There are few things as unpleasant as cycling in the rain in cheap waterproofs. Either they let the rain in, or they fail to let the sweat out; either way, you end up soaked.

Cycling in the rain in decent waterproofs, in contrast, can be quite pleasant.

Gore-Tex used to be the material of choice in breathable waterproofs, but this was recently superceded by eVent.

Breathable waterproofs are a tough challenge for clothing manufacturers, as you want to stop water entering in one direction (keep the rain out) while allowing it to pass freely in the opposite direction (let the sweat out).

Both Gore-Tex and eVent are based on a PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) membrane. The difference between the two is that Gore-Tex has PU layers either side of the membrane. This is very effective at keeping the rain out, but the only way sweat can escape is by condensing on the inner PU layer, turning into vapour and then evapourating from the outer PU layer.

eVent uses a clever technique to coat the PTFE pores directly so the sweat can escape directly without having to condense on the inside first. 'Clever technique' is code for 'more science than I understand'. :-) But all the tests show that eVent is significantly more breathable than Gore-Tex. It's also, of course, more expensive: TANSTAAFL.

The Montane eVent Stormrider jacket is specifically designed for cycling. I have tested it very thoroughly in some very wet weather, and found it fantastic (when I remembered to do it up properly, but that's a story you can read about in my LEJOG trip report ...).

The jacket was £120, and the trousers £100, but even at those prices I have no hesitation in recommending them. You really can cycle in heavy rain in summer and stay 100% dry - and that's something worth paying for.

With the Streamer fairing, I don't really have to worry about wet feet, but in cold weather also wear a pair if Sealskinz waterproof gloves.