pacific northwest mud riding
you're gonna get wet. no way around it. even with all the high-tech won't-let-the-rain-in-but-will-let-you-sweat materials, you'll end up soaking yourself in sweat, if you're working at it. the rain seals off the "microscopic vent holes" in the fabric and your sweat gets trapped in your clothing. if you're not working at it..., you might be able to stay dry. maybe.
the trick is to stay warm.
i wear a set of msr gortech enduro pants and a gortech pak-jak. unless the temperature drops below freezing..., no long-johns under the pants, and just any old jersey (or two) under the pak-jak. if it's all that cold..., maybe a set of hot-chili's under the pants. what keeps me warm, is blocking the wind and my own elevated body heat. stop moving for an extended break..., and the cold seeps in.
you can do the same thing with some typical-every-day decent quality workin'-man's rainwear. but it's not cut for riding posture, so it'll tend to bind, flap in the wind, and catch on every little twig that sticks into the trail.
if it's wet and warm (60+ degrees)..., sometimes it's easier to just go for a wet ride in your same-old everyday riding wear.
and take a full set of dry clothing to change into, after the ride.
andhavefun!!