Patagonia Houdini $$$?

You might try eBay–I got mine there for $85 a couple of years ago. And it was worth every dollar–it's light, super breathable, tough, and windproof.

I like my houdini a lot. Not long ago patagonia was selling them at a reduced price on their website, might have been in the web specials section. Anyway, it certainly pays to shop around.

It's hard to say whether it's "worth the money"… but I bought one for myself. I use the Houdini for both backpacking and traveling use. In those "between" times where it is cool enough to want to add a layer — but not truly that cold — a less breathable shell means a lot more zipping up and down and putting on and taking off. Being very breathable, the Houdini serves to reduce this annoyance.

But there is a negative too. Breathability is not an "absolute good" where more is always better. Sure the Houdini will block a lot of wind — but when you are at rest at the end of your trail (summit, etc.) and the cold winds are blowing — the highly-breathable Houdini will also feel noticeably cooler than some less-breathable wind jackets.

Food for thought.

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I know there are Montane fans here but I tried both the Montane and the Houdini shoulder to shoulder in cool, cold, wet and dry, and I found the Houdini (mine is a few year sold) vastly superior. It repelled water better, it was more breathable, more comfortable, etc. My wife and I almost always carry ours except in winter when we wear Patagonia Ready Mix soft shells (about 16 oz each). This is one of the pieces of gear my wife fell in love with. I'm not jealous. I love mine too.

"Edit: forgot to mention – change the shipping to Royal Airmail or the shipping will be extremely high."

Wish I'd known that two weeks ago! I bought some Paramo stuff from them. Didn't realize they were shipping it global express! Oh well, got it in 3 days.

I have a Houdini and a Montbel UL Wind Shirt, so that's my only basis for comparison. The Montbel cost less, but for me the Houdini was worth the extra $. For one thing having a hood is very nice, the Montbel doesn't have one. But also the fit and DWR seem better on the Houdini and the Houdini packs nicely into it's own pocket whereas the Montbel comes with a separate stuff sack. I use the Montbel around town and for dayhikes which lets me save the Houdini exclusively for overnight trips which should extend its useful life considerably. Hope that helps.

Gordon

I got my Houdini here on the BPL gear swap…paid only $50 for it, so it was a scream'n deal. I like that it has a full length zipper and a hood. Especially the hood. My Golite wisp is a pullover and sans hood, so I find I use it mostly in the summer. During the Spring & Fall shoulder seasons when the temps can get down there, having a hood to pull over a balaclava can really make a difference in warmth.

Thanks for all the helpful responses. Unfortunately I am suffering from the all too common paralysis by analysis. Sometimes internet shopping is a bit of a drag. Would be nice to try each one on. Think I will sleep on it for tonight. Thanks again.

Jeff

Mine's five years old, and I use it all the time. Great piece of gear.

I'm always willing to pay a bit more for Patagonia. I find the fit works for me, the quality and DWR are unequalled, and the customer service is really top notch. The zip on my Houdini went out back in '07, and not only did they fix it for free, but at my request they put in a beefier zipper, which has been problem free to this day.

If its from mec and gets trashed get your $128 back and buy another…