kilt for mud run / obstacal race

[corbmonster]

Now that my knee is on the mend and I've been able to start running again. Me and a buddy have been going to the gym regularly for a month now. And we want to do a warrior dash in March. I suggested the idea of getting a kilt to do the race in, and he is open to it. I saw a pic from sport kilt on Facebook that gave me the idea. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as vendors / manufacturers? I was thinking one of the cheaper utility kilts in khaki, OD, or maybe camo. If it gets damaged we wouldn't be out much money. If it gets stained with mud / dirt / grass, probably wouldn't notice. UT, UTK, etc they are pretty cheap on amazon and ebay. Thanks.

[ratspike]

If you're leaning towards a solid color, modern style kilt then you don't have to limit yourself to the cheap Pakistani imports just because you're concerned about the mud and grass. A kilt that's sewn well, from quality fabric, will withstand something like a mud run with absolutely no problem. In fact, I'd even be so bold as to say it'll hold up to more abuse and last longer than the cheap imported kilt.

I work several days a week at a dog shelter and wear the same kilt every time, made from poly/cotton twill. It gets splattered with cleaners and disinfectants and bleach, covered in filth and mud, snagged on kennel doors and fences, and clawed at by excited dogs who like to jump on me. Much tougher duty than a mud run. After a wash and dry it looks good as new.

If it were me, I'd look at either a new or used Utilikilt. Second choice would be trying to find a 5.11 Tactical Duty Kilt. Stumptown Kilts would be a distant third choice, but you can get one brand new at a pretty fair price point.

[corbmonster]

I hear what you're saying. The (cheaper) ones I'm looking at seem to have good ratings (like damn near kilt 'em) I would be interested in a 5.11 I've used several of their tactical gear items in the past and it's always beat expectations despite my abuse. But their utilikilt is always out of stock. I've been warned about the pakistani stuff, so I'm at least educated to that extent (thanks by the way). I asked the same question on another forum, and a couple of the members did this same run in sport kilt : original (poly/cotton) tartan kilts and they cleaned up good enough after being hosed, and washed. So I'm kinda getting the impression that a well made kilt will hold up regardless as long as the manufacturer is reputable. I do like to hear about peoples experiences with different merchandise though. Who makes this poly cotton kilt you work in?

[ratspike]

Yeah, 5.11 does really small production runs and they always sell out. They pop up used from time to time, and I think I saw a few on ebay recently. You might also look at Alt.kilt, maybe something like the snap classic model. I don't believe her kilts have any sort of fastener at the waist, which is nice because it's super adjustable, but you do need to wear a belt.

If you're thinking you might like to do tartan I'd look at a USA Kilts casual over a Sport Kilt. The price difference would be negligible, and you'd be getting a made to measure kilt from quality fabric in a huge range of tartan choices.

My work kilt is one I made myself, nothing special, and since I was only into it for the fabric cost I didn't mind sacrificing it. ;)

[thoth51]

I recently took part in a similar race and decided to go in a light but durable poly-cotton camo kilt. It was easy to run in, and the dirt washed right out afterwards.

10443361_708541992527409_3009111297280852774_n.jpg

Do also consider what you wear under your kilt. Depending on how early you get wet and muddy in the race, it can get uncomfortable from drenched fabric slapping against your legs.

[Godot]

USAKilts casuals have proven their ability to survive multiple mud runs. They cost a little more, but they last.

[corbmonster]

Thanks for the input everyone, I appreciate your words of wisdom. Ya Thoth, ha I don't go "commando" in kilts regardless. But I would need to wear some good briefs while in the race.

[Couper]

I've got a couple SportKilts and a couple of the USAKilt Casuals. I use the USAK for better outings and the SportKilt for knocking about the yard. They both clean up very well but I would give the edge to SportKilt for mud.

The SportKilt also has an elastic component to the waistband and is, therefore, a bit more comfortable for physical gyrations. It still has an effective Velcro closure, as does the USAK Casual.

I also have one of Rocky's 5 yard wool kilts. Love that one for dressing up. But my next kilt will be a USAKilt Casual in the Sterling tartan. Why? Because my wife wants me to get that one. And, of course, I want to be a good husband.

[corbmonster]

LOL you have a good wife Couper. Question though: is the velcro really that secure?! The last race I was in (a local one benefiting the local hospital) was rough for a 5k. I seriously doubt velcro alone could have stayed secured for my race (mud pits, climbing over logs, swimming, rappelling down a hill, etc.) I would think having buckles would be required. But you say your velcro stays put?

[ratspike]

Good sized velcro patches will stay put no problem. From photos of Rocky's casual kilts that I've seen, the velcro looks like maybe 1.5" wide and around 5" long. That's a lot of sticky. This topic came up not too long ago and there were several replies about the awesome stickiness of the velcro on USA Kilts in the mud. An even more secure way of doing a velcro closure is to make a waist strap that doubles back on itself. That probably means a custom kilt, though if you're handy with a sewing machine you could easily retrofit an existing kilt.