Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parka - Men's - 2007 BCS

I haven't yet used this jacket for snowy outings, but I've used it plenty for rainy ones. The jacket has kept me almost bone dry in complete downpour. A few times I have found myself wet on the inside, which could be a result of a couple of things 1) condensation (cold outside/heat inside), or 2) rain getting inside the jacket through the hood. Either way, it holds up most of the time so I'll keep on using it. The jacket itself is LOADED with pockets, I always find new ones when I wear it. The outer material seems like it can hold up to anything, save a buzz saw. It's a great jacket, and definitely beats out shelling more money than I have for a goretex shell. The lack of a star come from its somewhat incompressiblity and lack of breathablity in warmer temps. Good shell for winter, rain, and knife fighting.

Good shell, especially like the number of pockets and roll-up hood. There is a pocket above the main zipper that gives you easy access to a wallet or phone without having to unzip your coat.

Only bad thing is that the fit seems to be a bit bigger than expected for the size. I typically wear a Medium in every other outerwear/clothing and could have probably gotten away with a small here.

This jacket is tough as nails. I have had it for a couple of seasons and have been through some pretty thick woods with it and it still looks great. Just recently had to give it another coat of ReviveX because it was starting to get a little damp but this jacket is almost 3 years old so that is to be expected. It now sheds water like a duck again.

I really like the pitzip feature. Typical MH quality.

Material and workmanship - excellent.
Weatherproof - excellent
Intended use - winter sports, period.
Audience - more technical. This would be a fantastic ski patrol or search and rescue jacket.
Caveat 1: The hood does not come forward enough to really cover a helmet completely. However, if it did, and you did not wear a helmet it would probably be gigantic around your head.It is adjustable. Also, the hood does not roll up very well and the collar is high and somewhat bulky. It would shield nicely from a cold winter wind. The hood and collar will probably be nicer after a the jacket is worn in a few months.
Caveat 2: The underarm zips are pretty bulky and may take some getting used to.
Caveat 3: The average person will find the high hand pockets uncomfortable. They are really intended to be accessible front pockets when wearing a backpack with a waist strap. Great design for that use. If you ski with a fanny pack then this would be a good choice. Other pockets are well placed and functional.
Last thoughts: If you are looking for a 3 season jacket (like me), this jacket is really too much. If you are hoping to look stylish downtown, the collar looks pretty silly - but the rest of the design is really attractive. It layers with other clothing nicely. The powder skirt is good too. Backcountry (backpack wearing) users who want an excellent winter only jacket at a good value can't go wrong with this. In a real storm you will appreciate the high collar and large hood!

I selected this parka for back-country XC skiing, snowshoeing and camping. I tend to go out in bad weather and I sweat a lot, so moisture control is a big issue. A week or so ago I went on an XC ski trip in a storm, and this parka was bombproof. I did get wet inside, despite the pit zips, but I probably should have removed one of my inner layers, or slowed down, since the trip out was uphill. Even so, I was warm and comfortable while being blasted by wind and snow, and I did not fasten the snow skirt or tighten any drawstrings. So, as a storm shelter this parka is great.

Bonus points for extra long sleeves; this can be a problem with many jackets but not this one. One snap went missing from the snow skirt but I attribute that to in-store damage; my wife bought it at a local store. I know I could return it to MH but I don't see the point; this parka already does exactly what I want it to do and the snaps are not the only closure system for the skirt.

The jacket does not compress much but it does fit into a daypack along with an emergency fleece blanket and all the usual stuff.

Got this for my husband. He has worn this in everthing from 50 degrees to -30 and wind.....works well in all conditions. A layer or two when its colder and a lightweight base when the temp rises. Perfect for Montana conditions! Great buy too.

I was looking for a hard shell that would work for backpacking and around town. This does both well.

I'm 6'2" 150lbs and lanky. I got a medium. Sleeves are always too short exposing half my arm when move around. This jacket fits! Even super bent with my hands in the chest pockets the sleeve covers to my hand. No more cold wet wrists!

The shell is baggy, not too bad but with thin layering it is bulky. But I suppose in super cold you could wear a down puff coat under it and not be constricted. Really it conforms to whatever you choose it to be depending on layering, super versatile!

This jacket has that classic style that closely resembles The North Face Parkas from 10 years ago. But the similarities end there. This jacket has a very thick shell, if you're looking for a thin and light jacket do not get this, but if you want a durable jacket that can scrap against branches without ripping, this is your jacket. I love how this has a powder skirt. The pit zips are excellent, the water proofness and breathability seem comparable to other gore-tex parks I have.

Pros: durable material, roomy fit (great for layering and movement).

Cons: pretty bulky and heavy compared to other jackets, wish it had even more pockets.

Other thoughts: probably only a 3 season coat, too thick to really use in the summer (except if it gets cold at night where you are). But because it is rather thick very good wind protection.

This is an awesome shell. Plenty of storage, ventilation, and a built in powder skirt. It is roomy and the sleeves are long. I'm 6'02" tall 200 lbs, and wear 36" long sleeves. Purchased an XL and it is perfect for layering. This was my first order from Backcountry.com but won't be my last. My order shipped in record time, and they were very helpful when I asked questions. Great company, great parka.

I bought one of these in 2002-2003 (i forget exactly which year) and I wore it everywhere. Before I had a North Face Mountain Light Parka (Do they even make that anymore?), and I just thought it was too bulky and heavy. Someone suggested the Exposure Parka, and I never looked back.

After years of service, the other was looking rough, so I bought a new one. I've had pretty much the same response from this jacket, but I've noticed it's not nearly as "waterproof" as the original. I used from Nik Wash, but it's not really helping. Still, I think this is a minor issue compared to the craftsmanship that goes into this jacket. I've used it for backpacking and hiking, plus cold weather activities.

Iv'e worn this shell through some ridiculous terrain, and it has stood up to all my abuse wonderfully. It is nuts how waterproof this jacket is, rain just beads off of it, and every liquid i have spilled on it has left no mark. It's worked wonders for me in spring rain, while heli-skiing, and while driving to school in -50.

XL was WAY too big for me -- and I'm 6'3" 200 lbs. I'd consider myself an "athletic build," but the XL was intended for someone with: a) longer arms; and b) a bigger mid-section. Exchanged for L. Hopefully will fit better. Outside of sizing issue, jacket looks great (there's a reason I'm exchanging).

Overall, I am pretty happy with this shell. I have a hard time getting a good fit for my short/stocky and broad shoulders frame and this was OK. I used it for the first time on a cold and windy day with occasional light snow. I was happy with the wind protection and overall functionality. It has plenty of pocket space and the water bottle pocket is a great addition. I would prefer to have a couple lower pockets, but knew what I was buying beforehand so I cannot complain too much. I read reviews about the fixed hood and did not think it would be an issue, but I was wrong. It really is bulky and heavy when rolled up. Maybe the day I really need a hood, I might be happy it is attached. My last issue is with the arm vents. Once unzipped they are literally open - I like to have something that helps deter the snow from going in during a crash or while riding in powder. It can let too much snow in.

If the vents had a mesh to block things other than air and the hood could be removed, it would be 5 stars.

This is one of the best shells i ever had and i had a lot. all of them "north face" which they did their job but as soon as i got this amazing jacket it changed my mind forever, i became a MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR addict. The parka does everything it says its going to do and more, its waterproof, windproof, great snow skirt, i have to test if its really not bulletproof :D. i use this jacket as a combo with the "Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket" and they work great together, each one does its job perfectly. This jacket is tough but very light material, great roll up hood, same tough material so it doesnt blow off in the wind (not like the cheap roll up nylon that "north face" has) and its positioned perfectly. Fair amount of pockets (water bottle pocket is really cool) but one down side is that to open the hand pocket you need to zip it up instead of down which takes some getting used to.

Over all amazing shell! and it works really well with the "Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket" if you are looking for a good combo then look no further!

This is a pretty burly shell for winter activities. The pit-zips are nice, as are pockets. After I got used to them, I became a fan of the higher placement of the pockets, allowing me to stash maps or a few cliff bars. The internal mesh pocket is also great for stashing smaller accessories. This thing is also damn near bulletproof. I've gotten into several arguments with trees and the Exposure II has made it through every one of them unscathed. It's also very warm, and allows room for lots of layering if you so desire.This parka does have a couple of down sides that prevent me from giving it five stars. First, the hood is not helmet compatible. But as another reviewer mentioned, with just a beanie on, the hood feels huge. Secondly, if you're doing anything aerobic (i.e. skinning) this jacket heats up quickly and can begin to feel a bit clammy once it does. If you're looking for a good backcountry jacket, I'd head towards the softshell aisle.All in all, a very good price/performance parka.

I wore this in a hellacious rain storm. Doesn't leak, water beads up and it breathes. Plenty-o-pockets. Hood has a nice fold away in the collar feature. One complaint: the hood isn't very deep. I have a freakishly big head for a guy my size. It doesn't look it, but it goes deep like that bad ass creature in Alien. The hood's bill comes up a little short on me and rain gets on my face. But for someone else who slipped out of the birth canal with relative ease this jacket would be perfect.

This shell is great, it has some nice features like how the velcro can hold/cover the hood, water bottle holder inside the jacket, good size pockets. Nice and lightweight yet its pretty warm for what it is, and you can layer up nicely underneathe.

I am 5'10" 183 lbs and I got a medium, couldn't be happier and i'm glad I read these reviews cause I would've tried a large to start off with. The Peat Moss green is a very nice color on this one.

This is a great jacket. It has plenty of pockets and it is not very bulky. it cleans up easy and is extremely durable. It stops wind and rain with no problem, and it has a zipper for a fleece liner. If you need a good jacket this s the one for you.

This is great shell for a nice price. Will have to see how it stands the test of time but so far so good (had it for two years). Highly recommended.

I found the Exposure 11 parka to be like it says, great coverage for a big storm day. While it may be a great choice for when you need the hood in a storm, it does not roll up or store in a way that for non hooded days would be acceptable. The hood is quite bulky and does not look attractive unless it is in use. The pit zips took a little getting use to, as they weren't easy at first. I think that for the price it is a good value, but it definetely should not to be taken for a 3 season jacket!

This jacket was an excellent purchase for me. In combination with a fleece pullover, this jacket has kept me extremely comfortable while snowboarding in Wisconsin sub zero wind chills (-20F) and has kept very warm while snowshoeing along the North Shore. I can see the jacket also being a great wear for ice climbing due to the length of the jacket's arms (which I hope to try yet this winter). Was not familiar with Mountain Hardwear prior to the purchase, but have become a fan for life. Size was a bit large - I am 5 9 at 155 lbs, and fit comfortably in Large MH Torque Jacket, but needed a M with this product. Overall a great jacket and great brand and would recommend to all.

The first time my Exposure came in the mail and opened it up, it kinda gave the vibe that it didn't match up to other leading manufacturer's, and plus I had never heard of Mountain Hard Wear...but as I checked it out, wore it, and tried it out... it eventually had everything I wanted...n i am very picky...lol...It had style, stayed nice on my body...I also found out that its high-tech material layer shell or whatever was very efficient too. Now I am satisfied, totally. I wouldn't spend time writing this review, if the jacket wasn't good...

Mountain Hardwear once again proves that they are more interested in delivering a high quality, good looking product at a reasonable price, than being the trendy must have gimmick gear for the season. The Exposure II jacket, just like the complete Mountain Hardwear product line, is absolutely worth every cent! The design and cut of the shell shows considerable forethought and planning, with the pockets just where you want them and the hood fits just right which can be a challenge. The fit and finish is top notch. The dobby weave outer shell is a little noisy as are all outers of this type (it will quite down as it wears in) but what you get in trade is a thoroughly robust material. The Conduit layer works just as good if not better that the other breathable layers. Possibly its best feature is that it is a true 3-season piece of gear. You decide what layers to wear beneath it based on the conditions. It is a bit of over kill as a rain jacket, but hey it does the job really well. I would feel comfortable taking it on almost any activity shy of an accent of Everest. Absolutely wind-proof and waterproof with all the features you could ask for. The best advice I can give is. If you are considering this product don’t waste any more time just get it, you will not be disappointed.

After 6 months of shopping for a women"s waterproof jacket that is over the hips and has a waist cord without success. I decided to try a men's style. This coat is perfect for oregon back country skiing by just adding a fleece or removing the under layer and unzipping the under arms for warmer weather hiking. The hood is large enough for me to wear a biking helmet with the hood over. I am extremely happy thus far and would highly recommend women giving it a try. bravo to mountain hardwear for making such a versatile jacket.

I have been very pleased with this jacket. Although it doesn't have particularly thick liner I have never felt cold while wearing it skiing and I usually wear just a shirt underneath. I have been out in temps near zero with wind and been as comfortable as one can expect to be in such weather. The powder skirt protects me well on those fantastic deep days and when I take a digger. The pit zips and wrist velcro are nice too. Totally recommend!

The jacket seems like it would work awesome in the backcountry, but I did not like the bulky pit zips and am retruning the jacket. If you can live with the pit zips, then this is the jacket for you!

Awesome jacket. Conduit is awesome and keeps you dry and warm. Only downside is that you cant zip anything in to it. But overall great. I wear a Large/extra large in most MHW clothing. But this thing is huge so i have a medium..

This is a very good shell. There are well-placed pockets everywhere. There's a convenient and appropriately sized pocket for just about anything you want to carry. The fabric is water proof and breathes pretty well, with pit zips when it really gets warm. Other reviews comment on sizing. I normally wear a large in t-shirts and jackets, and found the large to fit just right. There is room for layering with a fleece jacket underneath, and on a really cold day, a bulky down jacket. But it isn't sloppy or tent-like. Buy your normal size. The sleeves are a little on the long side, but that also helps with layering and keeping the snow out.

I replaced a North Face with this. The pockets, both number and functionality, are much better on the Mountain Hardwear. The North Face fabric may breathe a little better. The hood will zip of the North Face, but not on the Mt. Hardwear, but it rolls up tight enough that it's out of the way when not needed.

Got this over a year ago and wore it in some pretty cold hikes in Utah. I reached -25F one morning in Bryce (-33 with the windchill) and this jacket kept me perfectly comfortable. Wore it on top of a baselayer (used MH or UA or Volkl) and a fleece TNF. Yep, that was it for -33... Pretty wonderful in my book.
It is a bit bulky (maybe), not super light, but does the job incredibly well. Lots of pockets for whatever you need, excellent pit zips, very useful powder skirt.
Got it on sale for some $130, definitely worth it, absolutely no regrets.

GREAT GREAT JACKET! never got cold in 20 degree weather with a silkweight and a capiline 3 base layer..it is a bit bigger then most XL jackets
and the sleeves are longer then other jackets
but overall the fabric is really tuff and wind proof the hood rolls up so you can get it out of the way..im very happy with it

Lightweight, raglan shoulders, articulated elbows, adequete pockets and a snow cuff that works. Full fit. Breathable yet remarkably windproof and warm in very cold temps with only a fleece vest and T neck below. Tough fabric, tested in tight trees. Packs down to nothing and doesn't wrinkle. I'm 6-7, 250 with a 37" arm length and 2XL fits great! A lot of jacket for the money.

Pros: Excellent fit and adjustability of the hood. Solid construction and water proofness.
Cons: Fit of the sleeves. I am average size (160lbs) and the sleeves are too long on the medium and the chest is too tight for the small.
Highly recommend this shell for the price. You can get a nicer shell, but you'll have to pay a lot more for it.

The exposure II is the ultimate shell in my opinion. It is made of a VERY durable material (conduit). So that you don't mind bushwhacking through heavy brush, but keeps you completely dry even during heavy downpours. I have had mine in every weather condition and it has never let me down. The sleeves are cut so that you don't get bound up. Hood is big enough to not restrict movement. If there is a better shell I haven't found it.

Just got back from 2 days at Jay Peak in Vermont.Parka passed all tests with flying colors, including the wind and cold of the Flyer chairlift. I'm 5'11, 185lbs. and I'm glad I bought the medium....plenty of room for layering. I really can't find any negatives with this jacket, I'll be purchasing more MH gear for sure.

Love this jacket. Hard to go wrong with Mountain Hardware. I've been dumped on with feet of snow in the backcountry and this thing just sheds the moisture. Put a fleece underneath it and you can withstand just about everything mother nature will throw at you.

Love the shell. Very wind resistant, I've been blasted with some major gusts of wind and they did not penetrate the shell at all. I do not find the underarm zips to be bulky as other owners have complained. I am 6'4", 200 lbs. and I usually have problems with sleeve and/or body length. The large fits me well. I wouldn't go with an XL unless you are really big. I bought this as a ski jacket and have only used it for that. So for mostly on-piste, but it seems pretty sturdy so I expect it to hold up for off-piste jaunts. Remember, this is a SHELL. It does not provide warmth, you need base and mid layers for that.

I have had my Exposure II for three months now and it has performed perfectly at every task I turn it too. Take it camping/hiking and it'll keep the rain out and the bitterest winds won't bother you. As a ski jacket it excells, too. The cut is a little longer than some other but this doesn't get in your way at all. The body of the jacket has drawstrings running through it at the waist, chest and around the hood so you can pretty mch tailor it to fit on the run. This is especially good if, like me, you are on the skinny side and don't want draft blowing up your body. The Exposure II provides ample storage without making you feel like a marine under fire. The two fleece lined hand pockets work great. There is a zipperred pocket for wallet/keys etc. just outside the main zipper. Another spacious pocket with a zipper and a HUGE webbing pocket inside (big enough for a nalgene, easily).The "Conduit" stuff keeps you warm and dry and can really take a battering. The chamois zipper/nose cushion works and is pretty cozy. You can even use it to catch drips. The hood is too tight to be worn over a helmet but works well on its own. The bill is big enough to be practical without making you look like a duck.All in all, this jacket is a winner. I have absolutely zero complaints. It is fantastically well designed. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a hardy shell for skiing or winter camping (and doesn't mind having a powder skirt). Five stars.

I would consider this to be one of the classic pieces of gear that Mountain Hardwear has ever made. It's durable, warm, and a great true fit. I've found that I needed to size up on a couple of pieces from MHW, but this one seems to be constructed true to size. Don't size up on this one as it has been made for layering.

This is top notch quality gear from these guys! I'm 6'6" and about 220 pounds and this jacket fits perfectly! It's actually because of the generous arm length in their products is why 80% of my gear is from Mountain Hardwear! I haven't used it in the rain yet, but I've been out in some nasty sleet, freezing rain and snow and it works flawlessly. My work requires me to be in the field quite a bit, and the durable fabric is holding up through some thick brush and briars. Great product!

Overall I like the jacket, but there are some issues I have with it.

Pros: I love the material, it does not get stiff and cold weather, the hood roles relatively smoothly up to be hidden away, The arm length and total length seems to be exactly right. It feels like a jacket that should cost twice as much as I paid.

Cons: The powderskirt is not removable and sits WAY too high from the bottom, making layering very difficult. I am 5'10" and have a relatively short trunk. If I button the powderskirt anything under it bunches up and is uncomfortable to me. The hood is not removable, only rolls up. There is no media pocket, although the chest pocket is pretty nice.

Love the jacket. The size runs large and I decided to go one size down and it fits great. For an un-insulated jacket, it is very warm. I spent the holidays Up North in MI and was warm with out any additional layers. I'll be back for additional Hardwear.

This jacket is very well made, very good attention to detail. For example the hood not only cinches around your face, but also for the width of your head. Don't be fooled by some of the reviews though, this is not an insulated jacket. Any weather colder than 30F, you definitely need to layer underneath. I have used it in 25F weather without layering and can feel a chill on my back, not pleasant.

Excellent ski jacket.

I have 3 Exposure II Parka's in different colors. I keep one in the car with me at all times for when the weather suddenly changes. One in my suitcase for my frequent travels and a third just to throw on around the homestead. Absolutely the versatile and well constructed parka I have ever owned.

Rugged, good looking, functional, with features. This jackets is awesome! I love to go skiing and this jackets makes those bitter cold lifts and hot descents possible without sweating myself off the mountain. If I do get thirsty the jacket has a spot for a water bottle on the inside. All the zippers are easy to use even with gloves on. Also water just beads right off this jacket. Extremely satisfied with this jacket.

I'm a huge Mountain Hardwear fan and was excited to pick this coat up, but found myself resorting to my old gore NF... reason being it was just too big for me. I'm 6'5" 200lbs and felt like I was swimming in the XL. They ride BIG! Great jacket, loved the material, but once I got on the hill, I really wish I had bought the Large. Terrific jacket, just watch the size.

This is a great jacket. It is cut a bit larger, which is ideal if layering. I own several North Face Gore-Tex jackets and right now, I like this one better. Generous sized pocket for stashing gear. I also like the stowable hood. I highly recommend the Mountain Hardwear Exposure II.

This jacket fits well and is very stylish. Have received lots of compliments. Better value than North Face product I was also considering. Have not tested it in the elements yet, but I am sure it will perform well. It is a little on the heavy side - but so am I.

Great shell, there is no liner but I wear a smartwool long sleever and I'm fine for warmth. Awesome breathability, I don't feel like I just got out of the shower when I'm done with my long treks. I am very happy with this purchase.

I wore this for 5 days of skiing in Whistler. I loved it. I was kept very warm and dry the entire time. Great jacket!

My boyfriend has had one of these jackets for a few years. It has treated him very well. For the most part it's waterproof and breathable. It's cut kind of long for his liking. But it needs to be washed with Techwash and taken care of, which he hasn't done. Now it's lost it's waterproof ability.

this parka is as good as it gets. cheaper than gore-tex,conduit is performing as well for much less.the fit is perfect and the workmanship if flawless.two thumbs up !

I reviewed MANY jackets from all manufacturers to replace my North Face shell that I have enjoyed for 15+ years. I wanted a jacket that would be practical for skiing (downhill & X-country), camping, hiking, and just wearing casually. This jacket fits the bill perfectly! Love the color (rust) as I should be fairly easy to find on the slopes. It is well thought out with all the right pockets in all the right places.