Patagonia's 'incredibly effective' weatherproof jacket is much cheaper at REI right now

It's January. The weather's bad. The sun isn't out that much. What else is there to do apart from sulking at home? Well, if you have the right gear, you can do whatever you want. Enjoy the great outdoors. And if you want to be one of those people who can go outside, whatever the weather, I have a deal for you at REI.

Shop all Patagonia deals at REI

The Patagonia Houdini has built a cult following for a reason: it proves that a jacket doesn’t need bulk, features or fuss to be genuinely useful. At barely-there weight, it feels more like a protective layer of air than a piece of outerwear, yet it delivers exactly what most runners and hikers actually need: reliable wind protection, a touch of weather resistance, and zero excuses not to carry it.

One REI reviewer summed it up perfectly, calling it “incredibly effective despite its seemingly vapor-like lightweight feel,” and that balance defines the Houdini experience.

It isn’t a waterproof jacket in the true sense, but its DWR coating shrugs off drizzle and road spray well enough for short, unpredictable sessions.

Where it really shines is breathability and packability, disappearing into its own pocket until the wind picks up again.

The Houdini runs trim, which many active users prefer, as it traps warmth without flapping in the wind. As the same reviewer noted, the medium delivered a snug, race-ready fit and stayed comfortable over a simple T-shirt in near-freezing conditions.

It’s not a winter shell or a rain jacket replacement. But as a minimalist wind layer for running, hiking and everyday carry, the Houdini remains one of Patagonia’s quiet classics, and a reminder that less really can be more.