GoLite Phantom Rain Jacket REVIEW

At 11.8 oz (335 g) the GoLite Phantom is one of two Gore-Tex jackets in our reviews to break the 12 oz (340 g) barrier. It is the only Gore-Tex jacket with both pit zips and large mesh-backed front pockets for ventilation. For high aerobic activity, our reviewers believed the combination of breathable PacLite III fabric and excellent ventilation features make the GoLite Phantom the best jacket at minimizing moisture buildup of any we've reviewed. With additional finishing touches such as a wide, wire stiffened hood brim, lightweight waterproof zippers, and dual single hand cord-locks on both hood and hem, the Phantom might be considered a feature-rich bargain at its $229 price. Part of the Phantom’s low weight is due to the new PacLite III fabric, which is 2.6 oz/yd² (88 g/m²), or about 12% lighter than the previous generation of the lightest PacLite. The rest of its low weight comes from careful design and addition of features that offer plenty of function for little weight. It’s hard to find fault with the Phantom, and its primary limitation lies in its hood: while the hood has a nice wire stiffened brim, it lacks a rear adjustment, and it is not helmet friendly.