Patagonia Houdini Jacket

  • Patagonia Houdini Jacket front
8.8
8.8 score
[Editors rating (8.8) + Users rating (10.0)] / 2 = Runnerclick score (8.8)/10

Our RunnerClick score is based on our editors overall rating compared to the user ratings in order to generate the most accurate and unbiased score of each product we review.

If there are less than 10 user reviews for the product in total, the weight of user reviews is decreased from 50% to 25% to make sure that new products are not rated too high.
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Editor rating: 8.8 / 10
User's rating: based on 25 user ratings
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Patagonia Houdini Jacket Review Facts

Most athletes have experienced cold, frosty, foggy mornings, breezy summits and light rainfall. This can cause muscles to lock up which no adventurer wants to happen. When this occurs, a windshell is the perfect piece of kit to have available. The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is the perfect windshield to take along. When not in use, it folds into its own pocket and takes up very little real estate. It is extremely lightweight while still doing a great job protecting wearers from extreme wind and rain. The jacket uses athletes’ own body heat to help insulate and keep them warm. It carabiners onto a belt or vest for easy stowing and can quickly be unfolded and donned, when needed. And for such a high-performance piece, the Patagonia Houdini Jacket is one of the most affordable jackets available making this a steal.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Lightweight design
  • Durable ripstop Nylon for extreme abrasion resistance
  • DWR coating for moisture protection
  • Snug fit
  • Affordable price
  • Stows away in chest pocket for compact storage
Cons
  • A bit tight in the chest
  • Ventilation could be improved
Use

Use

This is a fantastic jacket for all-day rock climbing adventures, but it will work perfectly well for any outdoor activity, especially running and trail hiking. The jacket still allows a full range of motion while protecting athletes from extreme weather. It's extremely lightweight and nearly disappears when warn allowing runners and hikers to focus on their workout rather than fumbling with clothing. When not in use, the Patagonia Houdini Jacket easily stows away in its own pocket better than most of the competition on the market. If you clip it onto the back of your harness, you won't even know it's there.
Breathability

Breathability

The jacket is strong enough to withstand most intense, cold winds without sacrificing breathability. It's very difficult to force air through the nylon with your mouth creating a fantastic barricade from the wind. While the jacket withstands intense winds, there isn't much of a way for trapped air to escape except through the fabric itself. The front zipper is the main spot for ventilation. While this can be a minor setback, it does a great job of using athletes' body heat to keep them warm. If the jacket gets too warm, simply remove and fold it into the chest pocket and it easily stores away for later use.
Comfort

Comfort

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is extremely lightweight and has a fantastic fit for extreme comfort. It doesn't get in the way and restrict movements so that climbers have optimum reach and flexibility with every movement. It has an excellent DWR coating without compromising its lightweight feel, keeping climbers and adventurers dry in extreme rainfall. In testing, the coating repelled water with no soaking through or absorption at all, even after intense wear for four months long. This shows that the jacket is designed to deliver for many seasons making it worth every penny. In order to keep the jacket light, Patagonia didn't add many features to it. The wrist cuffs are half elastic and do a great job of keeping out wet weather. The hood tightens in the back with a single drawcord and cinch buckle. One reviewer noted that, when not in use, the hood flapped in the wind which can be distracting. A way to snap it down or tuck it into the collar would be a desirable addition. The only pocket on the jacket is on the chest which the jacket stuffs into. Some athletes feel that extra waist pockets would be a great addition without adding any noticeable weight.
Size

Size

Patagonia tends to run about a size large. The Houdini hugs well around the torso, and reviewers note that it may even fit a bit tight in the chest. However, when taken down a size, the hem and sleeve lengths fit perfectly. Buyers should note that it doesn't leave much room for layers underneath, so consider what you will be wearing with it when buying. The medium-sized jacket weighs an extremely light 3.5 ounces for a very comfortable feel.
Durability

Durability

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket consists of a very thin, lightweight nylon-woven ripstop. While this jacket is a great choice for nearly any outdoor activity, it can take a beating against rocks for rock climbers without falling apart, unlike many of its competitors. Even after encountering rocks and harsh environments, the DWR was never compromised, and the jacket still performed like it was brand new. If damage does occur, the ripstop will prevent the tear from continuing.
Accessories

Accessories

The jacket doesn't come with any accessories, but it includes reflective logos on the chest and back for added safety during low-visibility scenarios. It easily attaches to belts or vests for storage when not in use without taking up to much real estate.
Style

Style

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is available in plenty of colors, from dark tones to bright, high-visibility colors so that each athlete can have the best option to suit their needs. The reflective logo on the front and back make it safer for all athletes by promoting visibility. It comes with one main zipper that runs from the hem to the neck.
Price

Price

The price is extremely affordable compared to some of its competitors on the market while still being one of the highest-performance rated jackets available. It's intense weather resistance and lightweight design make this is a terrific option for any athlete who wants added protection from the weather without breaking the bank.
Key Features

Key Features

- The jacket stuffs into chest pocket for easy storage
- Extremely lightweight
- Made with ripstop nylon for abrasion-resistant durability
- DWR coating for a complete moisture barrier
- Full range of motion capability
Bottom Line

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a fantastic option for a very thin, lightweight barrier from intense wind and rain. It stows away into its own pocket for compact storage and can couple onto a belt or vest. Its build doesn't restrict motion so that runners don't feel bulky while running or climbing. And while it offers high-performance features, it comes at an affordable price. All athletes should consider adding the Patagonia Houdini Jacket to their go-to kit must-haves list.