonic's ability to combine comfort, breathability, and water resistance within a versatile jacket design. While this was not the most water-resistant jacket we tested, it excels at managing internal temperature and moisture levels. Its stretchiness provides a full range of motion, making it a great option for those seeking a jacket for a wide range of outdoor activities.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

If you like the flexible fabric of the Ozonic but would rather sacrifice some comfort in exchange for better waterproofing and you can afford the investment to upgrade, check out the Arc'teryx Beta SL. The Beta SL is by far our favorite rain jacket thanks to its superior waterproof capabilities combined with a full coverage design that offers ample breathability within a high-quality construction built to last. Another option with a slightly more rigid and water-resistant design is the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch. The Fineline is our favorite jacket for ultralight adventures when there's a higher probability of afternoon thunderstorms. And if you're on a budget and want the best chance of staying dry, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is worth your attention. The stiff and rigid 3L H2No doesn't offer as much flexibility and range of motion as the Ozonic, but it will keep you dry during extended periods of precipitation.