Good boots are a good idea apart from all the good reasons stated, for when you are using axes.
I like the lightweight hiking idea, of layering up, so instead of a big bulky jacket, you have a wicking t-shirt, a shirt, a decent fleece(Windproof is a good idea), a decent anorka(I tend not to buy goretex, because of the fill problem I would rather be sweat wet, than rain wet all of a sudden). Had it happen with a work coat on Sunday, one minute dry, next minute soaked to the skin shivering.
You have to decide if you are a natural fibre, or a high tech fabric person. If you spend a lot of time around open fires natural fibres tend to be the thing, but they can be a pain if they get wet.