Mountain Hardwear Men’s Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch Pullover – Awesome and Durable Design

The Mountain Hardwear Men’s Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch Pullover is a fun and useful waterproof and breathable shell.  I can’t think of the last time we have tested a pullover WPB shell, and this one was perfect to review.

Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch

This is a newer version of Gore-Tex Paclite, featuring a more stretchy material.  If you have read any of my other reviews on shells, you know that I am a big fan of stretch.  I am not a fan of rigid shells, no matter how burly they can be.  Give me quite and stretch any day!

It is nice to see Gore-Tex showing Paclite some love.  I think Paclite kind of faded out of the spotlight with Pro Shell and Active Shell taking the main stage the last few years.  Don’t get me wrong, a good 3L WPB shell is going to be my first choice for most days.  But this new Paclite Stretch really impressed me.


Exposure/2 GTX Paclite Stretch Pullover Jacket - Men's regularly $274.95 on sale $124.98


Mountain Hardwear Men’s Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch Pullover Design

Being a pullover has some advantages.  One, the huge kangaroo pocket swallows up gloves and even an action camera, on a selfie stick, with ease.  The chest pocket is positioned perfectly to allow access to it, without being in the way of backpack straps. There is a very deep chest zipper that is great for dumping heat.

Make use of the left side zip when putting the pullover on.  I learned this the hard way as I did not see it the first time I tried the jacket on.  I was thinking to myself, that I must be crazy for not being able to get into this shell! This is also a good way to vent the jacket when exerting lots of energy (I used it on a skin track).

Surprisingly durable

I usually think of Paclite as a more fragile and lightweight WPB membrane. But, I was pleasantly surprised at this jacket’s durability.  I used it for splitboarding tours here in Colorado.  Probably not what the jacket was intended for, but I figured it would make for some good testing!


Exposure/2 GTX Paclite Stretch Pullover Jacket - Men's regularly $274.95 on sale $124.98

My backpack is 40L and overpacked with lots of gear.  The touring can replicate hiking with trekking poles and the 40L pack with Avy kit and extra gear can translate to a 60L + pack for backpacking. I added in some tight tree skiing for good measure.  Knocking off a few branches here and there.  That can replicate bushwacking and a little more abrasion testing 🙂

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Exposure 2 Gore-Tex Paclite Stretch Pullover review

I am pretty impressed with this stretch pullover.  It was not on my radar as I did not think it would be something I would use.  Turns out, I used it and enjoyed it.  Heck, several of the Engearment Team are doing their best to get this pullover off me and use it in there kit!

I can see this pullover being a good hiking shell for most users.  The cost is less than the 3L Gore-Tex offerings and the WPB rating is just about as good.  Plus, stretch! If you are looking for a waterproof pullover that has the bare bones features you need and appreciates stretch and durability, then this could be a great shell for you!


Mountain Hardwear Men's Exposure/2 GTX Paclite Stretch Pullover - Moosejaw