Originally Posted by
elcruxio
Have you tried the new high end stuff such as Gore Active? I used to think like you but now with the active jacket I have I almost would like to use it as my primary shell. It's just that good.
Gore's website has a wide array of jackets, I think they're all Gore's own products. It's a bit confusing, some of the "Active" products are among the lower (for them) priced products...plus they also have "Windstopper Active" which is apparently a little less breathable than 'regular' Active.
One poster liked their Gore Element jacket which is (at least now) Windstopper/Active: Amazon only had 3 reviews, 2 liked it but one reviewer said it was much less breathable than their older Gore jacket. I suppose one needs to check return policies & order a jacket right before rain storms are forecast to be able to find out comfort level.
http://www.amazon.com/Gore-Bike-Wear.../dp/B00MJZZ9FK
AFAIK pro racers used to use non-breathable plastic jackets; I suppose the idea being that they would be all sweaty anyway even in cooler temps. A mountaineering friend from some years ago used a Gore-Tex parka shell but he noted that backpack straps could wear the fabric in the shoulder area. Also, one is supposed to use special detergent for breathable fabrics.