I have a Canari biovent that has zip-sleeves to convert to a vest. It has the back vack, and I can partially unzip the sleeves for venting, too. It is STILL a steamroom when I really sweat. I keep it because it does help with wind and rain, it is handy to have the jacket/vest, and it is bright yellow. I wish it packed down smaller.

I long for a higher end jacket that is VERY water resistant and still actually breathable. Sometimes I wonder if this truly exists -- how can it really breathe and be waterproof?

This year on sale I got a Novara (REI) soft jacket that is windproof a lot on the front and has breathable stuff on the pits, back, etc. I really like it a lot. I'm thinking maybe I will keep that and get a taped-seam, packable waterproof shell to stuff in the pocket for the bad rain.

I would love to know what people like for hard riding in climates that are often nice/rain/nice on the same ride (when windproof only doesn't cut it, but you're working hard and really sweating).