A little confused about my GG Virga . . .

Warning – no direct experience whatsoever. But while you're awaiting comments from real users…

When I was shopping for my pack, the two finalists were the GGVT and MS Ghost. The GG was marginally more comfortable but the Ghost was much more user-friendly (all subjective, of course). Indeed, the two things I disliked about GG packs: the ridiculously long top collar and the awkwardly designed side pockets. I suppose you could cut away part of the top collar, but sewing back the drawcord can be a hassle.

As for the sticky inside — I think this MAY be bad news for you. If I remember correctly, the pack fabric is coated inside for water resistance. Methinks the pack wasn't stored properly in a dry place away from light and heat — and the coating is starting to breakdown. If true, there's really no way of reversing it — you can't wipe away that stickiness — and it may actually continue to worsen.

If I am correct re. coating breakdown, I would return the pack to the seller.

Ian, The GG virga is a great pack. The shoulder straps are top notch. As to the collar, yes it is too long and one of the major complaints. The only thing I can surmise is that it is designed to be able to be rolled even when it is full. I solved the problem with my pack by cutting approx 6" off the collar. I then resewed the cord back into the pack. You would never know it was not done that way from the factory. Problem solved but does require a sewing machine. It is now with a new happy owner.

Having owned this pack I can say mine was not sticky in the least on the inside. I agree with Ben this is strange and might indeed be delamination, but I have no clue. I too would return it.

Jamie

Mine was also "sticky" on the inside. I had an older black-and-green Vapor Trail that was sticky inside, also, I think all the earlier Vapor Trails, Virgas, and Nimbus Ozones used this fabric.

I took about 4" off my collar of my newer style Vapor Trail. I cut off the part with the drawstring intact and sewed it onto the lower part, much easier than redoing it.

I like the side pockets of the GG packs, just cut off the straps, they get in the way. You can put a LOT of stuff in them. I had to relearn some things with my ULA Circuit, because you can't put that much in their pockets w/o it falling out.

Tom,
Your commentary is interesting — because I'm pretty sure this IS an early model of the pack, with the original gold color that showed up in the BPL review from 2004.

So your pack's always been sticky and you've just gotten used to it? Figure out any tricks?

"So your pack's always been sticky and you've just gotten used to it? Figure out any tricks?"

Good question, that I can't answer. I only used my Virga twice and decided I like framed packs with my gear load. I don't really remember the stickiness being a BIG issue. The older Vapor Trail I had, wasn't the right size, so I just resold it. The newer Vapor Trail, gray and baby blue, has a different fabric w/o the stickiness and it's the only one I have experience with.

When playing with the GGVT, I definitely do not recall any stickiness. That was back in 2004.

I had a nimbus ozone and absolutely loathed that ridiculously long fore-skin called an extension collar. I should have just had someone modify it, but I went ahead and got the nimbus meridian, which with the lid has been slightly circumsized.

I thought it made it a royal pain to pack and unpack and saw no benefit and let GG know about it. They seemed to have listened with the side strap/pocket issue. Maybe they will remedy the extension collars in the future.

I actually love the extention collar when I was using a VT because it allowed me not to stuff down my bag or down jacket that hard

IMO, the extension collar is a personal preference and can be modified if desired. The stickiness, OTOH, may become a serious issue.

Brett, do you remember your Vapor Trail being sticky on the inside?

I purchased a modified, older (black and gold) Virga off of the gear swap earlier this year. The original user had shortened the extension collar to about 4". With my lightest load, I can just barely roll the top for closure so if you do cut it down, you might want to maybe leave 5-6 inches depending on what you'll be carrying. On longer/colder trips, sometimes I can't roll the top and it becomes susceptible to weather.

I love the modified pack though and have no issues with stickiness on the inside so I'm not sure what's going on with yours.

I can't remember if the seller I purchased from (BPL member: onthecouchagain) was the original user or not but the mods were completed by a seamstress I think. You might want to shoot him a PM concerning the costs.

Never in 4 years now and it is one of the green ones before the current blue model.

Brad,
That's the same user I bought mine from — Dave Satterberg. I've asked him to take a look at the thread and weigh in.

"When playing with the GGVT, I definitely do not recall any stickiness. That was back in 2004."

Hmm, come to think of it, I can't really remember feeling the inside of the green/black VT I had, I just loaded it up and didn't like the size.

And now that my memory is jogged, I had an older short size Nimbus Ozone that I picked up on eBay for a steal…for a spare buddy pack that I never ended up using. I don't remember if being sticky inside.

The Virga was "sticky" inside. From what I remember it wasn't a big hindrance, and would probably get "smoother" with a little use. Wonder if turning it inside out and scrubbing it with some soapy rags and then washing it would help?

I was thinking about this and you might want to try some powder like talc or baby powder. I did this to help with the stickiness after I have seam sealed something.

Jamie

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Another person with an old GG pack weighing in: I have a Nimbus Ozone that I bought on sale in 2004. It's been my main pack since. Great pack. Never had any stickiness.
The extension collar is probably not supposed to be used to its full length, instead use it as a roll-top closure and is very effective keeping the water out.

I've used the GG Virga since it first came out. I just sold my Ghost this fall since it was collecting so much dust.

The inside of the Virga is indeed sticky. It fades somewhat with time, but it is nothing to worry about. If you are using a foam sleeping pad, roll it really tight and put in inside the pack and let it unroll, then the stickiness is not an issue. With a Thermarest I fold that into thirds and place it on the back of the pack, then my sleeping bag unstuffed. Never really concerned about the stickiness.

The extension collar is incredibly long. I once tested a 25" wide pad inside, which took some of it up. I have also had a 10 day food back in the extension collar. Past a certain point, it becomes top heavy and unweildy. Just about any gear repair place should be able to shorten the collar for you. Note that it is nice to have a few extra inches to form a roll top. This makes for a water tight seal. I usually have a map & compass in a gallon size glad bag on top. Works great.

I would definitely recommend using the pack. It is a great pack for the money, and my has held up very well thru the years. It is now my only pack.

Purchased a green one in about 2004.

Extension collar is huge. I didn't like it but after a couple rain trips it was rolled down so much no water made it in and I didn't mind. The biggest advantage came when it became my main winter pack. I left my parka sinch sack at home and had to stuff it in my Virga – the extra collar allowed me to do that considering the inside had a good sized bag, winter clothes, and a tent which took more room than when I used it in summer.

I noticed when I purchased mine that the inside was – I think at the time I described it as – "tacky." It wore off over time though.

My $.02 worth…

Thanks guys, your words are helping me out a lot. I'll try turning this thing inside out and scrubbing a bit, I probably WILL use the cylindrical-pad virtual frame thing so that'll help too . . . and then I'll just hope it goes away with time. I DO really like the bag otherwise. Good-looking, very tough fabrics for the weight of the pack, and built with a pleasing minimalist ethic — even minimalist for a UL pack.

Thanks!

(Merry Christmas!)

WOW, what a thread; my beloved Virga! I have owned no less than four over about as many years and my wife has a brand new one (same as Ians' exactly but a short torso)…and yes, they do come with a "tacky sort of feeling" liner. This serves to protect the backpack and acts as a sort of h2o resistant coating. It does wear off a bit over time but DON'T SCRUB IT! Doing so my cause it to flake, peal or other- let it alone and it will serve you well.

I found the best way to pack is to simply allow your thermarest or pad to create a roll inside then pack within that. I have also had excellent success folding my thermarest short in fourths then using that flat against my back on the inside of the pack- VERY comfy!

The collar is long for sure, BUT, it sure came in handy with an 8 day resupply! The one I sold Brad had been modified from the original owner then sold to me…it was awesome. His wife was a professional seamstress and did all the mods for him. If memory serves, she shortened it to 4" which in my opinion is great provided you are not going to max the pack out or be faced with a big resupply- hence the reason I sold it. For my JMT thru hikes, four and counting, I find I must allow for at least a six day resupply AND a Sierra approved bear canister which sucks but keeps bears alive.

My vote is to try it, I think you will become a convert. Not to knock any other brands but I have tried a bunch and keep coming back to the Virga's simplicity and amazing shoulder harness/straps–second to none in comfort and carrying ability for a sub 2 pound pack. The web belt is a plus if you scramble at all or hike the Sierra where you are either hiking up or down…a lot! Otherwise, I would axe that and save the weight.

I am going to try an MLD Zip to shave off a few more ounces this next hike 2010 but still have some reservations as I know how well the Virga lasts, carries and holds all my junk (about 13 pounds with 3 day food/fuel and 1 liter of water). Also, you may want to use a pack liner from GossamerGear or BPL which would make that "sticky" sensatiion null.

post again if you want more…

couch

Thanks Dave, I'll give everything a try, and will make sure to do zero scrubbing. :-D

I like the exra extension of the top collar. When you use a bear vault or some sort of bear canister, the collar is perfect to make it all fit in.

The inside of my pack is not sticky.

I can't remember if my Virga is sticky inside or not, but I use a trash compactor bag as a liner and it is decidedly not sticky on the inside. You might give that a try.

My Virga has never been sticky but a few of my packs have had a tacky feel to them. I just figured it was the urethane coating.

I actually like the longer extension collar. It helps when you need a little extra room at the beginning of a longer or cold weather hike.