Whats the best way to stay dry in the rain

Inupait (eskimos) aim to NEVER SWEAT. Reduce your workload or clothing to be a bit on the cool side so your own sweat isn't adding to the problem.

And, since polypro and fleece became widely available 30 years ago, we have the option of WEARING CLOTHES THAT DRY AS YOU WEAR THEM.

Couple those concepts with shedding rain while having good ventilation (poncho, embrella, tarp, etc) and trips in constant rain get more comfortable.

I am working towards the not sweating as much thing myself and just walking slower when I start to overheat. I am going to switch to the system that can use a PU poncho and/or GoLite Chrome Dome umbrella and/or trash bag rain skirt and/or Momentum windshirt with a 200wt fleece above freezing and save the rain pants and down for below freezing.