Mountain Kilts

[ggibby]

Hallo All!
Glad to see others MUGing in khaki nylon!

I bought my first Mountain Kilt (MK) from Mountain Hardwear (MHW) when Backpacker first reviewed it in 1999 (I think). Had to call three shops, special order from one, then drive 45 minutes to pick it up.

All worth it.

To address Bubba's theory, there is a chance Mountain Hardwear thought of a women's hiking skirt first, but as I own both their men's and women's products, they are cut differently and the men's is actually a better product (see below).

I wear my MK at least four days a week to work at an outdoor store in Redwood City, CA. I also wear it out to dinner, visiting, on hikes and road trips. Never to church yet, but that's a scene where my Highland kilt is welcome indeed.

The one time I wore my Highland kilt to work, I was very nervous for the expensive garment. No such fear with my MK, and the lack of pleats is actually a benefit. The MK has no 'swish', doesn't catch on stuff, and makes for a garment that weighs 5 ounces versus, oh, at least 32 ounces in wool. Climbing ladders, sitting, squatting, and kneeling are all much easier without the extra fabric. I'm very reluctant to even try some of the more traditional options after so long in the Mountain Kilt.



Because we carry Mtn. Hardwear, I can get their gear cheap. Since switching to work at the shop full time, my size large MK is a bit baggy 'round the waist. So I ordered up a medium, and the women's sized skirt, called the Pack Wrap (PW), too, since it's made in black. The MK has only ever been offered in khaki.

I honestly expected that the Mountain Kilt is still in Mtn. Hardwear's line because they haven't sold the original lot yet. So, I was surprised to note the differences between my first MK and this new one.

The color is not quite the same, and the fabric is a bit lighter in weight. The belt on the original used thin webbing and had sort of a 'lock-down' buckle. The new one uses the standard two-piece buckle seen on MHW trousers and shorts. I like the old belt better. Otherwise, the fit is the same, the microfleece lining around the waist is comfy, but this is certainly new-make, not new old stock.

The Pack Wrap (PW) is essentially the same thing, but with important differences that make me consider just getting more MK's and dyeing them.

First, the PW is cut for a woman's hip shape. The curve makes for some fabric bunching on the sides below my waist. The lack of a left-hand pocket takes some getting used to, and the absence of a 'modesty snap' (connecting front apron hem to back) isn't an issue- yet. The much lighter fabric is great for summer (closer to wearing nothing) but I suspect less durable, and prone to, ah, breeze effects. A female co-worker at the shop commented sarcastically "Of course women don't need those things- we wear skirts to look cute, not be functional." I shrugged my shoulders. Not My Problem.

I am now investigating the right dye for the nylon MKs, since I'd like to have choices beyond khaki and black. More when I know.

If anyone is interested in buying a Mountain Kilt, I can help, but you'll probably do better with mailorder or your local MHW shop. At $50 suggested retail, the price has come down from the intro $85, and it really requires much less care than most other garments you own.

OK, I'll hop down now...

-G

[highlandtide]

I still think I will stick with other Men's contemporary kilts. This one is way too much like the S word for me.



...

[Blu (Ontario)]

The garment looks like it would be perfect for hiking, stream fishing, camping, etc. and I think they actually look quite sharp. My only bone of contention - and this will seem quite petty - is that the front folds over to the left side. Thats my only complaint...and a dumb one, I know.

blu

[Mr. Kilt]

I don't worry about the way the front opens on my Mountain Kilt. It does what it was designed to do, and I'm happy with that.

[Blu (Ontario)]

If it gets wet or sweaty, does it tend to cling to the skin? how quickly does it dry out after getting wet?

[ggibby]

Blu-
Honestly, I never get sweaty enough in the MK for any kind of stickiness to occur. Just doesn't happen. That's why I wear it. I have worn it in warm rain and it dries very very quickly- again, good circulation. And it fits under my side-zip rain pants with no discomfort.

I do wear a Mountainsmith Tour, a fair-sized lumbar pack with a serious hipbelt. The waist area of the MK has a microfleece lining that pads and wicks what moisture forms there.

And as far as the right-over-left, I wouldn't mind it, that way, but since this is the only option, like Al G, I take it.
I will gladly send my original MK to someone willing to copy and perhaps reverse the apron. As long as I get mine back and a discount on the result, o' course. I've made this offer before other places. Never got a reply.

I wore the Pack Wrap to work again today, and I like it more now. Nylon takes black very well, and it matches the rest of my uniform better.

-G

[ggibby]

After how many months' of pleat-less Mountain Kilting, I today graduated. Got a couple casual kilts in the more traditional style. And the pleats, as I had been advised, do move the air much better.

The breathability of the cotton & poly-cotton fabrics might be a factor, but the swish is the major one. For keeping coooool, they can't be beat.

I'm not yet sure about the 'Ladder Factor' nor the sweep habit (soon to be acquired), but I'll have a tough time putting the nylon wraps back on. Oy vey!

-G

[highlandtide]

Do tell, what type of kilts? Who made them? Just wondering.

[ggibby]

I found them on... eBay! New made by a fella name of Gleisner, whose wife does the selling. Goes by neddie_22.

The cotton tan one is visually like an Amerikilt, with snaps and d-rings, but none of the other features. The other, in black poly/cotton twill, much simpler. Both use velcro for waist adjustment, and have about 6" of stitching holding the outer edges of the pleats, which is fine by me.

I can see from wearing these where and how most of the distinctive features have developed on the other alternakilts.

Now I'm looking for a clean 1.75"x34" brown leather belt and suitable buckle... I know that's a thread elsewhere.

-G

[Dave W.]

I too have a mountain kilt and I'm looking forward to the English summer (when it arrives) to get out on the downs. I've worn it around the house and garden and on short walks and it was great.