As April showers bring May flowers and May finds us still close to home, we have been enjoying the opportunities to be outside more than ever. Between biking, hiking, walks to the river and paddle boarding, the one jacket I have brought with me over the last 3 weeks is the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket.
The innovative material of the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket allows for full range of motion with a gentle stretch to the fabric. Articulated shoulder stitching is helpful when biking and hiking because it reduces injuries to the shoulder from backpack shoulder straps. 
On the windiest days, the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket is constructed to stay put you so you can stay dry. The hood can be adjusted with a simple drawcord, the hem secured with a low-profile toggle and the cuffs can be adjusted using a hook and loop closure.
Waterproof
The Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket is sealed for your protection. The jacket is fully seam sealed with the center zip and chest pockets polyurethane lined for extra water resistance. Gore-Tex will ensure you stay dry.
Packability
Whether you are on a gear weight limit or you want a go-to jacket that doesn’t take up much room but will perform in weather, the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket is the one for you. It can pack down into its own pocket. I have even packed it down and into my sunglass soft case– we’re doing all we can to stay sane during this pandemic.
One of my favorite features of the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket is the drop tail hem. While running, biking or hiking in wetter weather, I always develop a trail of mud or “street water” up my back. The drop tail hem gives just enough coverage and protection over the buttock without compromising fit.
The large pockets on the front provide ample space for your hands – gloves or no gloves-, a phone and keys. If you need, they can be left unzipped and used as vents. Although I haven’t had a need for this feature yet. The breathability of the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket is so well done, that even in our latest round of humidity and thunderstorms, I didn’t feel muggy on the inside.
Adjustable cuffs.
The website describes the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket as running large. I found this to be untrue in my case. I have a larger butt from cycling and squats, I stand 5’6” and around 145 pounds. I ordered a women’s small and the jacket fits like a glove on my hips and throughout my shoulders. There is enough space to be able to wear a light sweater (here’s my favorite one) or a vest under it in colder temperatures.
Cons
My only grip with the jacket is the lack of reflective points on it. I have the Dark Storm so it is not an ideal color for dusk and dawn hours in Idaho.
This is small- but there’s not a coat rack loop for hanging the jacket up to dry.
Final Impressions
Overall, the Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket is a beautiful piece of construction. It is incredibly versatile and a lifelong piece that is well worth the investment. If you are actively planning your next trip, please put this jacket on your short list. I can see this jacket in Hawaii, trekking through Yosemite, on your neighborhood hike, at soccer games, CUBA! I could have used this in Cuba and even spring skiing. At just over 8 ounces, this jacket can go with you anywhere!
My testing buddy.
The Women’s Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite® Plus Jacket comes in three color ways as of the publication of this post. Currently it is on sale for $225 but normally retails for $300.