Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket Review

Testing the Rab Phantom Jacket

The GR221 surprised me with how much it rained, which meant that I wore the Phantom more than I expected. It handled those days without issue, though! It kept the rain off, blocked the wind, and didn’t feel like a sauna inside. And honestly, that’s about all I ask from a rain shell.

One of the main things I noticed was how small it packed down. When I didn’t need it, it disappeared in my pack. And when the rain started (like clockwork), it was easy to grab and throw on fast. The fit worked fine over my base layers and thin fleece, and I never felt like it got in the way.

And to be fair, I didn’t take it easy on the jacket. I wore it through brush, climbed a few short rocky sections, and didn’t baby it when packing or unpacking. It held up with no tears or leaks.

Another thing to note is that breathability is always a question with waterproofs, especially lighter ones. This one did well. I still got sweaty on climbs, but it didn’t feel like I was stewing in plastic. There’s no venting, so I had to manage heat by adjusting layers underneath or pulling the zip down when I could.

The hood fit well and stayed in place without needing constant fiddling. It’s not adjustable in a bunch of ways, but it works. Same for the hem: just one adjustment and it’s set for the day.

About the Rab Phantom Jacket

The Phantom uses PerTex Shield to make it feel weightless yet effective. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s waterproof, has a bit of stretch, and doesn’t feel awful next to your skin. The outer fabric is thin, so I wouldn’t wear it crashing through sharp scrub or dragging it on granite all day. But for normal, average trail use, it’s held up great.

There’s one zipper. No pockets. No vents. No nonsense. That’s the tradeoff: you lose features, but you get a shell that weighs under 100 grams and fits in your hand. It’s not made to be worn all day; it’s made to be there when you need it and gone when you don’t.

The integrated stuff sack clips to your pack or harness, which is handy. I didn’t clip it on often, but it’s a nice option when your pack’s full for easy access.

Conclusion

I brought the Rab Phantom for its weight and packability, and it did exactly what I needed. It stayed out of the way until the rain hit, then kept me dry and kept moving. If you hike in unpredictable weather and want something ultralight that still does the job, this one’s worth considering.