I have Brooks saddles on all my bicycles now ... and they are not that sensitive to rain. In fact, it is a good idea to go for a ride in the rain with your saddle soon after you get it. Put a shower cap or grocery bag in under the rails and use it to cover the saddle if you have to leave it sitting out in the rain. And yes, mudguards can be good, but are not essential.

My oldest Brooks had about 45,000 km on it (and would have had a lot more if the bicycle it was on had not been stolen). My newer Brooks are racking up the sitting time as well.

Mine are all B17s, although I have to say that my favourite now is a B17 special in green with titanium rails.