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Did Patagonia Accidentally Create the Ultimate Stashable Outdoor Layer?

Though engineered for a specific alpine activity, this anorak could be a godsend for more casual adventurers.

Gray Black Diamond chalk bag attached to a purple Patagonia climbing harness against a blue background.Patagonia
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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There’s nothing like the a-ha moment of realizing a product designed for one activity is, in fact, fantastic for a different pursuit.

For example, many ice climbers swear by Japanese fishing gloves, and I personally never go for a motorcycle ride without padded bike shorts under my jeans.

Side-by-side front view of a man wearing an olive green Patagonia hooded jacket with orange zipper and orange pants, and a woman wearing an orange Patagonia hooded jacket with a chest zipper and olive green pants.
The Patagonia Houdini Rock Jacket comes in a range of sizes and colors for both men and women.
Patagonia

Which brings me to Patagonia’s latest release, a fresh take on a beloved jacket that’s specifically focused on multipitch rock climbing.

Because I dare say the new Houdini Rock Jacket is exactly what I’d want to throw in a sling pack for my next hike.

Livin’ on a layer

As you can guess from the name, this new garment is a spinoff of Patagonia’s popular Houdini Jacket, which is prized for its light weight and there-if-you-need-it packability.

The moniker itself is a bit of a misnomer, as what we actually have here is an anorak, which unzips down to the middle of the torso rather than all the way open.

Silver carabiner clipped to a black belt loop on orange pants, holding a small olive green pouch with an orange zipper.
The anorak packs down to the size of a medium calzone till you need it; attaching to a giant carabiner is optional.
Patagonia

This proud member of the six-piece Free Wall Kit is also a bit “heavier” than the OG, coming in at 4.59 ounces versus 3.7, with the tradeoff being a fuller feature set.

That’s inevitable thanks to its focus on purpose-built capability, which manifests in some qualities uniquely suited to climbers, plus others that are great for pretty much anyone who wanders into the woods.

Close-up of a person adjusting the orange drawcord hem of an orange jacket while wearing a black climbing harness and olive pants.
The adjustable cuffs and hem let you seal in heat when Mother Nature brings wind, rain or generally chill vibes.
Patagonia

The appeal begins with Houdini 100% recycled nylon ripstop fabric, featuring a DWR finish (made without intentionally added PFAS) for streamlined wind and weather protection.

The garment boasts drawcord adjustments at the hem and elastic cuffs for sealing in heat, while, conversely, the aforementioned deep center-front zip lets you dump heat quickly. 

Profile of a person wearing a bright orange hooded jacket with a zippered collar and a gray inner lining around the face.
The adjustable hood is designed to fit over a helmet, which also makes this garment a smart stash for long bike rides.
Patagonia

The anorak also features a vertical zip left-chest pocket for stashing small essentials; this doubles as a stuff-sack for the jacket itself, complete with a clip-in loop for attaching to a pack or belt. 

One pretty climbing-specific feature is a helmet-compatible hood, but it’s also two-way adjustable, which benefits anyone seeking to shield out wind or rain. 

Olive-green lightweight hooded jacket with a textured fabric worn by a person raising their arms.
While the fabric itself is not stretchy, a bit of extra shoulder space enables you to raise your arms comfortably.
Patagonia

Along similar lines, the slim-fitting silhouette stays put under a harness, while extra space in the shoulders enables overhead mobility.

These traits also appeal to casual adventurers; the first should keep it in place with a backpack, while the second lets you raise the roof should your hike happen to end at a music festival.

Availability and pricing

The Patagonia Houdini Rock Jacket is available now in three colors and six sizes for both men and women for $199.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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