I bought a Sportif GoreTex parka at least 15 years ago and have loved it. It finally wore out and I have been searching for about a year for a replacement. The biggest drawback was not many manufactures made "parkas" in a shell. I wanted the longer length of a parka. The XL measures 33.75" in length. This jacket had every feature I wanted except for snaps on the storm flap. I got the XL Grill (which I would describe as grey). It's a regular fit, which allows plenty of room for everything from a fleece pullover to a down jacket to fit underneath. I have worn a shell setup like this with several layers underneath as cold as -27F (not wind chill) I pulled the hood up over a helmet, it fit fine, no vision obstruction, but your face is going to get wet. As mentioned here, the hood rolls up and a flap secures it. Not a great design, we'll see how it works. Another feature I was looking for were snaps on the front storm flap. This jacket has velcro closures(would have preferred snaps). I wanted this so I could just close the jacket with the velcro if it was raining, but was too warm to zip the jacket. My son turned me on to Backcountry. The reason I bought the jacket here was the no questions asked guarantee. As you know you just have to wear this stuff and see if it works or not. I will be anxious to see how waterproof it is. I just saw (9/2/09)the Espresso pop up in Steep and Cheap for $84. That must be close to cost!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have these boots for winter use and they are awesome. Not only are they super warm, but they are waterproof too. I can trudge through the snow for a long time without getting my wet feet. The traction is unbelievable, they grip even on solid sheets of ice.

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.

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!

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 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.

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 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.

I have worn the parka in a wide range of weather while skiing and snowshoeing in the Sierras. The "articulated" elbows and additional room in the shoulders and pits provide great range of motion, even with an additional layer underneath. The longer sleeves with wide opening are great as well for getting at my Suunto watch or adjusting my gloves. Plenty of well placed pockets for all the gear you need handy.

A couple of things to consider when purchasing, the hood does not fit over my Giro 9 helmet, it does fit over my Pro-tec helmet, which I wear when the weather is bad. Also the parka runs large, I usually wear an XL, however, found the Large was a better fit, even with a softshell layer underneath.

All around great addition to my outdoor equipment.

This jacket is really comfortable. The pockets are easy to reach. Snow or rain, it handle really well. You won't look for another jacket at this rate once you own one.

This jacket needs to be part of your "Mountain Hardware". The fit and feel of this jacket are second to none. The exterior fabric stays supple in the coldest temperatures I've come across(-40) and breathes well even in warm spring rains. At 6'4, 235, with a 6'9 armspan, most jackets tend to ride up in the sleeve, and bind at the shoulder- even in XXL. Mountain hardware obviously understands that those of us who engage in the more extreme pursuits of life are not built like mere mortals! If held at gun point I'm sure I could dance like Michael Jackson on speed. Plenty of pocket space to store stuff, interior pocket for Nalgene style bottles, keeps 'em un-froze,and the drawcords can suck this jacket up to you like a body condom when on an exposed big wall. I rely on this jacket routinely, and will continue to try to find a weakness.

This jacket is awesome. It’s very warm and has many pockets for whatever gear you want to bring. It has a big water bottle pocket on the inside for like a Nalgene bottle. You should buy this jacket. I snowboard, and it has been great.

Great all around jacket. Very versatile and warm. Pockets are in very accessable places and are numerous. Great for skiing, hiking, or just going to a game.

This jacket was awesome. I went snowboarding at two different locations in the same week, and regardless of the conditions, I felt protected and secure.

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...

Great Jacket. I wore it skiing, we got 10 inches of snow and 40 mph winds. I never got wet and never got cold.

This is the second one of these I've purchased because it's a great layering shell. I had a similar parka from Sierra Designs that I'd worn for about 5 years, but the MH Exposure II is significantly better in areas of fit, breathability, venting and appearance.
As long as the vents are closed it is absolutely waterproof and suitable for summer Sierra showers or winter snowfall. An excellent product.

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.

I combined this parka with the Mountain Hardwear Defiant Pant, and found a winning combination for me. The parka is everything other reviewers' said it would be - highly functional with adequate pocket space, powder skirt, and attached hood (that neatly rolls up and stores when not in use). The pit zips work, and are easy to adjust with gloves on (as are all the external zippers).

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.

Wore this coat skiing in the Alps last month. It rained several days, and my friends all gave up because they were wet. Not me, my Exposure II parka kept me dry and warm. Only flaw I have found is the hood. Wish it were detachable, but other than that a great coat for skiing.

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!

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

A perfect shell for waterproof and durable snow and wind protection. It's not the warmest jacket in the world, but it's not supposed to be. It's a waterproof shell that keeps you dry. It's great because you can layer warm clothes like under armor and use it as a windbreaker and raincoat in the spring and as a sweet shell in the winter. A+

The jacket is outstanding. I bought this jacket because I was traveling to Europe and I didn't own a jacket of any kind. I was slightly disappointed with the weight of the jacket, I was hoping for something thicker. But I just wore a sweatshirt under this jacket and couldn’t be happier. It’s tough, everything is right where you would want it (pockets etc.), and it held up to the wind and rain like a champ. I would buy this jacket again if I lost it.

This jacket has become one of my favorite things to wear in any foul weather; it's light, durable and functional for nearly any condition. Mountain Hardwear makes some quality stuff, and I recommend it to all.

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.

This coat seemed like it would keep me warm. However it is not what I thought It would be. There is no insulation. Being from the east coast I prefer things that have insulation built in. If you just want a shell it would be a great coat though.

The Parka was purchased with us thinking it was for cold weather, especially when reading the reviews. The Parka is basically a water proof shell. It has wonderful features and pockets but it is not insulated at all. It is not a stand alone jacket. Worse ranking is due to the fact that it was not what we thought it was. However the parka has wonderful features.