Patagonia Houdini Jacket Review: Is It Overpriced?

Need a water resistant windbreaker? The Houdini jacket from Patagonia might just be the best option for you!

This thin and lightweight jacket does an excellent job at protecting you from the weather, without any bulk or added warmth. It can fit into the palm of your hand when packed down, so it really is a jacket you can carry everywhere.

But is it overpriced for a windbreaker? That’s just one of the many things we’ll talk about in this detailed review. Read on to learn our thoughts on Patagonia Houdini, and see whether it is the right option for you after all!

Materials And Durability

The Patagonia Houdini jacket is entirely made from recycled ripstop nylon. This should mean that it’s a tough and durable jacket with great water resistance. Part of that is true – the Houdini is coated with DWR (durable water repellent) and water will just slide off the fabric.

But as far as durability goes, I wouldn’t expect too much from this jacket. And I’m not even bashing Patagonia; it’s just that jackets that are this thin and lightweight don’t tend to have the sturdiest construction. The Houdini is so thin you can see through the jacket – do you really think that fabric that thin would be able to survive repeated encounters with sharp rocks?

It’s not even that the jacket is poorly made, it is just that material this thin can’t withstand excessive use and abuse. The jacket will be fine if you wear it casually, but if it’s always getting caught on tree branches and rocks, I’m afraid it’s not going to live a very long life.

With thinner jackets like this one, seams are usually t