A lightweight rain jacket keeps your upper body from getting soaked so you can run comfortably, no matter what’s in the forecast. But with the right gear, running in the rain isn’t just possible, it’s a lot of fun. A good training schedule requires consistency, and that means heading out for a run even in wet weather (or resigning yourself to the treadmill). It’s an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles.For many runners, rain jackets aren’t an optional accessory-they’re an essential piece of running gear. It comes in three men’s colors (Black, Blue, and Grey) and two women’s colors (Dark Blue and Tate).Ĭory Smith, a former NCAA D1 runner, is the founder of Run Your Personal Best. The Patagonia Houdini Air hits stores on January 3, 2019, and will retail for $169. While I’m not ready to part with my first Houdini just yet, there’s a good chance it could end up in Patagonia’s Worn Wear or REI’s used gear program in the near future. Since getting the Patagonia Houdini Air, my trusty go-everywhere original Houdini hasn’t left the closet. But Patagonia does have a good guarantee program, so the brand will fix any damaged item. Its softer, more air-permeable fabric feels less durable than that of the original Houdini. Specifically, I worry about high-friction activities such as climbing. My one concern with the Houdini Air is durability compared to the original. And there’s still a single point rear adjustable hood attached to a more tailored and larger hood. But it doesn’t pack down as small as the original Houdini. The Houdini Air still offers a single chest pocket (albeit larger), which doubles as a stuff sack with carabiner loop. Patagonia Houdini Air: Stuff It!Ī few features do remain the same as the original. The waistline never lifted up, even with full overhead arm movement.Īnd the polyester fabric is much softer and more accommodating against the skin than the rather crinkly fabric on the original Houdini, yet it’s just as water-repellant. This completely eliminates mobility restrictions I experienced with its counterpart, the Houdini. The fit has been updated with a gusseted design and slight stretch to the fabric, giving the Houdini Air a much more refined and comfortable fit. And again, for someone who heats up rather quickly, it was much better than the original Houdini. While I never got to really compare the Houdini Air’s protection in environments with high wind exposure, I did get a few outings in the Sierras to test breathability. These barely noticeable ribs allow the jacket to sit slightly off the skin or layer, helping circulate body heat and allowing for better internal airflow. To further enhance the jacket’s breathability, the interior is lined with raised micro-ribs. In a simple side-by-side air permeability test where I blew air directly on the jacket, I could clearly tell the Houdini Air allowed better airflow than the Houdini. The lower the CFM, the less breathable the fabric. Weighing just under 5 ounces, the Houdini Air carries an air permeability rating of 20 CFM, compared to roughly 10 CFM for the Houdini and between 50 and 60 CFM for the Airshed. And the all-new Houdini Air falls somewhere in the middle. The Patagonia Airshed sits on the breathability side, offering the best breathability while sacrificing wind protection. On a wind protection versus breathability continuum, the original Houdini sits on the wind protection end at the expense of breathability. Instead, it fills a gap in the ultra-lightweight jacket lineup. The trail running line includes 4- and 8-liter hydration packs, the Short Sleeve Aircasher tee, and the Strider Pro shorts.Īnd don’t worry, diehard Houdini fans. The new Houdini Air is part of Patagonia’s all-new Long Haul Trail Running Kit, releasing in spring 2019. Patagonia Houdini Air Review: Trail Running Focus ![]() Still, despite these drawbacks, it’s been hard to find better ounce-for-ounce protection from wind and light rain than the Houdini.Īt least, until I got to test the all-new Houdini Air. I also find mobility to be somewhat restricted by the jacket. For starters, it shelters from windy gusts well but doesn’t quite breathe enough during higher-effort bouts of exercise, causing me to overheat. However, as much as I love the Houdini, there are few downsides. If you ever find me in the mountains, odds are you’ll find the Patagonia Houdini stuffed in my pack or clipped to my harness. I reviewed this trail running model that hits the market in 2019. Patagonia’s ultra-lightweight jacket, the Houdini, receives a more breathable, softer, and better-fitting sibling.
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