Golite Virga and other rainwear

Wonder what was wrong with the preproduction model that Ryan had that was so light as opposed to what is now offered? The 6 versus 9 ounces is pretty significant.

Reason for weight difference.
http://tinyurl.com/yorou8

I tried on a large Virga once. The thing was really tight around the arm pits. I was surprised because I usually wear a medium or a large. The zipper was also difficult to use.

Derek,

I'm not a big fan of propore-type rain suits either. The fabric is just too easily torn for my taste. One good thing I have to say about them is that they are really breathable.

There may be different versions of the Virga around. The one I have cost me $40 at the Golite warehouse sale back in November. It's a size medium and weighs 8.4 oz. on my scale. This one fits me well and I've had no problems with the zipper. On my last couple of trips, I've combined it with Golite Whim pants for a total of 11.8 oz for the suit.

One thing I found strange when I got the Virga is that it has one pocket on the right side of the jacket. There is no left pocket. In the field, though, I've found it to be useful. Both the jacket and my Whim pants fit easily into the pocket for convenient storage. And it's a useful place to hold my one-ounce skull cap and rain mitts while on the move.

I've heard that Golite is trying again for a sub-six ounce Virga and that it may be out next year.

Right now Sierra Designs has a sub six-ounce rain jacket available called the Isotope. It received a good review on this site. The price is $90. The companion pants sell for $70.