My goretex jacket fits - they're out. The disadvantage is that there's no room under it for my day pack.

Take a second pair of amphibian hikers of some sort. That will do the trick.

Take a poncho and don't overthink this.

Pack light. Pack light. Pack light.

Other than wet feet, getting wet is just not that big a deal.

Also - our B&B in Monteverde washed all of our dirty clothes (for us and the kids) for $6. I'm sure we could have thrown in our tennis shoes if it had been necessary.

Great advice mom23...as well as everyone elses. I finally came to the conclusion that I was thinking too warm. Hey, I'm in northern Ontario. The things I thought I might bring for "cooler" temps are what I wore walking to church today at around 0 C/ 32F. Ok, that can't be right...lol. I finally decided to slim it down to a very thin jacket and one sweater, long sleeved shirt, my dollar store rain poncho, and two pairs of breathable trail hikers. That will just have to do! And yes, I'm trying to think light since we'll be spending two weeks in Tamarindo where I assume it's much warmer. The bulk of my packing will be computer/camera/snorkling gear :0

Great packlight site: www.onebag.com

This is great advice. Any changes you would make to this advice if travelling with 3 kids? I don't think they all need Keens but would water shoes or sandels be better for them? Ponchos for all. mom23rugrats, did you stay in B & B 's with your children or do some of the bigger hotels do laundry reasonalbly prices too?

I would stay away from the ponchos because they don't breathe, and sometimes it's hot and raining. We got good quality rain jackets for us (and our kids) and we all just wear them here too when it rains so it's not a waste.

I'm not a CR pro but love to hike and explore every summer when I visit CA. I wouldn't advise open toed sandals for traveling kids except maybe for beachy times and water shoes are often very thin soled and have limited support in terms of foot stability. Comfy tennies would work if you don't want to invest in Keens. Just my 2 cents' worth...

I've been to CR several times and take a pretty, waterproof, lightweight jacket and Land's End water shoes(available at Sears, too). The jacket doubles as a beach coverup when I'm frying and an evening "wrap" if it's cool or damp. The shoes look like regular sneakers but have mesh sides and quick dry materials. Good for trekking through the jungle and going white water rafting! I generally shift to flip flops for other expeditions. Have a fabulous trip!