I’ve always heard good things about Patagonia products but the price tag has always been some what of a deterrent for me as a budget minded gear shopper. So when I signed up for the Georgia Death Race and one of the required pieces of gear was a windbreaker my first thought wasn’t Patagonia. In fact my initial thoughts were to go as cheap as possible but after a few hours of research I knew I would regret it if I did. I narrowed down my choices to the Salomon S-lab Light Jacket and the Patagonia Houdini. Inevitably the winner was the Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker Jacket and in hind site I would not be disappointed.
The Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker’s Stats:
- Featherweight 100% nylon ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Zippered chest pocket converts to stuffsack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop
- Hood adjusts in one pull, won’t block peripheral vision
- Durable half-elastic cuffs; drawcord hem
- Reflective logo on left chest and center back at neck
- Can be worn over baselayers and light midlayers
- 102 g (3.6 oz)
First Thoughts on the Windbreaker:
This jacket is incredibly light for having a zipper, ripstop fabric, and a hood. Putting the jacket on is a breeze because of the zippered front and it offers a very fitted feel with room for a light to possibly medium base layers. It is very comfortable and there is not limitation of my range of motion. packing the Patagonia Houdini couldn’t be easier! Just unzip the chest pocket and stuff it in… fits perfect and is very easy to do. I was able to do this multiple times while running without issue.
Trial by Fire for the Patagonia Houdini:
My first time wearing the Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker Jacket was race day at the Georgia Death Race. We linned up at 4am with a temperature of 36 degrees and dropping until 8am and it would be much colder at the top of the first few peaks. The dew was freezing in air with the entire trail glazed in frost. I know it’s important to start cold so I was wearing only low pro socks, shorts, compression underwear, a tech t-shirt, beanie, and the Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker Jacket. Was I cold… yes. Did I want another layer while standing at the starting line… yes. But did Patagonia Houdini perform once I started moving and heating up… yes!
I wore the windbreaker until around 10am using the zipper the ventilate when needed on large climbs and covering myself with the fitted hood when coming over the freezing peaks and ridges. We were required to carry a breaker throughout the entire 75 miles and that’s where this baby weighing in at 3.6oz really comes in handy.
Conclusion:
The Houdini is high quality and light, making it the perfect choice for travel. I take it with both winter and summer. It works as a shell over another jacket or for running with something light underneath. The fabric is incredibly breathable for being as water resistant as it is. If your questioning buying the Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker Jacket, let me set your mind at ease and tell you to do it.
