All in all, the Houdini Air is perfectly serviceable for fending off light precipitation, but it’s not built for heavy or sustained storms.

In fact, I wore the jacket on a number of day hikes as well as overnight backpacking trips, and only when it really started to rain or was extremely gusty on a high mountain pass near Chile's Cerro Castillo did I swap to a hardshell jacket for added protection. This gives it a considerable boost over a standard baselayer in terms of weather resistance. The Houdini Air did a nice job at handling light precipitation thanks to its double-weave nylon/polyester build and durable water repellent (DWR) finish. All things considered, it's a great wind blocker and temperature regulator for active use. And unlike a rain jacket, you can hike or run in it for extended periods without taking it off. This versatility is what we love most about windbreakers: we wouldn't head deep into the backcountry without packing a more protective rain jacket or hardshell, but for day hikes, trail runs, climbing, mountain biking, and even light ski tours, a wind shell like the Houdini Air can be everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s thin enough that big gusts were able to get through, but it’s nevertheless a great option for a range of activities in moderate conditions. Wind is a constant battle in Chilean Patagonia, but the jacket did an excellent job at blocking light to moderate gusts. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best windbreaker jackets.ĭespite its thin, ultralight build, the Patagonia Houdini Air punches well above its weight in terms of protection. Below we break down our experiences with the Houdini Air. All in all, despite the higher price tag and minimalist feature set, it's one of the most capable and well-rounded wind shells on the market. We took the Houdini Air to Southern Chile, where the jacket faced extreme winds and rapidly changing conditions. Patagonia’s Houdini is one of the most ubiquitous windbreakers on the market, and the premium “Air” model builds off of that proven design while boosting breathability and comfort.

Patagonia houdini jacket test