I have the same pants I'd guess - bought them to replace a pair of goretex pants that had worn out (for hunting) - yeah, that netting is kind of a pain - for that reason, and to go slightly lighter I bought a pair of marmot precip pants with the full zip.

I'd say that you are ok going with cheaper rain pants, but should have better quality for a rain jacket - usually you don't get too cold if your legs get wet, and you are in and out of the water at portage landings anyway - but I think you need the best quality jacket you can get to keep the torso and head dry.