by FootTrack » Fri 17 Jun, 2016 7:14 pm
Hi there,
I haven't got any specific recommendations to give you, but can pass on some general information/advice.
In regards to pants, I prefer the zip-off style. I find them more versatile; greater options depending on whether it is hot, cold, scrubby etc. Gaiters and shorts are what I wear most of the time though. I like the ventilation that combination gives, and the gaiters are better than pants for harsh bush (not that you will experience any of that on the Three Capes).
The rain pants question depends a little bit on how comfortable your husband is with being wet/how much he feels the cold. My decision would be based on a seven day forecast. If plenty of rain were expected (especially on one or two particular days, or if cold temps. and rain were forecast) I would take the overpants. Otherwise I would probably forego them. I don't feel the cold that much though, so it's very much a personal question. Taking them is probably a safe bet. With more experience your husband will be able to determine for himself what his limits are...Is he likely to continue walking in the future or is this a one-off trip? Cheap rainbird pants would suffice if they aren't going to get a lot of use. Otherwise I would get a better pair with goretex or eVent, full length side zippers etc. (if going down this route, it is worth doing your research though so you know what options there are and which best suit your needs).
The insulation during the day question, again, is very much a personal one. Most of my walking is done in either a long sleeve summer shirt or a thermal top if cooler. If it's really fresh or windy, I will put my rain jacket on over this. You'd be surprised how little insulation you can get away with when walking. Down jackets, jumpers etc. are more for breaks or at camp, in my opinion. On a trip like this I would probably bring my top and bottom thermals, summer shirt, lightweight merino jumper (320 weight from memory?) and my waterproof jacket +/- pants.
The difference between goretex and soft shells? Goretex is a hardshell material, as is eVent, Hyvent and a range of other fabrics. They are "waterproof and breathable". Soft shells are not waterproof (more a water resistant, wind barrier) and only protect against a light sprinkle. They prioritise breathability over waterproofness and are therefore more suited to active use (cycling, running etc.). For most trips (including this walk) you would want a hardshell. I generally take my hardshell jacket regardless of the weather. A hardshell is my primary wind/rain block and an important component of my insulation system. Having a good quality hardshell jacket is more important than the pants in my opinion (for three season use, the waterproofness/quality of the pants can be questionable but the jacket must be up to scratch). There a range of features a hardshell can come equipped with, so it's best to do a bit of reading to see which best suits your needs, especially if the jacket is to be a long-term investment. One comment though - avoid waterproof insulated jackets such as those designed for winter resort use (you can't remove the insulation and once it wets out from sweat etc, they can be difficult to get dry again). You just want a shell which you can layer underneath. Consider buying secondhand when looking for pants/jackets etc. You can get a lot of expensive, minimally used, high-end equipment off eBay and Gumtree for a fraction of their original price. Not to mention it has less impact on the places we love to walk in.
Hope this helps.
Looking at weather history they can expect temps from 6-16 degrees and rain would be relatively likely (100mm for 18 days in Oct is the past average). 
