Mountain Hardwear Men's Exposure Parka

Impressed!
April 24, 2012

In Maine, we have no shortage of elements to fight. That said, this is the perfect waterproof shell for me. It is very comfortable, and well made. I love the subtle inclusions like the zipper pockets, the inside mesh pockets, and adjustable cuff. The mesh lining is one of the areas that it separates itself from other waterproof shells. I also love that it runs just a slight bit long. If you have long arms like me, the large still fits well. I really love the hood with the sturdy brim on the front. The Spring is the wet season in Maine, so this product will definitely get its use.

Great fit
March 28, 2012

I am usually between a large and XL in jackets. I ordered a large hoping it would be big enough to wear layers under it. I was very pleased with the fit of the large which allows room to wear multiple layers while still providing good range of motion. It is a great fit.

January 15, 2012

A great waterproof shell. Lots of features and extra touches - like the lined pockets. Cut is a little smaller than most. Normally wear a men's large, but the medium was the right/equivalent size in this model. Great pricing (the lowest) and service from Altrec.

Great Shell
July 24, 2011

Great quality for a good price, what more can you ask for? MH is a great brand and I love this sell. I'm 6'1 and 175lbs and a medium fit me perfectly, the sleeves are super long as well. I'm mainly going to use this shell for skiing in VT next winter.

oregonboy
June 30, 2011

I ordered this in spring so I have yet to try it in any cold weather, yet it is well made and stops a little breeze and a dash of rain easily. I am 5' 8" and there is plenty of room to layer. In fact enough that for me it may be too much to wear it just a shirt underneath(which is typically how I hike--light clothes, light pack and a jacket). I will see if I can update about winter later.

Always able to count on MH
April 10, 2011

I have owned previous jackets, parkas, fleeces from MH and they have all held up exceptionally. A quick treatment with ReviveX makes the waterproofing as good as new. The materials are sturdy and durable wether scrambling up a rock face or glissading down a snow covered slope it has held up over the test of time. The fit of this parka seems to run a bit bigger than what I'm usually in. Lots of storage options an the powder skirts stays where it is supposed to be. I just wish the hood was a little deeper to more easily accommodate a helmet better. But otherwise for the price, the exposure parka is a steal and I would certainly buy another in 7 years when this one is blown out!

Great All-Around Jacket
March 29, 2011

This jacket is one of the best jackets I have purchased so far. It fits well and the design makes it very easy to move your arms. It is very tough and durable, best for exploring in the back-county and not worry about breaking your shell. It's fairly flexible and warm. I like the hood very much, no problem of turning your head while keeping you from the rain. The internal pockets are great for carrying cameras and a thermal in winter time. The fleece lined pockets really helps to keep me warm without glove. I haven't abused it yet, so not sure about it's true durability, but it seems well made and lives up to its name and history.

I use this jacket in the andes
March 10, 2011

I am a mountain guide in Ecuador, sudamerica, so this is the perfect jacket to use in the mountains, Simply Perfect. good price, Watherproof, dry very fast

Pushing 60
March 07, 2011

Even though I don't do anything technical with this jacket I still wanted a shell that would stand up to our frequent high winds and wet snow. The day after I got the parka, I wore a Prima Loft jacket under the shell. Temps were in the low 20's with a steady wind and gusts over 40mph, I was quite comfortable hiking. The powder skirt is very efficient in keeping wind and snow out. In the rainy sleet we recently had the jacket was solid and I was dry as a bone. Conduit is a great material. Comparing it to my last North Face Parka, I like it much better. It has more of a cloth feel to it. My only issue is the tightness under the arms in the area of the pit-zips. It's a little tighter than I'd like. Otherwise it's a great parka. I bought a medium an I'm 5'10" 160 avg. build. Service was excellent. Great folks to deal with.

Very Nice Outer Layer
February 22, 2011

Great material. Sleeves run a bit long, otherwise the LARGE fits nicely. Definitely requires mid-layer on most ski days. Hood does not fit over my helmet (I wear a Large Giro). 6'1" - 210 lbs.

Very nice shell
February 22, 2011

Finally got away from 3 in 1 jackets and bought this as my first shell for a layering system. Has exceeded my expectation in the first few trips out on the mountain. Keeps the cold and wet out and allows me to keep under layers to a minimum. Great jacket!

great value
January 10, 2011

- 6 ft 1 , 210 lbs size L fits almost perfect. Could be an inch or 2 longer to warm better over my behind. Arms are quite long enough. - Fits well over a layer of a layer of fleece and a helmet. - Great cuffs - Stays warm, but you have the pit zippers if it´s too much. - Used for skiing in all resort conditions so far. - Works as advertised Great value for the money and super communication with the sales floks at altrec.com!

Great coat but runs large
December 28, 2010

I purchased 2 of these coats. One for my husband and one for my son. One was XL which my husband always wears, and a large for my son. Both coats were extremely large for them so had to return. Seemed like very nice coats but never got worn outside!

Review of Men's Exposure II Parka
December 05, 2010

I've used this jacket for one winter season (2009-2010) now, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking in New England. I'm average size: 5'9", 170lbs and the XL fits me fine with room for several layers underneath. Tried a large and it was too tight with a fleece under it. I've used it over thermal layers and by itself and it offers great protection from the wind, rain, and sleet. It has the perfect number of pockets and I can usually carry everything I need for a day on the slopes without a day pack. Ventilation with the pit zips is adequate for my needs. The drawstring closures are easy to use one-handed, both tightening and loosening. The lift-ticket hook is a nice touch. It would be nice if it had a fleece lined interior pocket to protect my phone's screen, but that's a minor thing. So far, so good after one season. We'll see how it wears over time, but it looks really well made.

Solid Ski Jacket
November 08, 2010

I've already worn this a few times, and it is glorious. Great for snowing/sleeting conditions. I haven't used it for skiing or snowboarding yet, but I can imagine it will work perfectly. It is 100% waterproof, and its warmth is correct for the type of jacket. After all, this is a ski jacket - so it's not too thick, but warm enough to wear a long sleeve t-shirt underneath with no problem. On colder days, I would recommend wearing something warmer underneath; i.e. a soft shell jacket, fleece, or sweatshirt. My dimensions are 5'6" and 170 lbs, and I have wide shoulders and a slim waist. I'm right on the border between a size Medium and Large; and typically I go for a size Large with winter jackets. This jacket fits true to size. It has held up very well so far, and I'm looking forward to many cold years in brutal Chicago weather. A great pick from Altrec.com!

Excellent choice
November 05, 2010

If you need a shell without warmth, this is an amazingly durable, yet functional protective shell. This is wind proof and water proof. I have used it in down pours as well as in winter wind storms; there is no problem!

I finally found the right parka.
September 29, 2010

After going through various parka's I finally found the right one. I'm 6' 1" and 206 lbs. and I purchased a XXL and the fit was just right. There was plenty of room for layering and yet not to big on it's own. It was raining pretty hard yesterday, so I took it out in the rain to test it's waterproof capabilities. The water beaded like a freshly waxed car. It kept me bone dry. I was totally stoked!

UPDATE: Great Customer Service
April 07, 2010

This parka has everything I look for in a ski shell but be careful when ordering your size. If your shoulders are wider than your waist, order a larger size. I ordered a medium after reading many reviews. The medium would work for a smaller frame. I'm 5'10" 180lbs and the shoulders were too tight, the sleeves were too short, and there was no room to layer. I re-ordered a large and it is perfect. The sleeves are a touch long but do not ride up when extending my arms. Customer service has been excellent so far. I have not received credit on my return yet but will update when complete.......UPDATE:.........I received my re-ordered parka and my credit very quickly. The large parka is a perfect fit. The whole experience has been excellent. Customer service is very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. Altrec is a great store.

awesome jacket
April 04, 2010

Although it is heavier than I thought it would be, I am satisfied about its performance, It can prevent wind and water from me completely, Moreover, I like its simple style.

Great parka--Be careful with sizing
March 30, 2010

This parka has everything I look for in a ski shell but be careful when ordering your size. If your shoulders are wider than your waist, order a larger size. I ordered a medium after reading many reviews. The medium would work for a smaller frame. I'm 5'10" 180lbs and the shoulders were too tight, the sleeves were too short, and there was no room to layer. I re-ordered a large and it is perfect. The sleeves are a touch long but do not ride up when extending my arms. Customer service has been excellent so far. I have not received credit on my return yet but will update when complete.

Nothin' else out there like it...
March 15, 2010

This is a great jacket for all things winter. Being 6'5" and 290 lbs, I especially like how the sleeves are long and the coat runs large. I've used it for skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and I even walked under a waterfall in the dead of winter and it kept me dry. Can't beat that. Great coat and great value.

Holding Up Well, A Bit Heavy
March 11, 2010

I have used this jacket quite a bit throughout this winter on snowy days. It is works well and is holding up fine. It is a bit heavy, but has not let me down so far. It seems to run true to size. With the variety of pit zips, etc. you can regulate your temp easily. Overall, I am very happy with it.

Excellant ski shell
March 08, 2010

This shell worked great for skiing in 15 to 40 degree weather. Lots of pockets for storage. Especially for a large water bottle. The vented sleeves and powder skirt were great. The shell is made of a very durable material. Held up well in the trees!

Not a great jacket
March 01, 2010

OK, I bought this jacket last year and loved it....for a year. After 1 year, the material is balling up like a cheap sweater. The jacket had been worn maybe 50 times, not alot given the normal durability of MH gear. I sent the jacket back to MH and they offered me a credit for the MSRP price. Problem is that the prices here are far less and now I can't get another jacket unless I downgrade or pay way more than retail. VERY dissapointed in MH waranty program. May be the last MH product I buy.

Bulletproof Heavy Winter Shell
February 07, 2010

This jacket is my cold winter shell and keeps the elements at bay very well. The material is bomb-proof and it breathes very well. The pockets work with a pack (although the entry could be bigger for gloved hands). Extra long cut for parka feel. Put a lofty insulation layer underneath and this jacket is quite the waterproof breathable winter parka at a bargain price.

A seriously rugged jacket!
January 20, 2010

This shell preforms very well in wet, windy, and cold weather. I have worn it in cold rain, heavy snow and at subzero temperatures and it has kept me dry, warm and comfortable in each situation. As far as the sizing of this jacket... I'm 5'9, 165 lbs and the small fits me very well and still allows plenty of room for layering underneath.

Solid Jacket
January 14, 2010

Good overall purchase. I thought the jacket would be a little heavier and less like a shell. Inner liner is a nice benefit.

Excellant, durable, good for layering
January 06, 2010

Overall excellent quality as expected from MH but definitely intended for layering. Not a bad thing, just a medium size was cut a little larger than I might usually wear. Good fit through the sleeves and the collar is as it looks in the pics - stands up high but when needed, that's a good thing!

Full Featured
December 24, 2009

Ive looked for years for a replacement for my old style North Face Mountain Jacket (short style from 15 years ago) that Ive used on Denali 3x, Nepal 2x, South America (many times) and numerous winter ascents of Mt. Shasta. While there are several jackets out costing close to $500, I didn't want to spend that kind of cash for outwear I don't use all the time. This time I wanted a generously cut parka (long, with room to fit layers of insulation under it), a helmet-cut hood, pit zips, internal water bottle pocket, and zipper flap all in a package that didn't weigh what the old N. Face jacket did and half the price. Asking too much? Apparently; as Ive searched for years to find the right un-insulated, storm-rated longer parka until I saw this one. To keep the price down Mtn. Hardware has used Conduit, and has it sewn in China (who doesn't these days?). There are a couple of other minor cues that this parka isn't quite as well made as the 3-layer Gortex N. Face it replaces, but to my experienced eye it is made good enough to take a moderate to heavy pounding over a moderate number of years at about 2/3 the weight and 2/3 the price of the one it replaces. I haven't had it out in anything sever enough to really test it yet, but have had enough experience to know when outer wear is capable of taking on a heavy storm this one can. A last feature that tells you the designers at Mtn Hardware made this one for serious mountaineers - it has plastic rings on each sleeve to attach your mittens to. If you've ever been in a real blow up high and had to take your mittens off to dig a snow cave, you'll appreciate this often overlooked feature.

Mountain Hardwear Parka
December 18, 2009

I bought these for my three sons. They all three love them. Keep warm, lots of pockets, keeps them dry. I would certainly purchase another one.

Good sturdy jacket
December 17, 2009

nice fit. looks good and practical

Great
December 17, 2009

good fit, plenty warm, and lots of good pockets.

A real classic with a loyal following.
December 08, 2009

I worked for a national outdoor gear retailer for several years and the MH Exposure II Parka was one of the hard shell jackets which customers came back to buy after owning their first one for as many as 5-7 years. "I see a few changes, but it has performed for me beautifully" were the usual comments. A lot of the users were wearing this in the backcountry, where the longer length, powder skirt, and abrasion resistant outer shell come in handy. This jacket also has a proven Conduit(TM) laminate for durable, waterproof, breathable performance. There are other brands out there that sell all this of performance for much more money.

So far...so excellent!!!
October 29, 2009

This shell parka is great so far!!! I'm 6'3" and even with a 39" sleeve length, the XXL sleeves are the right size. My favorite part is that the pockets are big and everywhere. At the ball game last weekend, my son wanted me to hold his drink and I just dropped the bottle in the interior mesh pocket. So far I haven't worn the coat in any extreme weather but I'm sure that with a sweatshirt or fleece underneath I'll stay dry and warm. A few co-workers who are familiar with the Mountain Hardware brand were surprised that I was able to get the coat for less than a similar North Face. It was an outstanding price since I bought the dk. brown (espresso) color for about $150 with FREE shipping! I noticed that now there is only one size left. AMAZING COAT & PRICE!

GREAT JACKET
October 13, 2009

My son loves his Mountain Hardwear jacket. It is versatile and sturdy for any weather condition.

My boyfriend really likes this coat
October 11, 2009

My boyfriend wore this coat when he climbed Crow Peak and he stayed sooooo warm

Fantastic shell!
September 22, 2009

I was looking for a good jacket for our cold winters here in MN. Someone suggested this jacket combined with a thick fleece (like the North Face Denali). I bought this shell and an army surplus 300 weight polartec fleece and it couldn't be warmer! Without the fleece it also functions as a colder-weather light jacket. I'm very pleased :)

Good choice
September 10, 2009

My brother and I both have this same jacket and we both love it. It fits great and performs. I'm about 5'9 and the medium fits perfectly

Excellent jacket for keeping out the bad weather
May 25, 2009

Very durable, highly waterproof jacket for wet or snowy weather. Material is more durable than other jackets I've had, at the expense of being a bit more heavy. This should be a great jacket for when durability is a must, such as sailing, fishing, climbing, skiing, probably motorbiking as well! The hood drawstring closes snugly around your face to keep out foul weather. Pit zips are a little uncomfortable if you're wearing short sleeves underneath, but definitely help with ventilation in hot weather. Very nice jacket.

Wonderful choice, love the parka!
January 29, 2009

Excellent parka, very warm, well designed pockets,main zipper well protected with overlapping Velcro. Hood provides good coverage and collar seals well. Generous sizing which I was pleased with for layering. Highly recommend this parka!