“If anyone knows of a similarly cheap suit, that could be used a VBL and is as light as the DriDucks, please post.”

I doubt propore stuff (like driducks) makes a good VBL.
If you truly want a VBL, you need something that won’t breath. Here’s some lightweight ideas that I know doesn’t breath:
1. Tyvek sportshell http://www.sportshell.com/ . I have the jacket and pants. They only show the rip-away pants but they also sell the regular pants.
2. Lawn & Leaf bag. I just saw one of our scouts use this in a hail storm in one of our bpack trips this past weekend. He looked funny and it came down to his shoes. But it appeared to keep him dry. It was a little cool so he didn’t sweat too much inside. I was just thinking you could use this as a VBL.
3. Adventure Medical Thermolite Bivy http://www.backcountry.com/store/AMK0061/Adventure-Medical-Thermo-Lite-20-Bivvy-Sack.html $24 6.5oz. I know this doesn’t breath if you seal up the vents (has Velcro). BTW, it makes a poor stand-alone sleeping bag because of claminess.
4. And the lightest and most expensive VBL ($90, 4.5oz) is the MW VBL http://www.westernmountaineering.com/ind...mp;ContentId=44

IMHO, VBL’s are an art. They’re good for temperatures <10F. It takes a lot of practice getting to know what your body does in different circumstances that warrants a VBL.

Good luck.


-Barry