I think you fair landed it lad =)

My kilt is heavyweight wool, a special order weave done as the Newfoundland tartan is not generally stocked, and it's a full 8-yard beauty. It's fantastic and is worth every bob that I paid for it, times two. I wear it fairly often. Buchannan, I'd certainly go wool for your first traditional kilt. Choose a good kiltmaker, go with a trusted weaver, and traditional heavyweight or regimental weight cloth.

The knockabout that I was inquiring into with launching this thread was for a decent kilt to take on a trip overseas, to wear when hiking, packing or shopping up wood, etc, and more regular daywear. Things I wouldn't want my "good" kilt subjected to, and much of the same things you like to do too it seems.

From the overwhelming responses and great knowledge shared here, I've done a bunch of homework, and talked to a number of the companies mentioned. It seems that PV is the way to go, and USAkilts have a great reputation for their 11oz PV. I think they made-to-measure approach will be of superior quality and their tartan selection is vastly superior to the UK off-the-peg kilts for only a modest increase in price. I want to make sure that this kilt comes back from my overseas trip and is still in fine form to last a long time after... The only question is now is to choose the semi-traditional or the casual kilt, and decide between the Irish National, the MacDonald, or the Ramsay (htg) tartan...

or all three :P