This Ultra-Packable 4-Ounce Ghost of a Shell Is the Best Insurance You Can Buy This Spring

Rab’s aptly named lightweight jacket is easy to stash until you need a steady shield against wind, rain and cold.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published April 18, 2025

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Updated April 19, 2025

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When the weather is balmy, the last thing you want to do is pack a jacket. It just feels so … pessimistic.

Still, few things are worse than finding yourself underprepared when a specter of less-than-optimal weather appears: the sun drops, the breeze picks up or the drizzle begins.

rab hero — The Phantom makes more out of 4 ounces than just about any other garment on the market.

So why not save yourself some trouble with a bit of insurance that practically disappears when not in use, yet comes up huge when you need it?

Exhibit A: Rab’s new-and-improved Phantom Waterproof Jacket, an ultra-light and packable godsend.

Ghost with the most

Rab’s home base of Derbyshire, roughly 150 miles northwest of London, in the UK, is no stranger to the vicissitudes of weather. Perhaps that is why the brand excels so well at a range of outerwear.

The Phantom is no exception.

rab phantom packed — Packed down, the Phantom is small enough to stash in a pocket pack or, in a pinch, your palm.

At a weight of 4.1 ounces (men’s size medium) and packing down to a size smaller than, say, a turkey wrap, it’s great at tucking away when the sun is shining during your next hike or run.

When Mother Nature’s mood darkens, however, the form-fitting shell is sure to impress with more features than you’d expect.

First and foremost, its 7D 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric feels almost weightless, yet beads away precipitation out on the trail.

rab details — Stretchy cuffs and reflective details keep you comfortable and safe.

Additionally, precurved elbows support free running movement, a full zipper enables a degree of climate control, reflective details keep you safe, and secure elasticated cuffs stretch just enough to vent your forearms or let you peek at your Apple Watch.

The hood, meanwhile, is perhaps the most intentionally designed piece of the puzzle.

rab hood — The versatile hood makes use of tension and ventilation to stay put when the wind is whipping.

Its roll-away nature allows it to disappear when not needed. Yet when you do pull it on, it’s not only adjustable but also vented, preventing it from billowing or even blowing right off your head on, say, a windswept ridgeline.

Lastly, it doubles as an integrated storage pocket for packing your ghostly friend back down when the sun decides to shine again.

Availability and pricing

The Rab Phantom waterproof jacket is available now in five sizes and two colors for men and women for $200.

Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket

$200 at Rab

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.