Best Rain Gear (for those who continue the search)

[aorams]

Grudens Petrus 82 (jacket) and 801(pants)

180 bucks after taxes and shipped from several online outlets...

100% waterproof.  As quiet as any of the top of the line Sitka/Kuiu/etc that isn't even remotely as breathable as they claim anyhow.  In fact I sweated just as much in any of that stuff as I did in the rubber Grundens...

I tried EVERYTHING... I wish I would've known about this stuff before.

Good Luck

[Fl0und3rz]

When it's really pouring, I love my grundens.  Walk slower.

[Magnum_Willys]

Sitka Dewpoint for packable raingear.  Very light, breathable.  Dries quick.  Ridiculously expensive. 

[7mag.]

Rubber rain gear is great....if you're a fisherman. I've been looking for and trying rain gear for over a decade, and nothing, so far, compares to the Kuiu Chugach. If you are only busting brush on the west side, expensive rain gear like Kuiu is unnecessary. If you're like me, and want quality rain gear that is durable, packable, and breathable enough to hike in, then Kuiu is the best I've found.

[washelkhunter]

I hunt the west in the rain alot and getting wet is just the way it is. On light moderate days its jacket, cotton pants with gaiters. On colder rainy days its jacket, wool pants with gaiters or 1000 denier chaps. As long as i can get myself and gear dryed out overnight i really dont care if i get wet.

[huntnnw]

I have KUIU chugach set..couldnt be happier with it. And only 17oz for the top its light

[Magnum_Willys]

I thought the Kuiu Yukon sounded perfect but found it too heavy and tarp like for my preference.  I like the chugach better.

[wamuledeer]

I have the Kuiu Yukon and love it. While not as packable as the Chugach it is very durable and heavy duty and 100% waterproof. I use it most of the time as a replacement for my pants and coat when hunting in the wetstuff. I agree the Yukon can be a little much if you are layering it over pants and another coat but with the way it is built I see no need to layer for most conditions. I just wear my merino underneath.

[Alchase]

Grudens Petrus 82 (jacket) and 801(pants)

180 bucks after taxes and shipped from several online outlets...

100% waterproof.  As quiet as any of the top of the line Sitka/Kuiu/etc that isn't even remotely as breathable as they claim anyhow.  In fact I sweated just as much in any of that stuff as I did in the rubber Grundens...

I tried EVERYTHING... I wish I would've known about this stuff before.

Good Luck

I use my fleece until it rains hard, then switch to a Grundens petrus pullover half zip.
By far the best rain wear I have ever had at a 1/4 of the cost of the "premier" hunting brands.
I still do not completely trust Gortex as a rain gear. And I have yet to find Gortex to be remotely breathable and still water proof.

[fish vacuum]

Even though I use breathable gear, I'm not sold on it. It breathes "up" and not "out." It helps move air to the nearest opening in the garment. Still better than non-breathable, but not a miracle. It's not like the moisture moves straight through the fabric to the air.
For stalking wester WA timber I wear light clothes with a water proof layer, and carry extra insulating clothes just in case.

[7mag.]

Breathable rain gear is not magic. It is, however, far better than non-breathable rain gear. I can not wear non-breathable rain gear while moving around. I sweat a lot, and overheat easily. Using a quality layering system helps as well. Each layer has a purpose, and the purpose of my rain gear is to keep the rain off of me, while trapping a minimal amount of body heat. Goretex and other non-breathable membranes trap body heat, and can cause you to overheat quickly. The same goes for Scent-Lok and other scent control systems.