Waterproof Jackets

Rab Phantom Pull On Jacket | Review

This, we think, is the lightest waterproof jacket we’ve ever come across

Why We Chose The Rab Phantom Pull On: Incredibly lightweight and packable

Not so long ago, it seemed Rab had become exclusively about climbing and mountaineering and nothing else. This changed last winter when all of a sudden they released a ski line. Now we have this, the Rab Phantom Pull On, part of a new collection called Skyline which is made specifically for trail running.

Who Is The Rab Phantom Pull On For?

We reckon this will appeal to two types of outdoor enthusiasts. First of all, it’ll suit mountain runners; any people who are after kit that could give them a competitive edge while still meeting the waterproof jacket criteria for a race.

“The ultimate stash and forget waterproof”

It’ll also suit just casual trail runners who want something that’s light and compact enough to stick in their running vest or even the pocket of their shorts just in case the weather suddenly turns on them. “The ultimate stash and forget waterproof”, Rab call it.

Materials

90g. That’s all this weighs. Ridiculously light. In fact, we can’t think of a waterproof jacket that’s lighter. The Berghaus Hyper 100 is probably as close as we can get and that weighs 10g more. And the good news is that despite the extremely thin, light and slightly stretchy fabric, it is actually waterproof.

The Phantom Pull On uses a low-volume elasticated hood. Photo: Mike Brindley

A 2.5 layer Pertex Shield construction, it features a membrane that’s covered by a 7D shell fabric with micro ripstop and then a sprayed-on PU laminate on the inside. Although we don’t have the figures, we’d imagine the waterproofness and breathability will be almost identical to the new Montane Podium which has a hydrostatic head of 15,000mm and moisture vapour transmission rate of 15,000g/m2/24hrs. Not great numbers admittedly, but, like the Montane jacket, we’d still say this jacket does feel breathable.

Design

The comparisons with Montane’s Podium don’t stop there. Both jackets have an elasticated hood with a lightly wired peak, an elasticated hem and partially elasticated cuffs. They both also have a ¼ length zip backed up with an internal storm flap and come with a mini stuff sack. One main difference is that this one by Rab has the luxury of a small valuables pocket on the inside of the chest. That’s it for features – the focus is on minimising the weight you need to carry after all.

The Phantom Pull On has half micro elasticated hem and cuffs. Photo: Mike Brindley

It's made from 7D Pertex Shield 2.5L fabric. Photo: Mike Brindley

The ultimate stash-and-forget waterproof? Photo: Mike Brindley

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“90g is almost suspiciously light for a waterproof jacket but don’t worry, there’s no trick here. The Pertex Shield fabric and the seam taping definitely do the job, I’ve had no ingress at the zip so far.

“While the fabric is thin, I’ve felt confident to wear this under a running vest loaded with a bottle of water and my lunch, though I wouldn’t want to wear it with a big, heavy backpack. I can imagine if you over strain this, you might get some issues eventually. I’d say it’s the kind of jacket that you only pull on with a loaded backpack when absolutely necessary.

“The hood is very basic. It doesn’t have a toggled cinch and just relies on an elastic rim, so expect a bit of bellowing in high winds. I had to wear my buff visor over it at times to make sure it stayed close and didn’t flap around my ears.

“90g is almost suspiciously light for a waterproof jacket but don’t worry, there’s no trick here”

“After using this for a number of wet weather runs through spring I’ve found it no less breathable than the other top-spec running waterproofs like Montane’s Podium, OMM’s Kamleika or Salomon’s Bonatti, though The North Face’s Flight Futurelight does have the edge over it, at least in that department anyway.

Will testing the Rab Phantom during a run in the Preseli Hills.

“As for the fit, I’m a medium normally and found the medium had quite an athletic fit. I could still fit a very light mid layer underneath though. If you prefer having a loose fit, sizing up wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“I’ve also been testing out the almost identical Montane Podium at the same time as this. Which is best? Rab’s jacket is very slightly lighter and at least has one pocket, but Montane’s jacket has the useful button closure on the sternum that allows you to turn its 1/4 zip into a vent. Fine margins there then. But then you have the price difference and at £40 cheaper, I’d be inclined to go for Montane’s option. Sorry Rab – it’s still a good jacket!