I have been commuting and other riding in the rain with the same Nashbar cycling rain jacket/shell for at least 12 years. It has served me well, but it isn't breathable, and after 15 minutes of riding gets muggy and sticky inside and somehow I always still end up being wet underneath with a mixture of sweat and rain.
Its time for something new and better. I need something suitable for commuting in wet cool weather that will keep me warm and comfortable (if not totally dry). Would like it to be fairly stuffable as well, and easily pack it in a pocket or small bag when its not raining.

I haven't paid much attention to rain gear on a loooong time and I am sure there have been many improvements in what is available..anyone have any good suggestions?

By nature rain capes tend to offer more ventilation.

I made one out of a middle-weight poncho, that has big side vents. I think that cost me $20 and an hour of work at most.

Original Post
Updated with internal waist belt

If I lived in a wetter climate, I would probably buy one, rather than make one.

Consider Showers Pass. Designed and made by bike riders who wear the stuff year 'round (in Portland, OR where rainy commuting happens 8 months of the year. I have both their lined and unlined jackets. The unlined have much better breathability and fold up easily to jersey pocket size but it is easy to tear the vapor barrier. The lined ones are very durable. I use my lined one for commuting and the unlined for road riding (and my oldest - long dead waterproofing-wise - as a fair weather wind breaker).

Good fit and details. I"ll buy another when the time comes.

Ben

On suspect days I throw a Gore Active fabric shell into my pannier. It's pricey, but is also the most breathable waterproof jacket that I've had. I'd love to have matching pants, but haven't seen them yet.

All waterproof breathable fabrics are dependant on the DWR* chemical surface treatment,
and it is not permanent, it must be re treated after a wet season or 2..

*opposite of wetting agents in detergents, so it's defeated as soon as you wash it

Yehuda, is that you?

on topic, look for waterproof with pit vents, I have a n 02 that has been working well for the last 4 years but I only need it a few times a year in out climate.

As noted above, ponchos are great (I have an Ikea rain poncho that cost under $10), and Showers Pass is the best (known) brand in cycling-specific raingear.

For a more budget-friendly option, I'd recommend looking into raingear for the motorcycling market. A bigger marketplace (more demand, more volume) has lower prices. Frogg Toggs for starters.

No, sorry. I sure do miss him...

Yehuda Moon

Ikea poncho for me too. It's not perfect but it works pretty well.

Mission workshop. They make good stuff, albeit expensive. But highest quality,

https://missionworkshop.com/products/the-sans?utm_source=Mission+Workshop&utm_campaign=9d892818cc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_12_14_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6cb559834d-9d892818cc-113583221&mc_cid=9d892818cc&mc_eid=3a3658b885

If it's been 12 years since you got a rain jacket, the only thing that's changed is the colors and the prices. Pay more, get more vents and "breathable" fabric that works fairly well at 35-45F. Or, pay less and get waterproof without all the vents that feels just like the more expensive jacket at 65F. Just like 12 years back.