Jon Doran tries out a pack designed for carrying big loads over long distancesReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersIf you want a clue to what the Baltoro 65Ls mission in life is, look no further than the bit in the website spec that reads: Easy-to-access hip location for bear spray holsters. This pack and its near-identical but larger twin, the Baltoro 75L has been designed for the sort of load-hauling that backpackers carrying kit and supplies for many days on the trail do.This isnt a skimpy, modish, ultra-lightweight bag that relies on you carrying a matching selection of feathery light gear and a stove made from a titanium Coke can. Instead its intended to haul big loads up to 27.2kg or 60lb in stable comfort. Thats why, at a shade under 2.4kg, its relatively weighty.Well-padded shoulder straps and substantial back system make light work of heavy loadsMind your backThe FreeFloat A3 suspension, 3D harness, and AirCushion mesh backpanel ensemble is a proper engineering creation, all artfully, ergonomically, sculpted pads and panels. The lumbar pad that sits at the base of your spine and nestles onto, erm, the top curve of your butt for example, also incorporates a sticky, grippy panel designed to keep things where they should be rather than slithering downwards. The hip belt is a sturdy, one-piece wrap-round thing. And the shoulder straps and back panel use ergonomically-curved foam covered in high-wicking breathable mesh.The all-important structure comes from a steel-alloy perimeter frame, which also has a central fibreglass cross plate to prevent barreling where the pack load presses annoyingly into the centre of your back.Ventilated foam hipbelt gives great comfort and sticky lumbar pad helps stabilityLoad it up with close to the maximum 27kg load and you start to appreciate exactly why Gregory has gone to town on the back system. Carrying that sort of weight is never really pleasant, but the Baltoros suspension system means that your legs are likely to be overwhelmed before the pack is. In particular, you can feel the load being spread across the padded back panel and through the hip belt, which feels absolutely fixed in place by that sticky-panelled lumbar pad. Theres no destabilising sway to the pack, but the pivoting shoulder straps move just enough that you dont feel splinted in place.Its the sort of load that crushes more basic packs, which I know because the last time I chose to carry this much was on an Andean mountaineering trip with a streamlined expedition pack and the experience was not a pleasant one; constant discomfort from an inadequate hip belt and shoulder straps on the move, enduring aching afterwards. With the Baltoro, you know the weights there alright, but load transfer onto your hips and shoulders is spot on its as if the pack feels more a part of you rather than being an awkward bolt-on.This cavernous pocket is only one of three located within the lid!With a more typical, less bonkers load, the pack goes from managing extremes to just carrying beautifully. It would still be overkill with the latest ultra-lightweight camping gear, but with more normal kit and a few days worth of food, its one of the best-carrying packs Ive used and arguably worth the extra weight compared to a more streamlined alternative.Pockets aplentyOf course a pack is way more than just a back system, and heres where Gregory has got lots of things just right at least if you like pockets, lots and lots of pockets. There are no fewer than three lid-pockets, a massive front bucket/stash pocket which I found ideal for wet clothing two cavernous, zipped hip belt ones, a zipped vertical front panel pocket (actually, two of them), a big side stash pocket on one side, the left shoulder strap gets a stretch-mesh stash pocket too, and theres that handy bear-spray holster thing. No bears in the Peak District, but perfect for an easy access water bottle if you dont want to use the internal hydration system sleeve gubbins.Making smooth progress on GoatfellThe great thing is that you have enough storage to hold anything youre likely to use during the day; snacks, waterproofs, hats and gloves, phone, bear spray, sheep spray, hair spray, you name it. No need to dig into the main compartment unless, like me, youre incapable of packing sensibly and choose to stash your overtrousers at the base of the main compartment.When/if that does happen however, a huge U-zipped front panel means at least you have easy access to the contents without tunneling down from the top drawstring-fastened lidded opening. If theres a downside to all this, its simply remembering which pocket holds what dont ask how I knowThe front panel access is also perfect when youre camped up and makes packing and unpacking more like using a duffle than a pack, just more convenient.Sleeping bag compartment with dividerExtrasOther stuff? Theres a sleeping bag compartment with a zipped dividing panel, so you can have your cake and eat it. The zip-pulls, adjusters and drawcords all work fine, and a discrete black waterproof cover lives in one of the lid pockets. And my guilty secret, the vaunted On-the-Go shoulder harness pocket is ideal for stashing a handy chocolate bar or flapjack for those hardcore Himalayan passes.The celebrated bear spray holder is also great for drinks bottlesThere are some provisos: you can argue that the pack is overkill for lighter loads, but my experience was that the extra weight paid off with a sublime carry for a typical weekend-packing trip. Its also a substantial investment at 300 or 320 for the 75L but the pay-off is that not only does it carry incredibly well with normal loads, but if you have plans which necessitate maxing our your burden, maybe the PCT or similar, the Baltoro will step up and take it in its stride.VerdictIn short, the Baltoro is one of the very best big trip packs out there with a fantastic, supportive and comfortable back system allied to a tough, high-quality build and more pockets than youre ever likely to need. And as well as the Baltoro 65L and 75L, there are also 85 and 100 litre options for even bigger trips.More info at: www.gregorypacks.comSpecs:Dimensions: 84H x 34W x 34D cmRecommended maximum carry weight: 27.2 kgVolume: 65 LWeight: 2.38 kgMaterials:Outer Fabric: Material 1: 210D 40% by weight Recycled Nylon Ripstop with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS. Material 2: 420D 40% by weight Recycled Nylon with C0 DWR: Designed without PFASInterior Lining:40% by weight Post-consumer Recycled 135D Polyester with C0 DWR: Designed without PFASFrames/Suspension:Alloy Steel Frame. Lifespan EVA Foam & AirCushion MeshFeatures:FreeFloat A3 suspension system: with dynamic flex panels and auto rotating shoulder straps that move with the natural movements of your bodyAirCushion mesh backpanel: providing true breathability, eliminating pressure points and moisture-wicking cooling benefits3D Shoulder Harness & Hipbelt Construction: This construction eliminates wrinkling and hot spots to provide hotspot free, body-hugging comfortAuto-rotating shoulder harness: a dual-density shoulder harness with sternum strap featuring integrated safety whistle and hydration clipFit & sizing: available in 3 sizes to provide the ideal fit based on both torso length and body shape.Comfort Grip lumbar pad: this feature helps prevent pack slip and keeps the pack positioned high on your hips without the need to over-tighten the hipbeltAdjustable Torso length: over 7.6 cm of adjustment and hipbelts that adjust 8.8 cm on each side to provide the ultimate in custom fit.Perimeter alloy frame: with fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for stable load managementU-Zip access: front U-Zip access to main volume of packFront zippered pockets: dual front zippered pockets with floating divider wallOn-the-Go shoulder harness pocket: designed to quickly stow sunglasses, trail snacks and fit most cell phones.Hydration sleeve: an internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible for Gregorys Hydro reservoirs (reservoir not included).Top pocket: floating top pocket with a large zippered compartment, small quick-access pocket and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points, and key clipBottle holster: for one-handed on-the-go water bottle access with secure bungee closure for all bottle typesHipbelt pockets: oversized zippered hipbelt pockets with enough space to fit cell phones and trail essentialsSide pocket: large side fabric stuff pocket with pass through for over-or-under compression provides durable storage for rigid camp items like tent poles.Front mesh pocket: front stuff pocket with hybrid stretch-mesh and fabric construction for durability.Drawcord closure: quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compressionSleeping bag compartment: zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable dividerAccessory attachment system: this system is located at easy-to-access hip location for bear spray holsters or accessory pouchesAttachment loops: with upper shock locks for trekking poles or ice axeComfort Grip straps: custom Comfort Grip molded zipper pulls and molded webbing keepers for strap managementRaincover: custom fit raincover included with attachment clipEllis BrighamCountryside Ski & ClimbUltralight Outdoor GearWildboundsCrib Goch Outdoor

Jon Doran tries out a pack designed for carrying big loads over long distancesReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersIf you want a clue to what the Baltoro 65Ls mission in life is, look no further than the bit in the website spec that reads: Easy-to-access hip location for bear spray holsters. This pack and its near-identical but larger twin, the Baltoro 75L has been designed for the sort of load-hauling that backpackers carrying kit and supplies for many days on the trail do.This isnt a skimpy, modish, ultra-lightweight bag that relies on you carrying a matching selection of feathery light gear and a stove made from a titanium Coke can. Instead its intended to haul big loads up to 27.2kg or 60lb in stable comfort. Thats why, at a shade under 2.4kg, its relatively weighty.Well-padded shoulder straps and substantial back system make light of heavy loadsMind your backThe FreeFloat A3 suspension, 3D harness, and AirCushion mesh backpanel ensemble is a proper engineering creation, all artfully, ergonomically, sculpted pads and panels. The lumbar pad that sits at the base of your spine and nestles onto, erm, the top curve of your butt for example, also incorporates a sticky, grippy panel designed to keep things where they should be rather than slithering downwards. The hip belt is a sturdy, one-piece wrap-round thing. And the shoulder straps and back panel use ergonomically-curved foam covered in high-wicking breathable mesh.The all-important structure comes from a steel-alloy perimeter frame, which also has a central fibreglass cross plate to prevent barreling where the pack load presses annoyingly into the centre of your back.Ventilated foam hipbelt gives great comfort and sticky lumbar pad helps stabilityLoad it up with close to the maximum 27kg load and you start to appreciate exactly why Gregory has gone to town on the back system. Carrying that sort of weight is never really pleasant, but the Baltoros suspension system means that your legs are likely to be overwhelmed before the pack is. In particular, you can feel the load being spread across the padded back panel and through the hip belt, which feels absolutely fixed in place by that sticky-panelled lumbar pad. Theres no destabilising sway to the pack, but the pivoting shoulder straps move just enough that you dont feel splinted in place.Its the sort of load that crushes more basic packs, which I know because the last time I chose to carry this much was on an Andean mountaineering trip with a streamlined expedition pack and the experience was not a pleasant one; constant discomfort from an inadequate hip belt and shoulder straps on the move, enduring aching afterwards. With the Baltoro, you know the weights there alright, but load transfer onto your hips and shoulders is spot on its as if the pack feels more a part of you rather than being an awkward bolt-on.This cavernous pocket is only one of three located within the lid!With a more typical, less bonkers load, the pack goes from managing extremes to just carrying beautifully. It would still be overkill with the latest ultra-lightweight camping gear, but with more normal kit and a few days worth of food, its one of the best-carrying packs Ive used and arguably worth the extra weight compared to a more streamlined alternative.Pockets aplentyOf course a pack is way more than just a back system, and heres where Gregory has got lots of things just right at least if you like pockets, lots and lots of pockets. There are no fewer than three lid-pockets, a massive front bucket/stash pocket which I found ideal for wet clothing two cavernous, zipped hip belt ones, a zipped vertical front panel pocket (actually, two of them), a big side stash pocket on one side, the left shoulder strap gets a stretch-mesh stash pocket too, and theres that handy bear-spray holster thing. No bears in the Peak District, but perfect for an easy access water bottle if you dont want to use the internal hydration system sleeve gubbins.Making smooth progress on GoatfellThe great thing is that you have enough storage to hold anything youre likely to use during the day; snacks, waterproofs, hats and gloves, phone, bear spray, sheep spray, hair spray, you name it. No need to dig into the main compartment unless, like me, youre incapable of packing sensibly and choose to stash your overtrousers at the base of the main compartment.When/if that does happen however, a huge U-zipped front panel means at least you have easy access to the contents without tunneling down from the top drawstring-fastened lidded opening. If theres a downside to all this, its simply remembering which pocket holds what dont ask how I knowThe front panel access is also perfect when youre camped up and makes packing and unpacking more like using a duffle than a pack, just more convenient.ExtrasOther stuff? Theres a sleeping bag compartment with a zipped dividing panel, so you can have your cake and eat it. The zip-pulls, adjusters and drawcords all work fine, and a discrete black waterproof cover lives in one of the lid pockets. And my guilty secret, the vaunted On-the-Go shoulder harness pocket is ideal for stashing a handy chocolate bar or flapjack for those hardcore Himalayan passes.The celebrated bear spray holder is also great for drinks bottlesThere are some provisos: you can argue that the pack is overkill for lighter loads, but my experience was that the extra weight paid off with a sublime carry for a typical weekend-packing trip. Its also a substantial investment at 300 or 320 for the 75L but the pay-off is that not only does it carry incredibly well with normal loads, but if you have plans which necessitate maxing our your burden, maybe the PCT or similar, the Baltoro will step up and take it in its stride.VerdictIn short, the Baltoro is one of the very best big trip packs out there with a fantastic, supportive and comfortable back system allied to a tough, high-quality build and more pockets than youre ever likely to need. And as well as the Baltoro 65L and 75L, there are also 85 and 100 litre options for even bigger trips.More info at: www.gregorypacks.comSpecs:Dimensions: 84H x 34W x 34D cmRecommended maximum carry weight: 27.2 kgVolume: 65 LWeight: 2.38 kgMaterials:Outer Fabric: Material 1: 210D 40% by weight Recycled Nylon Ripstop with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS. Material 2: 420D 40% by weight Recycled Nylon with C0 DWR: Designed without PFASInterior Lining:40% by weight Post-consumer Recycled 135D Polyester with C0 DWR: Designed without PFASFrames/Suspension:Alloy Steel Frame. Lifespan EVA Foam & AirCushion MeshFeatures:FreeFloat A3 suspension system: with dynamic flex panels and auto rotating shoulder straps that move with the natural movements of your bodyAirCushion mesh backpanel: providing true breathability, eliminating pressure points and moisture-wicking cooling benefits3D Shoulder Harness & Hipbelt Construction: This construction eliminates wrinkling and hot spots to provide hotspot free, body-hugging comfortAuto-rotating shoulder harness: a dual-density shoulder harness with sternum strap featuring integrated safety whistle and hydration clipFit & sizing: available in 3 sizes to provide the ideal fit based on both torso length and body shape.Comfort Grip lumbar pad: this feature helps prevent pack slip and keeps the pack positioned high on your hips without the need to over-tighten the hipbeltAdjustable Torso length: over 7.6 cm of adjustment and hipbelts that adjust 8.8 cm on each side to provide the ultimate in custom fit.Perimeter alloy frame: with fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for stable load managementU-Zip access: front U-Zip access to main volume of packFront zippered pockets: dual front zippered pockets with floating divider wallOn-the-Go shoulder harness pocket: designed to quickly stow sunglasses, trail snacks and fit most cell phones.Hydration sleeve: an internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible for Gregorys Hydro reservoirs (reservoir not included).Top pocket: floating top pocket with a large zippered compartment, small quick-access pocket and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points, and key clipBottle holster: for one-handed on-the-go water bottle access with secure bungee closure for all bottle typesHipbelt pockets: oversized zippered hipbelt pockets with enough space to fit cell phones and trail essentialsSide pocket: large side fabric stuff pocket with pass through for over-or-under compression provides durable storage for rigid camp items like tent poles.Front mesh pocket: front stuff pocket with hybrid stretch-mesh and fabric construction for durability.Drawcord closure: quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compressionSleeping bag compartment: zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable dividerAccessory attachment system: this system is located at easy-to-access hip location for bear spray holsters or accessory pouchesAttachment loops: with upper shock locks for trekking poles or ice axeComfort Grip straps: custom Comfort Grip molded zipper pulls and molded webbing keepers for strap managementRaincover: custom fit raincover included with attachment clipEllis BrighamCountryside Ski & ClimbUltralight Outdoor GearWildboundsCrib Goch Outdoor

We spent a blissful weekend at Hay & Hedgerow Glamping, an adults-only shepherds hut on a working farm near Bridgnorth in Shropshire. With just one hut on site and views over fields, woodland and water, its the perfect spot for a peaceful couples escape or a restorative solo break. We also squeezed in a horse riding hack, a trip on Bridgnorths famous cliff railway and an adventure at Hawkstone Park Follies. Heres our full review of Hay & Hedgerow, plus our pick of things to do nearby.Theres a particular kind of peace and quiet you only get to experience in the countryside. The rumble of traffic, screeching kids and barking dogs replaced by the gentle bleating of sheep and a glorious cacophony of birdsong.Its immediate: a sense of quiet and calm that signals to your nervous system that its safe to rest, and we feel it even before weve finished unpacking the car. Away from work deadlines and endless household chores, we recently spent a perfect autumn weekend at Hay & Hedgerow Glamping, a lone shepherds hut on a working sheep farm in Nordley, tucked into the beautiful Severn Valley between Bridgnorth and Ironbridge.Its adults-only and is set up for slowing down, ideal for couples wanting a proper reset, or for anyone fancying a solo escape where the biggest decision of the day is whether to explore the local area or stay put on the deck.Sited beside a trio of beautiful silver birches, the shepherds hut enjoys expansive views over fields, woodland and water. No other guests and nothing to impact your peace. Just you and fields full of sheep who definitely wont judge if you decide to lounge around in your pyjamas for most of the day.Inside the shepherds hutInside, the hut is beautifully put together and far more spacious than youd guess from the outside, with everything you need for a cosy break. Theres an en suite bathroom with a piping hot shower, a dining table, a sofa and a comfy double bed, plus a small fridge, induction hob, microwave, kettle and toaster. An electric fire keeps things toasty, and there are twinkly fairy lights inside and out.Outside, theres a lovely private deck with the most wonderful swing chair, the perfect place to snuggle up with an early morning coffee. I truly felt like I could have spent the entire weekend happily cosied up under a blanket with my Kindle and doing very little. Perhaps next time. Out and aboutHay & Hedgerow is in a great location. Youre only minutes away from Ironbridge, which is a lovely place to wander around, and Bridgnorth, which has a quirkier charm all of its own.Ironbridge is where the Industrial Revolution properly got going, and the whole gorge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous bridge itself, the first of its kind built from cast iron, is worth seeing up close, and theres a cluster of museums along the gorge. Blists Hill Victorian Town is the one Id point most people towards, especially if youve got a soft spot for dressing-up shops and old sweet shops.Bridgnorth is split in two, with High Town perched on a sandstone cliff and Low Town down by the River Severn. The two are connected by a cliff railway thats the steepest inland funicular in England, and at a couple of quid for a return trip, its well worth it. We started at the top and trundled our way down, and at the bottom theres a pretty stretch of the Severn to wander along before the short trip back up. Last time we were in the area it was closed for engineering works, so there was no way we were passing it up this time! Bridgnorth is also the end of the line for the Severn Valley Railway, so you can hop on a steam train and chug along the river through some gorgeous countryside. If youd rather stay closer to home, the River Severn is perfect for a gentle riverside stroll, and if you fancy a bit more of a leg stretch, the Wrekin is close by and rewards the climb with huge views across Shropshire. Further afield, Much Wenlock is a pretty little town thats worth a mooch, and National Trust fans have Dudmaston Hall and Attingham Park within easy reach.On the way home, we took the opportunity to visit Hawkstone Park Follies, approximately 45 minutes north of Hay & Hedgerow, a great way to round off our weekend.Created in the 18th century by the Hill family, its a proper romantic landscape of the time, full of dramatic sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, a ruined castle and a scattering of follies designed purely to delight and surprise visitors. A couple of centuries on, its still doing exactly that. Expect a few steep climbs, narrow paths, uneven steps and some tight squeezes, which all make for a fun and varied walk make sure you allow a good few hours to see it all properly.Saddle up at Country TreksAnyone whos been paying attention will notice that 2026 has been very horse-centric here on Camping with Style, as Ive recently rekindled my love for horse riding. So if you fancy seeing the countryside from a different angle (about five feet higher, to be precise), its worth knowing that Country Treks in Stottesdon is around 30 minutes from Hay & Hedgerow, and thats where we headed to for an afternoon hack. I rode Della, and Mark rode Dallas. Maisie who took us out, and indeed all the staff we interacted with were outstanding. Super friendly, very knowledgeable and a real credit to the yard. The hack ended up being just the two of us so we were given options. Mark got to practice his rising trot, whilst back in the confines of the school and under instruction, I tried (and failed) to get Della into a canter.The centre is run by experienced, BHS-qualified staff, and caters for everyone from complete beginners on instructional treks to seasoned riders after multi-day trail rides. The setting is a big part of the appeal, too, with rides heading out into some stunning countryside.Between pottering around Ironbridge, trundling down the cliff railway, hacking through the Shropshire countryside and exploring the follies, we managed to squeeze a lot into our weekend. Yet it still felt properly restful thanks to having a quiet, cosy haven to relax in.All credit to the lovely Melissa, who has created a truly magical space in a stunning location. Its not always easy to get glamping accommodation so right, but Hay & Hedgerow genuinely has everything that we look for in a glamping getaway, in fact, weve already booked a return visit!About our stayWe stayed for two nights over the weekend (Friday 9th Sunday 11th October 2026), booked directly at hayandhedgerowglamping.co.uk. Our stay cost 120, making it exceptional value and somewhere well undoubtedly return to.The post Peace Perfected: Hay & Hedgerow Shropshire Shepherds Hut Glamping Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

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The Lyracappul Loop had been on my list for a little while. The main reason being that Lyracappul Mountain is part of my 40 highest mountains in Ireland challenge. Lyracappul, standing at 825m, comes in at number 14 on the list. Im a big fan of the Galtees in general though. Ive already completed several []The post Lyracappul Loop Walk in the Galtee Mountains appeared first on Wild Irish Walks.

The Caherconree and Baurtregaum Loop was the final mountain walk of my week hiking around the Dingle Peninsula. So far, I had been incredibly lucky with the weather during my three days hiking on Masatiompan, Mount Brandon and Beenoskee. For this Caherconree and Baurtregaum Loop walk, that luck finally ran out. As such, it turned []The post Caherconree and Baurtregaum Loop appeared first on Wild Irish Walks.

We test out the beefed-up version of Rabs Phantom Pull-on and Phantom JacketReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersProducing the lightest possible waterproof jacket has been 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 this latest version in the Phantom franchise 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 fabric 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, particularly when it comes to abrasion resistance (such as rubbing pack straps).In terms of features, the latest Phantom is not as minimalist as the original pull-on, however what features it does have are well-considered 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 dual hem adjustors, it just has one, and instead of the usual Velcro fasteners at the cuffs, it has an elasticated section. You also get handwarmer pockets, though no chest or internal pockets. Sensible compromises at every turn then.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 Mountain 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. 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 quite different to many smooth waterproof jackets. In use it feels very airy as in, it hardly feels like youre wearing it. Sometimes shells that use a 2.5-layer membrane can feel a bit clammy on the inside, but we didnt find this to be the case with the Phantom in light showers anyway. However, if youre wearing a short-sleeved baselayer underneath in prolonged or heavy rain, the jacket can 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 its by no means 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 if you need extra venting, and handily the cuff is wide enough that it will slip over a chunky 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 and more durable and feature-rich is a more sensible proposition. Thats obviously the thinking behind this latest Phantom shell, and its this increased feature set and durability that give it far broader appeal than the original pull-on (or even the standard Phantom Jacket). While not quite up to days of heavy rain or prolonged showers, its absolutely perfect for keeping in your pack and whipping out for sudden showers, or 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

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