Not hugely helpful I know, but really it is 'just' a VR with some warmer insulation. Well and pit zips for a bit of venting/ a bit of reinforcement and lots of pockets etc.
The VR stuff is very established/reviewed so the basic performance is sort of predictable - like that but a bit warmer Unhelpful cf fine features etc I know, but doubt if they've messed those up. Hood looks good in that trail review say. Fit never trivial.
At 826 gm, I reckon it's too heavy - and as the review suggests, limited in use to really, really cold conditions. I would like to see the original with pit zips - I'm sure I'd sweat too much without these, otherwise I'd have bought one ages ago. For me, a fleece and windproof are much more versatile - and lighter, too.
I have one and tried it out this weekend up in Scotland over a short sleeved helly thermal. 4 degrees C in the car park, 50-70mph winds on top, freezing rain on the descent - just your typical Scottish winter day really
It's as Martin says, basically a beefed up version of their Lite-Tour, but with a helmet compatible hood. I found it to be the perfect match of warmth, windproofing and weather protection, although I did end up using my hardshell eventually.
It's breathable enough and the venting works well enough that I was not overheating on the ascent, but it really did feel bulletproof when things got nasty.
I'd definitely recommend it. Without a doubt the best piece of winter kit that I own.
I went in the new Go Outdoors in Plymouth a couple of weeks ago for a mooch and the Rab Guide jacket was about the only thing that really caught my eye in the entire shop. I see it as a replacement for my old ME ultrafleece jacket.
saw the pants in Go Outdoors before christmas - look good.
basically the same warmth as the old plain VR pants, but with their lack of features addressed. e.g thigh vents and patches at wear points (pertex equilibrium is not the most robust fabric)
Probably worse workmanship than the old ones but for more money, my older style vr jacket with embroidered logo is my fave, got last year's one and the pocket lining came away, the armpit came unstitched and the transfer logo has all peeled away, no problems with the trousers tho
the guide pants look great and feel great but they could have done with a reinforced seat as it ripped whilst scrambling on the aonach eagach on the first wear. i took them back and got a replacement as i like them so much. just have to be more careful. They are perfect in snow and ice but not tough enough for rock.
Unhelpful cf fine features etc I know, but doubt if they've messed those up. Hood looks good in that trail review say. Fit never trivial.
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