New to the forum

[The Fireman]

Hello to all,
I am new to this forum and would like some help.
I want to get a kilt for pretty much just knocking around in.
I have two traditional wool kilts I wear for pretty much everything now from formal to St. Patrick's Day in the pub while piping. I hate worrying about my expensive kilt getting ruined.(what with drunks spilling Guinness and what not. Not by me of course, I'd rather spill me own blood than me Guinness. But you know how some people are).
A big consideration for me is price. I hate to say it, but it is. I'm a month fronm a new house being completed so I don't even want to broach the subject of a new kilt with D.W.(Da wife). I'm sure I'm not alone in that predicament.I hope.
The Stllwater standard looks pretty nice. Any suggestions?
Thanks to all.

[Bob C]

Welcome!

I'm about to buy a Stillwater standard for the same reasons you state. They have gotten very good reviews here.

[chasem]

stillwater standards and heavies are excellent kilts for the price. The heavy has the pleats sewn down (a fell, not pleats sewn all the way), and a few other advantages over the standard, and the heavy now also has a 100% wool for $150 ish I think.

I have both a standard and a heavy (Black Watch Acrylic) and I like them both.

[Blu (Ontario)]

I'm looking into a Stillwater 'heavy' myself. I, too, have gotten used to that "strap yourself in and hang on" feeling of a traditional heavyweight. The Stillwaters are getting very good reviews and the price is right.

[awoodfellow]

I highly recommend the Stillwater Heavy! It is 13oz non-wool, however, unless you are right smack up on it, you can't tell a difference. The 13oz is light enough to be comfortable under most circumstances, heavy enough to feel like you've got something on, and holds its pleat fairly well. The Heavy has gracious belt loops for your big wide leather as well. And as a bonus, the SWK Heavy can handle the Guinness.... very well!

If you're looking at spending $80 on a SWK Standard, indulge yourself! You've earned it if you're gone through ordeal of building a house ! Spend an extra $20 and get the SWK Heavy. You will not be dissatisfied!

I've got two standards and a heavy. The heavy is mae daily driver. I'll do the standards hiking across the farm to read the water meter!

Btw, a tip-o-the-hat to a First Responder!.

Ambrose

[The Fireman]

Thanks so far.
Another thing.
Just saw Haiku's (I think his real name is Beecher?), Appalachian trail journal. He thru-hiked the trail in his kilt. Awesome. I do some hiking and the thought of hiking kilted seems to be a great idea.
Would the Stillwater standard or heavy be good for this? (Mind you, I'm not doing the Trail, just some day hikes here and there.) Would the heavy be to heavy for this?
How about a USA kilt, standard model. Would this fit the bill.
Sorry to be picky but I just returned a Sportkilt. Not at all what I had imagined.
Thanks for the info.
Jeff

[Jimmy Carbomb]

The StillWater standard is a little much for the trails.

If you're looking for something that's actually worth the investment (which ain't too much) try looking into Jeff's offerings at PittsburghKilts.com. His ability to handle ANYTHING that you could want for the hikes is met with wonderful craftsmanship, quality work, and an honest approach to the business. I have a camo PittsburghKilt and it's absolutely wonderful when moving. The fit and construction will stand-up to anything that I can throw its way. Add to that the wide variety of materials and options available and you're sitting in a "sure spot".

You may also want to talk to Mike at AmeriKilts. They're absolutely wonderful for the hikes. He also offers a "Hiking Kilt" that's not listed on the site. It's worth an email.