I tend to run "hot" so if I do wear rain gear and I'm portaging, I vent it as much as possible and I avoid long sleeve fleece, opting for just a fleece vest that I can unzip as well. Your core is what gets hot/cold and your armpit area is a heat pump so I like the pit zip option.

I also like my rain gear "loose' as in I buy it big enough I can put it on OVER my PFD. You can always cinch up the waist/close zippers but for me having the rain gear loose allows maximum air circulation when I want it.

I really don't think ANY piece of rain gear works the best in ALL conditions. You just have to find one that fits YOUR needs the majority of the time.