Long Distance Hiking

**Tarheel** · 8th December 14, 10:25 AM

There will heavy (dewy) mornings in the Shenandoah this time of the year. Heed the back of the kilt rubbing the hind quarters raw. Good trekking.

**Bo On The Go** · 8th December 14, 11:35 AM

Thanks @Andrew Breecher I was wondering if the PV would be better than the acrylic. I am thinking that they will get abused. Where did you get the ones that you use?

Originally Posted by Andrew Breecher

I hiked both the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail in a poly/viscose 4-yard kilt. Although I wouldn't wear it to a super-fancy occasion now, it survived the 4,800 miles pretty well! I know plenty of people who hiked in Sport Kilts, but I liked that mine looked a little more traditional. And the pleats were always sharp, even after weeks of rain, and fording waist-deep creeks. Feel free to ask me anything you like, either about hiking kilts, or kilted hiking!

**Bo On The Go** · 8th December 14, 11:40 AM

We are hammock hikers and are getting new UQ & TQ for the holidays and are looking forward to taking them for a spin. Figured a good 100+ miles would be a good test. I have done moderate weekend hiking with a utilikilt, and for me that just wont do.

**Andrew Breecher** · 8th December 14, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Bo On The Go

Thanks @Andrew Breecher I was wondering if the PV would be better than the acrylic. I am thinking that they will get abused. Where did you get the ones that you use?

One kilt served me quite well for both of the trails (and the beginning of the Continental Divide Trail as well, until I decided for a variety of reasons to switch to shorts for the rest of my hike). I got it from a company which is no longer in business, but a USA Kilts Casual would be very similar and I highly recommend them. Once again, don't expect your kilt to wear out just from a little hiking! I don't know any hiker who didn't wear through a bunch of shorts (and I certainly went through 4 shirts on the Appalachian Trail), but my kilt has nearly 5,000 backpacking miles on it and could go for another hike.

**Bo On The Go** · 8th December 14, 11:49 AM

I was thinking I would need two. What are your thoughts and do you know of an approx weight?

**Andrew Breecher** · 8th December 14, 12:10 PM

I'm not sure of the weight, but I certainly wouldn't want to carry an extra one. Thru-hikers don't carry two of anything.

**Geoff Withnell** · 8th December 14, 04:04 PM

You really don't need a second USAK Casual. There are pictures around of guys going through Warrior Dash, or similar competition, coming out with the kilt looking solid brown with mud, And just standing under the post finish line shower in the kilt. Moments later, the kilt is reasonably clean and in a little while, while enjoying a beer, the competitor is in a fairly fresh, fairly neatly pleated kilt, in its original colorful glory.

**Bo On The Go** · 8th December 14, 07:23 PM

@Andrew Breecher, There are some things one must carry 2 of. Shave the weight some place else, but a fresh change of clothes is a must.

Originally Posted by Andrew Breecher

I'm not sure of the weight, but I certainly wouldn't want to carry an extra one. Thru-hikers don't carry two of anything.

**Tartan Hiker** · 8th December 14, 08:32 PM

Listen to Andrew! :-) He knows what he's talking about. I second the PV over Poly decision...I find anything over 70degrees F is too hot for even the lightest of 100% poly kilts (think Stillwater's budget line).

No one has mentioned the option of making your own yet. Start with the X Kilt instructions available elsewhere on the forum. Use some milspec camo in light poly/cotton and you'll have a garment that you made yourself that will last for years of hiking.

**brewerpaul** · 8th December 14, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

No one has mentioned the option of making your own yet. Start with the X Kilt instructions available elsewhere on the forum. Use some milspec camo in light poly/cotton and you'll have a garment that you made yourself that will last for years of hiking.

I would agree that if you have the sewing machine and abilities making your own is a good way to go. Rockywoods and other fabric stores have performance fabric of all types. I run and hike in a variety of kilts from a Stillwater acrylic Economy kilt to ElKommando kilts. The one I like best for hiking is the one I made of quick dry nylon. The main reason I like it best is that I made it to fit like a traditional kilt should, high up on the kilt waist. The ElKommando and I would think other sport type and even USA economy level kilts fit at the jeans waist and with your hiking experience Im sure you know how a pack strap will ride on shorts or pants. To me this is annoying and Im always pulling my shorts/pants back up. I find the same with the ELKommando. A kilt with a traditional waist fits nicely under the pack strap and seems to stay up nicer. I can cinch my pack strap around my wasit and the kilt stays up no problems. I do like the ElKommando because of the side cargo pockets but those could be put on a kilt you make yourself. Below is a couple photos of my running/hiking kilt I made with quickdry nylon.

I used 1 inch webbing and flat fastex buckles for the apron.