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I think it will be my go to jacket for serious trips in the alpine while the Sirocco will be a good backup or used when I am expecting no rain and the possibility of abrasion that might ruin the more expensive Houdini. The Houdini is definitely the superior jacket, mainly because of its water resistance and that it seems to be more robust. Sarah got hers caught in the velcro on her camera case and ended up with a decent sized tear that had to be sewn back together.īoth jackets would benefit from thumb holes. Though the jacket is heavier (possibly due to two pockets) the fabric seems more fragile compared to the Houdini. It could easily be packed down more though. With double the pocket size of the Houdini, the stuffed Sirocco is about twice the size of the stuffed Houdini. The two hand pockets are big, one can be turned inside out and the jacket stored inside. It is very effective at cutting the wind. The jacket does not seem to stop rain at all – it comes right through. Similar or very slightly longer arms compared to the Houdini. The zipper works well on the Sirocco also and does not rub. The face hole in the hood seems to be slightly smaller to account for this though. The Sirocco also seems to be performance fitting but has no adjustable drawstrings. Stuffed, the jacket is roughly the size of my Garmin Etrex GPS – so not very big.Įddie Bauer First Ascent Sirocco: Reg $49.45 Sale $19.99 When the pocket turns inside out, the jacket can be stored inside. The breast pocket is big enough for a GU and my mini MP3 player but not much more. There is a certain point where saturation is inevitable. It seems to shed light rain well and even heavy rain decently. The arms are long enough but not quite long enough to pull my hands into when its really cold (remember to wear gloves). The zipper come right up to my chin and does not rub uncomfortably. One around the waist, and another in the hood. The Houdini fits well and has two elastic drawstrings. Patagonia Houdini Jacket: Reg $125 Sale: $88 I figured I would give them both a try and see what was better, the expensive and presumably well made jacket or the cheap and presumably poorly made version. I had just ordered a Patagonia Houdini Jacket when I saw the Eddie Bauer version on sale for the exceptionally low price of $19.99. With all the varieties of colors and different styles, there is surely one that fits your needs.I have been searching for a new lightweight wind jacket to use for running workouts and as extra insurance on ski days where the weather is likely going to be fine but I want a shell layer as well just in case. And, it doesn’t really count for this review, but Patagonia offers a more robust, actually waterproof Alpine Houdini in both hooded jacket and pants.
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You can also get a Houdini vest or pants. Patagonia offers both men’s and women’s versions in a hooded jacket and pullover. The sleeves have a nice bit of elastic that keeps them in place or allows you to slide them up on your forearms, for that 80’s look. The fit is spot on, not too tight, nor too loose. I have cut it on rocks but took some tenacious tape to it and it has not given me any other problems. It is made a very thin but resilient material (15 D nylon ripstop). The result is an almost magical answer to my prayers for a lightweight.
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The Alpine Houdini is basically the same as the original Houdini jacket, but with the added benefit of a waterproof/breathable membrane, and seam taping added to the interior of the nylon shell. It is lightweight (4 oz) enough to carry with you on any trip. The Patagonia Alpine Houdini is a thoughtful revamp of the legendary original. You can stuff the jacket into this chest pocket and store it on the outside of your pack or harness.
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