Bottom Line
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic (men’s / women’s) is a lightweight, waterproof, and highly breathable rainshell designed for hikers and backpackers who value mobility and durability. Crafted with Mountain Hardwear’s Dry.Q Active technology, it delivers reliable waterproof protection while maintaining excellent breathability for high-output activities. The 4-way stretch fabric enhances mobility, making it ideal for hiking, climbing, or backpacking in unpredictable weather. Through many tests in rain and shine, the Stretch Ozonic continues to be one of our best rain jackets.
Weighing just over 10 ounces, this jacket is easily packable, stuffing into its own chest pocket for convenient storage. Features include a helmet-compatible hood, underarm zip vents for enhanced airflow, and waterproof zippers. Its tailored fit offers a balance of comfort and performance without feeling restrictive.
While the Stretch Ozonic excels in mobility and waterproofing, its lightweight construction can feel less durable in rugged conditions and is thinner than others we tested. The fit, while comfortable, is slightly baggy and may be too large for thinner torsos but works well for layering underneath. Despite these small shortcomings, the Stretch Ozonic is one of the most comfortable and reliable jackets we tested, earning it a spot in our lineup.
How We Tested
Put to the test in Alaska’s relentless rain, sleet, and snow, this jacket has faced demanding trials during several hikes in harsh, wet weather. We push all our rain jackets to their limits, evaluating how long they withstand moisture before soaking through and identifying the conditions where they perform best.
Quick Specs
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic
Super Comfortable Rain Jacket
CleverHiker Rating: 82.8/100
Price: $230
Listed Weight: 10.7 oz. / 9.9 oz.(men’s / women’s)
Pros
- Stretchy & comfortable
- Lightweight
- Quieter fabric
- Large chest pocket
- Deep handwarmer pockets
- Large pit zips
- 2 adjustable hem cords
- Packs small into itself
Cons
- Hood visor isn’t as wide or long as some
- Velcro cuffs are thin & less sticky
Comfort & Mobility
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic is extremely comfortable and mobile, making it a standout option for dynamic outdoor activities. Its 4-way stretch fabric moves seamlessly with your body, offering an unrestricted range of motion during activities like hiking, climbing, or scrambling. The lightweight, soft material feels comfortable against the skin, reducing the stiffness often associated with other rain shells. It is one of the most comfortable jackets we have tested.
Having said that, the fit is best for layering. The arms are fairly baggy and require tightening down the cuff cinches almost all the way.
Weather Resistance
The Stretch Ozonic strikes a balance between weight, comfort, and weather resistance. While it certainly isn’t a crisp hardshell meant to take a beating from the elements, it provides enough weather resistance for moderate exposure to precipitation. The 2.5-layer Dry.Q fabric stood up to stiff rain, but did wet through after a few hours. The 50 denier fabric isn’t the thickest we tested and offers average weather resistance. So while the Stretch Ozonic may not be our first choice on heavy rain days, it offers enough protection for most outings and is best suited for moderately rainy days.
Ventilation
This jacket has excellent ventilation and breathability, making it ideal for aerobic outdoor pursuits. It provides waterproof protection while allowing moisture vapor to escape, reducing clamminess during high-energy activities. We rarely felt the sticky claminess of other jackets and this was one of our top picks for being active on rainy days.
The pit zip vents offer more ventilation, allowing you to quickly release excess heat when temperatures rise or exertion increases. The lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric not only enhances mobility but also supports efficient airflow, keeping you comfortable during prolonged use.
Durability
While the soft material feels more pliable, the Stretch Ozonic has not shown any signs of wear and has held up well throughout testing. The quality of the DWR has not diminished noticeably, and the jacket continues to perform as if brand new. We intend to keep using the Stretch Ozonic for many more rainy days to come.
Weight
The Stretch Ozonic is one of the lightest jackets in our lineup. With a manufacturer weight of 10.9 ounces and a measured weight of 10.1 in a men’s medium, it’s a great option for ounce counters who still need solid protection. This translates to a jacket that doesn’t feel cumbersome easily fits into a backpack and is very packable. We love its ability to zip into its chest pocket for easy stowing in a day pack or running vest.
Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic?
If you hate the traditional crinkly stiffer feel of traditional rain shells, then the Stretch Ozonic is the jacket for you. It is one of the most stretchy and comfortable options we’ve worn. The material is soft and pliable on the skin and breathes exceptionally well. We rarely felt clammy or sticky while hiking in it.
While it may not be the most bomb-proof shell out there for seriously wet weather, it is a great option for moderate rains and going in and out of precipitation. We love its low weight, ability to pack into its chest pocket, and extreme flexibility. This is one of our top choices for rain jackets to wear while exercising in the rain.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
If you like the Ozonic but want to learn about some other similar options, here are our favorites from our guide to the best rain jackets.
REI Flash Stretch Review: A cheaper option, the Flash Stretch is also a highly mobile jacket but at a lower price point.
Montbell Versalite Review: If you loved how lightweight the Stretch Ozonic is, the Versalite is the lightest in our lineup and is sure to impress.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Review: With a similar weight and stretchiness to the Stretch Ozonic, the StormLine offers slightly higher performance in weather resistance making it ideal for rainier weather.
