Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

The Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic rain pants (men’s / women’s) are an amazing value for adventurers looking for a waterproof pant that feels and performs like a softshell hiking pant. They are fully equipped with thigh-length side zippers for customizable ventilation, a full-sized thigh zip pocket, an elastic waistband, and soft, stretchy ripstop fabric for maximum comfort— all in a lightweight, packable design ideal for traveling light or keeping a small pack on backpacking trips. 

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend these as the best option for rugged terrain since the fabric is prone to snagging on branches, or for the most extreme conditions, because the 2.5-layer construction isn’t designed for deep winter or mountaineering pursuits. For those looking to venture into these scenarios, we would recommend checking out some other options in our guide to the best rain pants.

But if you want comfort along with full waterproofing and thigh-length side zips for better ventilation, the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic pants are an excellent choice.

How We Tested

We tested the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Pants over three months in different parts of Colorado, including early-season snow in the mountains and on local trails. We also subjected the Stretch Ozonic pants to tough conditions with a shower test and pooled water fabric test to mimic the worst possible environments.

Comfort & Mobility

The Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic excels in mobility and comfort. Sporting an elastic waistband with a snap closure and adjustable drawstring that gently hugs your waist, they strike a perfect balance between snug and stretchy. Speaking of stretch, the ripstop fabric offers some responsive ‘give’ that makes bending, squatting, and kneeling easy when getting in and out of a tent or tying a pair of boots. 

The fabric itself is also almost soft to the touch, something you don’t often find with rain pants – the other positive is that the fabric makes minimal noise, so if you’re not a fan of the swoosh sound of other rain pants, the Stretch Ozonic’s might be a great choice you.

Weather Resistance

We encountered no issues with weather resistance and waterproofness in the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic pants. We tested them in early-season mountain conditions in Colorado and found they excelled not only in waterproofness but also as an excellent wind pant option for those cold days in the alpine. 

We also performed our signature shower test to accurately replicate the worst conditions possible with direct and pressurized water over an extended period, during which we observed no fabric penetration or leakage at potential failure points. Additionally, we subjected them to our pooled water test, where we let water sit on the fabric for more than an hour, and found the fabric to be as dry as a bone when all was said and done.

Ventilation

The Stretch Ozonic pants are an excellent choice for rain pants if you want plenty of ventilation options. The full-length side zippers are the highlight, which can be opened to any length since there are two zippers—one at the bottom of the pant leg to secure the ankle closure, and one near mid-thigh at the top. 

The adjustability here is impressive, based on how much you’re exerting or the conditions outside. The other key feature is the cut, which is roomy enough to allow some airflow while being slim enough to avoid feeling overly bulky or uncomfortable when hiking.

Weight

For such a feature-rich rain pant, the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonics are lightweight and not too bulky. The 2.5-layer fabric is soft enough to be rolled into a compact bundle for backpacking trips or travel, especially when fitting into a smaller carry-on matters. 

Weighing in at 9.3 ounces, the Stretch Ozonic pants are among the lighter rain pants that feature full-length side zips and a full-sized thigh pocket.

Durability

The only area where the Stretch Ozonics fall short is in durability, although it’s not a major concern. The 2.5-layer, 50-denier ripstop fabric is stretchy and soft, but this softness makes it slightly more likely to catch on bushes and tree branches.

While we saw no significant damage during our time on more rugged trails, if you catch the fabric just right with a branch, a tear or small hole could occur. That said, we believe the Stretch Ozonics have enough durability to last many miles on the trail, especially if your main focus is on smooth single track.

Should You Buy the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants?

The Stretch Ozonic rain pants are a great value for anyone seeking a fully-featured, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable rain pant for hiking and backpacking. The elastic waistband and soft, stretchy fabric feel amazing if you want rain pants that function and feel like a softshell hiking pant. 

If you’re looking for something burlier or for more extreme conditions, you might want to consider some other options from our guide to the best rain pants, but if you’re looking for comfort and ample protection with full-length side zips, you should seriously consider the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic pants.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

Still want to shop for a rainy day? Here are some top contenders to the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonics in our best rain pants gear guide.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review: Our top choice featuring 3-layer H2No® technology for excellent waterproofing and breathability. They’re durable and perfect for hikers seeking a higher-end option with sustainable materials.

Outdoor Research Foray Review: A premium option with GORE-TEX® fabric, the Foray pants provide excellent waterproofing and breathability. They are ideal for more technical hikes and backcountry adventures, with full-length zippers for ventilation.

REI Rainier Review: A budget-friendly choice, the Rainier pants offer dependable waterproofing and breathability for casual hikers. They are lightweight, packable, and made for moderate outdoor use without breaking the bank.