What is everyone’s strategy for rain pants when touring? Traditionally, I have limited my tours to four-week timeframes, with a few exceptions. I also avoid travelling during the rainy season, so at worst, I might encounter just a day or two of rain followed by sunny periods rather than extended blocks of rainfall. However, next spring, I am planning a 12-week trip to circumnavigate Europe, during which I expect to experience some extended periods of rain.

Normally, I just wear thermal tights, expecting to get wet but not too cold. If it's pouring, I power through the day. What do other touring cyclists prefer? Are rain pants the way to go? In my past experience with rain pants, I often ended up just as wet inside from sweat and eventual leakage as I would be without them. Generally, they are not as comfortable.