


Because it weighs next to nothing and packs down to the size of an orange, I really don’t mind carrying it. Ok, so the Alpine Houdini Jacket from Patagonia is a really versatile jacket. Patagonia say: “ Featherweight, emergency storm protection for light-and-fast alpine endeavors, the Alpine Houdini® Jacket disappears when clipped to your harness, then deploys to shed wind and precip when your weather window closes.” Here on the summit of Pigne d’Arolla whilst ski mountaineering in the Valais region of the Swiss Alps. Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket – great lightweight wind and moisture protection, a brilliant hood and super simple too. Maybe an Alpine Houdini Jacket from Patagonia is just what you’re after? You left your waterproof at the bottom to save on weight and bulk but now seek out a miraculous escape from the weather. It started out with sunshine but now the wind is howling and the rain drives horizontally towards the rock. I think it will be my go to jacket for serious trips in the alpine while the Sirocco will be a good backup or used when I am expecting no rain and the possibility of abrasion that might ruin the more expensive Houdini.So, you’re half way up Ben Nevis’s classic HVS, Centurion. The Houdini is definitely the superior jacket, mainly because of its water resistance and that it seems to be more robust. Sarah got hers caught in the velcro on her camera case and ended up with a decent sized tear that had to be sewn back together.īoth jackets would benefit from thumb holes. Though the jacket is heavier (possibly due to two pockets) the fabric seems more fragile compared to the Houdini. It could easily be packed down more though. With double the pocket size of the Houdini, the stuffed Sirocco is about twice the size of the stuffed Houdini. The two hand pockets are big, one can be turned inside out and the jacket stored inside. It is very effective at cutting the wind. The jacket does not seem to stop rain at all – it comes right through. Similar or very slightly longer arms compared to the Houdini. The zipper works well on the Sirocco also and does not rub. The face hole in the hood seems to be slightly smaller to account for this though. The Sirocco also seems to be performance fitting but has no adjustable drawstrings. Stuffed, the jacket is roughly the size of my Garmin Etrex GPS – so not very big.Įddie Bauer First Ascent Sirocco: Reg $49.45 Sale $19.99 When the pocket turns inside out, the jacket can be stored inside. The breast pocket is big enough for a GU and my mini MP3 player but not much more. There is a certain point where saturation is inevitable. It seems to shed light rain well and even heavy rain decently. The arms are long enough but not quite long enough to pull my hands into when its really cold (remember to wear gloves). The zipper come right up to my chin and does not rub uncomfortably. One around the waist, and another in the hood. The Houdini fits well and has two elastic drawstrings. Patagonia Houdini Jacket: Reg $125 Sale: $88 I figured I would give them both a try and see what was better, the expensive and presumably well made jacket or the cheap and presumably poorly made version. I had just ordered a Patagonia Houdini Jacket when I saw the Eddie Bauer version on sale for the exceptionally low price of $19.99. I have been searching for a new lightweight wind jacket to use for running workouts and as extra insurance on ski days where the weather is likely going to be fine but I want a shell layer as well just in case.
