The most versatile Patagonia jacket I own is 41% off — and I’m seriously tempted to buy another

Patagonia Houdini Jacket — (Image credit: Patagonia)

With the chillier, wet season approaching, now’s a good time to check the state of your outerwear and make the necessary upgrades as needed.

Maybe your fall jacket needs to be re-waterproofed — here's how to do it in four easy steps — but if you’re in the market for something new, I’ve got some thoughts: My all-time favorite lightweight and packable weather-resistant Patagonia Houdini Jacket is on sale for up to 51% off right now.

This deal is through Patagonia directly and drops the price to just $64, down from $109. If the sizing isn’t ideal, Patagonia also has the Houdini in other styles, with all sizes remaining, for 41% off. Likewise, REI has a selection of Houdini Jackets marked down 30%.

FYI: Last week, the Patagonia Houdini Jacket in teal blue dropped to just $53 when I first spotted the deal. That color has since sold out, but if you’re quick, the Wild Botanist: Wetland Blue version is still available in all sizes for $64.

So, what’s so special about this mystical-sounding garment (of which I own two)? For starters, it truly lives up to its mind-bending name. When packed down, the Houdini is small enough to fit in your back pocket — it also weighs just 3.7 ounces — yet warm to keep you comfy in temperatures down to the low 50s and weather resistant enough to keep you dry during mild showers.

Mine comes with me everywhere I travel, whether there’s a threat of rain/coldness or not. Treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, the Houdini is fairly proficient at repelling moisture, though I recommend treating it with Nikwax wash-in waterproofer right off the bat for good measure.

A zippered chest pocket doubles as the jacket’s stuff sack, while an adjustable hood allows you to really ‘batten down the hatches,’ when needed. The ripstop nylon material is impressively durable against abrasions and holes, and easy enough to repair if you do happen to encounter some wear, either via Patagonia for free or on your own using Gear Aid Teanious Repair Tape.

An elastic cuff and a drawstring adjustable hem help keep the cold and wind out, while a reflective logo on the chest adds some visibility in the dark.

Though the Patagonia Houdini is no substitute for a proper rain jacket, like the $99 REI Rainier Jacket, it’s among the most versatile pieces of outerwear in my massive, massive closet of jackets.

Moreover, it doesn’t go on sale all that often, so snag one ASAP if you feel so inclined, as I could see these deals disappearing quicker than Houdini from a straitjacket.

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Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

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