Patagonia’s Houdini® Air Jacket Is The Perfect Packable Light Jacket

Patagonia’s Houdini® Air Jacket (available in women’s and men’s versions) is not one you take with you to a destination where you know you’ll have to face low temperatures, high winds, and heavy rain. It’s meant to keep you warm and dry during intense outdoor activities in mild temperatures and in case of a sprinkle. It’s the perfect jacket if you jog at dawn or at dusk and want to keep the chill away from your body when you sweat, or if you go for a bike ride or hike and want to make sure you have some protection in case the weather turns. The elasticized cuffs and the drawstrings on the hem and the hood keep the wind out. It’s best worn on top of a base layer or quick-dry t-shirt, not under a bulky sweater. The cut of the jacket is meant to facilitate your movements, allowing you to keep going in comfort, no matter what. When wet, Patagonia’s Houdini Air Jacket dries at record speed.

My partner took his Houdini Air Jacket (as well as his Micro Puff) with him on a hike-filled trip to Iceland in September and it came in handy when the weather was sunny and warmish, but he needed something to wear on the chilly way up the side of a volcano or after a sweaty hike. It’s very breathable so your clothes are not trapped in a damp and sweaty shell even while you give it your all in the outdoors.

Because it’s so incredibly tiny when packed into its stuff sack (7 x 3.5 inches), it’s worth adding to your luggage, whether that be your checked suitcase, your smaller carry-on, or your backpack. It’s smaller and lighter (4.1 ounces or 116 grams) than a balled-up pair of socks.

Shopping for a packable travel jacket? Check out Matador’s detailed reviews:

• These Are The Best Packable Travel Jackets On The Market

• The Orvis Pro Insulated Hoody is a Go-Everywhere Jacket That Turns Into a Travel Pillow 

• This Packable Rain Jacket Will Keep You Bone Dry, Even In Torrential Rain

• Patagonia’s Micro Puff Hoody Is Perfect For Winter Travels

• The Cotopaxi Fuego Is the Most Durable and Dependable Down Jacket on the Market

• Arc’Teryx Made The World’s Most Packable Puffy Jacket

Patagonia Houdini Air jacket specs

Photo: Morgane Croissant

Photo: Morgane Croissant

• Men’s: 4.1 oz (116 g)
• Women’s: 3.6 oz (102 g)
• Shell: 1.4-oz Pertex® Equilibrium double weave (90% nylon (51% recycled)/10% polyester) with PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
• Ultralight and breathable – Ideal for high-output activities.
• Integrated Stuffsack – Zippered chest pocket doubles as a stuffsack with carabiner clip-in loop.
• Minimal Trim Cuffs and Hem – Low bulk for comfort and fit while in motion.
• Adjustable Hood – Offers protection from wind and light rain.
• Packs down incredibly small – Fits easily into a pocket or backpack.
• PFC-free DWR – Environmentally friendly water repellent.
• Not waterproof – Not ideal for heavy rain or wet conditions.
• Available sizes: Women’s XXS-XL, Men’s XS-XL

Price: $179

Buy Now – Men’s

Buy Now – Women’s