I find the dimension of the great kilt interesting to wonder about, but only so-so. Also, I'm firmly in the match coat cap when it comes to the wearing of one. However, what bothers me the most is the idea that something said to be made of cloth the same weight as used in modern kilts was used for both shelter and a blanket. I just can't see it. I've a lot of experience sleeping outdoors on cold wet nights, even down to 20 or 30 degrees below zero F. If all I had was a double thickness of 16 ounce tartan to wrap in I'd use it, but experience has taught me that at some point during the night I'd freeze my off. Even a double layer of wool army blankets isn't enough to keep you warm once the temps go below freezing.

As a shelter, a double width of tartan cloth might be pitched as a lean-to to block wind and partially keep the rain or drizzle off, but it's going to become soggy, and who wants to put on cold wet clothes first thing on a cold damp windy day?


I know it sounds cool, that ye olde higlanders would use there woolen wrappers for shelter and bedding. But based on my own experience, I just can't get my head around it. I just can't imagine anything used for clothing, shelter and beding being any lighter than a blanket.


By the way, Wilde Weavery was know for producing the warmest wool blankets available. They cater to the reenactor trade. And a Wild blanket was considered the ultimate piece of gear. I'f I were going to live in a great kilt world, I'd try to get a Wilde blanket for starters.


Oh! Just one more thought. Would the wool used in a great kilt have been made of wool that had the lanolin removed, like modern kilting fabric, or would it have been made of raw wool with the lanolin left in? That would make a lot of difference in its worth as outdoor shelter and bedding.

Finally, just wondering, has any off this informed the decision on how to costume the Scots in the production of McBeth.