Have a 5-yr old reasonably-priced pair of Novara/REI breathable rain pants that worked pretty well though I haven't used them very much. IMO would be good for commuting or touring. For commuting rain pants can cover regular work/street clothes & for touring can help on chilly and/or rainy mornings/evenings w/o hassle of tights. I don't like getting overheated & rain pants are easy to remove when temps get warmer.