Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket - Men's

I was rafting down the middle fork of the Salmon River last summer and I had a Houdini Jacket. I would keep it in the pocket of my shorts. REALLY, it's that small. When an afternoon thunderstorm would start dumping, I would stand up, unstuff the Houdini, throw it on and keep going. Sure I had a big gore-tex unit in a dry bag, but I never used it. The Houdini is just so damn convenient. It's not 100% waterproof, but if you have a lightweight polypro/capilene layer underneath you don't get clammy; when the rain stops, you and the jacket dry out fast. Now I carry this jacket with me in the Sierra on ultralight backcountry trips and LOVE it. One of the best "can't do without" pieces I have.

This windshirt is like something out of a Harry Potter novel, and I don't know of anything else that provides as much function for such minimal weight. When put over a wool base layer and fleece vest, it adds a burst of warmth by blocking the wind. That's all I wear when hiking around freezing. Light rain and snow aren't a problem. There is not a pocket into which this packable shirt will not fit.

I know you're thinking that this looks like a nice ultralight jacket. It's even lighter than that. No, even lighter. It breathes pretty well, but hey, it's a jacket. I got it in bright yellow/orange because black was too hot. I haven't tried it out in a more severe conditions (I'm planning to layer this over my base when the going gets tougher), but so far it's sweet. And did I mention that it's light and bright?

Great product!Very breathable and it only weights 4oz! No excuse to not have a light rain jacket with you. Did not wet out in about an hour light to med rain. Cons: Wish it had hand pocket, was seam sealed and came in xxl to allow more layering underneath(I am a big guy) but then it would not weight 4oz, right? Easily fits in a back pocket folded.

This jacket was recommended by a friend who I backpack with. I really love the light weight and compact to a pouch ability it has. It really cut the cold wind when I used it in Desolation wilderness and in Nevada early fall. It sheds rain pretty well but can get a little damp with more rain than a drizzle. I only wish it had hand pockets, but I was able to overlook this for the light weight aspect. The hood is great and the brim directs any water away from running onto your face. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

This jacket is a lightweight, breathable windshirt that fits well into my layering system. When hiking on open ridges or on windy days, this jacket goes over my baselayer and keeps me warm, yet is breathable enough to be worn while hiking. The full front zip also allows easy ventilation. I find myself leaving my rainjacket at home on day hikes and taking my Houdini instead. The fit is on the fairly slim side, but works well over one layer.

I love the Houdini jacket. I sometimes find myself reaching for hand pockets that don't exist and I think Patagonia should have put the chest pocket on the outside so that you can get to it, but these are trivial grievances. I did rip a pretty huge hole in one of the sleeves when I fell off my mountain bike and landed on a rock. So don't do that! Great jacket overall.

After trying to make the Marmot Ion work, I gave up (sent it back)and purchased the Houdini. Huge difference...the Houdini breathes quite well. Haven't been in the rain yet, but water from the faucet rolls right off. Seems to be the best of both worlds.