In the interest of saving money, I was wondering if any ARFCOMMER has used Mountain Hardwear Conduit, Marmot MemBrain, HellyTech XP, or any other comparable "breathable" waterproof jacket membrane other than Gore Tex. How would you compare it to Gore tex?

oops

I had a nylon shell parka from REI with a breathable, waterproof membrane.  It was around $200 bucks if I recall.  I used it for a winter campout in Northern Wisconson in the begining of Feb, did it four times. for a duration of 5 straight days in 1997-2000.  No tent, no fire, low impact as hell.  Best campout ever.

I had to sleep with my boot liners in the bottom of my sleeping bag so they would not freeze in my pack boots.

Other important points is to have zipper vent under the armpits and one in the back.  To regulate your tempeture.  

C keep COOL
O avoid OVERHEATING
L wear LOOSE LAYERS
D keep DRY

Gore Tex has to be the best; didn't Al invent it?   (sorry, couldn't resist)

i have mountain hardwear jacket and mil raain gortex  both seem to work well= MH seems softer, but wears well mil rain suit seems tougher
Got the MH jacket at Galyans at 75% off well under a100
now is the time to stART LOOking for sales