cold!!!

[josephkirkpatrick]

Well, I'm a mountaineer and often exposed to rather extreme temperatures... I recommend Arc'Teryx "rho" boot-cut longjohns. They are 3/4 length and can be pulled above the knee so that they aren't visible under the kilt. Awesome construction and super durable, and they have the option for a through-the-crotch zip... Also, there is a company called Ibex that makes the best wool longjohns i've ever worn, but I'm not sure if they come in a shorter version.

[ozone]

Isn't Scotland, birthplace of the kilt, on the same paralel as Alaska?

Yes, but there is the wee matter of the gulf stream current. Billions of gallons of warm water heading north tend to alter the climate a bit. Therefore, trying to compare alaska to scotland is like trying to compare the sahara to hawaii.

[fluter]

Well, I'm a mountaineer and often exposed to rather extreme temperatures... I recommend Arc'Teryx "rho" boot-cut longjohns. They are 3/4 length and can be pulled above the knee so that they aren't visible under the kilt.

Thanks for that pointer. I am considering cutting down a pair of fleece underwear to knee-breeches length, and adding some elastic to wear above or below the knee. I believe the original idea came from the Wiz...

[McFarkus]

I went to a Robby Burns celebration here in Chicago in January - it was 10º F out - with an 11oz Rose Hunting kilt, wool kilt hose from What Price Glory and had no problems. I could feel the cold on my knees, but with 8 yards of wool wrapped around your middle it doesn't easily get inside (warm air rises, cool air sinks). Wear a solid kilt pin to hold down the outside flap and you're good to go. IIRC I was regimental that evening.

[thescot]

Isn't Scotland, birthplace of the kilt, on the same paralel as Alaska?

Yeah, but somehow Alaska got cheated out of the Gulf Stream.

And Atlanta is on the same parallel as the Sahara desert, but we get a little more rain.

[thescot]

BTW, what McMurdo and others said about the WPG kilt and thick hose will work. I don't live in the frozen wasteland that some of you guys do, but I've been out in windy, freezing weather for hours in a 22 oz. WPG, and that thing keep everything warm "down there."

I'm sure you know that the real key is to keep your head, hands, and feet warm, so get a good wool bonnet and gloves while you're at it. And you can double up on the socks like escherblacksmith for the feet if needed. I do that anyway when I'm hiking. If you get same-colored hose and socks, it looks pretty good.

[7 miles]

Thank God i live in the south I think it was three years ago when i saw it snow last.

[McFarkus]

Thank God i live in the south I think it was three years ago when i saw it snow last.

I lived for a year in Chattanooga and a year in Rome, Georgia and was miserable from about mid-April to mid-October - couldn't handle the heat and humidity (although with the drought, the humidity probably isn't as bad).

Late fall, winter and early spring were great - I especially miss the dogwood.

My brother (Turpin who posts on this forum) lives in Roswell, Georgia, but I tend to visit in January and February.

[fluter]

11oz Rose Hunting kilt, wool kilt hose from What Price Glory and had no problems. I could feel the cold on my knees, but with 8 yards of wool wrapped around your middle it doesn't easily get inside (warm air rises, cool air sinks).

Aye, you make a good point. I have no problem with my legs, as long as I'm moving. It's standing still that will get me! That's when I'd want to be able to insulate the knees a bit.

All my cold weather dressing habits were developed for active pursuits (both south and midwest locales), but things like winter stargazing are a significant challenge for me.

[josephkirkpatrick]

i was just thinking... how about soft-shell britches? Get a pair on sale for sierra trading post and cut them down. soft-shell is unbelievably wind-resistant and such, but is still breathable. I guess it would only apply for extreme cold or long exposure... or kilt ice-climbing, the next xgames event!