I don't wear rain gear in the Spring and Summer and suspect that in S.C. you definitely dont need to.

Regardless of marketing hype, none of the waterproof jackets actually breathe in any noticeable way, and you'll probably get sweaty under them in short time. I tried a few types for a couple of years, then gave up completely and just decided to get wet with rain instead of sweat.

I do a lot of hiking too, and the same applies here. Riding a motorcycle however, is a totally different animal. I have no experience here.