I have a gortex jacket, thin/light rain pants (helium?). In the old days, toured with urethane coated nylon gear. I tour in sandals, so wool socks or thin neoprene socks. Wool socks are dual purpose, can wear around chilly camp. I have toured since 1980 and have often been in driving rain lasting for a long time in the middle of nowhere. I consider good rain gear essential for safe travels, even if I rarely wear the pants. The jacket doubles for warmth protection when not raining. Perhaps you are in the middle of some midwestern plain (i.e. the middle of nowhere) and a big system comes through that lasts for many hours. You look for an overhang, but none for miles, what then with only a poncho? And just wondering, Got Fenders?