W Stretch Down Hood 2.0

• Ground-breaking down technology with seamless baffles and stretchable fabric.
• 750 fill power down and eliminated cold spots means superior insulation performance.
• Truly versatile and weather resistant, use it for alpine activities or as an everyday jacket.

These are our best-selling down products, simply because of their exceptional versatility. Durable enough for everyday use, but lightweight and packable so you can bring them as a backup. Incredibly stretchable and comfortable, making them the perfect choice for demanding physical activities in alpine conditions. Warmth is guaranteed by generous amounts of premium 750 FP down, but thanks to its unique baffle construction they are even warmer than you would think. And while not actually waterproof, they are weather resistant enough to withstand wet weather for quite some time.

When we released this concept in 2020 it was the world’s first. The Stretch Down Concept incorporates two ground-breaking innovations in down technology:
1) Using a unique ‘I-tube Technology’ process, the down baffles are interlaced into the actual fabric at the mill, resulting in a double-wall construction by design.
2) The use of stretchable threads in both directions of the fabric (two-way stretch) was previously nearly impossible for down garments.

These two innovations have several advantages: Cold spots and heat leaks are nearly eliminated thanks to the baffle design. Water and wind resistance is vastly improved since the fabric is not punctured by needles at production, as is durability. Stretchable fabric makes the garment more resilient, versatile and comfortable.

Make sure to distinguish this technology from that of heat- or glue-bonded down baffles which lead to noticeable cold spots and reduced stretch.

The 750 fill power platinum down we use is of the highest quality. The jacket can be compressed, and lofts quickly when unpacked. The down is also treated for water resistance which makes it more durable, while keeping you warm and dry even in the wet.

These down garments are designed to be worn under a shell-layer during alpine activities like freeskiing, mountaineering or climbing, but thanks to the new fabric technology, you can use it as a stand-alone jacket (consider sizing up) for alpine activities, travel or down-days — even in wet weather. You will probably end up wearing it every time the temperature drops. It is just that comfortable.

So aren’t there any drawbacks to these Swiss knives of down jackets? Well, while lightweight, the fabric is still on the heavier side thanks to its durability and double-wall construction. If you are looking for an emergency down jacket for your fast-and-light alpine adventures consider the Stellar Ultralight Down Concept, or look at the Guide Hyperlight Down Hood for uncompromising warmth-to-weight-ratio.

Depending on individual circumstances, as a general guideline, this jacket will keep you warm down to -10°C / 14°F when worn as a standalone over a base and a mid-layer during low-pulse activity.

The Stellar Stretch Down Concept is an essential part of The Stellar System™, our expanding ecosystem of premium technical layering products for demanding on-mountain activities and backcountry adventures.