In reply to ste_d:
I also used to have the old design VR Lite Alpine which eventually died after many years service. I replaced it with the new version reviewed here and had originally thought exactly the same as you - that it held onto sweat more.
It seems to be getting better the more I use it, maybe the DWR coating was stopping things venting properly? I have washed it a few times now. I was out at the weekend up some local boggy mounds for a wander and it worked perfectly. Never thought about the jacket once and had it on all day!
Fit wise, it must be horses for courses because the medium in the new version fits me perfectly. I used to wear a small in the old version and it was a bit tight across the chest but the medium would have been far too baggy.
I really like the fact the new hood is of the under helmet variety too - the old one couldn't do that due to the adjusters.
Post edited at 12:12