We can send a man to the moon, but can't make decent raingear...

I have tried a lot of different types of raingear, and interestingly, the thing that seems to always work pretty well is repelling rain! I've used ponchos, coated nylon, softshells, hardshells, Goretex(and other membrane type products), marine foul weather gear, even oilslicks that the commercial fishermen use. I have to say that the all seem to keep rain out. They just don't let the perspiration out, as was mentioned earlier!

The thing that differentiates foul weather shells for me is the ability to ventilate them. I'm usually not just standing around in the rain, so I'm doing something that's going to make me sweat. Usually it's backpacking, and that's a particularly bad problem, because your back is where there is usually a nice big vent, and it's now compressed against your back.

The best results I seem to get are wearing the minimum number of layers under the shell to keep me a little cool when still. Then when you start working/walking/etc, you won't sweat as much. It's similar to cold weather situations, where you want to start out a little cold before you hike, and then add and remove layers as needed to stay comfortable, but, keep perspiration to a minimum. Those layers should be things that aren't going to absorb perspiration, but, rather let it move farther out, polypro, fleece, etc. Open up any pit zips, and vents. Consider buying the outer shell one size larger than you think you need, so it'll be loose fitting, will allow for additional layering, and still allow airflow.

One tip that I have found to help, is that I have far better results when I DON"T wear the hood, but, instead wear a wide brim hat to keep the rain off my head. It allows me to leave my neck area open a little more, and provides a place for the heat and perspiration to get out. Now, in cold weather, or driving rain, the hood is still needed, but, it tends to encourage the build-up of moisture inside the shell, so I avoid it when possible. Your mileage may vary... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />