The 240 certainly can deal with a little moisture, but not near what a soft shell could take. Backpacking, anything really in early fall I'd say 240. I'd carry the guide DCS when you know you're in a jacket all day, and aren't going to carry a storm shell, like day hunting in November.
I guess I'm wondering now if the 240 could function as a packable jacket/shell. Figure could wear it all day and should be more packable. But, will it block wind as well as the DCS? Website makes it sound capable? If not I would just go with DCS. Should note I do have a rain she'll but would prefer something else for my outer layer unless heavy or prolonged rain.
I haven't used the guide DCS enough to have what I would consider a valid opinion (i.e. At least a full season) but I've worn the 240 since it's came out. It blocks wind pretty well for a fleece. If you're carrying a rain shell, I think it's a kick ass outer layer - it doesn't sluff off water like a soft shell, but it does really great used in the same function. Definitely more packable.
I have both and never take my Guide Jacket on backpack hunts,, the 240 and a windshirt or Rain top is a much lighter/warmer/wind protector combo. Throw in a SUper Down Jacket and you are good down into the teens.
The 240 is a great outer layer in the early season, decent in the wind, but I'd definitely pack a lightweight rainshell too.
I layer mine under a Sitka timberline if its real windy.
The Guide DCS is damn near the perfect day hunting outer layer for mid to late season in the 30s and 40s, still not windproof but does a decent job. Breathes incredibly well, especially with the pit zips open.
I've personally never seen a softshell with a more effective DWR treatment than the Guide.
In my experience, the best WINDPROOF softshell is the Sitka Timberline, the best ACTIVE softshell is the Guide.
I also have both and have used them for 2 or 3 years. I consider the P-240 to be my 'easy weather' outer jacket in milder temps and less wind. When it gets colder, damper and when I need better overall protection I pick the Guide DCS. If going fast and light is your style, the Guide likely stays behind unless heavy weather is expected. I personally wear the daylights out of my Guide jacket routinely in chilly weather and use the 240 on nicer days.
I sold my guide because the wind blew right through it on me. My 240 is pretty windproof, not 100% because it does not have a membrane but I think its about as windproof as you can get without a membrane and because there is no membrane it breathes really well. I use it as my outer layer unless its raining or snowing hunting Montana beginning of September through end of November
I really liked my guide jacket but I almost froze during an early Montana hunt. To me it blocked very little wind. Still liked it and would like to pick up a solid for daily wear.
Hmmm. Based on what I'm reading here, I'm thinking probably get a 240 and use my rain shell for the outer. Of course kuiu is out of what I think would be the appropriate size. Probably be out of stock for awhile. Thanks for all the replies!
I agree with most, I wear a light bottom layer, then the Peleton 240, Superdown over that and a rain shell when need for heavy wind or rain. The DCS jacket is what I wear around town most of the winter. Nice jacket just not compressible at all.
"I will confirm as well that the Peloton 240 is more windproof than the DCS guide jacket. For those of you that own both, place your mouth tight against the material and try blowing through it with your hand on the backside. You will see that the Peloton 240 blocks 99% of the air, whereas The DCS guide jacket blocks approximately 80%. The Peloton 240 is awesome for how lightweight it is and I use mine a lot.
Having said all that though, I use the DCS guide jacket when I know I'm going to be very active and want better breathability. It also gives me more room to layer underneath than the Peloton 240 of it is really cold. When I wont be as active, and I want to layer underneath, AND I know the wind is going to be howling, I use the Sitka Jetstream instead because of the Windstopper. The only thing I don't like about the Jetstream is the spandex in it, which can absorb a lot of water if you get it wet or sweat a lot with heavy exertion. (Somewhere on YouTube there is also a guy bitching about his jetstream jacket that he got wet from brushbusting and it became soggy, heavy, and useless. So be careful there.)"
For hunting, I have used the guide jacket on cold, active hunts where I seldom if ever took it off. A frigid Coues deer hunt comes to mind -I don't think I took it off the whole week. It also held up to the catclaw and cactus well. Aside from that, it makes a great snowboarding jacket, which is what I've used it for more than anything else. It cuts the wind well enough and I like that it fits athletic and snug where most ski/snowboard clothes tend to hang off of you.