The Houdini is a very capable wind blocker in an ultralight and affordable package. We took the Squamish Hoody from its roots in the great north all Softshell jackets had their heyday almost a decade ago, but the push for lighter and more packable options rendered them nearly obsolete for true performance-oriented activities. We tested this long-time favorite in high winds while backpacking and hiking in Patagonia and during late winter/early spring hikes and mountain bike rides in central Washington State. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. Weighing seemingly nothing, the Patagonia Houdini impresses me each and every time I pull it out of my pack. In fact, it offers ideal wind protection for late winter and early spring mountain bike rides. Click For Details. As a climbing ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park Quinn Brett: Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=50d08f80-6a3b-4a15-90d3-1, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-7, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=33a96c45-e1ba-48ba-8258-f, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b. For starters, the jacket uses 100-percent-recycled nylon fabric. And one positive of its compact shape is that it can be rolled easily into the collar for when you dont need the added protection. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. (mens medium)Materials: 100% ripstop nylonWhat we like: Great wind protection in an ultralight and affordable build.What we dont: There are more breathable and comfortable options out there.See the Men's Patagonia Houdini See the Women's Patagonia Houdini. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. The BD also includes a PFC-free DWR coatingsomething you dont get with the Patagoniawhich is a nice sustainable touch (although long-term performance is still unproven with this new tech). You can then hang it on a climbing harness with the carabiner loop or throw it into the smallest nook in a pack or running vest. The Houdini is a great example of thoughtful, minimalist design. For example, the jacket was a nice match for running on particularly cold days (with temperatures well below freezing), and the extra warmth it provided was appreciated. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. This would lead to a clammy and slippery feeling along the interior of the jacket. And as long as you dont take them Spanning two countries and covering an area of over 400,000 square miles, the fabledland of Patagonia encompasses everything from desert and pampas to coastline and towering mountain ranges Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. You can cinch the hem to block out wind at the waist, the half-elastic cuffs seal nicely around the wrists, and a single adjustment at the hood allows you to tighten it down effectively. Time is fleeting. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. The Houdinis full ripstop nylon construction excels at protection but comes up short in breathability. Exclusions Apply. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. The womens Houdini also retails for $99 and includes an identical feature set and construction to its mens counterpart, but its lighter at 3.4 ounces and comes in different colorways (both come in seven options at the time of publishing). At only $80, Cotopaxis Teca Half-Zip is an even more affordable and stylish alternative to the Houdini. Thanks and we appreciate your support! If breathability is a priority, I recommend Patagonias Houdini Air, which we also had along on our trip and far exceeded the standard Houdini in temperature regulation. Rather than the polyester mix and mechanical stretch of its premium Houdini Air cousin, the Houdinis standard nylon isnt particularly comfortable. Has a tendency to hold onto odor, which warrants fairly frequent washing. It cut the wind nicely when we stopped for lunch while backpacking, and I hiked in it if the weather was cool or the wind was particularly rough. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Exclusions and minimum order values may apply. While hiking, I wore it on overcast and cool days, but if the sun came out or the trail was particularly steep, Id start sweating. Lack of stretch makes the Houdini less comfortable than much of its more premium competition. The two jackets both use full-nylon constructions, weigh within 0.2 ounces of each other (the BD clocks in at 3.5 oz. Neither excel in breathability, but both are sturdy in the wind. Features are minimalist but thoughtful, including hem and hood adjustments and a single chest pocket for stowing smaller items. To be fair, windbreakers arent waterproof by nature, and the main goal is blocking wind. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of coupon codes. Thin, ultralight products rarely excel in durability, but the Houdini Jacket is a notable exception. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. Along with breathability, comfort is a key area where the Patagonia Houdini shows its age. For me, the jacket is holding up perfectly after a few months of use. We tested the mens version of the Patagonia Houdini for this review, and the jacket is also available in a womens version. If You Find a Lower Price, Well Match It. Its also Fair Trade Certified, meaning Patagonia took extra measures to ensure the health and safety of workers during production. We tested out the For high-output activities, its hard to beat a softshell jacket. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best windbreaker jackets. The verdict: despite newer and more breathable designs being available, the Houdini still offers a standout combination of weight, wind resistance, and price. I often do this for biking, and the hood has stayed in place with no buffeting or blowing around. If you want a windbreaker jacket for active use, we prefer the pricier Houdini Air. You truly cant go wrong with either, and a final decision will likely come down to preferences on brand, price (the Patagonia is $30 cheaper), and the sustainable features. *Price Promotions - Due to manufacturer restrictions, select new release and other specified products are excluded from price promotions. Despite having fabric that's so thin it's see-through, the jacket is surprisingly durable. And a final knock on the Houdini is that it doesnt do well with odor preventionyoull likely find yourself washing it more often than some of the pricier alternatives, including the Houdini Air. At 59 and 155 pounds, I opted for the medium size, and the cut has been ideal for wearing over a t-shirt or single long-sleeve baselayer. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. Finally, the slight drop hem at the back is a nice touch for a little extra coverage. The good news is that the Houdini is so thin that it dries fairly quickly, but if sustained rain or snow is in the forecast, it shouldnt take the place of a dedicated rain jacket or hardshell. But if your priorities are weight, packability, and wind protection, you can save a lot with the Houdini. Earn One Point for Every $1 and get a $10 Reward for Every 300 Points. The shoe is intended for fast-and-light day hiking and backpacking trips with a trimmed-down, flexible, and well-cushioned build. If Im going to add a layer, Ill typically put it over the Houdini rather than wearing a midlayer underneath. The Vital also lacks a DWR finish, making it the less weather-worthy option. In practice, its been a perfect match on everything from cold and clear days with temperatures in the high 30s Fahrenheit to blustery rides along ridgelines with temps hovering in the mid 40s. ), Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip (5 oz. Considering its weight, Patagonia nailed all the right features. Accelerate your Rewards and earn 2 points for every $1 on qualified purchases with a ScoreRewards credit card. Predictably, packability is a similar story. For another $60, you get a noticeable increase in comfort (thanks to the mechanical stretch in the build) and breathability. International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. Patagonia nailed the basics like simple but effective adjustments at the hem and hood and a single chest pocket for storing small items. Swinging back toward the technical end of the spectrum, Rabs Vital Windshell Hoody is another high-quality and competitively priced design to have on your radar. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. Patagonia is a leader in sustainable practices, and that focus comes across clearly with the Houdini. A final option is a long-time favorite: Arcteryxs Squamish Hoody. This puts the Houdini squarely in ultralight territory, and it truly feels like nothing in hand or when I wear it (the semi-translucent appearance also backs this up). And on our trip to Patagonia, I found myself keeping the Houdini close and wearing it daily. Ripstop nylon construction falls short in breathability. Monmouth Flurry Fleece Pullover - 1/4 Zip. Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. These small but mighty outerlayers pack a punch Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. For the same price as the Houdini, the Rab offers generous storage with two zippered hand pockets and an internal zippered pouch, and you also get a snap closure at the chest to release hot air when needed. Further, the hood is on the small side, and it doesnt seem like it would fit over a helmet of any kind (a minimalist climbing helmet like the Petzl Sirocco may be one exception). The moment I zip up, the shell immediately shuts out wind and provides a noticeable boost in warmth. Despite being made with 1.2-ounce nylon that is thin enough to be partially see-through, its ripstop design gives it a nice boost in tear resistance. Read more about us. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. ), Rab Vital Windshell Hoody (5.6 oz. 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The Cotopaxi is slightly heavier than the Houdini at 5 ounces and only available in a unisex version, which might make it harder to dial in fit for some, but the playful styling and low price tag are undeniably appealing for those looking for more of a daily piece. In terms of water and snow protection, the Houdinis durable water repellent (DWR) coating can shed light moisture, but its face fabric starts absorbing water fairly quickly. The jackets barely-there weight certainly helps in this department, but its fabric doesnt have any give, which can be a problem for activities like climbing that require a great deal of mobility. I dont use the chest pocket all that often, but its just big enough to stow a bar or package of Clif Bloks (a personal favorite of mine). In heavy wind, there isnt much extra fabric to buffet or flap around, which has been particularly nice while biking. We also love the large kangaroo pocket and internal phone pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. As we touched on above, the Houdini Air is a more premium in-house alternative to consider. One of the Houdinis closest competitors is Black Diamonds Distance Wind Shell. This added versatility is what makes it worth the extra investment in our opinion. Price: $99Weight: 3.6 oz. Given these downsides, we consider the Houdini the more well-rounded ultralight piece, but the Rab is a fully serviceable alternative if you value the added storage. Join DICKS Text Alerts to Receive Special Offers! She snorts when she laughs, is known to dye her hair with vibrant streaks of color, and simply does not sit down. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. As weve mentioned throughout this review, the Houdini collection also includes the premium Houdini Air, which is a bit heavier at 4.1 ounces and $70 pricier at $169. ), and even Patagonias own Houdini Air (4.1) all weigh more. Climate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. For comparison, it stacks up very favorably in the windbreaker market: popular alternatives like the Arcteryx Squamish (4.9 oz. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Patagonias Houdini stands out for its impressive combination of wind protection, weight, and price. Lets get right to the point: we love windbreaker jackets. Its worth noting that Patagonia does still use a fluorinated DWR coating, while many other brands have moved away from it. Below we break down the Houdinis overall performance. 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We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The jacket stuffs into its own chest pocket and is small enough to easily be gripped in one hand. Exclusions Apply. Patagonias Houdini jacket is a standard bearer and in many ways defines the ultralight windbreaker category. Join DICKS Text Alerts to Receive Special Offers! It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the Squamish, B.C. Recycled nylon and Fair Trade Certification give the Houdini a competitive edge in the sustainability department. And as I touched on above, the slippery interior doesnt wick away moisture and lacks the premium, soft feel of upgraded options. The Air has a far softer interior that wicks moisture nicely, breathes much better for active use, and even has a little give in the construction for better mobility. But the second I stop, I throw it on and wear it for the entire descent. less than its listed weight). However, as with the Patagonia, the Rabs all-nylon construction translates to poor breathability during active use, and its the heavier option at 5.6 ounces. One of our editors has climbed extensively in a prior version of the jacket and never put a hole in the fabric (a noteworthy accomplishment as shes hard on gear). Sporting the brands signature vibrant panels and a 100-percent-polyester build, the Teca is a clear step down in performance from the Houdini but has a lot of appeal for casual hikes and around-town wear. but differ substantially in comfort. My mens medium barely registered on my scale at 3.6 ounces (0.1 oz. Patagonia consistently makes a quality product, and this holds true even with a minimalist piece like the Houdinijust dont expect any miracles around sharp equipment, rough rock, or if you take a spill while biking. The two jackets are fairly similar in weight and packability (the Houdini Air is 4.1 oz.) I do run warm and the Houdini isnt particularly breathable (more on this below), so I store it in my pack for the climb. That said, I havent had any issues with pinch points or tightness while mountain biking, but that largely comes down to the near-perfect fit (more on this in Fit and Sizing below). Plus, it still easily outperforms full-on waterproof rain shellsI had the Outdoor Research Helium on our South America trip, and it was a far worse breather. This narrower fit does mean that you cant layer extensively underneath, but considering its minimalist build and intended 3-season use, this is a reasonable compromise. To be clear, the Houdini still offers adequate breathability and can do the trick for certain high-output activities. Simply put, if weight and protection are your top priorities, the Houdini is hard to beat. But some of the newer options in the windbreaker market like the Houdini Air or Black Diamonds Alpine Startare better performers. 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As I touched on above, I admittedly run warm, but Ive consistently overheated in the jacket whenever the conditions are mild. Whenever rain picked up on our backpacking trip, I swapped the Houdini out for a rain shell. Patagonia jackets often run a little big on me, but I love the slim fit of the Houdini. Within its price range, its a class leader, and it even matches up well with pricier options like the Squamish ($159) and Houdini Air ($169). is home to world-class climbing, hiking, and mountain biking, so it comes as little surprise that Arcteryxs namesake windbreaker is a great match for active adventures. When cinched down, it fits snugly around the face. As we outline below, however, the Air is the much better pick for active pursuits. All in all, the amount of versatility you get for the weight is truly remarkable. ), and include minimalist feature sets with a single chest pocket and simple adjustments at the hem and hood. Below we break down the best rain Building on their excellent hiking footwear collection, Salomon released the X Raise low-top last year. Its a bit heavier and bulkier than the Houdini at 4.9 ounces, but its a better active piece for anything from hiking to climbing (and its hood can fit over most climbing helmets). The standard coating has been linked to many environmental and health concerns, but Patagonias stance is that it outperforms the new technology, and theyre in the process of finding an alternative. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. The Houdini is a bit better of a wind blocker and a much better value at $99 (vs. $169 for the Air), but it otherwise comes up short.
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