Waterproofing a Contemporary/Modern Kilt

[Dughlas mor]

MinusHD, I`ve never tried waterproofing a kilt, but I think I can recommend Nikwax products, I have used them extensively in the past on all kinds of outdoor gear, any type of synthetic clothing, boots, etc. I see that they make a product specifically for cotton and polycotton fabrics, as well as about anything else you can think of. No waterproofing treatment is permanent, but I would say that their stuff is a bit more durable than the spray on products. www.nikwax.com
Here in the Northwest we have a saying regarding cotton clothing in the mountains: "Cotton kills." It gets wet, it doesn`t dry out, if you`ve nothing to change into hypothermia will come calling. Just my opinion, but cotton would be my last choice for a hiking garment. I think PV would work much better.

[MinusHD]

Here in the Northwest we have a saying regarding cotton clothing in the mountains: "Cotton kills." It gets wet, it doesn`t dry out, if you`ve nothing to change into hypothermia will come calling. Just my opinion, but cotton would be my last choice for a hiking garment. I think PV would work much better.

You're absolutely right. Spending all of my youth in the Boy Scout program, and taking a few trips to the mountains since then, I would keep that in mind for longer treks especially in a wet climate, or at altitude. I appreciate the input!

I'm still very much in the "consideration" phase and would probably use a waterproofed cotton/canvas kilt for shorter hiking trips (2-3 days, low mileage) or overnight camping trips within half a day's drive from North Texas. These would also be fairly infrequent occurrences. Again, just trying to see if it's feasible to wear a kilt, and keep it reasonably dry without bringing more stuff.

This product looks interesting... (for a lot more than clothing, too...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZrjXSsfxMQ

There are a lot of products out there. I'll post back here if I ever try it.

[Dughlas mor]

Huh, that product looks very interesting. If it`s half as good as it looks in the video, it would be worth a try. Good luck with your experiments, and good hiking!

[Destin_scot]

I think I get the idea now. Some PV kilts are made from teflon coated fabric, (I think the actual threads are teflon coated). This will provide some water resistance, but maybe not the "proofing" you are looking for.

I second the scotch-guard spray, I've used that to touch up some of my nylon foul weather gear (Helly-Hansen gortex).

[HuDonald]

Some good ideas here!

Have you tried the Elkommando hiking kilt from Mountain Hardwear? Not a traditional kilt by any means, but it's made with quick drying technical fabric that hiking pants are usually made of. I have one and love it, and can attest to its quick drying abilities. It's also very comfortable. I generally like stuff by Mountain Hardwear, and this is one very good example.

REI used to sell it seasonally, but I've been seeing it on their website consistently now... so check them out. They used to only make them in a medium-dark brown color called "Otter", but is now also available in a mid-grey called "Shark".

I might just get myself an extra one!

Other than that, I've been thinking about using some 3M ScotchGuard as well...

[MinusHD]

Have you tried the Elkommando hiking kilt from Mountain Hardwear?

Definitely under consideration, especially with the new color option. I posted a question about Elkommando kilt sizing recently (but before the new color was publicized) and got the advice I needed, but didn't order yet. The price seems very reasonable, too.

[marypenny]

Owned a wonderful 1963 Midget. Met my husband of 42 yr competing against him in a MG Club slalom. Great car. Fortunately our father taught auto shop/metal shop in high school so Sydnie and I had a built-in mechanic/instructor right at home. Sydnie makes her living in the automotive industry, she took to it so well. Me? Not so much!