as with many things better materials cost more.

the breathable material im sure is much morE expensive that the coated nylon.

also the breathable has a very well designed large vent on the back of the jacket which is lined with a mesh fabric to keep the air moving, the non breathable does not have this back vent.

so the breathable is also more labor intensive. I went breathable just cuz of the back vent.

"John"

true breathable stuff doesnt work real well when one is working hard!!

at least with the J&G stuff if they sewed in that big back vent into the non brathable I would have gone that route.

that vent is nice and does much more that the Breathable fabric on a whole.

"John"

Well, I just sprung for the breathable-waterproof pants. (Made the purchase online before this thread began, alas.) They arrived yesterday. They appear to be very well made, and the cuffs are perfect for cycling. But they do look, well, heavy. I guess that's par for the course with breathable/waterproof fabric. It hasn't rained yet, but I doubt they'll come out in temperatures above 40 degrees.
But to those who think breathable/waterproof is a myth, I direct you to the Mountain HardWear Synchro jacket. Through all the driving rains of last winter, it was amazing.
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Prod...&viewAll=False
Perfectly waterproof, and breathable in those winter rains. I figured that maybe somebody could do pants like that. We'll see.

EDIT: I don't work for Mountain HardWear! I never endorse anything; I hate all branding. I cut the logos out of my clothes or black them out with Sharpies. But this is a good product.

Because breathable is over twice as comfortable.

Because people post things like this about it.
My wife has the J&G Breathable jacket and stays dry on her commute. She also has breathable rain pants. Before the breathable rain pants she had non-breathable rain pants and would come home soaked in sweat. Not anymore.

And the difference in price between the breathable and non-breathable isn't $100, it's $55. I'm the type of person who likes to buy better quality and buy it once. I'm not rich enough to keep on buying things again and again because I'm not happy with them.

Even with my breathable items I still sweat more. However, I am rarely soaked in sweat.
Add non breathable items and I am completely drenched. Several times it was bad enough you would have thought I had ridden through a rainstorm.

J&G breathable rain pants, or showerpass breathable rain pants w/vents?
they are priced the same. Showerpass seems better vented but which is better waterproofed?

This still doesn't tell me why making non-breathable rain gear is such a bad idea as you have stated... twice.
I just think they have their place, maybe not with you, but whatever... it's not worth arguing over.

Actually, the J&G do have vents. There are two vertical zips where the pockets would be. But there's no pocket lining: put your keys in your pocket and they're going straight to the ground. I've only tried them on in the house, not in the field, so I can't vouch for the quality of the venting. But I'd imagine a crisp breeze through there would certainly keep you alert.

the showerpass pants have vents at the knee which seems like a good idea.

So do the Nashbar ones.

When I started cycling in 2003, and at the time having no appropriate clothing for the sport, bought a pair of cycling shorts and a jersey from J&G through the internet. I had never heard of them, or any other manufacturer of cycling stuff, but figured I had to take a chance on someone somewhere. I have since bought a lot more cycling clothes, but find that in summer I invariably reach for those two original items. They have proved to be more durable and more carefully made than most , have endured many wearings and washings, and remain the best stuff I have ever bought. I realize that only two items is a small sample, but I'd recommend them.

I'm posting this gratuitous compliment because I am quick to complain about coming up short with shoddy merchandise , and figure I am obligated to pass along the rare compliment when it is due.

WOW I started this thread almost 2 years ago. Can't believe its still got legs