With the chillier, wet season approaching, now’s a good time to check the state of your outerwear and make the necessary upgrades as needed.
Maybe your fall jacket needs to be re-waterproofed — here’s how to do it in four easy steps — but if you’re in the market for something new, I’ve got some thoughts: My all-time favorite lightweight and packable weather-resistant Patagonia Houdini Jacket is on sale for up to 51% off right now.
This deal is through Patagonia directly and drops the price to just $53, down from $109. If the sizing isn’t ideal, Patagonia also has the Houdini in other styles, with all sizes remaining, for 41% off. Likewise, REI has a selection of Houdini Jackets marked down 30%.
So, what’s so special about this mystical-sounding garment (of which I own two)? For starters, it truly lives up to its mind-bending name. When packed down, the Houdini is small enough to fit in your back pocket — it also weighs just 3.7 ounces — yet warm to keep you comfy in temperatures down to the low 50s and weather resistant enough to keep you dry during mild showers.
Mine comes with me everywhere I travel, whether there’s a threat of rain/coldness or not. Treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, the Houdini is fairly proficient at repelling moisture, though I recommend treating it with Nikwax wash-in waterproofer right off the bat for good measure.
A zippered chest pocket doubles as the jacket’s stuff sack, while an adjustable hood allows you to really ‘batten down the hatches,’ when needed. The ripstop nylon material is impressively durable against abrasions and holes, and easy enough to repair if you do happen to encounter some wear, either via Patagonia for free or on your own using Gear Aid Teanious Repair Tape.
An elastic cuff and a drawstring adjustable hem help keep the cold and wind out, while a reflective logo on the chest adds some visibility in the dark.
Though the Patagonia Houdini is no substitute for a proper rain jacket, like the $99 REI Rainier Jacket, it’s among the most versatile pieces of outerwear in my massive, massive closet of jackets.
Moreover, it doesn’t go on sale all that often, so snag one ASAP if you feel so inclined, as I could see these deals disappearing quicker than Houdini from a straitjacket.