Patagonia
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
74B-TIERhigh Confidence
An ultralight windbreaker at 3.5 oz built with 1.2-oz 20-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with DWR finish. Packs into its own chest pocket to about the size of an apple. The highest-rated windbreaker in expert testing despite being one of the most affordable. Prioritizes packability and wind resistance over breathability.
520verified reviews analyzed
90%positive
74
B-TIER/ 100Good
Material & Build17/25
1.2-oz 20-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with DWR finish. Ultra-thin fabric is see-through but surprisingly resistant to tears thanks to ripstop construction. At 3.5 oz total weight, this is among the lightest windbreakers available. Deductions for DWR degradation from repeated stuffing and thin fabric requiring more careful handling than heavier jackets.
Warranty & Support25/35
Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee covers manufacturing defects for the product's lifetime. Worn Wear repair program handles wear-and-tear at reasonable charge. Same warranty infrastructure as all Patagonia products.
User Trust32/40
Highest-rated windbreaker across major review sites. OutdoorGearLab top pick. Switchback Travel highly recommended. 6+ year durability testimonials from regular users. Strong expert consensus as the best overall value windbreaker. One of Patagonia's most popular and enduring products.
high ConfidenceUpdated Feb 2026
High
1.2-oz 20-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop with DWR finish. Weighs just 3.5 oz and packs into its own chest pocket to approximately the size of an apple.
Source: Patagonia product specifications
High
Despite fabric thin enough to see through, the ripstop construction is surprisingly durable. One reviewer has used the same Houdini for six years of regular wear with no failures.
Source: SectionHiker review; Broke Backpacker review
Known Concerns3 issues reported
DWR coating degrades quickly from repeated stuffing into the chest pocket. Requires periodic re-treatment to maintain water-shedding performance.
Limited breathability with only the front zip for ventilation. Builds up heat and moisture during high-output activities in mild conditions.
20-denier fabric requires more care than heavier jackets. Not suitable for bushwhacking or abrasive activities that would tear thinner fabrics.
$109.00
Where to Buy3 retailers
| Patagonia.com | Best price | $109.00 | Visit |
| REI | Best price | $109.00 | Visit |
| Backcountry | Best price | $109.00 | Visit |
Prices updated Feb 2026. Links may earn a commission.
Brand Profile
Patagonia
Founded 1973 · Ventura, California, USA
Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973. Certified B Corp and purpose-driven brand with an in-house repair program and Worn Wear resale platform.
Warranty
Ironclad Guarantee
Brand Score
22/30
Repair Program
Yes
Parts
medium
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