[jackdale]

I treat myself well. ( I also get paid to sail, so my company owns the gear)

Dubarry boots, Helly Hansen Offshore bib pants, Gill Atlantic Jacket

Offshore I wear foulie pants in almost all conditions.

For cold weather

Poly underwear, fleece, a wind shirt, foulies, boots

Warm weather

Hiking pants (quick dry), Tee shirt, bib pants, closed toe sandals - currently Keens (I have given up on sailing shoes)

Coastal cruising - I tend not to wear foulies if I can stay dry.

I wear breathable foulies - Grundens are for fisherman so they can hose off the fish guts.

For a one-time - try to borrow some decent gear.

 

[jackdale]

I'd throw in one other thing to look at: The hood and collar. I find that having a tall, deep collar that comes up "too far" on your cheeks and ears, also keeps you nicely sheltered from wind, and drier in the rain. Hood up or down.

If you have the luxury of trying on different brands in stores, do try the hood and collar. Imagine it is pouring out and blowing 20 knots, you want something a little different from the typical urban collar.

Which is not to say that clearance rack GoreTex from a camping supplier can't be a great bargain too!

Absolutely.