Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket $139.99

Used by: Wilderness Subscriber Karen Vaughan

Used for: Three years

The Houdini wind jacket is designed to repel wind while remaining breathable when you’re working hard. Its tiny pack size and versatility means it has been on all of my trips, stashed in a daypack, cycle bag, tramping pack, or shorts pocket. 

It’s simple but perfectly formed with a full-length zip, chest pocket, drawcord hem, and adjustable hood. It weighs just 100g and stuffs easily into its pocket to be the size of a small avocado. 

For something so gossamer-thin (it’s almost transparent), it really is windproof as well as breathable. It also wards off drizzle. I keep it handy on subalpine mountain trips so I can pop it on quickly when in exposed territory. Many wind jackets don’t have a hood but I’ve appreciated having one to beef up the warmth of a beanie or to deal with gale-force winds on Wellington walks. 

It feels more shirt than jacket, and is pleasing to the touch – almost like crepe paper. The microgrid pattern in the nylon suggests it’s tough but dragging against jagged rocks is probably best avoided. I stow the hood by rolling it up and slipping the hanging loop over the hood toggle.

Verdict: a featherlight go-to garment for windy conditions, or just-in-case.