Autumn Survival Gear
The long, hot New Zealand summer is finally coming to an end. We’re about to have a string of cooler, rainy days ahead of us, and I, for one, am ready for the change in weather. Kiwis have a different approach to rain than we had in Austin. It is a much more laid back, walk-in-it-anyway approach. Most of the time the rain is gentle and intermittent. Only occasionally is it a full on torrential downpour, and I think that makes a difference. It is not uncommon to see people stoically walking down the sidewalk completely nonplussed by how wet they’re getting. The cooler temperatures, combined with the precipitation and inevitable muddiness of everything, means I’ve been stocking up on some essential autumn survival gear as things come on sale. Here’s my list of must haves:
Blunt umbrellas - Yes, they’re a bit pricey, but the quality is outstanding. They can withstand gusts of wind and come in several styles and lots and lots of colors. We’ve got the classic in both a bright red and navy blue. I got ours on sale at their end of year sale, regular cost is $118.
Macpac Zodiac Hooded Down Vest - The perfect layering piece for outdoor activities! Just because it is cool or raining here doesn’t mean I’m supposed to forgo my walk along the water to get a cup of coffee. This vest has a detachable hood and seems like it is a pseudo-uniform for a lot of people in the fall. Macpac is constantly having sales, so make sure you snag one of these vests when it is NOT full price at $199.
Kathmandu Gore Tex Longline Rain Jacket - I love how versatile this jacket is, especially in black. It’s simple, lightweight, and is appropriate for pretty much any occasion I might find myself in. Again, wait for a Kathmandu sale to score this pricier item. (retails for $299).
Blondo Villa Waterproof Boots - These boots come in all sorts of colors and are simply perfect for Auckland’s rainy fall. I love the black ones so much that I recently added a brown pair to my wardrobe. The no-fuss design means they are versatile and can complement just about anything in your closet. They’re also sold all over the place, like Amazon, Zappos, and Nordstrom. They retail for about $236, so you’ll be able to import them without paying duties and tax.
A Jean Jacket - Really any jean jacket will do. I picked one up from Just Jeans for around $100 and I wear it ALL THE TIME as a layering piece. There’s also the option of going super-inexpensive with something from Old Navy. I’m a fan of medium wash, embellishment- free, and simple cut jackets. This is something that doesn’t draw attention to itself at all, but can be worn in the cooler mornings and after the sun goes down as the weather begins to transition.
Original Tall Hunter Boots - These boots are a closet staple for a reason, folks! They are perfect for the days when it is truly raining cats and dogs and for the mud puddle aftermath. It may be un-Kiwi of me not to be able to effortlessly skip and hop around the puddles and keep my shoes pristine, so I default to my trusty Hunter boots. They never let me down, and they’re available for about $200.
