Mountain Hardwear | Phantom | Jacket | Parka | Ghost Whisperer2 | Review

[@Engearment]

This is one of the best reviews and comparisons I have ever seen. Very impressed! Keep up the great work over there! I took notes on all the details you share. I have all 3 of these jackets (and the new 2023 versions as well) and will be dropping you a shout out in our reviews. Truly great work my man!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

If this is Sean, thank you dude! Love your videos as well and I certainly take notes on your production style. Would love to connect sometime!

[@Engearment]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 Yes Sir! Sean here. Really stoked you dig our vids too. Means a lot my man. Happy to connect! Love your style and what you are doing :)

[@thesecretjuice]

What is the 2023 version of the phantom down hoody?

[@MultiRichard2010]

The best review channel i have found to date, so indepth for gear lovers. Are you going to review the updated versions? Maybe you have already 😂

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@MultiRichard2010 thanks so much! Working on it. I have a ton of raw just waiting to be edited. Stay tuned

[@humanoid1948]

Thank you for clarifying the differences between these jackets. I found so many reviews on the ghost whisperer, but hardly anything on the phantom (jacket) and I think a good partition of what I found was actually about the parka. This helps so much

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Glad I could help!! I will have more reviews coming soon! Your feedback is so welcome 🤙🏼

[@1m_Just_James]

I love the complexity of this review. Thank You very much!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Absolutely! Thanks for the feedback!

[@mkultra9361]

Best review I’ve seen yet on this jacket yet. I recently got the MH Stretch Down jacket, considering returning it and getting the Phantom Parka instead, as I don’t think the Stretch will suitable for winters in Canada. Curious on what you think of the Stretch Down, thanks!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

I really like the Stretch Down line as it is far more durable than the Ghost Whisperer line, albeit a bit heavier. The stretch down uses 700fill down vs 800 on the Phantom and Ghost Whisperer, however I still find the Stretch Down to be really light and packable, just not enough to be considered "ultralight." For what you sacrifice in weight savings, you make up for in durability and versatility. They are about 25% heavier than the lighter lines. Now, one question I have is, do you have the stretch down jacket or the parka? The jacket has around 3.5oz of down fill, the parka I think has 5oz+. Overall, the Phantom Parka will still win for warmth and packability. It is crazy warm. If you have the cash to spend, I would highly recommend.

[@jamesprescott4334]

What are your thoughts on the Phantom Parka versus the Patagonia DAS parka for a ski mountaineering application? I’m looking for an “over everything” layer for emergencies or being stationary for long period of time

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

For extreme cold, Phantom all day. For wet shoulder season and spring stuff, DAS parka. If I had to pick one for humid northeast stuff? DAS because it layers really well

[@peggyberrenson8124]

Thank You for these amazing videos. A couple of questions. Is the new Montane Resolute with sewn thru arms as warm as the discontinued Chonos. And which would you say is the warmest between the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Parka and the Resolute. Thanks again and please keep 'em coming!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

I really can't speak to the Montane Resolute with confidence however it does have 250g of 800fill down vs 196g on the Phantom (I recently learned what the actual fill weight is). Despite having almost 2oz less down, I can tell you that the Phantom Parka is extremely warm and felt nearly as lofty as the Chonos. The phantom will be a solid piece down to about 0 degrees with a fleece or light mid layer underneath. The drawback is that the sleeves dont allow great layering. A work around would be a down vest to wear underneath with a fleece. The Resolute is about 6.6oz heavier than the Phantom. 3.6oz heavier than the Chonos. Not sure what the shell fabric weight is but it appears very built with dump pockets. The Chonos lacks these. It looks like the Resolute is made for layering. Real world application: Phantom: If you are looking for an extremely lightweight parka good to about 0 degrees for winter backpacking, ski touring. Resolute if you are spending extended periods in sub zero temps and need to layer underneath. Winter overnights, camping, ice fishing.

[@chrisgnx]

Fantastic video! This or the trango for backpacking when it’s cold…would welcome your thoughts.

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Hey Chris! If you can swing it, I would recommend the Phantom PARKA over the Trango for winter backpacking. Its just lighter and more compressible. The Trango has a more durable, hefty face fabric which is good for climbing applications but the compressibility of the Phantom PARKA is more optimal for backpacking. I think the Phantom may even be a bit warmer. It is so lofty. The Trango is virtually indestructible but you'll notice it more in your pack.

[@chrismartinovic496]

Awesome video, keep it up man

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Thanks dude! Much appreciated. More to come!

[@juanchocarancho1682]

Man, you must (please) make more videos!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

On the way homie! Thank you Thank you Thank you for the support!

[@nickjohnson7666]

Awesome review!! One of the best I've seen....love how in depth you got. Can I ask your weight and height? I'm 6'1 and 195 lbs and not sure if I should get a L or XL. I'm wanting it to layer comfortably over a baselayer and midlayer jacket. Thanks!!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

5'7" 175lb. 40in chest, 32in waist. A large would fit you well but if you want to layer over a mid jacket, then an XL might be the way to go.

[@nickjohnson7666]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 thank you! Keep up the great work bro

[@danielricardoarteagabedoya7160]

Excellent videos, i have a question: is a phantom good option to climb Aconcagua or similar peaks?

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

I would say that it is an extremely warm parka, however due to its sizing, it is difficult to adequately layer with for a peak that high. The arms are a bit tight. Compared to the torso sizing. That said, this jacket would most likely be okay to take you to the summit, but there are better options available. I would look at the Nilas parka, the Mountain Equipment Trango, Patagonia Alploft. All parkas that allow you to extend the warmth by layering. Check out my other belay parka video.

[@danielricardoarteagabedoya7160]

Thank You so much.

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Nilas is on sale now for $329. If you wear a L or XL, I would scoop one. Phantom is also on sale for $239. www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-nilas-jacket-1939301.html?dwvar_1939301_color=004&bc_pid=MTkzOTMwMTAwNA%3D%3D&MHW_US_PriceDropWeekly&mid=em&eid=RTM&nid=MHW_US_PriceDropWeekly&obem=5xQAHbm9Z_oyHYWN65GOaHO00vb4sRfh5G8561KRoPk%3D&bc_lcid=t5477399566770176lw5116676101660672

[@turo3066]

Greetings from VT! Amazing detailed review. I am a bit of a minimalist and I am looking to replace a Marmot Down Guide Hoody that I have beat the hell out of. If you could only have one down coat for the apocalypse, what would it be? Weight is not necessarily a issue for me. Durability and warmth is most important. Thanks for the awesome content man!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

What's up neighbor! Tough question but I'll do my best to answer without muddying the waters. It all depends on your use. The Rab Electron might be an awesome option for you. It's super versatile and warm enough for Vermont winters in all but the very coldest. It runs slim so sizing up to accommodate layering is recommended. Light down jackets/hooded sweaters have 3-4oz of down fill (Mountain Hardwear Phantom Jacket is great) Light Parkas have around 5-6oz of down (Rab Electron) Medium parkas have 7-9oz of down (Mountain Hardwear Nilas or Mountain Equipment Trango) Heavy parkas have 9oz + of down (Patagonia Grade VII) Down fill power of 700+ is what you want to look for. 800 fill is kindof the sweet spot for price and packability. Your Marmot Guides Parka is a fantastic piece as a do it all light parka. It has 149.8g (5.28oz) of 700 fill down with decent packability. It's on sale right now for $125 on Marmot's Site: www.marmot.com/men/jackets-and-vests/insulated-and-down/mens-guides-down-hoody/AFS_889169664663.html A great light parka would be the Rab Electron, which has ~190g (6.7oz) of 800 fill down. (Review coming soon) A very affordable and durable medium/heavy parka would be the Mountain Equipment Trango. Super warm and burly face fabric. 196g of 700 fill down. Fully featured adjustments, pockets and internal dump pockets. (Review Coming Soon) My one and done parka of choice would have to be the Mountain Hardwear Nilas. It has a very durable windproof and weather resistant shell. A go to for Denali and for Mount Washington weather. 215g (7.58oz) of 850 fill down. Super light and packable. But expensive. I found a deal on one. My go to light down sweater would be the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Jacket in this review. ~3oz of 800 fill down. Great for backpacking. Another great option for warmth and durability would be the Black Diamond Belay Parka. Super burly and extremely warm synthetic parka. Great if weight and packability are not absolutely critical. If you have short approaches or aren't crushing miles and vert, this might be your best option. It's really affordable, fully featured and protective in wet or dry conditions. (Review coming soon). Hope this helps!

[@turo3066]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 Thanks for the detailed response brother! Some of these are on my list to re research. I'm glad that you suggested some others I haven't heard of. I will look into these. Did you mention that there is an online used gear to search for deals? I know of Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington. Thanks again and happy trails!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@turo3066 Geartrade.com is a great resource where I find a lot of good deals. Worth checking out!

[@batjargalbuyanbat2355]

Love it. Thank you so much. Gonna buy yellow one

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Heck yeah! Go for it! When I find a medium (my size) I will scoop one. The large was just too big for me at 5’7” and 175lbs

[@svenmccalljr.4268]

What did the Phantom 800 jacket turn into? In terms of the naming? The ghost whisperer UL? Been trying to find it with the white text and not black but can’t find one

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

The Phantom sortof split into two different offerings: The Phantom Alpine Link>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWXEmY2cjsZogrM And then there is the Phantom Belay Parka which most closely resembles the earlier Phantom Down Parka but more accurately replaces the Nilas in the Mountain Hardwear lineup. I guess they thought having two fully baffled parkas and no mid-weight stitch-through parkas was mis-aligned. The Phantom Alpine is similar to the Rab Neutrino or the Montane Antifreeze.

[@svenmccalljr.4268]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 The Phantom Alpine is kind of in between them though. Does the Phantom 800 Hooded **jacket** just not really exist anymore? I would love to get that lighter weight with the higher loft. I guess something closer to the Rab Mythic G. Something that packs really small but gives you pretty good weight for the pack size

[@svenmccalljr.4268]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 Essentially, I want to get this jacket and it seems like they don't sell it anymore or anything like it. Ghost whisperer is too thin and not quite the same and the alpine is too much.

[@Louis-bs7hi]

Agree, I tried Ghost Whisperer vs Cerium Lt. Ghost whisperer has more cold spots. It is light and packble but I will not rely on it unless extra fleece under. I wondered the same thing when I put lights through the buffle, is this a $300 jacket ? A good review, thanks !

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Spec sheets certainly aren't everything! It's gotta perform.

[@mattsev9134]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 I like Mountain Hardwear for their warmer down pieces and have an old Sub Zero SL, as well as an older Phantom model. For the lighter down pieces I tend to like what Montbell is doing, and own a Superior Down jacket (7.1oz jacket, 1.9oz 800fp down). Their plasma 1000 jacket looks impressive. And I also really appreciate the fact that Montbell actually provides the fill weight specs on their website for all their jackets - wish every company did that!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@mattsev9134 Yes, I will me shifting over to Montbell for more of my puffy jackets. I really liek what they do but sometimes have a hard time getting the right fit. I have to size up with them.

[@Lord_Don]

@@mattsev9134for a light down see Stellar equipment 1010 down fill 🤫 Hopefully it doesn't become a universally ubiquitous brand Butchered my comment

[@mattsev9134]

@@Lord_Don Just checked out their website now. Nice stuff! AND they publish the fill weights too, which I always appreciate. I've never heard of this company (from Sweden) before but thanks for pointing me in their direction. The Guide Hyperlight Down Hood is the one jacket that really grabbed my attention. Around 3.8oz of 1010FP down for the size large and a total jacket weight of 9.7oz? That's impressive.

[@AR9ify]

Your videos are excellent 👌

[@Rwmd953]

What’s your go to mid layer down or synthetic? I have had Patagonia nano puff and the micro puff I was disappointed with nano puff to many threads coming lose And the micro puff had loss of loft to soon after using it only a few times Think about trying down this time around

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

I agree with you on the nano puff. I really love my Big Agnes Dome Peak (hoodless) /Porcupine (hooded) synthetic layers. I believe they are 40g Primaloft Gold or active insulation. and weigh 10oz. Super light and packable anorak style. Excellent for active use and low profile for layering over. My go to. www.moosejaw.com/product/big-agnes-men-s-porcupine-hooded-pullover_10438967?ad_id=GooglePlusBox&GooglePlusBox&PLA&Big-Agnes&cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-MJ-Shopping-Clearance-Brand-Product|MJ-Shopping-Clearance-Brand-Product-_-google|12228262265|115092327577|495729794833|pla-950327475728|c|9003055|5136619&gclid=CjwKCAjwi8iXBhBeEiwAKbUofVPQT4CuiOhQwpA94ecnOFTNj3jTEnBPS9_s-A7WZwrQZStzniv7gxoC9lMQAvD_BwE For heavier stuff and resort skiing, I use an LL Bean Stretch Packaway hoody (much like the Arc'teryx Atom LT). 60g Primaloft Gold. www.llbean.com/llb/shop/123736?page=mens-stretch-primaloft-packaway-hooded-jacket-mens-regular I like the synthetic mids because they manage moisture much better.

[@neaklaus52]

I think the MH Ghost Whisperer series are really just fashion statements. Not that they are bad.

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

The gear has to be fashionable for people to want to WEAR it. But the specs are such that make people want to BUY it. The function is such that makes me not want to USE it.

[@ryaniam22]

Ya those ultralight weight down jackets (from all the companies) are way to thin with such little down they are practically useless. In my opinion don't even bother with down unless it has 250+ is grams of down or is a thick down vest used under a rain jacket

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@ryaniam22 I like the down vest under a rain shell combo. And yeah when it’s warm enough to rain, a light synthetic puffy is so much more reliable. Love my Rab Xenon for that purpose.

[@peterbest4795]

What are your thoughts on the Montbell Superior Down Parka as a mid layer?

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

I typically prefer synthetic materials for my midlayers, I see the superior down as more of a 3 season or even warm season UL puffy jacket when the evenings get cool. I prefer down as my outer layer for moisture management. I usually don't wear it for active insulation unless its really cold.

[@peterbest4795]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 Thanks man - also wondered whether you have any experience/thoughts on the Montbell Alpine Light Down, as opposed to the Alpine Down in this video? The prices on the Japan outlet store are unreal and make Montbell a great value proposition across the board imo. I’m new to your channel and this video was top tier man, thank you.

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@peterbest4795 I think the Alpine Light down parka would be a nice shoulder season layer where you could see temps in the 20-40 degree range. Its definitely a light weight parka with 2/3 the fill weight of the Alpine parka. The alpine parka can really take you down close to 0 comfortably. Everythng else is more or less the same, build-wise, except that the Alpine Light parka has an internal dump pocket and the heavier alpine parka doesn't which doesn't make any sense to me. Thanks for dropping by!

[@sambowie11]

You know where I can get a medium Nilas?

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

I have never seen them go on sale on the website. But you might find one on marketplace, reddit or mountain project. I got mine on marketplace at a good price

[@bardiak8361]

Amazing review. Thanks Is phantom parka packable?

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

The phantom parka is incredibly packable. I can't speak highly enough about it. I think it will pack down to about 2L

[@brdbrntrn]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 That's awesome. Does it come with a stuff sack?

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@brdbrntrn The older versions did, but the new one does not. A little disappointing, however I typically opt to not use a stuff sack for storage or in my pack. Stuff sacks tend to create "geometrical" shapes that leave negative space in your pack, reducing efficiency and increasing bulk. I like to fill the negative space in my pack with things like my puffy and other non-geometrical shapes to balance the pack out and maximize my use of space. Hope this helps!

[@brdbrntrn]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 Thank you.

[@8bitflea]

They stopped making this because I can’t find it

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Yes both models are discontinued. Look around eBay and geartrade and you’ll find some now and again. The new versions are the Phantom Alpine and Phantom Belay parkas

[@alexbillian2846]

MHW doesn’t have the hoodie on their site anymore, weird

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Different colors but here it is! www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-phantom-parka-1851251.html?dwvar_1851251_color=450

[@alexbillian2846]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 thats the Parka, they have the womens Phantom Hoodie, and the mens phantom jacket but just not the hooded version which is weird

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@alexbillian2846 here is another link for the outlet options. Large and XL available. www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-phantom-down-parka-1851251_S.html?dwvar_1851251_S_color=636

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@alexbillian2846 People are selling the Phantom Hooded Jacket on FB Marketplace and Ebay a lot too

[@gilbertmedina1837]

I saw this video a while ago, already had the jacket and eneded picking up the parka also. I revisited your video just now for kicks after watching the belay parka video again. It looks like they updated the parka and added a button and internal cinches: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKeTcneiZdegl5ofeature=shared Maybe you can do a comparison between the old and the new? Help me satisy or stay my FOMO :) And thank you for taking the time to talk about parkas, lots of helpful information there!

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Thanks for the feedback! MHW basically took the phantom line and gave it a makeover, filling an important gap with a stitchthrough Phantom Alpine Parka and a beefed up Phantom Belay Parka. I did a review on the Phantom Alpine here. Looking to do one of the Phantom Belay in the near future kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWXEmY2cjsZogrM

[@YetAnotherAaron]

The Phantom JACKET is no longer available

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

Yeah it is tough to find but you can find some people selling on FB Marketplace, geartrade.com or other sites. ebay for sure has some.

[@ryaniam22]

Hey dude. Does the phantom parka compress terribly when put under a goretex shell? I'm curious how much down is the sweetspot (or loft) for under goretex shells. If it's too skinny it gets compressed to much and if it's too thick you don't really needs the gortex and might as well just have a thicker down jacket. I hunt in the bush so any ultralight fabrics get destroyed right quick hence the need for a more durable outer shell overtop. Cheers

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

The Phantom Parka is really meant to be an outermost layer. The sleeves don’t layer very well over a shell and putting a shell over it would compress it too much. Look to the Kuiu Burner parka for a bomber parka for hunting.

[@mattsev9134]

@@diwoodoesthings8288 I have an older medium size Phantom Parka (no neck baffle or use of the pertex material). Although I rarely do this it layers pretty well under an Arcteryx Beta LT hardshell. I don't feel the loft of the phantom is being compressed unless maybe I'm bringing my arms together in front of me, and even then I'd say the compression is minimal. I think you could always manage to layer a lofty down parka under a hardshell as long as the hardshell is large enough, but then you could run into the issue with the hardshell being too big when worn with a less lofty midlayer, or with just a base layer. I find the medium phantom and large Beta LT to work together right in that Goldilocks range.

[@diwoodoesthings8288]

@@mattsev9134 Cool. More often than not I see a lighter down jacket being used under a shell, then a parka over that. More versatile in my opinion but if you like that system and it works for you, go for it! One thing is that you will have to take your shell off /on to put on your parka which can get cold really quick. I like base layer, mid layer, shell, parka.

[@redazi1]

700/1200€ no thanks