Mountain Kilts

[way2fractious]

Years ago I ran across the MK on the web as I began exploring using kilts in the outdoors. No way was I gonna shell out $85 for a bit of nylon Supplex and some plastic webbing!

Anyone here familiar with the "jonesing" phenomenon? Even though the Backpacker magazine field test review was written with tongue jammed firmly in cheek, I was still in the market for a hiking kilt... so, I made my first kilt from cotton upholstery fabric. I have since backpacked and hiked in kilts made from cotton, wool, and USMC MARPAT (cotton/poly digital camo.)

A year ago I sprung $35 or $40 for an MK from some mail order company because I was interested in the lining and other construction techniques. I've never worn it - just use it for a reference. It is much too lightweight to be usable in the temperature fluctuations found at high altitudes.

Many of my kilts have belt loops and a two-inch wide cotton webbing belt with two-inch side-release buckles (same buckles as the backpack belt.) The kilts serve just fine for backpacking with hip belts. I obviously do not subscribe to the "ultralight" techniques.

[Randy]

It's very light and fairly comfortable. It will dry quickly when crossing small water or just a shower. When wet the lining can hold some water how long depends on the temp, but just take it off and wring it out if cool. I find it works from 55degrees F and up when hiking. I have not worn it since last Sep, but will go back when down Florida next month.

I am split on lightweight backpacking. I carry the kitchen/1st Aid/purifier for my group and any weight savings is great. My mantra is "Ti is my friend"

[Angus MacSpey]

I just got one from REI a few days ago, and I'm itching to try it out hiking, as soon as it stops snowing and the temperature climbs a bit.

I did notice the complete lack of anything around the waist/hip area that might chafe under a hip belt from a heavy pack. That should be a big plus for the trips I have planned for this summer, and I'm definitely not one of those ultra-super-extreme-lightweight hiker types. I want a damn kitchen sink at 13,000 feet.

As for the old right/left : left/right controversy....

I have seen women's jeans that zip on the same side as men's. Do you think the girlies worry about that?

This argument is fine for traditional Highland attire - because there is tradition for it.

See, no one out there knows the difference anyway. I saw a guy on St. Paddy's Day wearing a ladies' kilted skirt - almost mid-calf length. No one said a thing. Joe Average doesn't know there is a difference. Only we here at forums like this even care. And I'd just love to see anyone try to tell a woman she can only wrap her skirts in the opposite direction that mens' are supposed to....

"Oh! My! God! Billy Ray, look at Jim Bob! He's wearing a backwards-wrapped skirt! Cross-dresser! It's LEFT to RIGHT, you silly poof! I KNEW you were faking when you said you liked beer and hockey! Freak!!!"

[Mr. Kilt]

Wow, talk about bringing back a post from the dead! It's even more ironic in that I just sold my Mountain Kilt on Ebay last month as I found I never wore it anymore.

[kiltsocal]

I am absolutely new to the kilting community, so I've started humbly with the MK. Just got it today, so the only great adventure I've had in it so far is walking out into the living room and braving my roommate's laughs! Hopefully off to the trails in the next couple of days.

[andyfg]

I am absolutely new to the kilting community, so I've started humbly with the MK. Just got it today, so the only great adventure I've had in it so far is walking out into the living room and braving my roommate's laughs! Hopefully off to the trails in the next couple of days.

Well, welcome to the forum. Enjoy the posts. There is so much good advice and chat about kilts on this list. There are "experts" (truly) on just about every facet of kilts, history, making, and wearing. Occasional kilt wearers, every-day wearers . . . have fun!

[kiltsocal]

So, I wore the Mountain Kilt out of the house for the first time today. I went hiking in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains to give it a trial run, and I must say that it passed with flying colors. This is perhaps the most comfortable day of hiking I've ever had, even in the blazing desert heat of southern CA! (It's nice to have the extra bit of built-in air conditioning ).

Here's a pic of me sporting it on the trail:



I have to say that today I was pretty self-conscious about my comfortable, but non-mainstream fashion choice. I didn't run into anybody on the trails, but I did have to stop and get gas at a station that's right on Colorado Blvd (a busy road here in Pasadena). I know a couple of people noticed, but didn't say anything. This is a good test of one's ability to be able to make and be comfortable with choices that others might not understand. One of those character-building experiences - liberating in so many ways .

Thanks, again, for the all the welcomes I've gotten.

Happy kilting!