malarky.. goretex won't do anything a good waxed cotton (aka "oilskin") won't.. it's just lighter and easier to care for. and being wet won't kill you, being cold will. Wool works too. you don't stay dry, but you'll stay alive. Would oldtimers have died of exposure, sure, but not for lack of modern gear. for lack of appropriate gear in the situation they were in.

I personally often use a 100 weight fleece as "raingear" - I stay warm, and it dries quick. If I'm moving I am no less wet from the rain than I am from sweat wearing a baggie.