Casual Kilt for field season in Belize

[chacbalam]

This summer I will be spending two months in Central America and I am trying to decide on what kilt to get for the trip. I have 2 UK workmans but I think that I am looking for something with a full apron rather than the narrow apron on the UKs. I am also looking for a fabric that is a little more supple than the UK canvas.

I doubt that I will be working kilted. I am an archeaologist, and for various reasons a kilt just isn't practcal to my working conditions. Also, it would need to be cleaned every day or two if I took it into the feild. I will be wearing it around the camp after work and during the evenings.

Temperature and humidity usually hover in the high 90's. I will be able have it cleaned but not ironed, and the cleaning chemicals used down there can be pretty harsh (lots of bleach and borax). Another consideration Is that I tend to loose weight during the feild season. We call it the Belizean diet, it beats Atkins and Weight Watchers hands down.

Any ideas on what kilt I should consider? I have been thinking about getting a Freedom Kilt but I am not sure about fabric and style. But I am open to other suggestions.

[Colin]

Two of our local guys Vince Hemingson and Thomas Lockhart went to to the Borneo looking for the last traditional tattooist a few years back and wore Uk's to beat the heat. I would suggest a Freedom kilt rather than a UK (I am not a fan of the UK style personally).

Here is a link to Vince and Thomas's journey http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/the_vanishing_tattoo.htm

[Freedomlover]

I think a Pittsburgh Kilt would be perfect in those conditions.

But why do you have to go way down there to study arches? Aren't there enough of them in this country. ;)

[davedove]

I was down in Belize last winter, and I know how hot it is. If Jeff was currently making taking kilt orders I would suggest a Pittsburgh kilt. They would be great, because if you lost weight you could just move the hook fasteners.

But since he's not taking orders right now, besides the Utilikilt, there are Freedom Kilts, Amerikilts, the canvas Buzz Kidder kilts. Any of these would work for you.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I would have to say for that heat and humidity, the AK's are probably the lightes choice. They are also cheap enough that you probably won't be too upset if they take a beating. The tan one I have is very lightweight, but looks great.

[Riverkilt]

Don't overlook SportKilts with the sewn down pleats, belt loops, and custom length. I wear mine in the hot weather of Arizona. The poly part of the fabric would help wick away sweat. Fabric is tough enough to stand the abuse, and its an easy wash.

Since you're only wearing it around camp in the evening probably no need for pockets/sporran.

The velcro waist would be adjustable for changes in weight.

Some day, when the plastic cools off, I might order up one of USAKilts casual kilts...been too stuck on their semi-traditionals...but same thing for SportKilts might apply to USAKilts casuals.

Here are pics of my three SportKilts...hope the link works for you. If not, PM me your email and I'll send you an invite direct.

Ron

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...0&h=1&y=sz1hzi

[Blu (Ontario)]

You might want to consider contacting Robert Pell (RKilts). I'll bet he could build you a kilt to meet your needs. Check out the photos Graham posted recently.


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