Here's my advice: look for a jacket with as most vents or as big vents as possible. The term waterproof breathable is a misnomer, if it's waterproof, it's mostly likely not every breathable. There is a reason why waterproof breathable fabric requires pitzips, it doesn't breathe that well. If the fabric breathe really well, it wouldn't need a pitzip. Does your baselayer come with a pitzip? No. Yet most companies advertise pitzips on their hardshell and softshell as a selling point, go figure .

Most of the time, I don't touch fully waterproof shell unless it's pouring. I layer. Water resistant shells work well enough to some extent unless it's pouring rain. Single laminate Windstopper will work for some (it does for me) and not for others, it is water resistant to some level, but not pouring rain.

The only fabric that is close to breathable and waterproof is the eVent, Goretex Paclite will work if there is enough vent.
It's hit and miss when it comes to rain jackets for cycling, some have poor design, some have excellent design but too bulky, not very breathable fabric, etc.

The most breathable fabric I can across so far is the Schoeller Dryskin Extreme, although it is not waterproof, this stuff is the shiet. I cannot recommend it enough, get a jacket and pants made of this material, and you'll love it forever.


The current jacket I'm using for downpours is the Hydrocycle from MEC (most Canadians and locals here commute with their jackets BTW), it's better than Gore-tex but still build up a little moisture, which is the reason why I do not use this unless it's raining.

MEC had a Gore-tex XCR cycling jacket a few years back, guess why they discontinued it after one season.
It was too bulky, didn't breathe that well, and for $300 it was a poor value for the performance.

One thing to keep in mind, be prepared to get wet, because eventually you will.
Simple tips like keep your waterproof pants over your booties, taping the insole cover of the cleat mounts with duct tape.