Waterproofing a Contemporary/Modern Kilt

[MinusHD]

I did a search and didn’t find much about the topic of waterproofing contemporary/modern kilts, but perhaps I missed the most beneficial threads.

So here’s the question: Have any of you waterproofed your contemporary/modern kilts? If so, I hope you’ll humor me by answering some questions:

(Note: I am specifically looking for responses from those of you with real world experience… not just suggestions for waterproofing products you haven’t personally used on a kilt)

What kilt? (Brand/Model)?
What material(s) is the kilt made from?
What waterproofing product and type did you use (brand name/product name, spray/gel/cream/wash-in)?
Where was it applied (outside/inside/both)?
How well did it work?
How long did it last?
How did it feel?
Were there any problems?
Any other comments about your experience?

Thank you, Rabble!

[Just Hugh]

I've been reading about using lanolin for wool. I have some wool pants I want to wear skiing, and any water wicking would be beneficial.

I'd imagine the treatment would be the same for any wool product. First - the sheep have lanolin that wicks away water, and the sheep's wool is treated to be used to make wool products. The lanolin is removed, and yarn is made to weave for wool - my wool ski pants and wool kilts included equally.

Many wool products retain enough lanolin to wick away water, but if the manufacturing, or the age of the product has rendered that nil, then it may be necessary to do the waterproofing.

Look on YouTube for videos, but basically, you soak the wool product in a tub with water and a small amount of lanolin, then let it dry. I would guess that a kilt should be laid a certain way and ironed to make it look right after this treatment, but that's it, I think.

[Hiburnicus]

I've never considered waterproofing a kilt...but I have proofed several other garments. This is the stuff I use:

http://www.otterwax.com/

[Lake Mist]

I'm confused, why would you want to water proof wool? Wool is the one natural material that keeps you cool or warm, wet or dry.

Just curious.

[MacCathmhaoil]

Lanolin may seal and waterproof the wool, as it does on the sheep, it will not do anything to wick water away however.

[Jock Scot]

Wool is pretty good at keeping modest amounts of water out, but I think modern wool used in modern kilts has lost some of its water repellent effectiveness due to modern industrial wool processes. Nevertheless, wool does keep one warm even when wet. Hence the liking, even today, of tweed by the stalkers, game keepers, ghillies and the country set up here in the Highlands.

One word of warning! A wet, wool kilt can be absolute purgatory on the backs of ones knees, so in that event, I would thoroughly recommend hitching up your kilt a couple of extra inches. I kid you not!

[The Wizard of BC]

Can you please help me a little? I can't understand why you would want to waterproof a kilt. Are you subject to torrential downpours on a daily basis?

I would then have to wonder if everything else in your outfit is also similarly waterproofed?

[Hiburnicus]

I *think* the OP was inquiring about waterproofing a modern casual kilt, made from cotton canvas, etc...I agree a proper wool kilt needs nothing for waterproofing. I wonder how scotch guard spray would affect a wool kilt?

[MinusHD]

I *think* the OP was inquiring about waterproofing a modern casual kilt, made from cotton canvas, etc...I agree a proper wool kilt needs nothing for waterproofing. I wonder how scotch guard spray would affect a wool kilt?

Yes. Perhaps I should have been more clear in my original post . The question is about waterproofing a contemporary/modern style cotton, canvas or maybe even PV kilt.. or any other non-wool textile kilt. I apologize for the confusion.

The reason for asking is that I tried a little experiment taking a rather long neighborhood walk in the rain (cold rain) last week wearing my USAK Casual kilt. It didn't take long before the front apron was soaked through, then both aprons, then pretty much all of the kilt that wasn't covered by my waterproof jacket, which reaches a little past my hips. Before you think "well, how dumb was that?", I knew it would soak... I just wanted to get an idea of how long it took, and see how the kilt reacted and felt while soaked.

The bigger purpose for the experiment was to start thinking about kilted hiking, and what gear I would want/need for a multi-day excursion. So, I got curious about the waterproofing idea. If there's a good product that works well and doesn't change the feel or properties of the fabric, why not waterproof the kilt and avoid carrying another item to keep it dry?

Before we go down another path let me stop and say I know there are different lengths of jackets, ponchos, capes and rain kilts that could help keep a kilt dry in the rain, and there are other threads I have already seen that address many of those options. I thought there might be some members who had tried waterproofing a non-wool kilt for hiking/camping purposes and could share their experiences.

Since it looks as if nobody here has tried this, I'll choose a product and give it a shot - if I ever get my first X-Kilt completed.

[Lake Mist]

Scotch-Guard is a very good non-wool fabric protector. I use it on the carpet in my MG Midget, helps when I do have to clean it up.