Rab Phantom series ( also reviewed on this site ) is one of the "reaching points" 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
Designed for trail running and UL hikers who are keen to lighter, faster, and farther, how did this rainwear evolve with the latest model, which marks its five years since its launch? What kind of users will this match?
I was able to try it out carefully this spring, so I'll bring you a review right away. With the rainy season approaching, we hope this will be helpful to those who are still wondering what to wear this summer.
table of contents
Key Features of Rab Phantom Jacket
The Rab Phantom Jacket is an ultra-lightweight waterproof and breathable jacket with world-class lightweight compactness, sufficient waterproof and breathable, comfortable to wear and easy to move around, and practical. The 2.5-layer Pertex Shield has the same level of water resistance and breathability as authentic rainwear, while the waterproof and breathable material is made from an extremely thin 7-denier fabric, and the 2.5-layer Pertex Shield achieves an incredible lightness of 116.5 grams. The moderate stretchability and three-dimensional cutting that does not interfere with movement allow for easy follow-up to body movements. The updated front zipper has been updated to a full zip design, making it easy to put on and take off, and the hood, which also functions as a pocket that can be stored compactly enough to fit in your palm, greatly improving the practicality and versatility of the product. From harsh racing to extreme adventures, the wide range of activities that emphasize lightness and speed provide a high level of adaptability.
Evolution points from the previous model
- Front zipper is fully zipped
- Ventilation is added to the rear of the hood for improved ventilation and reduced flapping in strong winds
- The hood also functions as an integrated storage pocket
- Optimize elbow precurves to avoid restricting movement while running
Favorite points
- (It's slightly heavier than the previous model) As always, it's the world's most lightweight and compact
- Amazing three-dimensional cutting and stretchability that combines ease of movement and design
- Full zip on the front ensures ventilation and ease of use
- Breathability is improved, including ventilation inside the hood
- Packable design that can be made small for the hood without a stuff sack
Interesting points
- There are no pockets
- Extremely thin, lightweight fabric is not easy to rub or snag.
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | Rab Phantom Jacket |
|---|---|
| Official/Actual Weight (g) | 116.5 |
| Fabrics and materials | Pertex® Shield 2.5 Layer 7 Denier Nylon Fluorocarbon Free DWR Processing (51gsm) |
| Number of layers | 2.5 |
| Water pressure resistance (mm) | 20,000 |
| Breathability (g/m² 24hrs) | 20,000 |
| Number of pockets | 0 |
| Reflector | 〇 |
| Packable | 〇 |
| evaluation | |
| Waterproof | ★★★☆☆ |
| It's not stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Mobility | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
Materials, weight and portability
The 2.5-layer Pertex® Shield fabric is made of microripstop nylon, which is almost the ultimate in thickness of 7D (denier) and is both essential and sufficiently strong, and is still in good condition. Furthermore, bold stripping such as pockets, drawcords, zippers, and seam tape on the lining are still pursued down to the smallest details.
In other words, this extraordinary lightness is achieved by the concept of lightweighting being carried out in every detail, from these materials to cutting, sewing, and part selection.
One of the most numbest evolutionary points this time is the change to a packable version that makes the most of its lightweight and compactness (photo below). By turning the main unit over into the small storage space behind the hood, you can store it in a smaller size than your palm. Since no minisack is required like the previous model, it is now possible to pack surprisingly small without worrying about losing it.
Comfortable and easy to move
As expected, when you put your sleeves on it, it feels stress-free, as if you weren't wearing anything. It's not surprising to someone like me who has worn a Rab for many years As always, I am impressed by the stunning pattern that combines comfort, ease of movement and silhouette.
Wearing size 176cm, 64kg, size M. Slim yet clever cutting ensures ease of movement. The back is designed to be longer to prevent it from slipping up.
However, when comparing it to the previous model, the current change from a pullover to a jacket type has changed the silhouette and fit (photo below).
The previous model has a half zipper and emphasizes lightness and mobility, so the width and length of the body (compared to this model) were slightly slimmer. On the other hand, the Phantom Jacket is slim, yet comfortable to wear and has a longer length, considering its ease of use as an outerwear. This is a great update for people like themselves who want to layer them with a variety of activities throughout the year.
The latest Phantom Jacket (left) has a comfortable silhouette, as it is a jacket, compared to the previous model (right).
In addition, the already easy-to-moving elbow joint has been further improved from the previous model, making it easier to bending and stretching the elbows using arm swings and other movements more smoothly with this model, making it more mobile. I am once again impressed by the fact that the stress-free fit still has room for evolution.
The elbow joints in particular have improved ease of movement, and as usual, the stunning three-dimensional cutting makes the shoulders feel less crisp.
Despite the slim fit that prevents flapping from wind, it has skillful three-dimensional cutting that does not interfere with movement while running and does not feel cramped at all, and moderate stretching of fabric. The high functionality of this sophisticated silhouette is packed into its sophisticated silhouette, and cannot be imitated.
Functionality
Compared to the previous model, which has been pursuing its ultimate weight reduction, the new Phantom Jacket still focuses on the functions required for lightweight and light activities, while also adding several features (probably following user feedback) that improve convenience and comfort that were not found in the previous model.
The front is a full zipper that is easy to use in a wider range of situations.
One is that the front zipper of the "pullover" that was selected as a result of the previous model's pursuit of lightness has been changed to "full zip" for this model. It is certain that this has resulted in a subtle increase in weight, but there is no doubt that it has added a significant improvement in ventilation and ventilation, as well as ease of use when putting on and taking off.
In the previous film, I never felt so uncomfortable that I couldn't help but take off my clothes while I was on the move, but even so, if it was fully zipped, the range of activities, usage, and the range of temperatures that can be accommodated will be wider, and the number of scenes that can be used will clearly increase.
More functional food
Another obvious evolution is the creation of food.
Just like the previous model, it's a shame that it doesn't have a full-scale adjustment function so it's not possible to fit perfectly, but even so, the drawcord on the back allows you to pinch the width a little to finely adjust the fit.
In fact, the drawcord on the back of the head was not used to adjust the size, but to the entrance and exit when stored using the packable function mentioned above, so I don't think this will allow for perfect adjustments, but it is certainly a result of an improved fit.
However, it is still not possible to adjust the cap perfectly, so if you want to get a stable view after wearing it for a long time, we recommend that you still wear a cap.
In addition, a new hood ventilation opening with a laser hole has been added to the back of the head.
Since moisture inside the clothing flows upwards, it is important to place the ventilation at the highest possible level, but in that sense, this ventilation is an ideal location. Furthermore, even if you receive winds from the front during strong winds, the wind passes through this hole, which significantly reduces the hood's flapping, allowing you to wear it comfortably even in bad weather.
Just like the previous model, the hood itself can be folded using the hook at the back of the neck when it is in good weather.
The reflector is placed all over the logo (left). The cuffs (right) prevent water from flooding and provide a perfect fit and ease of rolling.
Waterproof and breathable
The catalog specifications use Pertex Shield 2.5 layers of material that has proven waterproof and breathable membranes, and while it is thin and light, it boasts waterproof and breathable performance, which is the same as a full-fledged rainwear, with a water pressure resistance of 20,000 mm and a breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24h.
The basic specifications of the fabric are the same (and should be) as the previous model, but in terms of the texture of the fabric, the Phantom Jacket is a little firmer and more sturdy. The 0.5-layer laminate on the lining has a more subtle and smooth feel (although it is a bit subtle), giving it an impression that it is more comfortable to wear as an outerwear (although it cannot match the three-layer feel).
Although it is thin, it is highly water resistant, and the DWR water-repellent finish lasts longer than you imagined. The lining is also prevented from sticky due to fine unevenness.
As long as I wore it for a few hours on the heavy rainy trail in April, the fabric was free from flooding and the inside of the clothing was kept dry. However, it is undoubtedly true that this jacket is a concept that prioritizes lightness and mobility, and in that sense, it is true that there is no excessive expectation for protection in bad weather. For example, the fact that the long front zipper is not a waterproof zipper has a greater impact on its waterproofness than before, and I was concerned that if you are exposed to heavy rain for a long time from the front, there is a possibility that some water will soak in. Furthermore, the DWR durable water-repellent coating has been changed to PFC-free, so it is unknown whether it has an impact (not just Rab or not), but I have the impression that it is not so durable. However, it definitely offers performance that can withstand a few hours of bad weather, and is no problem when you consider it as emergency rain gear to use in warmer weather.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
Among the outdoor activities, rain jackets are especially important for strong activities such as trail running and fast packing, so you should prioritize being as light as possible without sacrificing protection from the wind and rain. The Rab Phantom Jacket is a recommended item for those who are still demanding such authenticity. Previous model
Compared to the previous model, which was a pullover type and had an extremely minimal design, the jacket type makes it easier to put on and take off, and the convenience has been improved, making it easier to use not only for trail running and fast packing, but also for regular day hiking and hiking.
Of course, if you want waterproof and breathable properties and durability that can withstand all day long in harsh conditions such as heavy rain, another heavier model is certainly more suitable, but it will be a great shell to carry by trail runners, fast packers, and lightweight hikers who want to prioritize weight over robustness that is safe in the unlikely event of an emergency.
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