Running Kilt Advice (there's a caveat)

[WalesLax]

Hello team, so I am a big fan of running races in my kilt, but to incorrectly quote Will Ferrell in "Anchorman," "Wool is a bad idea." I wanted to see if there is anyone in here runs in theirs and if you have any suggestions.

The second part of my question, which can be lumped with part one or separate if you'd prefer is that, if at all possible, I'd like a Robert/Probert (Welsh) or Robertson tartan. This part is proving much more difficult to fulfill, as places like SportKilt's light weight kilts are just in 3 generic tartans.

I was considering trying PV or acrylic and am interested to hear people's experiences. Sportkilt and Herritage of Scotland were leading the way because they seem to be cheap and I won't regret it too much if it doesn't pan out. I think UTKilts is making a run for the same reasons.

I am looking forward to the feedback, and thanks all in advance!

Rob

[TheOfficialBren]

I'm interested in selling a Robertson Hunting kilt...

[ratspike]

You can get a regular Sport Kilt in Robertson, which IMO is plenty lightweight for running.

[cck]

I would never consider running in a wool kilt unless it was a dash to get out of the rain. My best kilt for running is a Sportkilt, Hiking Kilt model. For less serious running I might wear their basic Sportkilt.

[CDNSushi]

To me, this is quite simply a case of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." I don't find kilts well-suited to running -- especially not without shorts underneath. And if I'm going to do that, why add the burden and bulk of the kilt on top of that? Just the shorts will do fine, thank you. Even women's "running skirts" which tend to be pretty mini (and minimal) have built-in shorts for modesty, and where the top apron is really there just for decoration.

On that note, I would consider running kilted as part of a "costume" -- like for a fun run, or charity run, or similar, where like a running skirt, it would be for decoration. But otherwise? Nope.

[WalesLax]

So, the kilt I run in is a light weight wool, and I've only worn it for Fall, Winter, and Spring runs when it's cool. It's pretty light and breathable, but can get a little uncomfortable around the waist when we get to the mid 60's. That's why I was looking and asking.

I always have a good response to running in the kilt. It started as a charity thing - I went to an Irish/Italian high school and for some charity event or another, I wore it, and brought us a lot of positive attention. This followed on into college and thereafter. In Chicago, we have the Shamrock Shuffle, which is a very popular place to wear it, and some other charity runs where I do it for fun. I do not wear my kilt when running for time though, and I haven't worn it for anything longer than a 10k.

As for my modesty, it isn't a kilt thing, but rather a chaffing thing. I generally wear compression shorts underneath. I would wear the compression shorts under running or lacrosse shorts anyway, as it helps keep my god-given sporran in place, and my muscles nice and tight.

So, a few questions here:
- the SportKilt hiking kilt. Is it too light? I have heard a number of people say that a gust of wind could send it flying. I haven't tried one but am not averse. I think if they had more fun tartans, I would be more interested, though I have not ruled them out by any means.
- SportKilt's other kilts. Can anyone give me insight into the "feel?" Have any of you run in them?
- It sounds like Sportkilt might be the way to go, but I am curious to see if any other suggestions come up.

I am also considering the Sportskilt Mustang tartan, because on the website, I think it looks fairly similar to the Roberts/Probert tartan. Does anyone have this one? If you do, I'd love if you could share pictures.

Thank you,

Rob

[duke_19_62]

Sportkilt (as their name implies) is good for sports of all kinds: running, highland games, mudding, etc. They are washable, comfortable, have a touch of elastic in the back of the waistband and (if you measure properly) don't need a belt. They also have a microfiber "Hiking kilt" which is good for active wear as well. The regular sportkilt has a larger selection of tartans, both clan and universal. (full disclosure: I have an original sportkilt in US Army, and Hinking kilt in Pacific Blue.) The lightweight with just three tartans is the hiking kilt I refer to. I have a Heritage of Scotland PV, but IMHO, it's not quite an activewear kilt but more a casual to semi-casual kilt.