In reply to BallsOfSteel:
> is the Baltoro going to be warmer than a VR softshell?
"The Baltoro Guide features contrast panels of hi-loft and mid weight grid backed panels"
Hi-loft PowerShield should provide thicker insulation than the micropile liner of the VR. So it ought to be warmer. Then we're into comparing the wind resistance of the two shell fabrics (which can have a significant effect on the warmth), plus the air gap in the VR, which adds a little to the insulation.
I'd compare the Baltoro Guide to my Pata Mixmaster, and I'd say that's warmer than the shelled micropiles I own, including the VR Trail.
As shelled micropiles go, the Equilibrium outer of the VR is less wind resistant than others that use more densely-woven microfibre variants of Pertex.
Now, just to confuse things further, Rab have been playing about with the VR range & names in the last few years; VR Trail (Equilibrium-shelled micropile) has become simply 'VR', and VR Climb (Equilibrium-shelled 100 weight fleece) seems to have become VR Guide (Equilibrium-shelled hi-loft fleece). I'd expect VR Guide to a little warmer than the Baltoro Guide; maybe Rab think so too, since they both have the 'Guide' name, and the design and features are very similar. The extra warmth will come from what appears to be exclusive use of hi-loft for the liner (as opposed to mixed leoft of the Baltoro), the thicker Equilibrium shell, and the air gap. Note the higher weight of the VR Guide: this gives you a thicker shell and thicker fleece.
http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/soft-shell/p-baltoro-guide-jacket-...
http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/vapour-rise_1/p-vapour-rise-guide-...
Confusingly, if you read Rab's descriptions of the Baltoro Guide, and Baltoro Alpine, you get the impression that the Guide is warmer (all that stuff about the 'thick, furry fleece'), but, looking at the weights and my recollection of kit fondling, I'm pretty sure it's the Alpine that's warmer.
Of course, you could go for a fleece/windshirt layering system, giving you similar performance to the the VR Guide, but with added versatility... e.g. Rab Alpine jacket + a fleece of your choice (Rab Shadow or Logan hooded fleece or...?)
http://rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/windshell_1/p-alpine-jacket-p.html
Softshell choices: damned tricky...