Patagonia’s Houdini Stash pullover is a featherweight layer promising convenience and style for unpredictable weather conditions. Known for its eco-conscious ethos, Patagonia has built a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts by prioritising sustainable materials and ethical production practices.
Weighing next to nothing, this lightweight running jacket is designed to throw over your layers when light rain or snow begins to fall. True to its name, it packs away effortlessly, fitting into a running belt or even a leggings pocket. Channelling an unmistakable 80s aesthetic, the Houdini Stash combines form and function. Ultra-runner Lily Canter took it out for a spin, testing its mettle when caught in a surprise downpour.
Pros
- Incredibly light and stowable
- Warm in windy conditions
- Great sustainability credentials
Cons
- Loose fit
- No hood
- Slow drying
| RRP: | £129.99 / $162.78 |
| Women's sizes: | UK XS - XL |
| Men's sizes: | UK S-XL |
| Weight: | 94g/3.3oz women’s, 105g/3.7oz men’s |
Design and features
At first glance, I thought this jacket was a fashion statement gone wrong. I grew up in the 80s and know full well it was an awful fashion era, so I have no desire to be reminded of it. But I guess, at a push, this bin bag on steroids look might be considered 'retro cool' to some people. Fortunately, there is a wispy green colourway, which is less intense.
Despite the divisive look, I was pleasantly surprised by the jacket’s practical features, starting with its top chest pocket. This pocket not only works as a great spot for storing gloves but also doubles as a built-in stuff sack, allowing the jacket to compress down to the size of a tennis ball.
This makes it incredibly easy to pack the 94g jacket into a hydration vest side pocket or even the back pocket of leggings or shorts. Additionally, the pocket includes a key clip, though I found having keys bounce against my chest while running wasn’t ideal. There are also two large side pockets that are roomy enough to fit essentials like a phone or snacks. However, their placement—quite far back—is slightly awkward, and the Velcro closures mean they’re not watertight, limiting their use.
Performance
This is where, once again, this jacket surprised me. It is tagged as windproof, but on closer inspection, it is coated with a durable water-repellent finish to protect against light rain and snow showers. When I was caught in an unexpected heavy downpour one evening, I was amazed at how dry I remained. There was dampness on the inside of the jacket, but it didn’t transfer to my base layer.
The only problem was that it took hours for the jacket to dry. Three hours after being back indoors, the jacket was still wet.
The nylon material was also immensely warm, making this ideal for winter conditions. Despite its lightness, it felt thicker and tougher than similarly lightweight jackets like the Compressport (92g). It still allowed for breathability via three vents created by overlapping slits on the left and right chest, and a slit on the centre back.
However, these were prime spots for water seepage. The half-zip design, which is a little inconvenient, did work effectively when it came to cooling down, and the lightness of the fabric meant that the flapping open zip was less distracting.
Fit and comfort
The fit came up rather loose, and I was disappointed at the length of the jacket in proportion to its width. It is designed to pull over layers but could really do with being that little bit longer. On the plus side, it does have an adjustable hem, so it can be pulled in tight around the hips.
The sleeves were also very loose despite being elasticated underneath, and I really felt this jacket was designed to be thrown over a second jacket.
The lack of a hood meant I had to wear a waterproof cap, but at least I could zip the Houdini all the way up my neck to keep out the wind.
The jacket's ripstop fabric was soft enough on the skin but quite noisy and lacked much flexibility to allow for a range of movement. On the plus side, the featherweight design means it never weighs you down, even when wet.
Sustainability and price
Patagonia has long been at the forefront of sustainability in the outdoor industry, setting a high bar for transparency and ethical manufacturing. Unlike many brands accused of sportswashing, Patagonia is widely recognised for its authenticity in addressing environmental and social issues. The Houdini Stash exemplifies this commitment. It’s made from 100% recycled nylon, reducing reliance on virgin materials and lowering its environmental footprint.
The solid fabric is certified as bluesign approved, meaning it meets stringent safety and environmental standards during production. It is also sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories, ensuring workers have safe conditions and that manufacturing practices protect the environment.
At its full price of £129.99, it is a little on the high side given it is fundamentally just a windproof, but it is currently on sale for £59.99, which is far more reasonable.
Verdict
If you are looking for a warm, light layer with some rain resistance, this is the perfect pull-over solution. While the retro 80s-inspired design may divide opinions, the jacket surprises with practical elements like an adjustable hem, stowaway pocket, and breathable vents. However, the lack of a hood, loose fit, and stunted length limit its versatility.
Sustainably crafted from 100% recycled nylon in Fair Trade Certified factories, the Houdini reflects Patagonia's commitment to ethical production. Though it shines in light, windy conditions, its performance in heavier rain and the slow drying time highlight some trade-offs for its portability and eco-conscious design.
About the Author
Lily Canter is a freelance journalist and running coach (among a myriad of other jobs, including competitive ultra running) who contributes to LFTO with expert coaching advice and granularly detailed gear reviews. She also founded women’s running club Great Bowden Runners. As a qualified England Athletics running coach, Lily loves nothing more than seeing women achieving their running goals.