This used to be my thinking. I thought that it was delusional to believe you could be in the rain very long and not get wet, so trying to stay dry was a futile struggle against inevitability. Rather, I favored concentrating on how to be wet and comfortable. Neoprene, polypro, and wool are all great materials that can be made to work in just about any weather conditions.

I've been a product tester since 2007 or 2008, but I didn't recommend any of their cycling products for anything beyond casual recreational use until the Active line came out even if I thought their stuff was great for snowsports.

What you gain from being dry is that you can carry way less. If you're on a ride where the temperature differential can swing 40° or more, all that other stuff is heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable except when you need it. If you can keep things light and dry, you can use lighter layers -- there's nothing like like lugging/wearing heavy layers you needed for cold rain after temps have gone way up and the sun is out. Everything I wear in the wet and below freezing temps can easily be stuffed into jersey pockets. And I'm comfortable in situations that I used to just tolerate.

It uses Gore-Tex Active technology. Other companies license this material and when they do, it will be clearly indicated.