Utilikilt materials

**Riverkilt** · 8th July 08, 12:48 PM

I've owned a bunch of both models. Utilikilt Original is the polycotton and much lighter weight than the Survival II. The UK Survival II has a bit of a soft twill feel to it, its heavier fabric than the Original but not as stiff as the duck of the Workman's

To answer your question YES the Survival II is worth the extra money in many ways.

The modesty toggles work well - I've tested them under helicopter rotar wash - the snap off pockets are great both for air travel and for "converting" the Survival II to a Mocker look for dressier/preppier wear.

In the field the Survival II is like having a military uniform intended for the field. A fine hiking kilt. I wore my basil Survival II to hike down to Havasu Falls. I wore my black Survival II to hike down Cathedral Wash into Marble Canyon. A lot of that hike was sliding down slick rock.

The value is there for the Survival II if you're gonna wear in in the field like fatigues. The Original will work in the field but its more likely to get worn/torn. Original is great for office dress. Have worn the Original on raft trips but they mostly involved sitting.

Survival II if you can afford it. The value and utility is there. You'll thank me.

Ron

**FreeDon!** · 8th July 08, 01:15 PM

I agree with Riverkilt - the Survival is great for hiking. You can carry LOTS of stuff in the numerous pockets, the material is tough enough for miscellaneous scrapes, and the fabric is heavy enough that wind is not usually a problem. The softness of the fabric is nice for hiking as well - the workman's model is a bit rough. I did have to use the modesty toggles once on top of a lowish peak in Estes Park - lots of updraft wind, but the toggle system worked perfectly.

Don

**Minnow** · 9th July 08, 02:53 AM

Thanks again for all the replies. It's hard to make a decision when you can't go to a store and look at something, let alone try it on.

Basically, I have a side job playing drums for a swing band. Which involves alot of travelling. I wanted something I could just throw on after gigs. Wearing a suit when you're all tired and sweaty isn't fun. I need something conveinent, so that when I'm on the road for a week at a time I can pretty much throw it on and not worry about it.

-Minnow

**FreeDon!** · 9th July 08, 08:30 AM

In that case, I'm not sure the survival is worth the extra cost. I only bought mine because it was on the sale list - the list price is quite high. I love my UK original too, and I suspect that an original would fit your requirements well.