Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Paclite Stretch Anorak (2020)
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Paclite Stretch Anorak (2020)
Say that /2 times fast.
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Paclite Stretch Anorak (2020)
Type: Shell / Use: Active / Face: Nylon / Insulation: n/a
Technologies: GORE-TEX Paclite 2.5L
Price: $250.00
In Chinese cosmology, the universe is composed of a raw chaotic energy that naturally organizes itself into two sides: one receptive (the “Ying”), another active (the “Yang”). These sides are neither friends nor enemies. They simply exist – a perpetual push and pull whose very opposition shapes our world.
Winter/summer. Order/disorder.
Umbrella people/jacket people.
And from their conflict, creation springs forth.
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Not to get too philosophical here, but the idea of a “bag shell” has a certain appeal.
Part of the jacket guy bargain is the acknowledgment that an umbrella for morning showers doesn’t define your day. Not only can you were light-colored pants and remotely-porous shoes; you can also stash your rain protection somewhere other than your belt line.
A packable rain jacket (“bag shell”) won’t solve the formers. But it definitely solves the latter. And for those of us unselfish enough to spend four digits on statement pieces that also let others pass single file, stashability is – to paraphrase Plato – rather ideal.
Mountain Hardwear’s Exposure/2 GORE-TEX Paclite Stretch Anorak may not pack down linguistically, but as a fully-featured light pullover with as few moving parts as needed, it’s a perfect candidate for shoving just about anywhere. Looking for a light active jacket or just curious about GORE Paclite? Here’s your cram session.
Tech-wise, the Paclite Stretch Anorak is – surprise – made of a stretch-enabled Paclite textile. GORE’s Paclite fabric is GORE-TEX 3L on a diet. If conventional hardcore GORE is a fabric sandwich (waterproof membrane between face and lining), Paclite is a chic tartine. Paclite fabrics take the same ePTFE membrane used in their Pacheavy cousins and bond it to outer layer alone, forging the next-to-skin lining in favor of less crinkle, more vapor transfer, and higher foldability (hence, “Paclite.”)
A nylon/elastane face fabric provides the stretch. A kangaroo pocket and 1/2 zip provide the anorak. Throw in the typical adjustments (hip cinch; hood toggle; Velcro cuffs), and baby, you’re ready for Exposure.
Perhaps Exposure. Slash Two.
On that note, let’s talk style.
Aesthetically, this is a darn cool – if not cool cool – piece of kit. Forget “urban crossover” or any other marketing dreck. On pattern and cut alone, the Stretch Anorak is outdoors cats only. Looking for a GORE shell to pair with your AF1’s? Believe me, there are others. This specific jacket is just too a little too close to the source for the sort of refined critical distance that draws the more self-conscious to jackets like the Snow Peak Wanderlust, another 2.5L pack jacket.
Which may not sound ideal for a “bag shell” - you know, an in-case-of backstop that you don’t plan on wearing. But that’s not an indictment of the Paclite Stretch Anorak. If anything, it’s a filter.
Because it’s anti-considerate, this packable Exposure/2 can actually push the envelope. The colorblocks here are abrupt and absolute. In Rust Orange, the two-tone map pocket and EVA agility give off definite Space Odyssey vibes. In Deep Lake, it’s a water landing away from Virgin Galactic survival kit.
That look isn’t for everyone, and between us jacket guys, I wish it had landed closer to last fall’s Exposure GORE Pro. But if you’re more on the Lululemon Lab / Ministry of Supply side of techwear, I think you’ll find this unapologetic futurism rather enticing. My favorite outfit to wear it with included navy Veilance comp pants and black HOKA sandals. If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it is.
Function-wise, the Stretch Anorak is a peach. It’s breathable, athletic, and in so many ways, is the right level of GORE-TEX for city rats. That said: unless you’re the weekend warrior type (or the looks particularly grab you), I’d recommend this not as your next jacket, but as a jumping off point into the world of packable shells.
Lunarcore aside, the jacket’s super-future niche isn’t wide enough to overcome the fact this performance-first piece clashes with outfits not designed around a Mass Effect vision of utility. It’s actually rather fun with 5” shorts as a sort of “Range Rover convertible” juxtaposition. But that’s only because it’s out of place with nearly every casual pant.
When the style hits, it hits hard. But in the grand scheme of things, the umbrella/jacket conflict depends on balance.
If you’re setting out to bludgeon passerby with the fact that you’re sporty, just get one of those literally 5 feet in diameter golf umbrellas and call it a day.
Overall: A Space Age emergency shell that’s too far out for civilians. 6.5/10.
Style: ★★★☆☆ Substance: ★★★★☆ Value: ★★★★☆
Best for: Mountain athletes, EDC enthusiasts, and all 744,955 residents of Seattle, WA
