I currently have a North Face Windblocker fleece jacket that I like very much but it weights close to 2 pounds and I need a lighter alternative!
Since I use this piece to block the wind while hiking I would like to replace it with a Windshirt and I really want a Houdini Windshirt after reading all the reviews but have given up after months and months of searching and it constantly being "unavailable".

What would be some good alternatives to the Houdini? A lightly insulated jacket would be fine, I have been looking at the Marmot DriClime Windshirt - anyone have experience with this jacket?

i don't know what size you wear, but...

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-mens-houdini-jacket-special?p=19040-1-984

I don't have experience with the driclime, but you are on the right track here. one of the great things about fleece is breathability. so having a light fleece with a separate windshirt is preferable and much more versatile than a windblocker fleece.

good luck with your search-

look at some of the montane stuff...pertex breathes great, it runs small though so size up. made in france.

my fav is the litespeed

http://www.montane.co.uk/products/men/windproof

since you asked about the marmot driclime...i think its a good bang for the buck and you can find those on sale a bunch...doesnt breath as well as pertex though.

Edited by rbeard on 10/13/2010 14:02:32 MDT.

Not my size so no luck there. I was also looking at the Marmot Ion which is the uninsulated version but it appears they have discontinued that windshirt.

I will take a look at the Montane, hopefully they are available in the States as it looks like that might be the only windshirt besides the Houdini - strange as I thought windshirts were very popular?

they are very popular for runners and cyclists ... thin windshells benefits high exertion activities the most ...

for normal backpacking ... not so much as yr moving more slowly anyways ... as well as durability (perceived or real) issues, and the fact yr likely carrying a rain/soft/fleece shell anyways alot of the time

there are TONS of windshirts or windbreakers in north america .... you just wont hear about them much on BPL ... other than houdini, houdini, houdini .. lol

check the sports clothes section of yr local target/walmart/rei

Edited by bearbreeder on 10/13/2010 15:36:21 MDT.

The Windblocker Fleece is an insulation layer where the Marmot windshirts are UL shells.

Sure a windshirt can keep you warm in coolish weather (40s?), but not near as well as a fleece jacket. A better alternative to a heavy weight fleece is a LW down jacket (ie Patagonia Down Sweater).

I believe the trail wind jacket is the heir to the ion in the marmot family.

but I was also thinking that a windproof fleece probably won't be replaced by a windshirt in cold temps... arc'tyrex atom LT is warm, light, fairly wind resistant,and soft.

Speaking of runners/cyclists... I saw the Brooks L.S.D Jacket at my local REI a few nights ago. It's similar to the Marmot Ion and Houdini in fabric weight and it has a hood which many similar jackets forgo. Not as uber-light as the Houdini but comparable if on a budget in my opinion. Manufacture's weight suggests 4.3oz. Plus the super bright 'hi-vis' yellow color could be helpful in a rescue scenario so it gets points for multiple use! It also comes in a more subdued bright green.

Brooks L.S.D. Lite - Website

Brooks L.S.D. Lite Jacket - REI

for high exertion activities ... i consider runner/cycling jacket superior than the normally recommended winshells

they are designed to deal with constant sweat and constants wind (cycling), and are form hugging enough to wear under a rain or insulating jacket

the downside is that there is more loss of heat around the armpits due to vents (a good thing IMO) and they come in funkay colors (a good thing IMO if you make a boo booo)

you can always find them on sale for cheap at end of season or sample sales

if you're a sweating pig like me ... they rock ... lol

Edited by bearbreeder on 10/13/2010 16:12:25 MDT.

Look at light insulated tops like the Patagonia Nano Puff and the MontBell Thermawrap. You get the wind-cutting power of the shell and a layer of insulation comparable to the fleece. You can sleep in them to extend the range of your sleeping bag, and they are far easier to pack-- the compress to nothing.

If you want something a little warmer, the Mountain Hardwear Compressor jackets are about 16oz (in XL).

The Marmot DriClime is a great jacket, but I haven't found a way to blend it into a really UL clothing set. The Patagonia Alpine Windshirt is similar-- a super light shell with a wicking lining and about 11oz. The Patagonia model has a drawstring at the hem and zippered hand pockets for the same weight as the Marmot. These jackets work perfectly as a windshirt and give you the equivalent insulation of a wicking base layer-- thin stuff. You're stuck with the extra weight of the lining, where a classic windshirt is just a bare shell and you can dial in the insulation layer you want. Like softshells, I think they are great for day hikes or short trips. If you are planning a longer trip through varying climate zones or seasons, there may be more versatile combinations. That said, I wear one around town all the time.

I would couple a plain windshirt with something like Power Stretch or Patagonia R1 fleece to get an insulated/windproof combo approaching your fleece example. I've contemplated that combination with an insulated vest for a light, warm, and versatile insulation set.

Edited by dwambaugh on 10/13/2010 21:45:13 MDT.

I'm hoping to pick one of the Nao Puffs up for my PCT thru attempt this Spring. I've been doing as much research as I can, and it looks awesome. I agree with Dale, it can cut wind, insulate, and you can layer even...me likey :)

Dug
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