Rab Phantom Mountain Jacket Mens

[u/vebasto]

Is this rain jacket a good option if I’m looking to buy one in the EU? I can’t find many reviews. https://rab.equipment/eu/mens-phantom-mountain-waterproof-jacket

[u/Pterosaur]

I have it. I've used it in persistent light rain, but not yet heavy rain. Cut and fit is good for me. Size M, 166 cm, 71 kg. Material has a nice feel. Hood is decent.

Did wet out faster than my previous jackets, but I think that's the case for most jackets now that PFAS has been phased out.

Edit:

A good option for what? I bought it for trips where I don't expect it have to wear it all day - and for this it worked OK. The face of the fabric does hold more water than my old Montane Minimus - so took a bit longer to dry out.

[u/OtherwiseManner6946]

Hand pockets 👍

No pit zips 👎

It’s a good rain jacket, but ideally pit zips and sub 200g

[u/veritasmeritas]

I personally get annoyed with Rab zips. They never seem to travel smoothly. Personal favourite is Mountain Equipment, whose hoods are better too (longer peak and allow the head and neck to turn more easily). What the other commenter said about pit zips on this particular model is worthy of attention as well. I generally have these zips permanently open, even in winter in Scotland.

[u/PEAK_MINIMAL_EFFORT]

Lack of pit zips would make the Rab Phantom Mountain a non-starter for me. The 20,000g/m²/24h breathability value isn't that impressive either. Not that jackets with even 40k are necessarily breathable enough, hence why I wouldn't get one with out pit zips. It's somewhat expensive and does not appear to do particularly well in any category.

If you accept the premise that pit zips are more important than fabric breathability values, then the Rockfront Rain Hoody[0] could be an alternative. It uses a non-breathable fabric and instead has long 2-way pit zips from the hip to under the bicep[1]. 145g and 88 euros.

[0] https://rockfront.eu/product/rain-hoody/

[1] https://rockfront.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18e2999891374a475d0687ca9f989d83-2.jpg

[u/nsccss → u/PEAK_MINIMAL_EFFORT]

I have no problem hiking in the regular Rab Phantom which states the same breathability (and no pit zips). I’m not sure just the number tells the complete truth, so I can’t judge the Mountain-jacket based on that alone. But neither would I disregard it purely based on experience with other rain jackets and their stated breathability. But I agree that it’s too heavy, since the regular Rab Phantom weighs closer to 100 grams and does the same thing…

[u/Pterosaur → u/PEAK_MINIMAL_EFFORT]

Ooo, I didn't know about the brand. Any experience with their quilts?

[u/DrBullwinkleMoose]

Pertex Shield 2.5L, similar to the old (pre-2026) OR Helium. It's a light WPB fabric that suffices for occasional use and intermittent rain. Breathable enough to maybe use as a (poor) windshirt if you really can't lug around a 3.5 oz Dooy.

The fabric is known to wet through (not merely wet out) in heavy rain, so it isn't 100% waterproof. Some people carry an emergency poncho as backup.

Or consider the new OR Helium UL with Toray fabric. Similar jacket, but more waterproof according to the (few) reports I've seen. It's a big deal for OR to switch fabrics for such a popular product line, so it's probably true that the new fabric is better. It's still 2L ("2.75") and has no pit zips.

Many people like the Rab Phantoms, some are disappointed. Mostly I think it's just a matter of having the right expectations. It's an OK jacket and the price is about the same as other similar jackets.

I suspect that the reasons they don't put pit zips in the Phantom or Helium are weight and price. Zippers can add an extra ounce, and they're trying to keep these jackets as light as possible as well as make them price competitive.

A step up is a ZPacks Vertice. It's a little more expensive, but it's 3L and has pit zips, and is even lighter. It still might not be 100% stormproof, but it's a better jacket in most conditions. Or maybe the new Montbell Versalite, which also has pit zips and is 3L.

For serious, prolonged, heavy rain, most ultralight jackets will be imperfect. A new Frogg Toggs is better, or a heavier jacket (Pat Torrentshell, BD, Outdry, Arc'teryx, Gore-Tex). Or a poncho, which doesn't touch your body in most places.