Mountain Hardwear’s Super/DS™ Climb jacket provides warmth and durability for climbers (and outdoorsy people). Features include a two-way stretch fabric for ultimate DS™ (Dynamic Stretch) and hybrid insulation zoning for improved climbing performance.
The stitch-free baffle construction eliminates cold spots and promotes free movement. The longer skirt is harness compatible.
Features include:
- Insulation: Q.Shield Down 700-Fill (RDS certified/Fluorocarbon-free) / synthetic in lower body and underarms
- Lining: 2-way stretch single layer i-tube
- Outer: Durable Nylon Stretch Woven
- Harness compatible skirt.
- Sizes: S/M/L/XL active fit
- Weight: 461g (average size)
- Colours: Dark Storm, Light Army, Rusted.
- RRP: £270
- See Mountain Hardwear.
On test: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Climb jacket
Hubby G is the climber in our family and so he has been testing the Mountain Hardwear Super/DS™ Climb jacket.
He writes: The jacket is lightweight for 700-fill insulation. There are lighter weight insulated jackets and heavier jackets with more insulation, so I would call this a lightweight medium fill. For a jacket with 700-fill insulation, it feels surprisingly light.
Some of the features that I most like are the warm hand pockets, which are insulated on the outside.
The stretch is really good and something that it very useful when climbing. You want a jacket that is warm but also allows good freedom of movement.
A stretch down jacket is a great idea, in my opinion. There is no restriction of movement when moving my arms around my body and over my head. This is excellent.
I also like that the jacket is a little longer at the back to give added warmth. It feels like a snug jacket even when it’s really cold.
The down is also designed so it’s placed where you need it for warmth. The lower skirt area with smoother fabric means you can wear a climbing harness over the jacket. The hand pockets are also located higher in the jacket so that you can still access them when wearing a harness.
The outer material feels light so I’m a little concerned about how abrasion resistant it will be for climbing but, then again, there are few jackets that can cope with a lot of abrasion on rocks. I am most likely to reserve the jacket for wearing when belaying so abrasion is not too much of an issue, I guess.
The fabric is DWR treated and this was put to the test with constant drip from a crag I was climbing at. It worked well and the water just rolled off the fabric. After two months of use and the DWR is still working.
The fabric is non-membrane, however, so the jacket would end up soaked through in heavy rain but for lighter water resistance it’s good.
I also like the look of the jacket. The baffles are unusual and I like that it looks different. I suggest people buy a size smaller than normal because the jacket feels roomy. The jacket has a nice shape.
The jacket also has great packability. It packs down fairly small and can be stuffed into a corner of a rucksack.
If I could make some changes I would add a bit more adjustment. You can only adjust the waist and there is no hood adjustment. It would be good to have a chest pocket, as well, especially on the inside of the jacket.
The sleeve cuffs have elastic adjustment, which is fine, but it would be better if there was a velcro adjustor for more seal and windproofing when you need it.
The hood rim is also a bit baggy without a helmet on but when wearing a helmet it’s a good fit. I think there should be an adjustor on the hood to make the jacket more versatile, such as being able to wear it for winter walking and climbing.
The jacket is fine for climbers but it ha snot been that specifically designed. There are jackets tat are more specifically designed for climbers. However, this means I am likely to wear the jacket for a variety of activities, such as climbing, walking and going to the pub.
Overall, the Mountain Hardwear Super/DS Climb jacket offers great weight to warmth ratio and is easy to pack into a small space when not in use. It’s not cheap but I know that Mountain Hardwear make good quality products and I think it will be long lasting.
- Thanks to my friend Matt for extra modelling photos.