Patagonia Houdini - Women's Review

The Patagonia Houdini is a hooded windbreaker with a single chest pocket that the whole thing packs into. It's made of 1.2-ounce ripstop nylon fabric with a DWR finish and only weighs 3.1 ounces.

Wind Resistance

We put this jacket to the test on hikes in the Rwandan jungle, windy High Sierra mountain ridges, sheer granite rock faces, gusty bike rides, Caribbean boat rides, windy Midwestern fall afternoons, and interstate drives with the windows down. Despite being so thin we can see through the lighter colors and lacking any storm flap to cover the zipper, the Houdini still packs a lot of wind protection.

The durable ripstop fabric, drawstring hem, and half-elastic cuffs do a great job of keeping drafts out. The drop hem in the back helps add coverage during activities requiring a larger range of motion, and the half-elastic cuffs are comfortable even when pulled up your forearms a bit for extra ventilation.

This soft jacket's athletic fit also allows you to add additional light layers underneath if the weather demands it. A full elastic-lined hood stays put well in strong winds and can be kept from blocking your peripheral vision by a single bungee across the back. The Houdini manages to have exactly the right features to block the wind without going overboard. It's a great three-season jacket, though a little too thin to be the one we turn to in cold weather.

Breathability

The Houdini is very thin and reasonably breathable compared to a lot of other models we've tested. However, its more water-resistant and highly wind-resistant fabric blocks more elements coming in and body heat from going out. This more protective layer does still tend to collect some sweat inside during longer, higher-intensity activities.

The Houdini's very simple design only allows for modest adjustments to aid its breathability when you are hot and on the move. Obvious features like soft-cuffed sleeves are easily pulled up to dump heat, and you can loosen the drawstring on the hem to permit greater airflow. The women's specific fit also allows for dynamic layering above or below this jacketing, according to the weather and your physical exertion.

Packability

The ultralight Houdini weighs a minuscule 3.1 ounces. We are impressed that the lightest model is also one of the highest-performing ones. This is an excellent example of less is more. The absence of zippered hand pockets, a draft flap, a hood cinch, and cuff tabs makes this jacket ultralight. The compressible fabric packs down easily and stuffs into its own small chest pocket, taking up the same space as an energy bar. This is a tiny, featherweight package and still has a handy loop to attach it to the outside of a pack, harness, or even your dog's collar if you really can't stand carrying it.

The only complaint we can come up with concerning the Houdini's packability is the number of wrinkles it has after we pack it into its own tiny pocket. But after several minutes of wearing this jacket next to the heat of our skin, all the wrinkles fell right out. So we are left with no complaints whatsoever. We think even ultralightweight enthusiasts will love this handy windbreaker.

Versatility

The Houdini is a go-to piece for any outdoor adventure because its weight gives you no excuses not to bring it along. For all its technical prowess, it still retains a decent amount of versatility, particularly as an emergency layer that always lives in your pack or purse. It's managed to cut out most weight-giving features without losing all of its functionality. Cleverly integrated minimalist hem and hood adjustments still allow you to change the fit, while a single chest pocket keeps small items close by and out of the way of any backpack, hip belt, or climbing harness.

We like having this jacket on our alpine scrambles because the slightly water-repellent fabric fends off light rain for short periods of time. The hood is well designed and fits well over a helmet. It has a slightly dropped back hem that provides extra coverage for cyclists and added breathability that lends itself to windy neighborhood runs.

But it's the Houdini's packability that makes it shine when it comes to versatility. This piece packs down so small into its own chest pocket that bringing it along on every single mission is not a problem. In fact, one of our testers swears by this layer for extended travel, and took it along as her weather-resistant layer to Iceland in the spring. Layered over a down jacket, she reports she was acceptably protected and warm — and happy not to have to bring a thicker, bulkier layer.

Water Resistance

The Houdini is made of a 1.2-ounce ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. This finish gives it a small amount of water resistance — enough to get you through a minor shower or brief drizzle. Though it is not a waterproof layer like a dedicated rain jacket, it does provide some water resistance, which comes in handy for activities where wind and water go hand-in-hand, like sailing or even kayaking.

While this layer won't keep you dry in a downpour, the durable water repellent (DWR) finish beads water in light rain and is quick to dry. If the weather forecast looks good, but you live in an area where brief storms are always possible, this is a perfect piece to throw in your bag.

Keep in mind, though, that no matter what windbreaker you choose, if you want to maintain maximum water repellency, you need to periodically treat your garment with a water repellent product like the Nikwax Tech Wash.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Houdini?

This windbreaker is about the average price among jackets in this review. The high-quality, lightweight fabric and functional design at such a low price make this a high-value item. Unless you're out for a fashionable windbreaker or an ultra-breathable option to keep up with you on long runs, we love wearing this jacket in a ton of different situations.

What Other Windbreakers Should You Consider?

Through repeated years of testing, the Houdini continues to deliver high-quality performance in a lightweight package. This jacket moves with your every rhythm, and the carefully chosen features, such as the slight drop-back adjustable hem, are a testament to its simplicity and functionality. For the absolute lightest windbreaker around, check out the staggeringly lightweight Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Shirt, which weighs an unbelievable 1.9 ounces! If you prefer a lightweight jacket that has a few more pockets to offer, the Rab Vital is one of our all-time favorite jackets that still has great technical performance but also a few more creature comforts for about an ounce more than the Houdini.