Preferred pleating style for hiking?

**Bellfree** · 14th February 08, 01:04 PM

Like so many things in life that have no definitive answers, perhaps my question is one. But here goes: is there a preferred pleating style - box vs knife - for a kilt worn while hiking in the woods? I live on the edge of several thousand acres of mountain forest and hike almost daily, sometimes on trails, sometimes not. The terrain can be rugged. The forest is mixed: both old growth hardwood and occasional transition forest with small trees and briars. I have an order in with Matt Newsome and am trying to decide which pleat style for a 16 oz weathered tartan to hike in. ( I realize that some folks might question my sanity for wearing a work of art while hiking, but that's me.) So, box or knife pleats? All advice welcome.

**Tartan Hiker** · 14th February 08, 01:25 PM

You're right on two counts...there is no definitive answer and I can't imagine wearing a Newsome off-trail (on-trail hiking where briars are absent, no problem).

I have both and use them pretty much interchangeably. My knife-pleat hikers tend to be lighter material (8-10 oz. polycotton ripstop for example). My box-pleats tend to be heavier material (11-13 oz wool, cotton canvas). In the winter I hike in a 16 oz. wool 5-yd. knife-pleat (used eBay kilt purchased for $30) and two mid-weight wool blend 8-yard knife-pleats (also eBay specials).

Personally I'd never wear a loose weave (wool, PV, wool blend) if I knew that I was going into rough or off-trail conditions.

And by the way...if you are expecting to be near campfires or stoves avoid acrylic kilts.

Ever come over this way for hikes? I direct a public hike program all summer in Montreat...come on over some time.

**McClef** · 14th February 08, 01:27 PM

I would be very surprised if there was a preferred style as it is very much down to the individual preferences of the wearers.

I haven't tried hiking in any of my kilts which are all knife pleated so until I add a box pleat kilt and then do a hiking comparison I couldn't really comment but I bet it would still be a personal impression and not one that could be applied as a universally desirable preference.

**ChromeScholar** · 14th February 08, 01:54 PM

I don't know about pleating, but I'd try to avoid wearing an expensive wool kilt for hiking, and pick up a cheaper poly or acrylic kilt.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 14th February 08, 03:52 PM

I've only ever hiked in 16oz, 100% wool kilts with knife pleats. I quickly learned that the length of the kilt was more important that the pleat. The important thing is to have the hem well above the back of knee to avoid "kilt burn" which can be quite excruciating. I really liked my wool hiking kilts--they weren't hot, kept you warm if it suddenly got cold, did a good job of shedding water in a sudden shower, and weren't apt to melt or burst inflames if one got too near a fire or smoker. Just like I'd never go hiking in cheap boots or acrylic socks, I'd never set out in an el cheapo plastic kilt.

**Kiltman** · 14th February 08, 05:38 PM

I hike in both, it's really up to you. I have some old ones that I use for hiking in. The newer ones I save for formal wear, or Scottish Country Dancing.

**The Wizard of BC** · 14th February 08, 06:49 PM

Are you Insane??????

Man, you'll have not only the Kilt Cops down on you for hiking in a Newsome but probably the Hiking Cops as well. In fact I may place an anonymous call to them myself. 1-800-cry-sobs.

But, if you must, I would ask Matt to do a 5 yarder. Of any pleat style. It will still have good protection, swish, and feel, but will be a little less fabric to chaff. I would think that it is not the pleat style but the total amount of fabric that would be my determining factor. In fact that is why I designed my Cargo Model. Slightly less fabric, 1.5" pleats and no straps to ouch me under a hip pad. Then there are pockets. I'm not advertising, just spouting an opinion. Take it or leave it.

**BoldHighlander** · 14th February 08, 07:20 PM

I applaud you sir

Despite it being a Newsome hand made (& I'm in the queue for one) it is still a piece of clothing, a garment to be worn & used. Granted, it may not be everyones cup of tea in the use of a tailored wool kilt, but in the end its your money, use & enjoy it as you see fit.

And if I maybe so bold as to make a wee suggestion, maybe buy two:
one for hiking & one for 'dress' -- that's what I intend to do .

**Chef** · 14th February 08, 07:43 PM

The most annoying thing about Mr. MacMillan is how often I agree with him.

I think the pleating style is personal choice but if you are going to wear a wool kilt hiking make sure the length is correct. You want this kilt to be at the top of the knee. If it is longer it can catch the back of the knee and it can be a dreadful experience. It is especially bad if the kilt gets wet.

To give you an answer to your original post though I think it is a toss up between a knife-pleat and a box pleat while hiking. Technically both have 1/2 the pleats facing forward. A box pleat does however have fewer pleats. If you are really worried about the way the pleats go then a reverse Kingussie pleated kilt would be the way to go. This way all the pleats face the rear and they meet at a reverse box pleat in the rear of the kilt.

**Tartan Hiker** · 15th February 08, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Chef

if you are going to wear a wool kilt hiking make sure the length is correct. You want this kilt to be at the top of the knee. If it is longer it can catch the back of the knee and it can be a dreadful experience. It is especially bad if the kilt gets wet.

I'll echo that sentiment as well. I usually make my hikers an inch shorter than usual for this very reason. Polycotton with a hemmed edge can be brutal on the skin behind your knee joint.

And at the risk of starting a new discussion and leading the thread off-topic, don't forget to pack a stick of Body-glide.