User Review: Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parka

Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parka
Above: The current Exposure II Parka, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 10, 2008 by gumble

Rating:

This is a fantastic shell. I bought it before going on a ski trip to Vail in in the middle of a record snowfall winter, and it performed wonderfully over my Mountain Hardwear Compression PL.

PROS:
Very solid construction, I have complete confidence that in rough conditions this shell would hold up well and not rip easily.

Extremely effective powder skirt with rubber to keep it from riding up. I was skiing in waist deep powder (and falling/rolling in it too) and not once did I get powder up inside my jacket.

Very well designed hood has small brim which is useful for keeping rain from hitting your face. The hood is adjustable, comfortable, and turns with your head.

Sleeves have articulated elbows for natural movement, and have ample length. The cuffs open up wide to easily get them over your gloves, and then have velcro straps to tighten them back down.
Good variety of pockets.

CONS:
I'm a skinny guy, and the chest is a bit loose when I'm not wearing many layers, but that's to be expected.
Sometimes it's difficult to get the main zipper started since there's the zipper that lets you open the bottom up a bit.