Breathable rain jackets get damp on the inside after a few hours of rain. My solution is to not bring a rain jacket if I only expect light rain and if it’s not going to be cold. Getting wet isn’t that bad. If it’s cold or if it will rain a lot, I use a single-layer, non-breathable rain jacket with armpit vents, which keeps me adequately dry. I’ve never bothered with rain pants. Instead I make sure my pants are made from a synthetic fabric that dries quickly. Polyester is a good choice.
The same principle works well for hiking shoes. Instead of using waterproof shoes that will eventually still get wet on the inside, I use lightweight shoes without any waterproofing. They get wet quickly but also dry quickly. I’m however not religious about this, and for day hikes in mud or slushy snow I will use waterproof boots.
Tents tend to get damp on the inside from perspiration. Tarps perform better than tents for backpacking while also being lighter and roomier. The only advantage tents offer is ease of setup and mosquito protection. My down quilt often gets damp in the tent but not under the tarp. Even when damp, it performs adequately, likely due to its water-repellant treatment.
I don’t own a backpack cover or liner. For most items in my pack, I don’t care if they get wet. For my clothes and sleeping bag, I use a waterproof stuff sack. So far, this has proved to be the correct strategy.
Nehaveigur 