Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket Review

Publication date: 09 Apr 2026

ApparelGearRain jackets

The Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket is, hands down, one of the best of its kind. After using it, I’ve realized it is the ultimate packable layer for year-round weather changes. The Phantom Waterproof is a shell that you can pull out at any time when it starts to get windy or wet, and it will protect you for hours. I love this layer for treks that are going to be dry and desert-like.

I know better than to not bring a rain layer at all, but I definitely do not want to pack a hardshell when I know the chances of needing it are so low. Enter the Phantom. It’s small, packs down super well, and still will do a great job if there are surprise showers.

Marloes Kroonen

Marloes is on a mission to unite women hikers in the Haarlem area in the Netherlands – community is everything! She has hiked the Kerry Way, the Iceland Trail, the Lee Trail, the Mullerthal Trail, and the Madeira Crossing. Marloes is dedicated to finding the best gear to level up each hike and is always on the lookout for her next adventure. You can follow her on Instagram @justatotalstranger

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Testing the Phantom Mountain Jacket

I took a Phantom Jacket as my rain layer when I hiked in the GR01 Santa Maria (Azores) this March. We knew the forecast for rain was very low, but we should be smart and bring a layer (that would work) just in case. The Phantom was perfect for this! And while it did not rain much, we still used them on some of the windier days where it drizzled, and we were so grateful to have jackets that actually protected us.

women posing with RAB Phantom jacket with green landscape in the background

person zipping up her RAB Phantom Jacket

Rab gives the jacket four out of five stars for waterproofing, and five out of five for windproofing and packability. Based on these ratings, it’s easy to regard the jacket as perfect for a just-in-case layer. Other great uses would be bringing this as a layer for the Arizona Trail, Hayduke Trail, or the desert on the PCT. While the odds aren’t high that you’ll need something heavy-duty, you should still bring something that works and doesn’t take up much space.

About Rab

RAB is a company from the UK that was founded in 1981 by Rab Carrington, who started making sleeping bags in his attic in Sheffield. The operation soon expanded, and Rab’s collections did as well. Known for creating gear for mountain people, they focus on making honest, hard-working pieces that can be easily repaired instead of replaced. Rab is known for their high-quality gear that can last years and years with no problems. They have a lifetime warranty on everything they produce, and you will be joining a family when you buy something from them.

About the Phantom Mountain Jacket

The RAB Phantom Mountain Jacket is lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and tough. The jacket is your reliable backup and does the trick in an emergency. I found that having one with me was the best mental reassurance I could have when I left for the Azores. The jacket is proofed with an ultralight 2.5-layer Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, which keeps it durable and waterproof. Because the Diamond Fuse uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments, the material is much tougher than a normal weave on lightweight jackets like these. This will not only help when you’re wearing it, but will keep it strong when it inevitably ends up squished in the bottom of your pack.

The jacket is very simple, with two basic pockets on the front, an adjustable elastic hem, and articulated sleeves. There are no frills, which keeps it so lightweight. You can also fold the jacket into its hood for compact packing.

Specifications

Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket
Weight	201g (7 oz)
Material	2.5-layer Pertext Shield Diamond Fuse
Pockets	two front pockets
Fit	Regular

pro's

Perfect emergency layer

Great choice for a lightweight shell

Durable and very lightweight

con's

Not the best choice if you know there will be a lot of rain

Can soak through after a few hours of downpour – best for light rain and as a backup

On the more expensive side for a lightweight shell

Conclusion

The RAB Phantom Mountain Jacket is a great layer for when you’re on a long-distance trek. If you know the chance of precipitation is low, but want to err on the safe side and include a layer for that also works for wind, this is your jacket. The Phantom is so light and packable that you will forget you’re carrying it, and be able to use it for trekking, running, or even just keep it in your commuter bag in case the weather turns. I love mine and always feel safer when I know I have it stashed somewhere close.

Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket Review

Testing the Phantom Mountain Jacket

Specifications

Conclusion

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