I’ve had a Patagonia Houdini coat in one form or another for years now. I finally got a new one this year and it is just as great as ever. The houdini is an ultralight, super compact wind breaker. I basically never leave for an adventure without it.
The houdini fits in its front pocket to about the size of your palm. Meaning there is never a reason to leave it behind. Seriously, this is something you get stoked to see when the temp drops unexpectedly on a long ride.
Are you about to hit a long descent? Well throw it on, are you in the mountains in the winter about to do a really long climb, put this on and don’t overheat.
It has a decent sized hood, but the cut is for light layers underneath. In this pic I do have a vest underneath, but that is the limit if you buy the right size. Also it foregoes hand pockets to save space, so keep that in mind if you need those. But that also makes it fit under a belt easier, and keeps the material closer when hunched over on the bike.
I get about 5 years out of this coat before I’ve destroyed it, so at around $100 I’d say it is a pretty great deal.
Patagonia says: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-houdini-windbreaker-jacket/24142.html
The 100% recycled nylon, take-it-anywhere jacket with weather-resistant protection for high-output endeavors. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.