Stuck in a blizzard? No worries. The Phantom appears just when you need it.

The Search

One year ago, I started to scour the market for the ultimate light-weight and ultra warm down jacket as a companion to my classic heavy parka from Canada Goose. I had a few non negotiables in hand when conducting my search; firstly, it had to have 750 fill down (+) or higher. Secondly, it had to have a DWR (Durable Water Repellant) coating, as I wanted it to be able to withstand the most brutal storm possible. Thirdly, the outer fabric had to have a reflective/metallic sheen, matte was not on the table. Finally, it had to be light-weight and packable, so that it could be pulled out and worn on extended winter hike breaks, or the going got seriously tough.

With these tenets in hand, I landed on two incredible choices. In one corner, the Arc’teryx Cerium SV hoody stood, lending credence to the term (S)e(V)ere. The black sapphire colouration was the clear standout next to the somber black, and the 1000 down fill-power was one of the most intense I had ever seen in a jacket.

Image Credit : Arc’teryx

In the other corner sat an extremely capable challenger, and one that I ultimately sided with; the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down Jacket. After already owning and thoroughly enjoying this brand’s other “apparition” inspired jacket (re: Ghost Whisperer), I knew I would be in safe (and warm!) hands. The colouration I chose was called blue slate, very similar to the Arc’teryx, but with silvery undertones vs the Arc’teryx’s purple. Both jackets had exceptional insulation, and the lack of hood on the MH did not deter me, as my Arc’teryx Beta shell which could be layered on top, had more than enough hood for the both.

Image Credit : Mountain Hardwear

The Specs

-800 fill down insulation
-DWR coating
-Two zippered chest pockets and hand pockets (harness compatible)
-drawcord hem adjustment
-468 grams

The LT Review

I’ve owned this jacket for almost 12 months now, and my long-term review lands on the side of exceptional. The Canadian winters have been an ideal testing ground for the Phantom, accompanying me on long winter hikes, and providing essential warmth as a throw-on layer post-winter running races. The metallic sheen to the jacket also lends it the look of a dressed-up option when the après-activities begin. It has become the perfect lighter companion option to my bulkier Canada Goose parka, the massive weight difference never failing to shock. Based on all of this, I cannot see this Phantom jacket “disappearing” from my life anytime soon.

And this post would not be complete without a cheeky wristshot 😉

-Mister Wrist(er)