When it comes to unexpected weather changes in the mountains, you always want to be prepared for any unforeseen situation, kind of like the situation where I was caught in that micro-hail storm a few weeks back while exploring a few peaks in The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. If you didn’t know this already, now you do, this ultralight ultra-packable emergency rainjacket is freaking amazing.
What I love most about this jacket is how compact and light it is, weighing in at only 105g I bring it with me anytime I’m in the mountains. Seriously, I do not leave home without it. And I mean it! When it comes to early spring hikes, this jacket came in handy a half dozen times minimum this past season. Not only is it super light and compact, but this lightweight jacket is astonishingly warm. Constructed with featherweight 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a durable water repellent finish that keeps you impressively dry even in a flash downpour! This is one piece of gear I recommend every hiker, runner, backpacker, adventurer to own. The hood is designed to fit comfortably to your head and has a quick adjustment strap in the back, and it doesn’t block your vision at all. I am super impressed with this jacket that Patagonia has designed.
From Patagonia:
Run, ride, climb—the trusted Houdini® Jacket is always up for anything. It features updated weather-resistant 100% nylon ripstop fabric to block wind and withstand abrasion. The slim fit accommodates a baselayer or a light midlayer; the hood cinches with a single pull and won’t pinch your ears; cording, toggles, and cuffs are all trim and lightweight. Half-elastic cuffs seal the wrists, and a drawcord cinches the hem. It packs snugly into its own small, vertically zippered chest pocket, which has a reinforced clip-in loop. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish coats the shell and the center-front zipper. With a reflective logo on the left chest.
The Houdini likely got its name from all the magic up its sleeve. My favorite is how the jacket has a pocket on the left chest, and the entire coat is capable of being packed inside itself. With how small it is, that is how and why it comes with me everywhere I go. When zipped into itself, the jacket has a small loop for hooking onto a carabiner, you can keep it attached to any of your packs or easily fit it inside.
Pro Tip: Many of Patagonia’s Jackets can pack into themselves, but not all are capable.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Packs small
- Water repellent
- Warm
- Easily Adjustable Hood
Cons:
- Price, it’s not too expensive, but it isn’t cheap either.
- It is not very breathable
Ratings
Weight – 5/5
Packable – 5/5
Water Repellency – 5/5
Warmth – 5/5
Comfort – 5/5
Fit – 5/5
Total – 5/5
BOTTOM LINE:
In case you missed the first time I said it, I do NOT leave my house without my Patagonia Houdini when it comes to any of my varied adventures. The bottom line is if you want protection from the elements in the case of an emergency storm, this is your ultra-packable, ultralight, ultra jacket. Grab a Patagonia Houdini and never worry about what might happen to the weather again.
What’s your go-to jacket for every adventure?
Share in the comments below.