This becomes a nice feature when climbing outdoors, so one can keep an eye on their feet. The cuffs also have a simple elastic band with two retainer snaps to tighten the cuff when desired. The Alpine Houdini Pant is a barebones piece of emergency weather storm gear, with very little when it comes to the 'bells and whistles.' A simple elastic waistband with a drawcord works to keep weight to a minimum. Testing the windproofness and breathability on a windy day at Catoctin Mountain National Park. Some people may find themselves annoyed by this, but it is certainly on par with all other rain/storm pants I’ve used in the past. I was also initially concerned with the friction noise when walking in these pants, but the noise quickly fell into the background once they were worn after a short period. I would personally like to see this function in a storm pant, however I didn’t find this to be a deal breaker. Being a lightweight emergency weather pant, there is no zipper at the cuff in order to minimize weight. The cuffs of the pant do an excellent job creating a seal with a boot, similarly to a gaiter. The pants never seemed to be uncomfortable against the skin, whereas some rain gear can feel clingy or waxy. This was initially a concern noting that the inseam has no gusset. I found the pants to fit without restriction when over a pair of hiking pants and a thermal base layer. They are loose enough that there isn’t any restriction during movement like scrambling, climbing, etc. Men’s size Medium fit perfectly for a 5'10' 160 lb. These pants have a neutral fit, neither tight nor relaxed. The drawcord with elasticized waistband performs its job, as designed.Įlasticized cuff with snaps are easy to use. The side pocket keeps water out with its waterproof YKK zipper. The adjustment snaps do a great job tightening around a boot and help to prevent any water intrusion. Similarly, the same went for the cuffs of the pants-easy to use, flawless function. The elastic and drawcord at the waist performed their jobs, simply-as designed. I was initially skeptical of the zipper’s durability because of this stress, but this ultimately has proven to not be a concern. The right thigh pocket does not allow water in during use, and reverses into a storage compartment with ease. Nalgene bottle for size reference.Īll of the features in the Alpine Houdini Pant function as intended. Pants stowed in the side pocket, alongside a 32oz. The right thigh pocket is large enough to store keys, a small wallet, or other small items. Waterproof zipper on right thigh that also can be used as a stuff sack, included with lanyard loopĬomfortable, stylish, and highly reflective.

Tapered cuff with a two-position snap adjustment.Both main body and reinforcement areas have a waterproof/windproof/breathable membrane, treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.Fabric: 30 denier, 2.5 layer 100% nylon ripstop material that is Bluesign approved material.The Houdini line has been a monumental success over the past several years, and after reviewing the Alpine Houdini Pants, it is easy to understand why. No small feat, this is difficult to accomplish with a product that weighs in at under 5.5 ounces and costs under 130 bucks. They are constructed to be waterproof, windproof, breathable, and durable. One of the newest additions to Patagonia’s product line are the Alpine Houdini Pants, joining the Houdini range of pants, vests, jackets, and pullover jackets. It feels to me like they have always been there for the outdoor enthusiast. Patagonia regularly breaks barriers when it comes to function and innovation in the world of outdoor apparel.

Patagonia houdini waterproof