UK Survivor question

**Java** · 14th February 10, 05:03 PM

Hey, all. Do any of you know what the weight of the canvas used in UK's Survivor is? The manufacturers of all of the comtemporary kilts I'm considering list the weight of the cloth. I can't find the weight listed anywhere for the Survivor, and the Survivor is the one kilt I've actually handled and am familiar with. It seems to me to be plenty heavy enough, but how heavy is it?

Thanks,
Java

**GDub** · 14th February 10, 06:57 PM

Not sure of the weight, but the Survival is quite a bit heavier than the Original. Also, they are 100% cotton twill, not canvas. They have a "soft hand" unlike the Workman's which is canvas--and stiff! I have several UKs: 3 Originals, a Survival and a Workman's. My fave is the Survival. Most Originals are 50/50 cotton/poly blend. The Camo versions are lighter in weight than the standard Originals, and they are 100% cotton. I wear my camo UK a LOT during the warm months.

**cavscout** · 14th February 10, 07:21 PM

I can't give you a number either but I've compared the Survival kilt with Pittsburgh Kilt, and Amerikilt and it is waaaaaaaaay heavier and thicker material. It absorbed so much sweat it was uncomfortably heavy IMHO. Great kilt and features, just not a kilt I would wear camping and hiking.

**Java** · 14th February 10, 08:20 PM

Thanks, gentlemen, this is the kind of stuff I wanted to hear. My brother has a Survivor, so I'm familiar with it, but I don't have any Amerikilts or Buzz Kidders around here to compare it to. I think if I can get the Minister of Finance on board, I want to start with that new 10oz Amerikilt. I'm just trying to get an idea of what 10oz cloth "feels" like.

Have Fun,
Java

**GDub** · 14th February 10, 09:09 PM

The fabric of a camo UK Original is about the same weight as an Amerikilt, though the UK weighs more overall because it has more fabric. My first "contemporary" kilt was an Amerikilt. They're OK, but the lightweight UKs are a much nicer product--IMHO, of course. Also, AKs wrinkle like crazy. My camo UK is far more sitting friendly.

**cavscout** · 14th February 10, 10:10 PM

The Amerikilt was light. A comparison might be the weight of camouflage BDU's material. The AK is a great kilt for a first kilt. They were great to work with as people and as a company. For a first kilt to try out the kilted option it's a great choice. Others to compare it to would be Celtic Warrior Kilts for solid colored or camo kilts. If you think tartan might be worth a try, test the waters with a Stillwater Standard or Heavyweight. Not to worry though, once you buy the first, more are soon to come

The question to try to answer is, how will you be wearing the kilt? Casual, lounging around the house or working in the yard? Semi-Casual, to the office or pub, or anywhere you will want to present a neat appearance? Church? Formal? The answer to this question will help others direct you toward kilts that will fit the appearance to the function.

**Java** · 15th February 10, 08:42 AM

Well my first kilt, I suspect I will be wearing around the house, at family gatherings, bowling, maybe a little golf, etc.. Casual to Business Casual kind of stuff. I'll almost certainly move on to tartans later, but I want to start with a "contemporary" one. It seems to me that the 10oz (like the Buzz Kidder) seems to be in about the middle of the range weight wise, so unless y'all (who know more than I do) talk me out of it, thats where I'll start.

Have Fun,
Java

**cavscout** · 15th February 10, 08:59 AM

I've read several positive reviews about BK kilts. The few negatives I've heard were about the way it hangs. If I recall, they used to not have much of a taper from waist to hips but according to the web site it states a 10% taper. I don't really know what that means regarding the fit.

At that price point though, I would suggest contacting Gary at Celtic Warrior kilts (if only for a comparison) and see if he can provide you a fitted kilt. Being a custom kilt maker he can probably work it out so you won't have the button snaps on the apron if that is not appealing to you. That's the perks of working with the folks who participate in our forums, you are usually talking to the person who is making the item you are buying and they are very vested in making sure you are happy with the product and getting what you want...within reason

**Riverkilt** · 15th February 10, 10:26 AM

You're getting good suggestions. Mine is, you're gonna own more than one kilt - surrender to it. Go ahead and get the Survivor and a custom from Gary.

BK's and AmeriKilts are fine, as long as you realize they're pretty basic and wrinkle easily.

Only shortcoming of the Survivor is that the front pockets are soooo deep that sometimes, if you're olde, you'll think you've lost your car keys and be looking all over for them when they're just in your front pocket all the time. Now that's a good thing if you're traveling where pickpockets are a danger.

I've owned 15 Utilikilts. Survivor weight was a bit less than the Workman - and much softer - and heavier than the Originals. I loved my Survivors the best. Owned three Survivor IIs black, basil, and tan.

Only reason I'm not wearing them now is I "outgrew" them. Only reason I haven't reordered a larger size is I got olde and not sure how they look on a 65yo geezer. I have been lusting after a Survivor in mocha but when I got weak and called to order it Utilikilt never answered the phone and the urge passed.

If you're a young man, you're gonna love the Survivor. Just get one already - don't delay the jones.

And, don't forget, you can snap off the cargo pockets of the Survivor and have near the same look as a Mocker...that preppy Dockers look. So its two kilts in one. You can even order extra cargo pockets in a different color and create a two color look...or you used to be able to.

All the pockets make the Survivor a great hiking kilt.

Lose the cargo pockets for a Mocker/Docker preppy look. The top pocket flap covers the row of snaps that hold the cargo pocket on.

Leave the pockets on for a jauntier look.

Remember -

You'll feel on top of the World in your Survivor

And, most importantly,

Ladies LOVE kilted men. You're gonna meet a lot of lovely kilt inspectors once you kilt up and sally forth!

**Java** · 15th February 10, 12:12 PM

Thanks again for all the replies. Celtic Warrior's website had been closed down since I'd been looking, but today it's suddenly open again. His kilts look like they have the narrow apron, like the Utilikilts. (At a price I can afford!) From what I gather, I have to get in touch with Gary about what colors/materials are available. That one just might be the winner!

Thanks Again,
Java