Kilt in cold weather

[Geoff Withnell]

Well, we are talking about two different things. You are talking the perception of cold, and I am talking about being cold, maintaining core body temperature and preventing frostbite. On the latter, the lack of thermoreceptor function is a serious problem, because one will become frostbitten without feeling any pain from it - until later of course. So at sub-freezing temperatures, covering the knees can be crucial. On maintaining body temperature if you are out in the cold doing things, walking, working, etc, it is the parts of the body with muscle tissue such as the calves and thighs, which will have blood flowing through them to maintain their function. If they are not insulated, this blood gets chilled, and is carried by the circulation back to the body core, and chills the whole body.

[lschwartz]

Thanks to all for the responses, but let's get back on track here. I was wondering how many wear their kilt outdoors when the temperature is in the 40's F or lower? No need to get into body mechanics and how we sense cold and temperature; I know that stuff, I teach that stuff in survival courses, we can move on.

Larry

[DotDLL]

Thanks to all for the responses, but let's get back on track here. I was wondering how many wear their kilt outdoors when the temperature is in the 40's F or lower?

In prior winters, I tended to wear a kilt unless the wind chill got much below freezing, say into the mid-20s F. That was with wool upper layers, and thick wool socks. Beyond that, and my thighs would start to complain, even with a 22 oz/yard kilt.

This year, I've started wearing thermal running pants underneath the kilt, with the ends of the legs cut off, then rolled up. It's made a noticeable difference so far, and given me the option of, occasionally, rolling -down- my socks, in near freezing temps (if and when combined with adequate upper body wear). That being said, once January comes, with significantly colder weather, I could see wanting non-kilts.

[Mike in Dayton]

I wear my kilts down to at least 20F without any issues. My outdoor excursions are from the car in a parking lot to a building. So not outdoors very long. I can take some cold on the knees for that amount of time. I carry extra clothing in the trunk of the car for longer travels. That way I have options should I break down. In the colder temperatures I prefer my wool kilts with Lewis Kilt hose. I have experimented with alternatives. I have a pair of long heavy socks. These thing go almost all the way up the leg. I wear them with my utility type kilts. I was surprised at how warm they are. For tartan kilts I have used men's running tights with Lewis kilt hose over those. That way I still have a traditional look but have covered exposed skin at the knee and upper leg.

Mike

[Andrew Breecher]

First of all, 40 F isn't even cold! It's not even freezing!

I've worn kilts in weather as cold as 0 F. Was I cold while I was outside? Yes. Would I have been cold no matter what I was wearing? Yes, unless I was geared up in Arctic wear. Everyone else was cold too, because they were wearing jeans, or dress trousers, or slacks, which are all pretty thin fabric. At least I had on a kilt, which was 4-5 layers of wool at any given place because of the pleats. I had on wool kilt hose. The only thing exposed was my knees, but I wasn't staying outside for long - no one was. If I had to live or work outdoors in 0 F I probably wouldn't wear a kilt, but for daily wear, of course I would!

[tpa]

Even my relatively thin acrylic kilts, along with kilt hose that I wear for working and around the house are warmer than any of my trousers with the exception of my ski wear. I'll happily wear my woollen ones out and about in the snow, though not for downhill skiing.

[Taskr]

The wind chill was brutal here the past few days; -30C to -40C (-22F to -40F) range. In those kinds of conditions, one does not venture outdoors for any length of time without making sure skin is protected. Since I've no fur to wrap 'round my legs, the kilt was left on the hangar for last Saturday's social event. I could have gone door/car/door - but you can't predict what might happen in transit. And pants with kilt on a hangar to change into on arriving just a bit awkward. But, I have worn my kilt in sub 32F temperatures, to -5F ish (-20C). I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. As has been said, with torso suitably robed and a good hat, warm hands and suitable footwear the wee chill on the knees wasn't bad at all during a short stroll. That the kilt was 8yd heavyweight was probably a help in staying comfortable.

[Stoff]

Taht kind of weather is what they invented great coats for. Or you could opt for a horseman's cloak, with shoulder straps to prevent strangulation.

Christoph

[estimaa]

Here you can buy a Bekesha.

201110182135000.polush1.jpg

Not sure if I want to appear like some soviet army left over in this part of the world however, and it probably weighs a ton!

[Stoff]

I was thinking more along the lines of a US Army great coat with shoulder cape.

Here you can buy a Bekesha.



Not sure if I want to appear like some soviet army left over in this part of the world however, and it probably weighs a ton!