a HA! Yes! A fellow climb & squatter!

And thus spoke Canuck:
"I tend to sew down the pleats to 1/3rd the length of the garment so it's a little tighter around the butt..."

I like your method very much, and frankly, my vanity appreciates the idea of the snug fit. I have a competing idea, newly minted: could a strip of elastic be sewn inside at the 1/3 mark instead of stitching all the way down? This would keep the fit you describe, reduce 'ladder drape', but also give a bit more freedom of movement.

At the shop, we sell lots of nylon, polyester, and cotton (and blends) in 'performance' and travel clothing. The classic debate is durability and drying time versus 'hand' and breathability. Synthetics win in the first, naturals the second. Best of three is always Customer's Preference.
The Mtn Kilt (sorry, but that's what it's named) is 'Hardwear Cloth' and 100% nylon. Very low maintenance and durable, but actually gets a bit warm, due in part to lack of swish, but also the nature of the fabric (low breathability). Also, synthetics tend to be a bit louder when rubbing (I'm thinking of pleats and apron movement). Still better than all trousers and most shorts, though.
For daily wear, it holds up very well, so I think synth is my choice for work, but of course I'm willing to listen.

From reading the forum, sounds like you are busy with the show at the moment, so I won't pester you about building me anything. What you describe is very intriguing, and I wonder if any of the alternakilt builders would be willing...

Thanks for the input- hope springs eternal!

-G