In reply to blackreaver: I use a VR trail jacket (which, I'm pretty sure is what the guide superseded) literally all year round. Absolutely brilliant bit of kit, though only as part of a layering system.
I find it perfect for walking in on winter days, but not quite weather proof enough for the climbing, so I chuck a hardshell over it before getting on routes.
In summer, I find it's plenty good enough for keeping out the wind etc. Yeah, it's a bit too warm for it in June/July/August but in this country you can never be too careful...
My only gripe is that it's not very packable. Having said that, I don't think many softshells are.