I have two sets of rain gear, one is breathable, and one is not. You can tell a big difference in how they feel while wearing them. I do not get as hot and sweaty in the brethable stuff. That doesn't mean you won't sweat in breathable stuff, you just don't sweat as much. I say go for the breathable stuff. Many companies have a breathable product like Goretex, but Goretex seems to be the best, and Goretex XCR is even better. As for price, products labled "breathable" are the least expensie, Goretex is medium price, and Goretex XCR is the most expensive.