Any ultralight backpackers out there?

[Monkey@Arms]

If I'm not mistaken there are not actual aprons on the Spartan. I think you pull it on like shorts.

You do pull them on like shorts (elastic waistband) but as I recall there is still some kind of under apron, where the "Marsupial pocket" is located.

Best regards,

Jake

[wscottmac]

Ah -- I see Haiku was mentioned! Didn't know he was on this forum. I think he used a Bear kilt -- was it an 11 oz P/V (like the USA Casual)? Would love to hear how he found it held up.

"Gumby"
AT
VA and PA sections: 1992-1995
GA>VA: 1997
Baby on the way: 2007....
VA>ME 2025?

[Andrew Breecher]

Haiku checking in!

Yes, I thru-hiked the AT and the PCT in a four-yard Bear Kilt (about 5,000 miles total). I switched to shorts for the CDT for a few reasons, which I posted here when I made the switch after two days on the trail.

A kilt is not ultralight, especially in PV. I wouldn't really consider wearing the "boxing short kilt" for anything, but maybe that's just me.

I used to be ultralight, thru-hiking the JMT (in a Sport Kilt) with an 8 lb. pack, and I started the AT with the 8 lb. pack. By the time I finished the AT I was up to 12 lbs. I hiked the PCT with about 15 lbs., and by the time I finished on the CDT I was up to around 18 or 20 - but I was carrying a guitar! Now that my ultra-long distance hiking is probably over, I'm going back to ultralight. I want to see if I can get my weight down to 6 or 7 lbs. (pack weight, not skin-out weight, since I'll keep wearing the kilt).

I'm always happy to answer questions about ultralight backpacking, kilted backpacking, or anything having to do with either kilts or backpacking!

Andrew.

JMT 2003
AT 2004
PCT 2006
CDT (minus 250 miles in CO and 300 miles in MT) 2007
Plan on doing those CO miles - and the JMT in 7 days - in 2008
Probably do the MT miles - and the Long Trail - in 2009

[caig]

I have walked the West Highland Way in Scotland ( 96 miles) on two occasions in a Hector Russell 4 yards hillwalking kilt, and loved it. Very comfortable. This kilt has "trouser style" pockets on each side so no sporran is required, even when no hiking.

[Amoskeag]

I'm looking forward to kilted hiking this coming season. I lean toward ultralight simply because I just don't feel like lugging all that extra weight around; read:I'm old! I'll probably go with a SWK Thrifty to start, no buckles. To be honest I really hadn't considered the weight. I guess I'll just have to experiment.
Bob

[wscottmac]

I'm looking forward to kilted hiking this coming season. I lean toward ultralight simply because I just don't feel like lugging all that extra weight around; read:I'm old! I'll probably go with a SWK Thrifty to start, no buckles. To be honest I really hadn't considered the weight. I guess I'll just have to experiment.
Bob

Amoskeag - since you're in New Haaaaahmsha', the SWK Thrifty may be a good bet. Jerry uses a very thick / heavy acrylic that (to me) feels like thick 16oz wool. It's a lot thicker than my 13oz HOE. It's heavy, but in (a) cold weather or (b) windy conditions, you'll probably like that. I wish I had a sensitive scale so I could do a weight comparison -- the P/V 11oz Rocky casual I have is much lighter weight (i.e. - less weight on your body to carry up mountains). Good call on staying away from buckles! No fun under a hip belt.

[James MacMillan]

I remember when I first got into the ultra-light hiking/camping mode. Taking strings off tea bags, cutting the tooth brush in half, trimming excess plastic or foil from freeze-dried stuff, etc etc - You'd weigh the pack before hand and then weigh it after cutting and scrimping - it was amazing how much weight difference ther was.

It's more of a way of thinking than leaving stuff out.

[Amoskeag]

Amoskeag - since you're in New Haaaaahmsha', the SWK Thrifty may be a good bet. Jerry uses a very thick / heavy acrylic that (to me) feels like thick 16oz wool. It's a lot thicker than my 13oz HOE. It's heavy, but in (a) cold weather or (b) windy conditions, you'll probably like that. I wish I had a sensitive scale so I could do a weight comparison -- the P/V 11oz Rocky casual I have is much lighter weight (i.e. - less weight on your body to carry up mountains). Good call on staying away from buckles! No fun under a hip belt.

Ive seen it snow twice on my birthday, Aug 16. Once at Portage Glacier and the other on Mt Washington. Maybe I'll need several weights

[Don Patrick]

I've had the ocasion to hike and camp out in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska over the years. I had some crazy SF friends who introduced me to the notion.

I've found what suites one may not always work for another. With anything new, I always wear or use it 'in and about' and then try it on a few short trips before I use it on a regular hike. Even if an item is capable, sometimes it may require some break-in time.

One thing I can say for sure, I've never tried it in in a kilt; yet.

[haxtonhouse]

Heck, I take a heavy wool blanket, a tin pot, tomahawk, dirk, musket, powder horn, and shooting bag. why worry about the weight of a kilt?