Hello Fodorites,
The people on this site are great.
We will be traveling the SI the last 2 weeks of November and I need advise on clothing. I often see a recommendation for waterproof clothing. Does it have to be waterproof? Will plastic ponchos suffice and if not what is it that we need to get. We won't have much use for it after the trip - we live in California - so expense is a consideration.
Will jeans and layered tops with lined jackets be OK?
Also, we plan to take short hikes. My present boots are mesh uppers, do I need to buy new boots and would they be cheaper in NZ? Will arrive in CCH (quick connection in ACK) if there are recommendations for stores. Thanks in advance
Frank

Frank,

You definitely need a real rainjacket, as opposed to a plastic poncho (it WILL rain). You don't have to spend a lot of money for one - for example, I really like the inexpensive, lightweight, breathable Frogg Toggs (www.froggtoggs.com). You could probably get by without rainpants, unless you intend to do much hiking.

As for the mesh hiking boots, unless they are really an open mesh, then you can still apply some waterproofing that will help, such as Nikwax (www.nikwax.com)
Al F.

You might want to add another type of pant other than denim which takes a long time to dry out. Some type of pants that are nylon or polyester wind and rain resistant (if not waterproof ) are really useful and lightweight. If you go somewhere like Ross or Marshalls you shouldn't have to pay much. A polyester fleece jacket also dries quickly. Attire is very casual in most places. I think my rain pants get more use there than almost anything else that I bring, other than the long underwear, but I do a bit more hiking and outdoors activities.

What Frogg Toggs rain suit do you consider inexpensive?

A Pro Action Jacket costs about $48, which is not cheap, but a good deal for lightweight breathable raingear. You can buy something cheaper, made of coated nylon, but it won't breathe, which gets uncomfortable if you are walking.

We wore North Face waterproof windbreakers and next time we WILL bring rain pants too. We were soaked too many times!

Of course, by buying new rain gear you will guarantee two weeks of perfectly clear skies!

It does occasionally rain here in CA, seems like we had 40-50 days straight two years ago?

alf, mlgb, gaegrand, and tim and liz,

thanks for the input, we will look into raingear-at least a jacket that is waterproof.