Hi All,

Just about to purchase a Houdini windshirt, after reading all the great reviews here. Checked out the Patagonia website to find a new model for 2012:

Here's the 2012 model (1.2-oz 10-denier 100% nylon ripstop) 4 oz.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-houdini-jacket-windbreaker?p=24140-0-943

And last year's model (1-oz 15-denier 100% nylon ripstop) 4.3 oz.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-mens-houdini-full-zip-jacket?p=24017-1-751

Anyone have any insights into performance differences? FWIW, my highest priority is breathability. No retailers have them here locally to see in person, so I appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

-Herb

Herb, got your Houdini PM on the road to northern NM, so I'll answer on my phone. .I have both and the hood on the 2012 version is simple while the 2010 is a bit more substantial and zips into its own collar. A little weight savings, but also simplicity vs potentially playing with the zip (one more thing). Bought the 12 version more for the light grey color myself.

Thanks, HK! Apparently the previous version that's available as a closeout didn't have the hood which zipped into the collar (so maybe they redesigned that for 2011), and has two side drawstrings for the hood adjustments, vs. the single adjustment of the new one. Are you just as happy with the new model, and do you feel as though the breathability of the new material is comparable to your previous model?

Breathability seems the same. I just liked the lighter color for sunny but wind-chilled days. Otherwise I would have stayed with the older version.

I broke down and bought the 2012 version yesterday. While the 2011 version is being heavily discounted, the 2012 isn't budging.

I too was influenced by all the positive/rave reviews I had been reading here & elsewhere. Just goes to show a middle-aged dog can still learn new tricks.

Get the most affordable version of the Houdini you can find, you will not notice any "performance" gains in paying more for the 2012 over the previous generation.

Thanks a lot, guys. I ordered from REI today. I went with what I've been referring to as the 2011 model (the one currently being discounted), but it may in fact be the Spring 2012 version. I believe the newer one is the Fall 2012 version. At any rate, the discounted model is made from 15-denier nylon, so that's the model reviewed by Dave in his recent SOTM report on Windshirts. I appreciate the feedback and help.