Rab Vapour Rise v Montane Litespeed + fleece

I've been offered a nearly new Rab Vapour Rise Trail jacket by a friend at a reasonable price, as it no longer fits him. Whilst I like the look of it, I'm not sure what it would offer me over the 100 weight fleece/litespeed jacket combo I often use in cooler weather beyond looking a little less "outdoor geek" to the pub.

 Has anyone with a VR got any opinions on any other advantages it may offer?

I have both combos you're suggesting.  I tend to go with the thin fleece/windshirt when the weather is pretty good, so spring to autumn, as it gives me a bit more flexibilty.

When it's wet and cold in paticular and I'm likely to need insulation and wind/showerprofing all day I'll go with the vaporise smock.  It's nice to have both but I'd say if you've already got the windshirt/fleece option I'd only look at the vaporise if i could spare the money or had a lot of winter work coming up (great in snow I find, I'll board in it if the weathers nice!)

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

The VR Alpine is certainly not as warm as a windproof/fleece combo, but it is more delicate.

Over two weeks, my camera bag abraded the Pertex Equilibrium to a fishnet - while the same bag has had no effect on a Pertex Microlight smock after several years use.

The durability is rather a pity, as it is a very well designed and comfortable jacket.

stick to the first option maybe?

I have both and love the litespeed.......

the vapourise I use, but not sure why as its too warm for 3 season often? and too cold without.

is'nt waterproof but I nikwaxed it to improve it...the hood isn't very good for wind OR rain????

the best thing for me is, it is very comfy next to skin...but the rest???

conversly I have two pairs of VR pants that I love for winter or sleeping in/camp wear 3 season use..the inners dry quickly but not the outer particularly??? again super comfy next to skin but not waterproof..so mixed reviews.

I also love my Montane featherweight pants over them or over Rab powerstetch tights...amazing!

I agree with Chris. 

The 2-piece option of windshirt and fleece automatically gives you more options than a Vapour Rise.  Breezy but not too cold?  Windshirt alone.  Cool but not windy?  Fleece on its own.  Cool and breezy - both.

You can also customise the fit better with 2 garments.  I've tried on a Vapour Rise and it does have a 'skinny but with long arms' cut to it. Doesn't suit everyone.