We test out the beefed-up version of Rabs Phantom Pull-on and Phantom JacketReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersProducing the lightest possible waterproof jacket was a challenge that a few of the premium outdoor brands have taken on in recent times, with their designers going to great lengths to jettison unnecessary features and source the lightest fabric that could still be classified as waterproof but if felt like the limit had been reached once they got down to the 100g mark.Rab were among those producing these ultra-lightweight shells, and their own Phantom Pull-On topped the scales at a barely believable 90g amazingly, it was also genuinely waterproof. That first Phantom shell was part of Rabs Skyline trailrunning collection, however the 2026 version of the Phantom has a much broader appeal. Now in jacket form (i.e. with a full-length front zip, as opposed to half-zip), it has a few more features and uses a more durable/heavier fabric which makes it more suitable for hillwalking and backpacking.Diamond Fuse technology makes the Pertex Shield fabrix more durableFabric mattersAt 222g for a mens medium, the Phantom jacket is more than twice as heavy as the original pull-on (although its still remarkably light), and thats mainly due to the far more durable fabric is uses: 30-denier Pertex Shield 2.5L Diamond Fuse. The stated waterproofness/breathability figures of 20,000mm (hydrostatic head) and 20,000 (MVTR) are more than respectable, and the unique diamond-shaped filaments used in the Diamond Fuse construction mean that durability should be good too, with a particular xx to abrasion resistance.In terms of features, the latest Phantom is not as minimalist as the original pull-on, however what features it does have are carefully thought-through in order to minimise the weight and bulk they add to the jacket. For example, the hood doesnt have front and back adjustors as youd get on a fully-featured shell, but it does have a rear volume adjustor and also a wired peak, always useful during wet spells or on windy summits. Instead of the usual two hem adjustors, it just has one, and instead of the usual Velcro fasteners at the cuffs, it has an elasticated section. You do also get two handwarmer pockets.A wired peak and rear adjustor make the hood effective in wind and rainIn useWith the likelihood that this shell will spend more time than not in your pack, its important that it is not only light but also extremely packable, and on that count the Phantom scores highly. Scrunched up it virtually fits in the palm of your hand, and has absolutely no problem being slipped into the front stash pocket on your pack. If carried inside your pack the main problem may be actually finding it in a hurry, so we actually ended up keeping it in the lid pocket of our pack not many shells allow you to do that! Rab have designed it so that it also neatly folds into its own hood, which is a nice touch.The feel of the Phantom is quite soft, with the micro-ripstop outer fabric giving it a distinctive texture thats quote different to many, smooth waterproof jackets. In use it feels very airy as in, it hardly feels like youre wearing anything. Sometimes shells that use a 2.5-layer membrane can feel a bit clammy on the inside, though we didnt find this to be the case with the Phantom. However, if youre wearing a short-sleeved baselayer underneath in prolonged or heavy rain, the jacket does tend to stick to your arms which isnt particularly pleasant.Half-elasticated cuffs can be pulled up arms for extra ventilationWe found the fit of the jacket reasonably snug, however the hem comes down nicely over the hips and we found there was enough room to wear a midlayer underneath so by no means is it too fitted. The hem can be adjusted via a single, lightweight pull/toggle, and this is a sensible compromise between weight and functionality (the other options to Rab being to have dual toggles or just an elasticated hem). Likewise, the cuffs do away with the common Velcro fastening tab and replace it with a half elasticated cuff that is extended on the outside to give some hand protection. The upside of this arrangement is that you can pull up the sleeves to your elbow when youre running hot, and theres enough room to wear over a GPS watch.Given the low weight of the Phantom, the provision of a wired peak on its hood is a bonus, and we found it was surprisingly effective keeping the rain off our face and preventing the hood flapping around too much in the wind. All these little touches help turn what could have been just another lightweight shell into a really versatile and effective layer.Not just for rain showers, the Phantom is also a useful windproof layerVerdictWhile creating the lightest is always a fun and headline-grabbing exercise, in the real world (for hillwalkers and trekkers at least) often something a bit heavier but more durable and feature-rich is a more sensible proposition. Thats obviously the thinking behind this latest Phantom jacket, and the increased feature set and durability give it far broader appeal than the original pull-on (or even the standard Phantom Jacket). While not suitable for days of heavy rain or prolonged showers, it is absolutely perfect for keeping in your pack and whipping out in instances of light showers, or even as a windproof layer when you hit the summit ridge.Out of interest, Rab also do matching Phantom waterproof trousers, and with these coming in at 84g and 125, you can have a full lightweight waterproof clothing system weighing just 306g and costing 285. Not bad, eh?More info at: www.rab.equipmentFit: RegularWeight: 222g (Size M)Centre back length: 75cm (Size M)Hydrostatic head: 20,000mmBreathability (MVTR): 20,000g/m/24 hrsMain fabric: 30D Pertex Shield 2.5-Layer construction with Diamond Fuse and fluorocarbon free DWR (73gsm)Find your local Rab stockist using the store locator below:https://rab.equipment/uk/stockists