Look at military pictures of days when the kilt was always worn, and see how often the sporran was left off.

The Hill Walker has pockets so the inconvenience of the sporran for many activities can be obviated. Think driving.

For formal occasions it is a part of the rig.

It does not make the kilt more masculine.

I tend to leave it off for most day to day activites, or wear the far more convenient side version.

James