Thanks to its 2.5-layer Alchemy fabric, the GoLite Men's Virga Rain Jacket gives you total waterproof breathable weather protection while weighing only nine ounces. All superfluous features have been stripped from the Virga Rain Jacket to keep weight to a minimum. GoLite included only a fully adjustable hood and two hand pockets. Anything more just seems like bells and whistles to true weight-obsessed backpackers.
Bottom Line: Make sure you have the GoLite Virga Rain Jacket on your trip when you need to shave ounces but can't afford to sacrifice weather protection.
Positives = very light, packs small, breathable, fits well in a thwart bag, durable.
Negatives = I got an extra large and it fits pretty tight. Hood could fit a little tighter.
Overall, Not a bad jacket for the money.
I've worn this jacket during three rainy sessions so far & it did what it was supposed to do, kept me dry. I purchased it to reduce my overall pack weight by four ounces. I've been impressed by everything including the price. The large hood & pockets are great for keeping head & hands out of the elements. Zippered pockets keep items in place. Elastic is used on cuffs & hood to reduce weight. Stiff front zipper cover & hood bill. I normally wear a large & this large fits me just fine even with a down vest underneath. So far all +'s & no -'s.
I bought this rain/wind coat due to the recognition it got in Backpacker Magazine 08' Gear reviews. I just received it a few days ago and all the sudden NO rain in North KY. I brought it to work with me, praying that it would rain cats and dogs so I could test it out after 3 days....
the minute I left work it started lightning and thunder claps like bombs...I hurried home, threw on the North Face Paramount convertibles pants I bought...I can tell you this...those are great pants but you can see my review on those...my bottom got NOT SOAKED, but damp when I set off into my 3 mile hike. By the way, the outer layer of those pants got soaked, but completely dried in drizzling rain after bout 45 minutes.
I got struck by about 45-60 mph gusts of WIND and RAIN downpouring on me for bout an hour...My body was dry by the time I got back home from my stroll, and this upper jacket IS TINY and WILL keep you and EVERYTHING else dry IF you know what you're doing. The pockets ARE handy, especially the INSIDE ones, however I have many reviews on this coat and its got its flaws like the outer pockets. They seem a lil flimsy, but due to this jacket's weight. I understand and am not mad about that at all. However, I am reluctant to want to even open them if not necessary due to their flimsiness. It's GoLite, it's lite.
I am not unhappy with this purchase AT ALL, but I would recommend people adhere to what most other people mention about the sizing. I am naturally a medium sized T shirt although I always wear large shirts. Well, I noticed comments left here and other sites and decided I better order a large intead of a medium. Well, the verdict is in. Let's just say I am 5'7" , 38-40 chest...
I'm not a big guy (32" waist) so this large fits me PERFECTLY....if you truly are a large...get a proper size...contact golite and size from there then come back to spend you're money @ this site, lol!!!!
With HARD winds I could see how this coat would get a good/bad review on the hood it has, but I just nearly got blown over by the wind outside on my trek and the hood over my cap kept my brand new adidas cap from getting soaked...my uppers were more dry than my downers, hehe!!
GREAT COAT ...buyer beware of sizing!!!!!!!
