Patagonia W’s Houdini Jacket

• Zippered chest pocket converts to a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip loop
• Hood adjusts in one pull and won’t hinder peripheral vision
• Durable half-elastic cuffs; drawcord hem
• Reflective logo at left chest and below the neck
• Can be worn over baselayers and light midlayers
• 100% nylon ripstop with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
• 94 g (3.6 oz)

What else can you say about a jacket that weighs so little, fits like a dream, resists the rain and breathes brilliantly?  I guess it might be worth adding that it takes up hardly any room when not in use, and has a comfy feel to it that works whether over a tee or a midlayer.  Stu has one, and he seems to be ignoring most of his other clothing as a result.  There are other lightweight windproofs out there, but why compromise?  Be the envy of those without hoods, who lug twice the weight around or who hate the fit of their sleeves.  Whether you’ve already earned it, or know you will first chance out on the hills, treat yourself. _CH

Patagonia say:

Run, ride, climb—just don’t go without the up-for-anything Houdini® Jacket. It encourages improvisation with its weather-resistant 100% nylon ripstop fabric, which blocks wind and withstands 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 for attaching to your hydration-pack straps. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish coats the shell and the center-front zipper. With a reflective logo on the left chest and center-back neck.