MILLET Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket Review: Ultra-lightweight rainwear has finally evolved into a world-class "monster-class" style in terms of lightness and strength, and can no longer let go, regardless of the weather.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
It is no exaggeration to say that it is dominating Japan's outdoor industry right now, Typhon Phantom a newly released rain jacket from MILLET (2 models to be precise).
Above all, everyone must have been shocked by its specs, which packed extraordinary protection performance and comfort into top-class lightness.
TYPHON 50000 ST JKT , which was positioned as the base model for this jacket , appeared, I wrote in a review that "I can hear footsteps of the end of "rain gear." I'm such a blue-eyed person from the past, so I'd like to dig a hole and fill it up, but I still continue to evolve with great energy today, even as rain gear, or something more than rain gear.
Since March, shortly after its release, I have been using it for low mountain hiking, trail running, and backcountry skiing so far, so what were the outstanding specs actually? I would like to review it.
table of contents
- Main features of MILLET Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket
- Detailed review (worn for mountain climbing, trail running, and backcountry skiing)
- Comfort and ease of movement: It's so light and comfortable to wear that it's a waste to just wear it on a rainy day
- Weather resistance and breathability: Monster-grade specifications are untrue. Reliable robustness and comfort even in rainy weather
- Functionality: A lightweight, compact jacket with minimal functionality that is essential
- Summary: Monster-sized high performance, both as rain gear and windshell. The most "useful" ultra-light outerwear for hikers and runners who prioritize lightness
Main features of MILLET Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket
The MILLET Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket is an ultra-lightweight waterproof and breathable jacket made from the unique three-layer fabric "Typhon Phantom®", which combines water resistance that is significantly better than previous protection performance, and excellent breathability, resulting in an incredible lightness by eliminating waste as much as possible. Despite being light at 132 grams (size M), the thin, lightweight fabric is durable enough to fit 3 layers, providing protection that can withstand harsh fields and a light feel that will make you forget you're wearing it. It has undoubtedly features the functions required of runners and speed hikers who want to be as light as possible and speedy as possible, including a balaclava-style hood that fits the shape of the head, sleeves and hem that enhances sealing, and a packable chest zip pocket that can be stored inside out. The lineup also includes Tiffon Phantom Trek Jacket , which has features that are more suitable for trekking as a sister model
Favorite points
- Exceptionally highly waterproof and moisture permeable
- Surprisingly thin, lightweight and compact
- The slimness and the goodness of the sophisticated silhouette
- The skillful three-dimensional cutting and subtle stretchability make it comfortable to wear when you are not obstructing movement
- A hood with a good fit
- Packable specification
Interesting points
- Rainwater is prone to penetration through hoods without brims or loose cuffs (it is recommended to use in conjunction with a cap when it rains)
- With a concept that prioritizes lightness, each part only has the minimum necessary functions suitable for lightweight, high-tempo activities.
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | MILLET Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket |
|---|---|
| weight | 121g *S (JPM) Actual measurement of size |
| color | SMOKED PEARL / ICON BLUE |
| size | XXS / XS / S / M / L / XL |
| Ladies model | Unisex |
| material | Typhon Phantom® 3L 100% Nylon (water pressure resistant 50,000mm, breathability 60,000g/m2/24h) |
| |
| Other features |
|
| Reference price (as of April 2025) | ¥42,900 (tax included) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Weatherproof (waterproof and windproof) | ★★★★★ |
| Breathability and less likely to get stuffy | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★☆☆ |
Detailed review (worn for mountain climbing, trail running, and backcountry skiing)
Comfort and ease of movement: It's so light and comfortable to wear that it's a waste to just wear it on a rainy day
The Tiffon Phantom Fast Jacket features a 7 x 12 denier plain weave outer material and a 7 denier round knit lining, and a 100% nylon nylon fabric with a waterproof and breathable membrane sandwiched between them.
When it comes to rainwear, the standard thickness of fabric is dozens of denier, so you can see that both the front and back of this jacket are extremely thin. The official announcement of the weight is 132g M size. Also, when I actually measured the S size (JPM size) I had on hand, it was 121g. Either way, it's certainly light enough to forget you're wearing it.
However, the texture of the fabric is still more sturdy than I expected, and as it is a three-layer fabric, it is not too durable. Moreover, it is slightly stretchy, so normally it tends to be as thick as three layers and stiff, but there are none at all. I felt it was supple, smooth and refreshing to wear.
Wearing size 176cm, 64kg, S. Please be aware that it is slightly wrinkled after just unpacking
When you put the sleeves in, despite the overall tight silhouette, it is very natural and comfortable to wear without any sense of tightness. I'm 176cm, 64kg, and slim, and I'm a size S, and I was just right for the right fit. For people with thicker figures or those planning on wearing a lot of clothes underneath, size M would be better, but since I'm a bit heated, I think the S size was just right for lighter clothes.
The fine knit lining is smooth to the touch, and is supple and stretchy, making it extremely comfortable to wear. The three-dimensional cutting including the raglan sleeves around the shoulders, and the faint stretch mentioned above, make the arms bend and stretched and shoulders very smoothly (photo below). We found that there was very little discomfort when the clothes were tense and the hems were raised. Furthermore, the length of the buttocks is longer, preventing the hem from slipping too much due to movement of the upper body.
Weather resistance and breathability: Monster-grade specifications are untrue. Reliable robustness and comfort even in rainy weather
One of the most concerns about rainwear for mountains is the waterproof and breathable performance, but as you know, this jacket is surprisingly water resistance of 50,000mm and breathability of 60,000g/m2/24h, both of which have achieved a higher value than you've ever seen before.
The waterproofness around the fabric is fine, but the hood, sleeves and hem are minimal protection.
First of all, in terms of water resistance, the conventional range was around 10,000 to 30,000 mm for standard rainwear. That's why I couldn't help but doubt this "50,000" figure for a moment. I've seen the highest water resistance I've ever known, but I've seen the old GORE-TEX 40,000 models, but now most models are around 20,000. To be honest, I can't imagine what kind of world it is, "water pressure resistance of 50,000mm." I thought it would be hard to understand if I hadn't actually worn it and experienced it, so I decided to try walking for a few hours in Tanzawa, where it was actually raining heavily.
With the heavy rains continuing, I wore it for about an hour and walked around, and it covered not only the fabric but also the seam taping seams, the front flap-equipped water stoppers, not only the fabric but also the parts that are prone to flooding, and I can see that it is certainly excellent waterproof. Furthermore, the water repellency due to the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment did not seem extremely low after wearing it for a few hours, and even after being hit by several hours of rain, the polka dots still remained on the outer material (photo below). When I tested the shower after returning to the lab, no water was found to be flooded through the fabric or seams, and there was no disappointing water repellency compared to other models in the past.
The left side is immediately after wearing, and the right side is water-repellent after about two hours after wearing. Although water was beginning to soak into the outer material (of course it was not flooded), there was still some water repellency.
However, while Typhon Phantom Fast has close to perfect protection around the fabric and seams, you need to be careful when making the hood and sleeves.
This is the Typhon Phantom Fast have simple elastic shirring designs, making it less susceptible to flooding from here onwards than generous rainwear.
In particular, the cuffs are more likely to allow water droplets from the upper arm to enter the inside (such as when you lift your arm).
The hood also does not protrude, and the chin height is minimal. It is not resistant to rain from the front.
The hood also does not have a visor, so raindrops from the front hit your face and it is more likely to get flooded from the edges. If you are more prepared for the rain, we recommend using a cap or something similar to increase protection.
However, this specification is not a drawback of this jacket, but rather that it is a given that it is made lighter and has been given the same design as the first priority. the Typhon Phantom Trek, which is intended for use in all mountain climbing in the same series , has half stretch cuffs with the instep protected and a hood with a sturdy visor for greater waterproofness, allowing users to choose one that suits them.
fast which prioritizes lightness to the limit , so I chose this one. Therefore, each person will differ depending on the purpose and preference, so if you are unsure whether to choose one, it is a good idea to take these differences into consideration.
Highly breathable, allowing you to move comfortably, whether it's raining, sunny, hot or cold
The Typhon Phantom Trek also has outstandingly high specs of 60,000g/m2/24h (B-1 method) that expels sweat and other stuffiness from the clothes to the outside If you're looking for a general idea of choosing rainwear, it's probably worth 20,000g of breathability, so it goes without saying that this number is a huge difference in digits.
Even when I actually tried wearing it, although the jacket is honestly not breathable, I certainly could feel the ease of its appearance when I was sweating through intense exercise. From my experience of trying out a variety of rainwear so far, I usually feel the stuffiness that can't be missed when I exercise hard during the day, but I feel like I'm condensing and getting wet on the inside of my clothes, but this was almost never the case in this test. Because it is a three-layer fabric, if there is a little moisture, the lining will suck up and reduce the feeling of wetness naturally affects the positive direction. Of course, I haven't tested it in the hot season so I can't say for sure in that sense, but in a sense it was refreshing to see the same level of ease even without ventilation.
Its lightness and ease of movement that makes you forget you're wearing it, windproofness that allows you to catch the wind and cold air, and its outstanding breathability were also very useful during the March trip to Hakkoda.
I wore it on a base layer and mid-wear on a steep climb just before the peak, but while covering the chilly and light snowfall of the strong winds that blow, the sweat escaped, making it an ideal outerwear that keeps the inside of the clothes comfortable. Although it's fine, it shuts out the wind more than breathable windproof shells, so I liked the fact that it didn't feel the cold, like the windproof shells that were easy to sense, and the gaps in the air were coming in (photo below. Of course, it was cold when it stopped at the peak, so I'll put on a hard shell on top afterwards).
On the ridge above the forest limits of Hakkoda in March
Functionality: A lightweight, compact jacket with minimal functionality that is essential
Balaclava style hood that fits perfectly on the head
the Typhon Phantom Fast is a light-height concept, the hood has been designed to provide an efficient fit with minimal needs. It does not have the adjustment functions that are found in standard hoods. Instead, elastic shirring is placed on the back of the head and the edge of the hood, so just by putting it on, it fits to a certain extent to fit the shape of your head.
The fitted hood followed the movement of the neck, and the fit itself was very good. However, as mentioned earlier, it is important to remember that it is a minimum in terms of protection. If you expect to have to prepare for a long, heavy rain, we recommend using another option, and when wearing in the rain, we recommend using it in conjunction with a cap or something similar.
Chest zip pocket that can be folded inside out
This jacket has the only chest zip pocket on the right chest, and is convenient because it has a large size that can store large smartphones.
Furthermore, this pocket is pocketable, allowing you to pack the main body without needing a storage bag when you turn it over and roll it up. Once stored, it can be packed compactly enough to fit in your palm (photo below), and once it's as small as this, no matter how small you put it in your small backpack, it won't hurt or itch.
Simple cuffs and hem with elastic shirring
The minimalist concept of this jacket is also pierced through the cuffs and hem. The cuffs are about 2/3 at the bottom, and the hem is only equipped with elastic shirrings about a few centimeters on the side, and there are no adjustment mechanisms such as velcro or drawcords. Although you can get a moderate fit, the range of fit is limited, so it may feel unsatisfied for those looking for more comfort and convenience. However, if you are pursuing lighter and simplicity, it is a well-understandable and welcome choice.
Summary: Monster-sized high performance, both as rain gear and windshell. The most "useful" ultra-light outerwear for hikers and runners who prioritize lightness
The sign with outstanding fabric specs is unsurprising. The Typhon Phantom Fast Jacket will play a great role in all activities that are active throughout the year (unless you're looking for extreme robustness or heat retention) from trail running and fast packing where you want to focus on lightness regardless of the season, high-tempo mountain skiing in cold seasons, to normal hiking and trekking. It's most attractive to have a rain jacket when it rains, or a windshell on sunny days, and a protection that can protect you in any situation at around 100g, and none of the ultra-light rain jackets have had the confidence to just keep this one in your backpack without hesitation in any situation. As I also wrote in the main text, if you are focusing on the lightest, I recommend the Typhon Phantom Fast , but if you prefer rain strength and convenient pockets than just a few dozen grams of lighter weight, even if you're a trail runner, don't overdo it, and the Typhon Phantom Trek Jacket is a better balance.
Another thing is that this model is light and highly waterproof and breathable, but we must not forget the high quality of clothing thanks to its excellent pattern that combines the reliable comfort, ease of movement and good silhouette that has been cultivated over the years of making outdoor wear. This model is a product planned by Japan, even among the Millet lineup. In other words, despite being a French brand, this jacket is definitely made in Japan, and is made using Japanese technology and operations, from fabric selection to design and pattern to production. From this point of view, it is no exaggeration to say that this jacket, which has achieved unparalleled performance and quality, is one of the crystallizations of Japan's excellent technology. The significance of this jacket being born in Japan is great in the sense that even in this global era, it gives us a glimpse into the fact that the apparel industry, which has been nurtured in Japan for a long time, still has the highest level of capabilities.
Japan was once one of the countries that led the world's mountain industry, but I wonder how many mountain tools there are still to be at the top of the world today. Let's go on another exciting adventure with Typhon Phantom series which is surely at the cutting edge of the world's rain jackets at the moment
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