Move Fast, Carry Smart The standout feature? The Phantom Suspension® System. It keeps the pack stable, balanced, and perfectly in tune with your body. Whether you're racing ridgelines or fastpacking deep into the hills, it feels more like an extension of you than a pack on your back.
What is the OMM Phantom 25 Vest Pack?
The Phantom 25 Vest Pack represents the evolution of OMM's renowned Phantom series, designed for athletes who believe that the lightest equipment is critical to their performance. Developed with a new vestpack harness, the Phantom 25 balances weight perfectly across the torso for exceptional stability and comfort while running, scrambling, or fastpacking.
What is it made of?
Airmesh Back Panel
The Phantom 25 features an Airmesh-lined back panel for enhanced comfort and ventilation. This lightweight padding provides cushioning against the back while promoting airflow to prevent overheating during intense activity.
Ripstop Nylon Body
The main body is constructed from Ripstop Nylon, a high-tenacity fabric known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. This material is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and water-repellent, ensuring your gear stays protected in rough terrain and unpredictable conditions.
Stretch Mesh Pockets
Durable stretch mesh pockets offer flexible storage for items like soft flasks, nutrition, gloves, or small accessories. The material expands to accommodate varying loads while keeping contents stable and secure, preventing bounce even on technical descents.
Cordura Reinforcement
High-wear areas are reinforced with Cordura® fabric to increase toughness without unnecessary bulk. Cordura's renowned abrasion resistance ensures that the Phantom 25 can withstand repeated use in rugged mountain environments.
YKK Zips and Duraflex Components
The Phantom 25 uses YKK zippers for smooth, snag-free operation in all conditions and Duraflex hardware for maximum strength and reliability. These lightweight, high-performance fittings are resistant to temperature shifts, UV exposure, and impact — ensuring long-term durability across countless adventures.
What Suspension System is used?
The Phantom Suspension® System is at the heart of OMM's innovative design, created specifically for the biomechanics of running and fast movement. It focuses on dynamic load control, balance, and adaptability — allowing the pack to move naturally with your body while maintaining stability and comfort.
Phantom Suspension Yoke Design
When running, the body's natural motion causes the shoulders and hips to move independently as opposite limbs rise and fall. The Phantom Suspension system mirrors this movement with a flexible, yoke-style connection behind the neck and elasticated cords at the shoulders. This ensures that as your body rotates and flexes, the pack maintains a consistent central spine length, reducing bounce and maintaining balance.
Multi-Point Harness Stability
To counter vertical bounce, the lower section of the shoulder strap features a four-point attachment system. When you push off, the lower strap supports the downward pull, while the upper strap tightens as you land, stabilising the pack. This multi-point configuration eliminates unwanted movement, keeping the load steady while maintaining excellent breathability and minimal contact area for reduced heat build-up.
Modular Waist System
The removable waist strap enhances customisation for different load levels and running styles. It includes integrated pockets for quick-access storage and can be detached entirely for minimal setups or reattached to the shoulder harness for additional space. This modular approach ensures that the Phantom can be tailored to suit both lightweight race conditions and longer, gear-intensive days.
Adjustable Back Length
A fully adjustable back system allows precise fit customisation for different body shapes and preferences. Combined with the carbon fibre back frame, it optimises load transfer to the hips for improved comfort on longer, heavier carries.
What are its features?
Optimised Running Geometry
The Phantom 25's vest-style design distributes weight evenly across the upper body, keeping the pack close to your centre of gravity. This balance allows natural arm swing and unrestricted lung expansion for efficient breathing — even under load.
25-Litre Main Volume
With a 25-litre capacity, the Phantom 25 offers ample space for layering, food, and a mandatory race kit, making it ideal for ultra events or fast-and-light overnights.
Hydration Compatibility
The pack is hydration-compatible, allowing easy integration with bladders or soft flasks. Quick-access storage and routing options keep hydration efficient during sustained efforts.
Modular System Integration
Compatible with OMM's modular add-ons, the Phantom 25 can be expanded with extra storage solutions, including the Duomat — a lightweight mat that doubles as a back panel stiffener — and other accessory pods for extended missions.
Water-Resistant Design
Constructed with water-resistant fabrics and quick-drying materials, the pack sheds light rain and protects contents from splashes and sweat.
Secure Storage Options
Multiple stretch mesh and zipped pockets allow efficient gear organisation. A secure zipped pocket provides protection for valuables, while the front and side compartments keep essentials within reach during fast movement.
Features:
- 25-litre capacity for endurance and fastpacking use
- Phantom Suspension harness for dynamic stability
- Adjustable back length with carbon fibre frame
- Hydration compatible
- Stretch mesh storage pockets
- Modular waist system with removable belt pockets
- Secure zipped pocket for valuables
- Water-resistant construction
- Airmesh back panel for comfort and ventilation
- YKK zips and Duraflex hardware
- Compatible with OMM Duomat and modular systems
OMM Phantom 25 Vest Pack Review The first thing you notice isn’t the weight — it’s the fit. The Phantom 25 wraps around your torso like it belongs there, hugging the upper body without feeling restrictive. Hours in, it’s still sitting exactly where you want it. The Airmesh back panel keeps it breathable on sweaty climbs, and the adjustable back system lets you fine-tune it perfectly. Once you’re moving, it simply disappears — quiet, balanced, and surprisingly comfortable even when loaded.
Long Ultras or Multi-Day Fastpacks? Absolutely. The 25-litre capacity hits a sweet spot for events where you need mandatory kit, food, and extra layers. It compresses down neatly for lighter days, but it can also swallow a compact sleeping setup for overnights. From mountain marathons to fastpacking routes, it stays versatile without losing that race-day agility.
Durable Enough for Real Mountain Use? Very. With a ripstop nylon body and Cordura reinforcements, it’s tougher than it looks. We’ve scraped it across rock, stuffed it into boggy ground, and thrown it into vans — it keeps going. Add in YKK zips and Duraflex hardware and you’ve got a pack built for proper mountain punishment, not just polished trail running.
FAQ
How does the Phantom Suspension system work?
It uses a yoke-style harness and elastic cords that move with your body’s rotation, reducing bounce and improving stability when you’re running or hiking fast.
Is it suitable for fastpacking or ultras?
Yes. With 25 litres of capacity and a low-bounce design, it’s ideal for multi-day fastpacking, ultras, and adventure races where stability matters.
Can I adjust the fit?
Definitely. The back length and waist strap are fully adjustable, letting you dial in a custom fit and keep the load balanced.
Can it fit hydration bladders or bottles?
Yes. It’s compatible with hydration bladders and soft flasks, with multiple routing options for clean hose management and easy access.
Is it waterproof?
It’s built from water-resistant materials to handle light rain and splashes, but for heavy downpours we recommend adding a rain cover or using dry bags inside.
Can you attach extra gear or accessories to the pack?
Yes. The Phantom 25 is modular, so you can add OMM accessory pods or the Duomat for extra storage or back support. External loops and stretch pockets also make it easy to lash on poles or wet gear when space runs tight.
How does the ventilation hold up during hot conditions?
Really well. The Airmesh back panel and minimal contact points keep air moving, so it doesn’t trap moisture or feel clammy like heavily padded packs can — even on long climbs.
What’s it like to adjust on the move?
Super easy. The harness and shock cords let you tweak tension while running — tighten it for climbs, loosen it for descents — often one-handed without breaking rhythm.