The entire jacket stuffs into its chest pocket - the resulting package is only about the size of a small banana. It performs exactly as a windbreaker should, packing down and stowing away until you need to break it out to protect you from wind or light rain. The Patagonia Houdini is an iconic windbreaker jacket, and as a repeat winner at the top of our podium, continues to set the standard for all other jackets in this category. Yes reflective logos on chest, back, right arm stripes on cuffs and seat hem No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible) Packable weather protection that skillfully incorporates Merino into a well-ventilated shellīest-in-class storage in a lightweight, ripstop-nylon shell, all at an affordable priceĩ0% nylon (51% recycled) / 10% polyester double weave, DWR finishġ00% nylon ripstop, woven w/ DWR treatment (Green Theme Technology)ġ00% nylon outer, 54% Merino wool / 46% polyester liner, DWR coating The best overall value and performance in a lightweight package that sets the category standardĪn ultralight, breathable, versatile layer for those who live by the mantra of fast-and-lightĪn ultralight jacket purposefully built for fast and light mountain missions Goofy looking brimmed hood, swampy, lack of DWR treatment See-through material, under-performing DWR fabric

No feature to stow-away hood, thin material can feel clammy during high-output activity

Lots of zippered pockets, ease of packing, elastic brim Well-ventilated, body-mapped Merino panels

Lightest in the category, tiny packed size, larger chest pocket Ultimate breathability, next-to-skin softness Low price, simple and effective design, tiny packed-size, impressive DWR coating

Houdini kitchen lab