A nice kilted hike in the Rockies

[Teufel Hunden]

I do so love living in Colorado.





This was taken near Vail. For a time, my wife and I were the only two people on the mountain. Right before this pic was taken, we were in some very heavy snow. It cleared up and the sun started shining as I lit up my pipe.

Also thought it was a good time for some highland blend tea I picked up in Edinburgh.

[RichardtheLarge]

I love the Gandalf pipe and kilt in conjunction. Wonderful photo!

Those of you who hike in the cold and snow in a kilt—are the temperatures tolerable for the knees and legs long term? How long are you able to be out in the cold before becoming uncomfortable? I don’t mind a cold weather hike of several hours in thermal underwear and trousers, but I wonder how I would do in kilt and hose.

[grizzbass]

I am extremely jealous. great shot.

[jthk]

I wear a kilt daily and have dealt with all sorts of weather conditions for rural western New England (USA). Part of the reason why I've been wearing kilts for long enough, and every day, is due to an interest in how the human body adjusts to conditions over time. I try to approach this question intelligently and usually take proper precautions.

With mid-thigh length merino wool boxer briefs, I have worn kilts out hiking without a bother to -8 C / 17 F. Below those temperatures, I need to put on light- to medium-weight merino wool leggings (from Ibex). Of course, I could just as easily wear trousers but I would need those leggings anyway under the trousers.

I have found little or no discomfort -- except for when I stop for a long period of time. The stopping and subsequent body cooling makes me feel the temperatures more but I have yet to encounter anything beyond mild discomfort. Sometimes I wear a belted plaid and if I'm stationary for long enough, I'll simply let down the longer aprons and that takes care of any cold-induced discomfort.

Kilt on,
Jonathan

I love the Gandalf pipe and kilt in conjunction. Wonderful photo!

Those of you who hike in the cold and snow in a kilt—are the temperatures tolerable for the knees and legs long term? How long are you able to be out in the cold before becoming uncomfortable? I don’t mind a cold weather hike of several hours in thermal underwear and trousers, but I wonder how I would do in kilt and hose.

[Manu]

I love the Gandalf pipe and kilt in conjunction. Wonderful photo!

Those of you who hike in the cold and snow in a kilt—are the temperatures tolerable for the knees and legs long term? How long are you able to be out in the cold before becoming uncomfortable? I don’t mind a cold weather hike of several hours in thermal underwear and trousers, but I wonder how I would do in kilt and hose.

Honestly, no issue at all! I recently hiked in the Smokey Mountains in NC under icing conditions and had no issues at all. The inner part of my thighs felt slightly chilly when they touched each other, but other than that it was all fine and dandy. Btw, kilt was a 5 yarder 16 oz from USAK house of cheviot hose.

[Teufel Hunden]

I love the Gandalf pipe and kilt in conjunction. Wonderful photo!

Those of you who hike in the cold and snow in a kilt—are the temperatures tolerable for the knees and legs long term? How long are you able to be out in the cold before becoming uncomfortable? I don’t mind a cold weather hike of several hours in thermal underwear and trousers, but I wonder how I would do in kilt and hose.

I'm sort of an odd one out... I'm terribly cold blooded. So when it's below 0ºF out, I'm fine in some heavy gloves and a hoodie. My mustache completely frosts over and I'm perfectly comfortable. The morning that pic was taken, it was 15ºF when we first started the hike. I had some heavy gloves on and a hood, and after a while it was too hot for me with the gloves. But if you're out moving and your hands and feet are warm, you shouldn't have any issue with your legs staying warm.

[Me cousin Jack]

John Muir would be proud.