It’s easy for gear from this well-known brand to move to the top of anyone’s favorites list because, well, they just make good-quality stuff. There’s a reason it’s popular: it looks good, fits well, and gets the job done. Patagonia knows what they’re doing and they do it well. It’s easy to scoff at the higher prices because paying almost $50 for a shirt or $60 for shorts seems steep, but let me tell you why it’s worth it.
First, I admire and respect Patagonia for their activism, environmental responsibility, and repair/reuse/recycle philosophy. You can read more about those important values here. But at the end of the day, they still make great gear for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it’s the latest innovative technology for a new jacket or continuing to churn out everyone’s favorite light-weight fleece, their product line runs the gamut of quality garments and gear and has something for everyone.
Run Oregon was lucky to test out a few pieces this summer, and, as I mentioned, they have quickly landed as top choices in my adventure wardrobe lineup.
This jacket falls into the “ultralight” category – it’s not a hardshell or even softshell rain jacket and is lighter than most running jackets on the racks at your favorite local shop. Weighing in at just 3.6 ounces, this is a “blocks the wind”, “UV protection”, “need-a-jacket-for-gear-requirements”, grab-and-go in the spring and fall, everyone-needs-one-in-their-closet type jacket. Ultralights are the best for all seasons and I’m super pleased with the Houdini Air. It also folds up nicely into itself via the chest pocket (and has a loop inside for clipping onto) so it’s easy to throw in a running pack, shopping bag, pannier, car floor; wherever your gear ends up!
My previous jacket that I’ve been enjoying for the past few years has two drawbacks: 1) it looks like a shiny garbage bag and 2) if there’s any moisture buildup inside, it sticks to you like a second skin. Patagonia has combatted both of those issues to bring a “normal”-looking jacket in lovely colors (I’m rocking the Tasmanian Teal) with an interestingly textured material inside to help with breathability. The back is just ever-so-slightly ribbed to allow for increased airflow over the skin to avoid the clammy, sticky feeling. It is made from 90% nylon and 10% polyester with a durable water repellent (DWR), is Fair Trade Certified™sewn, and has nice cuffs that allowed me to put on and remove the jacket over my ridiculously oversized running watch, which was a huge bonus! So few other jackets give that allowance.
It’s been rainy in Portland for the last week or so and I’ve worn (or packed) this jacket everywhere I’ve gone. The jacket did a great job of keeping me dry underneath and having the hood was a nice plus. As other reviews mention, the hood is big! Not obnoxiously so, and it’s nice to be able to fit it over a hat without losing comfort in the shoulders/neck, but it could be a little floppy while running and needed to be adjusted with the elastic in the back.
The fit of this jacket is great as well. The torso is long enough to keep you covered and prevent drafts from below (even with arms up!) but doesn’t feel like a tent. It also has a small amount of stretch so movement isn’t restricted from any direction. I find that I am in between sizes and almost wish I had sized down in this jacket. If you can, try on your size +- one size to see what feels best without compromising the ability to layer.
Overall, Patagonia has done a great job with this ultralight and I’m excited to get in some good adventures with it this fall and early winter.
These shorts are the “every wo/man” short. Super comfortable. Lightweight. Look great. No fuss. I love them.
They have all the essentials: split leg for airflow, durable water repellent (DWR) finish for quick drying, a zippered pocket in the back and 4 envelope pockets (for me, that means gel holder / trash pocket), hidden drawcord, and a light and minimal elastic waistband. You put them on and they stay put. So you can just run. That’s the best kind of running gear.
These shorts have some other interesting features as well, though. They are made from 100% recycled polyester and are Fair Trade Certified™sewn, and they also have HeiQ® Fresh durable odor control so you can avoid that “running gear” funky smell.
The women’s version is a 3” inseam and the men’s is 5” so if you prefer more coverage, these are on the shorter side. Typically I prefer a long inseam just for chafing purposes, but I haven’t had an issue with these and the black with the side split actually looks pretty darn good, so I’m rocking them.
