That is pretty much my experience too.
I have eliminated membrane waterproof from my outfit with Ventile being my "go to" water resistant fabric with a solid poncho (I am thinking of making a Ventile one) for use if it is sheeting down.
I have used Ventile for the past 40 odd years and it has yet to let me down - but my expectations are realistic!
Membrane waterproofs have constantly let me down - starting with the 2 tone Berghaus I bought 40 years ago (one of the first Goretex garments sold in Britain) and ranging across the years, from various manufacturers and at various prices.
I have used Ventile on my motorbikes, in the mountains, in the woods, in snow, rain, wind, and even in good weather: used in a "water management" layered system Ventile is unbeaten in serving my needs.
These days I rarely get into the hills but spend a lot of time in the woods and find Ventile ideal - to the extent that I have bought 10 meters of the stuff and am in the process of making trousers, smock etc to my own designs, to fit my personal taste/needs/desires in the way of features.
Sometimes commercial manufacturers get the design almost right - but there is nothing quite like having custom kit
Hilltrek have some excellent designs and I am hoping the new one will be another winner!
