Just a simple 5 dollar poncho from Walmart did me right on the appalchain trail and on trains. You can kind of sit on it while it's on and it creates a little tent. That pvc type fabric is the only thing I know that is truly waterproof.
I'm also a big frog toggs fan. But I agree they are a bit fragile. Expensive rain gear is kind of like burning money in my experience. There is also no such thing as waterproof breathable. If you can get away with a rain poncho The frog toggs ones are awesome. If your looking for a buy it once solution the only thing I know about is waxed canvas which if you maintain it very regularly is both waterproof and durable but if you don't maintain is is absorbent and honorably heavy.