Help from the hikers

**Computergeek** · 16th June 08, 06:09 AM

Just my two cents worth but I have been backpacking in my original black utilitikilt for two weeks at a time, on several occasions. my only real advice is to make sure that you wear a really wide belt and get you pack adjusted correctly. I would also make sure that you have plenty of fresh socks, no matter how rough the trip is if you can change socks every other day or so your trip will go a whole lot better.

**Galician** · 16th June 08, 09:02 AM

Do hose protect from insects which can be picked up while hiking, such as ticks?

**Panache** · 16th June 08, 09:13 AM

I haven't gone on any multiple day hikes but I have found that my camo X Kilt (which I believe Alan H. made from a heavy cotton fabric) has become my prefered garment for hiking. It is extremely comfortable yet sturdy. The nylon SWK Night Stalker sporran and matching nylon belt and sporrans strap are very lightweight and comfortable as well. I use solid color soccer/atheletic socks for hose as they can be pulled up high when the terrain warrants it.

I really should wear a lighter color sock in case of ticks and I need to invest in a "safari" style long sleeve shirt from REI or Cabala that breathes well (I loathe sunscreen therefore I wear long sleeve shirts)

Cheers

Jamie

**MacHummel** · 16th June 08, 09:15 AM

I know when I go hiking I wear my 6yrd olive green kilt and it seems to work well for me.
I avoid chaffing by using body glide or if its a longer hike i just put on a pair of boxers. .

**Nighthawk** · 16th June 08, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

Whether you decide to wear underwear or forgo, remember to keep the mystique. When asked, give the typical ambiguous answers.

Well, duh!!

As to what I wear hiking- an SWK thrifty works well for me. I don't deal with heat very well, so I need the lighter material for the most part. Then again, I have never gone on a multiday hike, so I have always had a fir, tent and base camp handy in the evening. As to what's actually underneath... I need undies when it comes to 8 hour festivals, hikes- anything where the bits and pieces could get chewed into leather... That's no fun at all, as I learned at the Highlands Ranch games last august. I wore my SWK heavyweight Nightstalker, which ended up being a HORRIBLE idea.

On another note, I got myself a Sport Kilt for the purpose of hiking. I wore to the Ren Fest this last weekend and it was great. It only looked slightly out of place with the rest of my outfit, which is Rennaisance period Scots. I did wear a pait of briefs underneath, as well- just in case.

**Tartan Hiker** · 20th June 08, 04:38 AM

Poly/viscose is great stuff. I also have several kilts in lightweight poly/cotton (rip-stop military camo patterns) that see regular trail duty. That being said I did 13 miles yesterday in an SWK economy Wallace (but it stays in the closet if the temps are above 80 F).

**ccga3359** · 20th June 08, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

Whether you decide to wear underwear or forgo, remember to keep the mystique. When asked, give the typical ambiguous answers.

Oh I think the chipmunks will know... Don't know if anyone's suggested, but Astroglide. Rocky sells it.

**Andrew Breecher** · 21st June 08, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by Galician

Do hose protect from insects which can be picked up while hiking, such as ticks?

I suppose, but they'd be hot. I sometimes wear knee-high gaiters when hiking through brush (when the gaiters are available; my legs are pretty scarred up from hiking through brush without them). The best solution is simply to check for ticks each time you stop, just as anyone wearing shorts would do.

Andrew.

**Finn** · 21st June 08, 06:35 AM

I am going camping in August and will wear my UK MO & SK. An SK might be an option for you with the weight & drying factor. Not a fan of them, but they do have their uses.

**robthehiker** · 24th June 08, 05:17 AM

I did a 21K (13 mile) hike yesterday in my SWK economy. I had actually not worn this kilt previously, having purchased it in December 2007. It performed very well - very light and breathable. I also wore for the first time a casual sporran I purchased on eBay.

As per the excellent advice provided here I used Astroglide. I did however forget to bring DEET and I was attacked mercilessly by mosquitoes for the first 10K. Thankfully there was a heavy shower and the bugs disappeared for a couple of hours. I took a couple of pics and will post them later today.