User Review: GoLite Virga Jacket

GoLite Virga Jacket
Above: The current Virga Jacket, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed July 15, 2008 by TrailScout

Rating:
Fabric: nylon
Price Paid: $80

I have recently made the effort to go light with my gear. So I researched and studied to get the best equipment. I soon found the GoLite Virga rain jacket and hastily made the purchase, finding much confidence with gear bearing the GoLite name.

I just completed a 55 mile Appalachian Trail hike in Nantahala NF. It began to rain steadily the fourth day so I eagerly put on my new jacket. For the first 30 minutes I felt like the smartest guy in my group, having the ultimate in lightweight gear. But after that half hour I began to be disappointed, because as I perspired, the jacket would not breathe. It was more convenient to go without a jacket and allow my clothes to dry out when the rain stopped.

Maybe I am wrong but based on the situation I experienced I have decided to return the jacket and continue searching. Please don't get me wrong, I still respect GoLite and consider light gear to be the way to go, but this jacket failed when I needed it.