Hiking in a kilt?

[Blackrose87]

I'm planning on going hiking and camping with my father during Easter for a few days, and I was wondering if anyone has done this with a kilt before?
I can't really see any problems with the gear and everything, but in the event that it rains (highly likely), will it be a problem walking in a wet kilt?
I'm sure there might be some other problems I havent thought of as well

Secondly does anyone know of any good hikes around Scotland, preferrably not too far north. We use to hike around parts of Donegal and the Mournes, but I thought it would be nice to have him over to Scotland.
Any suggestions would be great!

[cessna152towser]

I have often gone hiking in a kilt.
I have found non-traditional kilts such as the Utilikilt and cheaper knock-offs are more practical than a formal tartan kilt, though I did once climb the Christianbury Crags while wearing an 8-yard wool kilt.
There are some excellent hikes in the Lammermuir and Pentland Hills, just to the south of Edinburgh or if you want to go further afield there are a huge variety of hill walks and forest trails throughout the Southern Upland counties of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

[MacMillans son]

Many of us here hike kilted Blackrose, though I have never done so in the rain. I understand the biggest concern is ensuring you wear your kilt high enough so that it doesn't rub on the back of your knees. Apparently that is a much greater problem when the kilt (and or your skin) is wet then when dry.

I typically only hike in trousers if it is very cold, or am in a pest infested area. Being in California, it is pretty easy to avoid both with a little planning, and I typically bring lightweight hiking trousers just in case.

Have fun!

[Blackrose87]

I have often gone hiking in a kilt.
I have found non-traditional kilts such as the Utilikilt and cheaper knock-offs are more practical than a formal tartan kilt, though I did once climb the Christianbury Crags while wearing an 8-yard wool kilt.
There are some excellent hikes in the Lammermuir and Pentland Hills, just to the south of Edinburgh or if you want to go further afield there are a huge variety of hill walks and forest trails throughout the Southern Upland counties of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Aye, I think I'd rather use my cheaper kilt, to spare my Nicholson one from getting wrecked more than anything.
I've hiked quite a few forest trails in Abel Tasmen in New Zealand, but I've never done one around here so I think I'll look into the trails in the borders. Thanks for the suggestion.

Many of us here hike kilted Blackrose, though I have never done so in the rain. I understand the biggest concern is ensuring you wear your kilt high enough so that it doesn't rub on the back of your knees. Apparently that is a much greater problem when the kilt (and or your skin) is wet then when dry.

That's what my main thought was really, as it's more than likely going to rain for a bit at least. Hopefully if I wear my cheaper kilt it won't hold water as much as a pure wool one would, and it might dry out quicker.
I might bring a spare pair of trousers just in case!

[KiltedDixon]

I hiked in a forest this morning. Threatened but did not rain. I hiked in a lightweight non-wool kilt. Very comfortable.

[Stirling McQueen]

ultra light backpackers often use "rain kilts" instead of rain pants because they are lighter and easier to put on over shorts and while wearing shoes. See no reason why it would not work over a wool kilt in the rain. http://www.ula-equipment.com/rainkilt.asp

Peace
Henry

[davidg]

Without knowing precisely where you are planning to hike and camp it is difficult to give a sensible answer. Scotland has areas of very wild and dangerous terrain where specialised gear is essential. Wearing a kilt in this kind of country is certainly feasible but only if you carry additional survival equipment. A wet kilt, or even a dry kilt at certain times, could induce frostbite or hypothermia within minutes

However, simply rambling in less extreme terrain should be fine

[Oddern]

I have been hiking in the Norwegian mountains kilted a few times. It's a quite rough environment with varying weather and temperatures from 4 celsius to 20 celsius (39F to 68F).
I'm using a 18oz 8 yard wool kilt which is almost perfect for the job. It is warm but it gives you a nice ventilation and the heavy fabric is almost waterproof. It is a bit heavy in the rear, so I'm planning on making a 5 yards kilt in the same fabric. With a good pair of hiking boots and gaiters you are well protected against most weather conditions. If it starts pouring rain put on the lightweight rain poncho you brought with you.
Skål and happy hiking.

[tulloch]

I have not worn pants of any kind for hiking since I got my first kilt, (8-yard 16oz wool), and I find it the best in all weather. I confess I have not camped in the winter with a kilt but that is more related to my age than comfort. I don't want to risk falling off in the mountains. I have hiked in the snow in a kilt with great satisfaction.

[Pleater]

Try not to get wet - carry a waterproof which you can grab and put on easily and quickly.

I have a ponch style Gortex cover with a hood - it is military style so about ankle length on me, I can beat my drum for anyone daft enough to be dancing in the rain, ride my bike, or even make a shelter large enough for several people to wait for better weather.

I find that a kilt is a warm garment, but sometimes requires an extra layer or two to keep the warmth in and the wet out. I am in the South of England, so it is far more important to have those extra layers in Scotland.

When away from home I often wear a long plaid, not tightly pleated but folded, so if required I can wrap it around and keep warm - I have been observed to steam when wearing this after being caught out in a shower.

The edge of a wet kilt can be very painful if it is at the wrong height. If it catches in the fold as you step over or just rubs across, the skin the back of your knee can be rubbed raw.

The top of the kneecap is the ideal height should your kilt get wet. Enough wafting to help things dry, high enough to be out of the way, enough coverage to retain some warm air.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: