[leadin]If you plan to trail run, hike or climb in remote areas, it’s a good idea to carry an ultra light rain jacket in case of an unexpected storm, injury or quick drop in temperature.[/leadin]
The jacket should pack extremely small, weigh next to nothing and, preferably, have a hood. The Patagonia Houdini fits the bill. I tested the jacket on a five-mile run during a steady drizzle. The temperature was 64 degrees at 88 percent humidity.
The Gear: Patagonia Houdini Jacket (available now; $99)
Where To Use It: Rainy trails, windy mountaintops and packed tight in a hiking pack.
Who’s It For: Trail runners and summertime mountain climbers who need an emergency rain jacket and windbreaker.
Specs: Made from ripstop nylon with Patagonia’s proprietary Deluge Durable Water Repellant coating. Jacket weighs in at 4 ounces and packs down to the size of a wallet. Reflective logos on chest and back add to nighttime safety, and the hood adjusts for peripheral vision.
Boring But Important: The jacket is not fully waterproof — in a heavy rain, it will eventually leak. However, this highly-breathable material can be a good compromise for runners and others who will likely get more wet from perspiration than precipitation.
First Impressions: Running my standard route in Denver, but on a very non-standard rainy, high-humidity day, the jacket kept me reasonably dry. After five miles, my polyester t-shirt was damp but not soaked. The jacket fits close and is clearly designed with runners in mind; running with the hood up is no problem.
Our Take: This is one of several good ultralight running jackets on the market. At $99, it is reasonably priced for a high-end piece that is well made and should last for several years.
Who Should Buy It: Trail runners, mountain climbers and anyone who wants a very light, breathable windbreaker with moderate rain protection.
More Beta/Buy Now: Patagonia — Houdini Jacket
—Sean McCoy is a contributing editor. Our “First Look” column highlights new gear arrivals at GearJunkie.com. Photos © Monopoint Media LLC.
