Rab Phantom series ( previously reviewed on this site ) , which can be said to be the pinnacle of ultra-lightweight rainwear, combining incredible lightness of around 100 grams, ease of movement, and reliable waterproof and breathable properties, has been updated this season as the `` Phantom Jacket
This rainwear was designed for trail runners and ultra-low-impact hikers who want to go lighter, faster, and longer distances. Now, five years after its release, how has it evolved in the latest model? What kind of users will it suit this time?
I was able to try it out thoroughly this spring, so I'd like to share my review with you. With the rainy season fast approaching, I hope it will be helpful for those who are still unsure about what gear to bring this summer
table of contents
Main features of the Rab Phantom Jacket
The Rab Phantom Jacket is an ultralight, lightweight, and compact jacket, boasting world-class waterproof and breathable performance, comfort, freedom of movement, and practicality. While boasting the same water resistance and breathability as full-scale rainwear, it boasts an astonishing lightness of just 116.5 grams thanks to its 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproof and breathable fabric, made from an ultra-thin 7-denier fabric. The moderate stretch and unrestricted, three-dimensional cut allow for unrestricted movement, allowing for effortless movement. The updated full-zip front zipper makes it easy to put on and take off, and features such as a hood that doubles as a pocket and can be stowed in the palm of your hand further enhance the jacket's practicality and versatility. From demanding races to extreme adventures, this jacket offers exceptional adaptability for a wide range of activities that prioritize lightness and speed.
Improvements from the previous model
- Full front zipper
- The rear of the hood is ventilated, improving breathability and reducing flapping in strong winds
- Hood doubles as an integrated storage pocket
- Optimized elbow pre-curve to avoid restricting movement while running
Favorite points
- (Although it is slightly heavier than the previous model) it remains one of the lightest and most compact in the world
- Stunning three-dimensional cut and stretch that combines ease of movement and design
- Full front zip for ventilation and ease of on/off
- Improved breathability with ventilation inside the hood
- Packable into the hood without the stuff sack
Points of concern
- There are no pockets
- Extremely thin and lightweight fabric, so be careful of rubbing and snagging
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | Rab Phantom Jacket |
|---|---|
| Official/Actual Weight (g) | 116.5 |
| Fabric and material | Pertex® Shield 2.5 Layer 7 Denier Nylon Fluorocarbon-Free DWR (51gsm) |
| Number of layers | 2.5 |
| Water resistance (mm) | 20,000 |
| Breathability (g/m² 24hrs) | 20,000 |
| Number of pockets | 0 |
| Reflector | 〇 |
| Packable | 〇 |
| evaluation | |
| waterproof | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stuffiness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| mobility | ★★★★★ |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
Material, weight, and portability
The 2.5-layer Pertex® Shield fabric, made from micro-ripstop nylon, is still as strong as ever, boasting a thinness of 7D (denier). The pockets, drawcords, zippers, and lining seam tape have been carefully trimmed down to the finest detail
In other words, this extraordinary lightness is achieved by incorporating the lightweight concept into every detail, from the materials used to the cutting, stitching, and part selection
One of the most exciting improvements in this model is the packability change that makes the most of the lightweight and compact design (see photo below). By turning the jacket inside out and stuffing it into the small storage compartment behind the hood, it can be stored down to a size smaller than the palm of your hand. There's no need for the mini-sack like in the previous model, so there's no need to worry about losing it, and it can be packed down surprisingly small
Comfort and ease of movement
As expected, when I put it on, it felt as if I was wearing nothing at all, stress-free. Rab jackets for many years, but as always, there's no compromise on comfort as clothing. As always, I'm impressed by the brilliant pattern that combines comfort, ease of movement, and a perfect silhouette.
176cm, 64kg, wearing size M. The clever cut ensures ease of movement while still being slim. The back length is designed to be longer so it doesn't ride up
However, compared to the previous model, the silhouette and fit have changed slightly as it has been changed from a pullover to a jacket type (see photo below)
The previous model was half-zippered and prioritized lightness and mobility, so the width and length were slightly slimmer (compared to this model). On the other hand, the Phantom Jacket is slimmer yet slightly looser, with a longer length, to make it more versatile as an outer layer. For someone like me who likes to layer for various activities throughout the year, this is a welcome update.
The latest Phantom Jacket (left) has a slightly looser silhouette than the previous model (right), as it is a jacket
In addition, the elbow joints, which were already easy to move in, have been further improved from the previous model, making bending and straightening the elbows when swinging your arms smoother in this model, improving mobility. I'm impressed that there is still room for improvement in such a stress-free fit
The elbow joints in particular are easier to move in, and the three-dimensional cut still works well, preventing any tightness around the shoulders
Despite the slim fit that prevents flapping in the wind, the clever draping and fabric stretch allow for unrestricted movement while running, and the fabric is stretchy enough that such high functionality packed into a sophisticated silhouette is hard to replicate
Functionality
Compared to the previous model, which was designed to be as lightweight as possible, the new Phantom Jacket still focuses on the functionality required for lightweight and nimble activities, but (probably in response to user feedback) it has added several features that were not available in the previous model to improve convenience and comfort.
The front is a full zip for ease of use in a wider range of situations
First, the previous model had a "pullover" front zipper, which was chosen in pursuit of lightness, but this one has been changed to a "full zip" in this model. While this has resulted in a slight increase in weight, there is no doubt that it has significantly improved breathability and ventilation, as well as made it easier to put on and take off
With the previous model, I never found it so uncomfortable that I had to take it off while I was out and about, but the full-zip design means that it can be used for a wider range of activities, uses, and temperatures, so it will definitely be usable in a wider range of situations
A more functional hood
Another obvious evolution is the construction of the hood
Like the previous model, it doesn't have any full adjustment features, so it's unfortunate that you can't get a perfect fit, but the drawstring at the back still allows you to pinch the width a little to fine-tune the fit
In fact, the purpose of this drawstring at the back of the head is not to adjust the size, but to provide an entrance and exit when storing the helmet using the packable function mentioned above, so I don't think it allows for perfect adjustment, but it certainly leads to an improved fit
However, they still cannot be adjusted to fit perfectly, so if you want to maintain a stable field of vision when wearing them for long periods of time, we still recommend wearing a cap
In addition, a new "hood ventilation" has been added to the back of the head using laser holes
Since moisture inside clothing tends to flow upwards, it is important to position the ventilation as high up as possible, and in that sense, this ventilation is ideally located. Furthermore, even in strong winds when you are exposed to the wind from the front, the air escapes through these holes, which means the hood flap is significantly less likely to flap than before, making it comfortable to wear even in bad weather
Like the previous model, the hood itself can be folded down in good weather using the hook at the back of the neck
Reflectors are placed all over the jacket, including the logo (left). The cuffs (right) provide a comfortable fit and are easy to roll up, preventing water from entering
Waterproof and breathable
According to the catalog specifications, the waterproof and breathable membrane is made of the proven Pertex Shield 2.5 layer material, and despite its thinness and lightness, it boasts waterproof and breathable performance that is satisfactory for serious rainwear, with a water resistance of 20,000mm and breathability of 20,000g/m²/24h
The basic fabric specifications are (supposedly) the same as the previous model, but the texture of the fabric feels a little firmer and firmer on this Phantom Jacket . The 0.5-layer laminate lining also feels (subtly) more textured and smooth against the skin, which gives the impression of being more comfortable to wear as an outer layer (although it doesn't compare to the feel of a 3-layer jacket).
Despite its thinness, it is water-resistant, and the DWR water-repellent treatment lasts longer than you'd expect. The lining has a micro-irregular texture that prevents stickiness
I wore it for a few hours on the trail in a downpour in April, and the fabric kept water out without any issues, keeping me dry. That said, this jacket's design prioritizes lightness and mobility, so you can't expect too much protection in bad weather. For example, the longer front zipper is no longer waterproof, which significantly impacts its waterproofing, and I was concerned that some water might seep in if the front was exposed to prolonged heavy rain. The DWR durable water-repellent coating has also been changed to PFC-free, and while it's unclear whether this has an impact (regardless of whether it's Rab or not), it doesn't seem particularly durable. Still, it certainly offers enough performance to withstand a few hours of bad weather, making it a perfectly acceptable emergency raincoat for warmer weather
Summary: Recommended for these people
When it comes to rain jackets for outdoor activities, especially those involving high-intensity activities like trail running and fastpacking, you want them to be as lightweight and compact as possible without sacrificing protection from the wind and rain. The Rab Phantom Jacket remains a top choice for those who demand the real deal. Previous model
Compared to the previous model, which was a pullover type with an extremely minimalist design, the new jacket type makes it easier to put on and take off, and is more convenient, making it easier to use not only for trail running and fast packing, but also for regular day hikes and other activities, which is probably the biggest improvement
Of course, if you're looking for waterproof, breathable, and durable enough to withstand heavy rain or other harsh conditions all day, a different, heavier model would be more suitable, but trail runners, fast packers, and lightweight hikers who prioritize weight over durability will find this shell very useful as a temporary emergency shell
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