GoLite Virga Jacket

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!!!!!!!

Ultralight fabric must be taken very good care of. The jacket is great for its intention. The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 - the hand pockets commented on previously. While they could be convenient for storage, they are quite flimsy on the inside of the jacket, and could be easily torn. Not great if you are on a long trip and tear your jacket. Not to mention a minimalist shell jacket probably doesn't need flimsy pockets if sticking to the ultralight mentality. Just give me an ultralight shell that keeps me dry and keep the pockets! On the outside though, the pocket zippers are nice and trim, low profile. I might consider cutting out the inside pockets to decrease weight and prevent a tear. Also, a note about sizing: I am 5'11" and 175 pounds, 41 regular chest. I debated between large and medium, but got a large. Cut is long so it covers my butt however not too loose in the chest, actually perfect. I am a 33" sleeve and the sleeves on the large jacket are perfect. Just a little long to promote movement and the jacket overall is big enough to layer over other garments.

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.

Very light weight and an excellent price. Kept me dry on a recent rainy trip up King's Peak. Not many frills, but one thing that is nice is the extra large mesh pockets on the inside of the jacket - good for power bars and trail mix. I agree that the sizing is off. I normally wear a large and the XL that I got fits perfectly.

GoLite Virga Jacket Mens' Medium The size is perfect! I am 5'11, 160lb and medium is perfect for me. I read some reviews and initially got a large, but it was way too big. Very lite, packs super small. Only thing I would improve is a draw string on the waist.

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.