Patagonia Houdini: Good Things Come in Small Packages

The Patagonia Houdini is one of those pieces that stays in my day pack no matter the season. It's great for running, cycling, hiking, and every activity in between. The jacket is very light at 3.4 ounces and the zippered chest pocket allows you to stuff the jacket down to the size of an apple. I recently hiked the Chasm Lake Trail to the base of Longs Peak in Colorado and experienced winds up to 40 mph and temps into the 40s above treeline. I thought I would topple over from the wind but kept moving as I put on my Houdini jacket over my Patagonia Capilene baselayer shirt. As the wind was ripping past my ears I secured the hood with one hand and was set to continue my ascent.

I find the Houdini to be one of the most weather resistant jackets for its size and packability. Featuring recycled ripstop nylon and a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating make this one of my favorite pieces. From a windy day on the mountain, walking in the city when a drizzle starts, or getting chilly during a rock climbing outing, the Houdini is a great companion. Coming in at $109 it’s a steal for all that it can do.

Pros: Weight, Versatility

Cons: Noisy (as most windbreakers are)