Patagonia Houdini Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a timeless piece of gear that has long been one of our best windbreakers. Its minimalist design offers exceptional wind resistance and packability without weighing you down. Ideal for hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize weight savings, this ultralight shell is a go-to layer for fast-and-light adventures in variable conditions.

We’ve worn the Houdini for dozens of outings – from rock climbing in Utah to trail running and backpacking in Wyoming to backcountry skiing in Alaska. Throughout all these activities, it remains a versatile and high-performing windbreaker. With a measured weight of 3.5 ounces, the Houdini is among the lightest windbreakers on the market. Its ability to compress into its chest pocket and clip to a pack or harness with an integrated carabiner loop makes it a no-brainer for anyone looking to save space and carry less. 

Designed with a slim, athletic fit, the Houdini moves seamlessly with your body during high-output activities. Elastic cuffs, an adjustable hem, and an elastic cinch hood ensure the jacket stays put on gusty days. That said, its athletic fit is best suited for layering over lighter garments—sizing up may be necessary if you plan to wear it over a heavier mid-layer. It’s not the most breathable jacket we tested, but the Houdini still provides enough ventilation for high-output activities like running and skiing. The Houdini provides excellent performance at a price that won’t break the bank.

How We Tested

Over three months, we wore the Patagonia Houdini on hikes and runs as well as backcountry and cross-country ski trips to field test its performance in multiple conditions. Our tests consisted of real-world exposure to the wind and elements. We also used a blow drier to test wind resistance and also completed a one-hour run while intentionally overdressed to test its breathability and moisture management.

Wind & Weather Resistance

The Houdini is a great layer to throw on when the temperatures drop or the wind picks up. We’ve worn the Houdini on windy summits in the summer and mid-winter days backcountry skiing, and it protected us from numerous weather conditions. It effectively blocks all wind and provides great protection when the gusts pick up, thanks to cinches in the hood and a hem that keeps the jacket tight and secure. Although treated with a DWR coating that beads light moisture, the Houdini is decidedly not a rain jacket and will wet through quickly. But it dries out quickly, making it great for exposure to drizzles and light rain showers.

Breathability

The ripstop nylon of the Houdini makes some concessions in breathability. With the only option for ventilation being unzipping the jacket, it is not as breathable as others we tested. That being said, the Houdini is still extremely breathable and is great for hiking, climbing, or other moderate-output activities. When running and cross-country skiing in the Houdini, we did notice some moisture build up along the back and arms. This quickly soaked through and evaporated instead of beading up making this a great jacket for active outings.

Weight & Packability

With a manufacturer-stated weight of 3.9 ounces and a measured weight of 3.5 ounces (men’s medium), the Houdini is one of the lightest jackets in our lineup. It barely feels there when worn on the body and is a great layer to shove in the bottom of a backpack for when you need it later. Its packability is equally impressive. The jacket stuffs into its own chest pocket, creating a compact bundle much smaller than a one-liter bottle. A carabiner loop allows it to hang from a climbing harness, or it can be tucked into a small space in a pack or running vest. For its weight and packability, the Houdini is a standout performer.

Comfort & Fit

When layering under the Houdini, it is obvious that the jacket has a trim and athletic fit. This makes it great for summertime adventures. When we wore this jacket in the winter, we wanted more room underneath to layer. 

The nylon construction also lacks the mobility and flexibility found in other windbreakers. We often felt slightly restricted through the shoulders and arms when wearing the Houdini. This was especially noticeable when wearing a heavy pack. It’s still plenty mobile for most activities, but the Houdini maintains some of the restrictiveness of older windbreakers before more elastic material was widely used.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Houdini Jacket?

The Houdini is a timeless classic for multiple reasons: it’s extremely packable and lightweight, breathable and comfortable enough for most activities, and blocks the wind effectively. This is a great option if you’re looking for one lightweight windbreaker to serve as your arsenal of one. It provides all the features we expect and require of a windbreaker without any extra bells and whistles. Its simplicity and reliability make the Houdini an excellent choice for entry-level enthusiasts and seasoned adventurers alike. Its reasonable price tag and high performance give you a great bang for your buck. The Houdini has long been one of our favorite windbreakers and is sure to be one of yours as well.

What Other Windbreaker Should You Consider?

Head to our gear guide to see the full lineup of best windbreakers.

Arc’Teryx Squamish Review: If the Houdini felt a little tight and restrictive, the Squamish is built with a more elastic fabric that provides more mobility and flexibility.

Rab Vital Review: Slightly heavier than the Houdini, the Vital offers more weather resistance but with a similarly trim and athletic fit.

Patagonia Airshed Pro Review: Another great option from Patagonia, the Airshed Pro offers even more breathability in a lighter platform more akin to a shirt than a jacket.