Is the Retreat jacket waterproof?

No. It has a water-resistant finish for light rain and wind, not a waterproof membrane. For steady rain you need a proper hardshell.

Can it be packed into its own pocket?

It packs down small enough for a daypack, though it does not have a dedicated stuff sack. Roll it tight and it takes little room.

What weather is it best for?

Cool, dry or drizzly days and as a wind layer over a fleece. It is not built for cold on its own or for heavy rain.

How does it compare with a hardshell?

It is softer, stretchier and quieter than a hardshell, but far less waterproof. Choose it for movement and light weather, not downpours.

Some versions come without a hood, so check the specific listing. A hoodless softshell layers better under a rain jacket.

What should I wear under it?

A base layer in mild weather or a fleece in the cold. It is a shell, so warmth comes from what you put underneath.

Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket

Best price now

$34.99at EMSChecked 10 h ago

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit EMS

Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket

Best price now

$34.99at EMSChecked 10 h ago

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit EMS

Mountain Warehouse discount code →

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $34.99 at EMS on Nov 10.
Checked at 3 stores.

Our take on the Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket

The Retreat is a lightweight men's softshell from Mountain Warehouse, built from stretchy bonded fabric with a water-resistant finish and a packable design for hiking and camping. It is a wind-resistant outer layer rather than an insulated jacket, so it works as a shell over a fleece in cool, dry-ish weather. Owners report it packs small and moves well, but the 2.1-out-of-5 rating points to real frustration, mostly around the water resistance and the fit. Against pricier softshells from Berghaus or Rab it is far simpler: fewer pockets, no hood on some versions, and a coating that fades sooner.

Best forHikers and campers wanting a light packable shellCool, dry or drizzly days rather than heavy rainTravellers who need a jacket that folds into a bagLayering over a fleece in spring and autumn

Pros

Stretchy softshell fabric moves with you on climbs
Packs down small for a daypack or suitcase
Water-resistant finish shrugs off light drizzle and wind
Lightweight enough to carry as a backup layer
Simple design keeps it easy to throw on

Cons

Water resistance fades and does not hold up in steady rain
Fit runs inconsistent, with some finding sleeves short
Few pockets and no proper hood on some versions
Thin fabric feels less durable than pricier softshells
Breathability is limited on hard climbs

Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket prices at every store

EMSNew
In stock
$34.99Checked 10 h ago
Visit EMS
Mountain WarehouseNew
In stock
$39.99Checked 10 h ago
Visit Mountain Warehouse
Next USANew
In stock
$130.00Checked 10 h ago
Visit Next USA

Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket price history

Lowest price we've seen: $34.99 on Nov 11 at EMS. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

2.1 / 546 ratings

Ratings are low, and the complaints cluster around water resistance and fit rather than the packable, stretchy feel. Owners who use it for light drizzle and layering are happier than those who expected a rain shell.

What people mention

Water resistanceCriticisedOwners say it handles drizzle but wets through in sustained rain.
FitCriticisedSizing and sleeve length are reported as inconsistent between buyers.
PackabilityPraisedIt folds small enough to live in a daypack or suitcase.
StretchPraisedThe stretchy fabric is comfortable for walking and climbing.
BreathabilityCriticisedIt traps heat on harder climbs, according to reviewers.
BuildMixedThe fabric feels light and thin, which some like and others doubt for durability.

About the Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket

The Mountain Warehouse Retreat is a men's softshell jacket for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. It is made from a stretchy softshell fabric and is lightweight.

The jacket is water-resistant and packable, so it can be folded down small to carry.

Material: Softshell, stretchy fabric
Warmth: Lightweight
Water resistance: Water-resistant
Packable: Yes
Gender: Men's
Age group: Adult
Best for: Camping, hiking, outdoor activities

Specifications

Material: Softshell, Stretchy fabric
Warmth: Lightweight
Gender: Men, Male
Age Group: Adult
Department: Men's
Type: Jacket
Subtype: Softshell Jacket
Width

Questions and answers

Is the Retreat jacket waterproof?: No. It has a water-resistant finish for light rain and wind, not a waterproof membrane. For steady rain you need a proper hardshell.
Can it be packed into its own pocket?: It packs down small enough for a daypack, though it does not have a dedicated stuff sack. Roll it tight and it takes little room.
What weather is it best for?: Cool, dry or drizzly days and as a wind layer over a fleece. It is not built for cold on its own or for heavy rain.
How does it compare with a hardshell?: It is softer, stretchier and quieter than a hardshell, but far less waterproof. Choose it for movement and light weather, not downpours.
Does it have a hood?: Some versions come without a hood, so check the specific listing. A hoodless softshell layers better under a rain jacket.
What should I wear under it?: A base layer in mild weather or a fleece in the cold. It is a shell, so warmth comes from what you put underneath.
Where is the Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket cheapest?: At EMS, for $34.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket?: Rated 2.1 out of 5 from 46 ratings.
Where can I buy the Mountain Warehouse Retreat Men's Packable Softshell Jacket?: 3 stores we checked sell it, including Mountain Warehouse, EMS, Next USA.