In reply to Andy Cloquet:
A vote for the Rab here - I tired the ME but I seemed to fall between sizes.
My original VR lite alpine lasted for about 10 years before wearing though - considering it was my favourite layer and worn almost every day that is quite impressive!
I find them to be an almost perfect level of breath ability and protection for hillwalking, climbing and deep winter mtb. Wear it over a base layer and under a shell if required. Wicks sweat away fantastically and forms a pleasant microclimate.
I replaced it with the new one when they were released and it’s also very good. They’ve changed the design quite a lot: it layers much better now as the grabby micro pile is replaced with a more slick material; the hood is now an under helmet version (which I think is sensible); the cuffs are now elastic rather than Velcro which is less bulky and easier to layer over. I wasn’t convinced the new material was as breathable at first but it just needed a few washes to get rid of the DWR spray clogging it up… Happy to say it’s excellent! No quality issues at all - looks as new so far.
I had one of the old, heavy weight, VR Guide jackets years ago and didn’t get on with it at all - I would recommend the lighter weight version!