REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Inexpensive
Easy to tighten drawcords
REASONS TO AVOID
Glossy internal fabric
Poor mobility
Hand pocket zippers not waterproof
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Paclite Review
This model is closer to a rain jacket than a hardshell, though it can be used as a lightweight just in case layer
Credit: Backcountry
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Our Verdict
At just 11.4 ounces for a size large, the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Paclite would be an exceptionally light hardshell jacket. Unfortunately, after three months of testing, our review team concluded it performs more like a rain jacket than a technical hardshell. The principal issue is the 2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite fabric that's plenty waterproof and breathable, but doesn't hold up well to abrasion and is quick to feel clammy due to the glossy interior fabric. The Exposure 2 Paclite is still a solid rain jacket, but for technical uses like backcountry skiing or winter climbing, you're better off with a true hardshell with a burly 3-layer fabric.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Before we get started, we need to emphasize that this a review of the Gore-Tex Paclite version of the Exposure/2. Mountain Hardwear manufactures other versions of the Exposure/2 made with different fabrics. We haven't had a chance to tests these other versions, and there's no doubt that they perform differently.
Performance Comparison
The color of your jacket is usually inconsequential. In a wilderness setting, however, it has a huge influence on visibility. That's why we suggest the red or blue versions of the Exposure/2 rather than the black shown here.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Weather Protection
The Exposure/2 Paclite suffers from a few flaws that compromise its weather protection. Our biggest concern is the hood, which features a flimsy brim that directed water into the chin of the hood during our shower test. We are also unimpressed with the wrist cuffs that incorporate elastic and Velcro in a simple design that is ineffective at keeping the sleeves in place or sealing precip out.
The Exposure/2 hood worked well with a helmet on, but without one on water poured off the brim and straight into the jacket at the corners of the chin.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Another issue is the zipper on the vertical hand pockets. These zippers are not fully waterproof and include a sizeable hole at the bottom where water can easily pour through.
Weight
At just 11.4 ounces for a size large, this jacket is among the lightest hardshells in our review. That makes it a great choice for drier climates where you don't end up wearing a hardshell every time out, but you still want one in the bottom of your pack for emergencies. Unlike some of the other ultralight hardshells, however, the Exposure/2 doesn't come with a sack or pocket to conveniently stuff it in.
Ice climbing was one activity where the mobility of the Exposure/2 was particularly frustrating. Any time arms were raised to swing an ice tool the sleeves rode up.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Mobility and Fit
The source of all the Exposure/2's problem is the Gore-Tex Paclite fabric. This material doesn't stretch at all. The jacket is cut in a way that our lead tester described as baggy in the torso while the sleeves and hem feel short. The result is a jacket that left us disappointed with its overall fit. It was particularly frustrating when we raised our arms overhead and felt the sleeves and hem simultaneously move out of place. All in all, we think it moves and feels much more like a rain jacket than a technical hardshell.
The look, feel, and performance of the Exposure/2 indicate that it's better suited for rainy day hiking than backcountry skiing or winter climbing.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Venting and Breathability
The same Paclite fabric that harms this jacket's mobility score also compromises its performance in venting and breathability. Our testers found that moisture quickly collected on the inside during our stationary bike test. It's hard to say whether this was more or less moisture than jackets with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, but the glossy internal surface of Exposure/2's Gore-Tex Paclite material certainly made it feel much clammier.
To make matters worse, this jacket is not fitted with any pit zips, so your venting options are limited when you start to overheat. In fact, if that happens, you're probably better taking the jacket off, rather than letting your sweat soak you from the inside.
This rubber loop on the end of the waist drawcord masking tightening a cinch. The hood drawcord is fitted with the same convenient loop.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Features and Design
Our favorite feature on this jacket is the rubber loops on the waist and hood drawcords, which make tightening either an effortless task, even with gloves on. We're not huge fans, however, of the large hand pockets because they extend low enough to irritate your hips if you're wearing a harness. The zippers on these hand pockets are also not fully waterproof. The breast pocket, in contrast, sports a trusty taped zipper and is large enough to store most phones.
On the bottom edge of the hand pocket zippers on the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 there is a significant gap. We easily fit a few pine needles through this hole and noticed an annoying leak during our shower test.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Value
Mountain Hardwear should be able to keep weight and costs by using Gore-Tex Paclite rather than Gore-Tex Pro fabric in this version of the Exposure/2, and indeed, it's one of the lightest and most affordable jackets in our hardshell review. Unfortunately, the same Paclite fabric undermines its overall performance in several ways. Despite the low price, we don't consider it a great value.
The hook-and-loop wrist cuffs are super basic and proved to be ineffective at keeping the sleeves in place.
Credit: Jack Cramer
Conclusion
With the exorbitant price of many hardshells, it can be tempting to seek out less expensive options. Weighing in at just 11.4 ounces for a size large, the Exposure/2 is a particularly tempting ultralight model. After three months of testing, however, our review team thinks the search should continue. The Exposure/2 makes a great rain jacket, but we don't feel like its performance is high enough for technical hardshell applications like winter climbing or backcountry skiing.
—
Jack Cramer
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