My Helly Hanson is 30 years old, so I have no idea if what you would buy now would be as durable as the company has gone through change like everyone else...
Best rain gear?
Heated pilot house wins every time.
The official footwear of Alaska and the PNW. I resisted too, until I got my first pair. The Admiral wore them when she worked at a summer salmon cannery during college years. We remove them prior to entering the cabin; we do that with all foot ware.
https://www.xtratuf.com/products/mens-12-in-legacy-boot-copper-tan
I had a full set of Gill when I was sailing a lot. Bib bottoms, jacket with sealing cuffs, shaped heavy-duty hood, waterproof pockets, etc.
That worked great (and I still have it all these years later). You could sit outside on watch for hours being pummeled with spray and remain relatively comfortable. Amazing.
But for myself I found that once I wasn't out in the elements sailing for hours on end I no longer needed it. Now I buy a high quality set from a good camping/hiking type brand that is much lighter. Doesn't have the "sit out in the spray all day" features but I don't need them, and it's much easier to toss around, stow, and wear. Also nicer for walking into town or hiking when on boat trips (or other times).
This may not apply to you, and you may still want the top end sailing (or fishing) specialty gear. I can't speak to other brands, but Gill had a "coastal" and an "offshore" category for their foulies back then.
Gore Tex is fine for the occasional wet spot, but can damp out and your clothes get wet under it. It's hard to beat Grunden's for prolonged wet weather... That said I have two sets of Gore Tex and just stay in the cabin if it's REALLY wet out there. Gage by Grunden's seem to be very nice, but I have never tested my jacket in prolonged wet.
I00%My experience with Helly Hansen raingear is that it's a one-and-done purchase. A bit pricey, but delivers full value for every dollar. My H-H foul weather jacket has survived 39 years and countless miles afloat and ashore.
I did get a very good, very tough and heavy set of "foulies" on eBay by "Rockwater Designs." I'm sure it's just a Chinese knock-off marketing name but they're my favorite set so far. Whether the rain and wind is blasting horizontally on the boat or I'm shoveling snow at 30 below zero in February, this is my go-to gear for really bad weather. Very well made and still breathes (at least a little). Very tough for a low price.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334120967854?hash=item4dcb295eae:g:3-kAAOSwVOlgqmuT
I00%
Boggs boots
Helly Hansen was bought outright by Canadian Tire (from the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan) I don't think the quality is the same as when it was headquartered in Norway personally. Well, at least the lower end stuff...