Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket Review: The Go-To Transitional Coat for Active Children?

As a parent and an outdoor gear enthusiast, I’ve faced the perennial challenge of dressing a child for the fickle British weather. There’s a frustrating gap in every kid’s wardrobe: the chasm between a bulky winter parka and a simple hoodie. It’s the “too cold for one, too warm for the other” dilemma that plagues school runs, weekend hikes, and park adventures from September through May. My son, like many kids, is a whirlwind of energy. He needs a jacket that can fend off a sudden downpour on the football pitch, block a biting wind on a coastal path, and still be breathable enough that he doesn’t overheat while climbing a tree. Finding a single piece of outerwear that ticks all these boxes without costing a fortune has often felt like a fool’s errand. This constant search for a durable, versatile, and comfortable layer is what led our team to rigorously test the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket, a product that promises to be the solution to this very problem.

What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Softshell Jacket

An outdoor softshell jacket is more than just an item of clothing; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between insulation and weather protection. Unlike a rigid, fully waterproof hardshell, a softshell prioritises breathability and freedom of movement. Its primary purpose is to offer substantial resistance to wind and light rain while allowing moisture and excess heat from your body to escape. This makes it the ideal garment for high-output activities like hiking, climbing, cycling, or, in the case of a child, simply running wild in the playground. The main benefits are versatility and comfort—a single softshell can often replace a combination of a fleece and a separate windbreaker, simplifying layering and reducing bulk.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in changeable conditions. It’s for the active family, the weekend hiker, the school-run parent who wants their child to be comfortable no matter what the morning sky looks like. It’s a jacket for doing, not just for enduring. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who need absolute, guaranteed waterproofing for prolonged exposure to heavy downpours. In those situations, a traditional hardshell rain coat is a better, albeit less breathable, choice. Likewise, for deep-winter, sub-zero conditions, a dedicated insulated parka would be necessary, though a softshell like this serves as an excellent mid-layer.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Sizing & Fit: A softshell should allow for a base layer (like a t-shirt) and possibly a thin mid-layer (like a microfleece) underneath without being baggy. For kids, this is even more critical. Check for sleeve length and torso coverage. As we discovered, and many users confirm, sizing can be inconsistent between brands, so paying close attention to size charts and customer feedback is paramount.
• Weather Resistance & Breathability: Performance is key. Look for jackets treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) finish, which causes water to bead up and roll off. Equally important is wind resistance to prevent windchill. The trade-off is often breathability; a good softshell finds the perfect balance, preventing you from feeling clammy during exertion. The material blend, like the polyester and elastane mix in the Exodus, is a good indicator of this balance.
• Materials & Durability: The fabric is the heart of the jacket. A blend of polyester for durability and elastane for stretch is a common and effective combination. This allows the jacket to withstand scrapes and scuffs (“lots of scrambling undertaken,” as one parent noted) while moving with the body. Check the quality of the zippers, seams, and any added features like a fleece lining, which adds warmth and comfort.
• Features & Maintenance: Practical features can make a big difference. Look for things like a chin guard to prevent zip chafing, secure zipped pockets, and adjustable cuffs or hems. Also, consider the long-term care. Most softshells require specific washing instructions, often with a wash-in re-proofer, to maintain their water repellency over time. Following these instructions is crucial to the jacket’s longevity.

While the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket is an excellent choice for young adventurers, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at the technology and top models available for adults, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Promising Blend of Toughness and Comfort

Upon receiving the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket in Navy, size 11-12 years, our initial reaction was positive. The jacket has a pleasing weight to it—substantial enough to feel protective, yet light enough not to be cumbersome for a child. The outer fabric, a 93% polyester and 7% elastane blend, has a smooth, tightly woven feel that immediately suggests good wind resistance. It also has a noticeable degree of stretch, a critical feature for any kids’ clothing destined for the playground or climbing wall. Flipping it inside out revealed a soft, short-pile microfleece lining that extends throughout the body and arms, promising instant warmth and cosiness. The zippers felt sturdy, and the inclusion of a fabric chin guard at the top of the main zip is a thoughtful touch we always appreciate, preventing uncomfortable chafing on a child’s delicate skin. The two side pockets are decently sized for cold hands, shiny pebbles, and other treasures. For its price point, the jacket presented as a high-value proposition, seemingly ready to take on the rigours of an active child’s life. We were eager to see if its performance in the field would match these promising first impressions.

A Deep Dive into the Exodus Jacket’s Real-World Performance

A jacket’s spec sheet is one thing, but its true worth is only revealed through real-world use. We put the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket through a series of typical scenarios—from drizzly school runs and windy park trips to a muddy weekend trek—to see how it held up. Our goal was to test its core promises: weather resistance, comfort, and durability.

All-Weather Versatility: How It Handles Wind and Rain

The primary role of a softshell is to be a shield against the elements, and in this regard, the Exodus performs admirably. We tested this on a blustery autumn afternoon with that fine, persistent drizzle that soaks you through faster than you’d expect. The DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment on the outer shell was immediately apparent. Water droplets beaded up on the surface and rolled right off, keeping the fabric from becoming saturated. During a 20-minute walk in light rain, the jacket kept my son completely dry underneath. It’s crucial to understand this isn’t a sealed, seam-taped waterproof hardshell for torrential downpours, but for fending off showers and damp conditions, this jacket delivers exactly what’s needed. The wind resistance is equally impressive. The dense weave of the polyester fabric effectively blocked the chill, a feature that proved invaluable on an exposed hilltop. The fleece lining complements this perfectly, trapping a layer of warm air close to the body. This combination meant my son stayed warm without needing multiple bulky layers, confirming one user’s experience of their child being “very comfortable layering up for a trekking weekend.” It hits the sweet spot for three-season use, though as another user rightly pointed out, it’s “NOT good for winter” in the sense of deep cold, but perfect for a cool day around 13 degrees.

Engineered for Comfort and Non-Stop Play

If a jacket isn’t comfortable, a child simply won’t wear it. This is where the Exodus truly shines. The interior fleece lining is incredibly soft and cosy, providing a pleasant next-to-skin feel that eliminates the need for a separate fleece layer on milder days. My son, who can be particular about textures, loved how it felt. This was echoed powerfully in one of the most compelling user reviews we found, from a parent whose autistic son is “very sensitive to how clothes feel, and he loves how this one feels.” This is a significant endorsement of the jacket’s sensory-friendly design. The 7% elastane woven into the fabric makes a huge difference during activity. We observed this as he scrambled over fallen logs and hung from monkey bars; the jacket moved with him, never restricting his arms or riding up his back. This freedom of movement is precisely what makes softshells superior to rigid raincoats for active kids. The thoughtful design details, like the chin guard and easy-to-pull zippers, further enhance the user experience, making it a jacket they can manage themselves. The entire design feels geared towards facilitating play, not hindering it, which is the highest praise for any piece of kids’ gear.

The Critical Caveat: Navigating Sizing and Quality Control

No review of the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket would be complete or honest without addressing its most significant and widely reported flaw: sizing and quality control. While our specific test unit was well-constructed, a dive into user feedback reveals a consistent and concerning pattern. The most common complaint by a wide margin is that the sizing runs extremely small. We saw numerous reports of parents ordering their child’s current size, only to find it fits a younger sibling instead. One parent of a 9-year-old found the 9-10 size fit their 6-year-old perfectly. The advice is unanimous and one we strongly endorse: order at least one size up, possibly two if you want room for growth or thicker layers. Compounding this is an apparent issue with mislabelling at the factory, where jackets arrive with a correct cardboard tag but an incorrect, smaller size on the garment’s sewn-in label. This creates a frustrating experience for buyers. Furthermore, a smaller but still significant number of users reported quality control defects upon arrival, including holes, loose threads around pockets, and logos that were peeling off or even printed upside down. While these issues are covered by the 2-year warranty, it’s an inconvenience that shouldn’t happen. Our expert advice is to check the sizing chart and user comments carefully before ordering and to thoroughly inspect the jacket immediately upon delivery.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket is a story of two extremes. On one hand, there is overwhelming praise for the jacket’s core concept and performance when the sizing is right. One happy customer summed it up perfectly: “Great quality jacket at a great price – my son was very comfortable… Highly recommend.” Many are repeat buyers, with one parent stating, “I’ve brought this type of mountain warehouse jackets for both of my boys for a few years now as love everything about them, the material, quality, cost and style.” The jacket’s warmth, comfort, and stylish appearance are frequently lauded.

However, this praise is almost always accompanied by a warning about the sizing. The negative feedback overwhelmingly centres on this issue. As one frustrated parent wrote, “The coat quality is lovely but unfortunately I have been given a coat that is too small. I ordered a size 7-8 which is on the coat tags but the inside label says 5-6.” This experience is echoed time and again. The secondary issue is quality control. Reports of a “coat arrived with a hole in it” or “the stitching on the zip coming apart” are disappointing and suggest a lapse in manufacturing consistency. It paints a picture of a fundamentally excellent product design that is let down by execution in the sizing and production department.

How Does the Exodus Compare to Other Jackets?

While the Exodus is a kids’ jacket, the principles of a good softshell are universal. If you’re looking for an adult jacket with similar versatility, or perhaps one for yourself while shopping for your child, here are three excellent alternatives to consider from the men’s market.

1. Calvin Klein CK Hybrid Insulate Golf Jacket

The Calvin Klein CK Hybrid Insulate Golf Jacket occupies a more premium, style-focused niche. Its primary appeal is its lightweight construction and sleek, athletic fit, designed specifically for activities like golf where freedom of movement is paramount. Unlike the Exodus’s full fleece lining, it uses targeted insulation, keeping your core warm while arms remain free. This makes it less of an all-round warm coat and more of a specialised performance piece. Someone who values a high-end brand name, a minimalist aesthetic, and needs a jacket for active pursuits in cool, but not cold, weather might prefer the Calvin Klein. It trades the rugged, all-purpose feel of the Exodus for a more refined and lightweight experience.

2. TACVASEN Men’s Waterproof Softshell Work Jacket with Hood

The TACVASEN Work Jacket leans heavily into the tactical and utility end of the spectrum. Its key differentiator is the inclusion of a hood and a multitude of zippered pockets, offering significantly more storage and weather protection than the Exodus. It’s often built with a tougher, more workwear-oriented fabric designed to withstand abrasion. This is a jacket for someone who needs functionality above all else—a tradesperson, a keen outdoorsman, or anyone who values military-inspired utility. While it offers more features, it may also be heavier and less streamlined than the simple, effective design of the Mountain Warehouse kids’ jacket.

3. TACVASEN Men’s Waterproof Softshell Jacket

This second offering from TACVASEN is a direct competitor to the general-purpose softshell ideal. Like the Exodus, it features a fleece lining for warmth and a water-resistant outer shell. However, it distinguishes itself with a foldaway hood and a more “tactical” cut. It aims to be a do-it-all jacket, much like the Exodus, but for an adult user who might appreciate the added protection of a hood and a more rugged style. The choice between this and a simpler model often comes down to personal preference for features versus a cleaner aesthetic. It represents a step up in utility from the minimalist Exodus, making it suitable for more serious hiking or outdoor work where a hood is non-negotiable.

Final Verdict: A Great Jacket with a Major Catch

So, do we recommend the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Kids Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket? The answer is a qualified “yes.” At its core, this is a brilliantly designed piece of kids’ gear. It successfully solves the transitional weather problem, offering an excellent balance of warmth, comfort, wind and water resistance, and durability. For active kids, the stretchy, breathable fabric is a game-changer, and the soft fleece lining makes it a jacket they’ll actually want to wear. When you consider its very reasonable price point, the value proposition is incredibly strong.

However, the recommendation comes with a critical instruction: you must be strategic when buying. The pervasive sizing issues mean you should ignore the age range and order at least one full size larger than you think you need. Furthermore, upon its arrival, you must perform a thorough quality check of all seams, zippers, and logos. If you can navigate these potential hurdles, you will be rewarded with what is arguably one of the best value-for-money kids’ jackets on the market. It’s a versatile, comfortable, and stylish coat that will see your child through countless adventures. For parents looking for that perfect three-season solution, it’s a fantastic option, provided you heed the warnings. If you’re ready to find the right size and give it a try, you can check the latest prices and colour options available online.