Rain Gear options

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breathable lightweight quality.

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you can get 2 of the 3 but not all

breathable/lightweight/dry is available but not cheap. Honestly I spent a good deal of money on a pullover raincoat from Swazi and it’s my favorite piece of hiking gear. It’s the only rain shell I’ve owned that actually keeps you dry in a heavy rain.

don’t even look at the website though if budget is an issue, they are ridiculously expensive

USMC APECS Woodland MARPAT Gore-Tex Parka And Pants. I got a set prob 15 years ago. Probably use them a dozen times a year Tough as nails. You can probably get a set for $200

Check out stuff geared for motorcycle touring when bad weather hits. I have a set of Frogg Toggs and love them if caught in the rain. I've put thousands of miles on my cruiser after being caught in the rain over the years and have no complaints about their product.

Good quality and won't break the bank to purchase.

Look at the Grundens Full Share ($150 top) same for the bib. Like them better than my almost triple simms set.
Gill is another to look at, my aftco are junk so would not recommend.

I have a Sportsman Jacket I got years ago that's been great. Breathable, knocks the wind down, great in that 55-70* range mornings in the boat. But I don't think i would stay dry in a constant downpour for an extended period. Never tried.

Simms stuff is unreal. My old goretex Drake Jacket been keeping me dry and warm for 15 plus years at this point.

The bass pro brand stuff gets great reviews too.

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Looking to get some rain gear for hunting/hiking but don't want to break the bank.

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The best solution is to wear something waterproof when it rains and not worry about breathability, which doesn't happen during a rain anyway. Then take it off when the rain stops.

That may be practical for hiking but not hunting. If you want something you can wear whether it's raining or not, go for waterproof with plenty of ventilation. Pit zips at a minimum, but if OR still makes the Foray jacket that's even better.

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they do, I have one and for a light rain it’s fine. In a heavy rainstorm I get wet, every time. Last time I trusted it was out at jazz fest a couple years ago and I won’t do that again…the jacket itself gets soaked

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Does it leak through the zippers? I've never seen a decent Gore-tex product leak through the fabric, especially when new. They just oversell the "breathability" aspect IMO.

99% of leaks with “breathable” is going to occur at the “taped” seams. Tape loads and leaks under seal.
Taped and sewn is better but rare unless $$$.

KUIU Chugach is hard to beat. Not cheap, but definitely high quality stuff