New Hiking Kilt by SportKilt

**jrmiller** · 17th June 09, 07:31 AM

Guys,
I have been searching for the perfect summer kilt and believe I have discovered it. Sportkilt.com makes an item called a Hiking Kilt (see it here)

It is made of lightweight microfiber and it is really light and thin. It has the typical Sportkilt velcro waistband that they use on their "original" Sportkilts. Thus, it's very adjustable.

In terms of "look", it looks pretty good, but of course, only a facsimile of a wool "tank". However, the average person on the street doesn't know the difference! To the average person, it is plaid and short like a kilt, therefore, it must be a kilt.

I removed the yellow "Sportkilt" shield on the waistband -- pretty easy to do, just get a thread ripper.

I also added a little more Velcro on the waistband cause the sizing was a little off. I ordered for a 38" waist and was shipped a "large" which is actually about 2.5" too big. However, a little strip of Velcro fixed it right up.

I wore it last night to a party for my local singing group, good mix of men and women aged from mid 20's - 60's. The kilt was well received, people were polite, nobody asked me what I wore underneath.

Overall, I like the kilt and will probably buy another one in a different tartan, it's unfortunate there are only 3 tartan's available and frankly, I think only one is a real tartan (Black Stewart) and the other two are just nice plaids. Again, the average guy on the street isn't going to do a "thread count", so tell them anything you want. Mine is "Pacific Blue" and looks kinda like the Miller tartan, so when asked, I called it an original Miller (double meaning, I didn't explain it).

If you are looking for an inexpensive, really comfortable kilt, this is the best I have found to date.

BTW -- there is a sale on right now, you can get 10% off if you use the code "FATHERSDAY09". It's only good until June 22.

Cheers,

**caig** · 17th June 09, 07:34 AM

I wear a kilt for hiking in England and Scotland but have always found that the lighter weight kilts were just too light in a wind , unless you have perfectly calm weather ( which we never have in the UK !). I wear a medium weight wool 6 yard kilt from Geoffrey (Tailor) which works very well.

**zeeew** · 17th June 09, 10:20 AM

How does this compare to the "original" sportkilt? More/same/less pleats, lighter/heavier fabric compared to pv, etc? I am looking at the original with pockets, I have a pv already that seems fine when hiking, seems to dry fine after a swim, but could be a bit heavier instead of lighter.

Eric

**jrmiller** · 17th June 09, 10:24 AM

Eric,
Same basic construction as the "original", just much lighter material. This is microfiber, you could probably go swimming in it and dry in under an hour. It serves a specific purpose, that is, lightweight, cool, summer wear. I was searching for something lighter than shorts to wear and this one fits the bill.

**Monkey@Arms** · 17th June 09, 10:37 AM

Without pictures I refuse to believe a word you said.

Best regards,

Jake

**jrmiller** · 17th June 09, 12:18 PM

Pictures in the pool with the kilt? Before and after, what exactly do you need to "believe". Ask Mulder, he believes!

**CameronTaylor** · 17th June 09, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by zeeew

How does this compare to the "original" sportkilt? More/same/less pleats, ....

You can order it with more pleats or 1-inch pleats.

CT - I know.

**Cavebear58** · 17th June 09, 03:19 PM

I bought a 5yd Poly kilt from Heritage of Scotland (aka Gold Bros) for the same reason (lightweight kilt for summer wear and country walking) and think it is only fair to say that I am absolutely delighted with it. Limited range of tartans, though this one is in Hunting Stewart which appealed to my sense on humour given that this was the military tartan of several Indian regiments! It is crisp, light, and swings OK. What's more it cost £29, which is a LOT less than a Sportkilt would cost.

See - GB do have their purpose.

Cheers, Graham.

**bricelythgoe** · 17th June 09, 03:51 PM

Good to know.. Although I will never buy a heritage of scotland kilt...

Brice

**Smayniac** · 17th June 09, 05:59 PM

I have a very old "original" SportKilt, Hunting Stewart, pleated to the gather, that I have worn canoeing when it was REALLY HOT! It cost a lot less than the hiking kilt. I'm not sure I would pay that much for a lighter weight kilt. I wore my Stillwater Thrifty for a warm weather hike recently and was quite pleased with it for less than half the price. Just my two cents worth.
BTW, how much fabric is in said kilt?
Bob