Originally Posted by
robow
Just a heads up but Showers Pass has many of their jackets and pants on end of year sale. I just picked up a new rain jacket for touring at a significant discount and it is excellent. My current Showers Pass jacket has been a faithful companion for 15 years but has finally seen its better days and was in need of replacement. Anyway, Now back to your regular scheduled programming.
I recently picked up the Showers Pass rain paints at REI. I've only ridden them once but have walked 5 miles with a steep climb carrying 25 pounds several times in rain. Nice design. Works both on and off the bike. Really well thought out leg zips to just under the knee. Velcro to adjust to both bike and hiking boots. The zipper doesn't affect the velcro setting. You can unzip and pull them up over your thighs to spend time indoors and ventilate without taking them off. Made to take suspenders. Do plan ahead. Reaching into your pants pockets to get wallet and keys is for me with wet hands, just barely possible.
On the big picture, for touring I'd take the approach I've used on bike tours and sailing across the Atlantic. Success is being warm enough to function well in the coldest and wettest situation I am going to see wearing everything soaking wet.