Kilt for camping... what to get next.

**Iain Robb** · 29th April 09, 05:32 AM

Certainly go in the Alphakilts/contemporary kilt direction if that's more to your liking. I agree that the Sportkilt is a bit too unkiltish for some. Others find the contemporaries too unkiltish. And the beauty is -- your kilt, your choice!

**The Wizard of BC** · 29th April 09, 08:59 AM

If you want the Leatherneck Tartan then you should stick with Jerry as he is the only one I would trust that is offering that Tartan in non-Wool.

The Leatherneck Tartans that I have done, and am currently doing for myself, are in 16oz Wool.

:ootd:

**ScottEPooh** · 29th April 09, 09:32 AM

I usually take my UK Workman's on camping trips, wears like jeans, has pockets, and doesn't worry about a stray ember here or there. I can confirm that the SWK Economy doesn't like campfires. That's my $.02!!!

**Nighthawk** · 29th April 09, 11:23 AM

Honestly, I wouldn't take my 2 acrylics anywhere near a camp site. The plastic burns- rather ferosiously as evidenced by videos on this board- and wool does not. The acrylic doesn't breathe worth a crap. If you've never tried wool, you can't possibly know the difference in comfort. It's astounding. I almost never wear my acrylics any more, and I probably never will bother with them again. PV and wool are vastly superior. SO- that having been said, since budget is a concern, UK has been sugested. I would steer you away from them, as they are reletively cost prohibitive. Check out www.amerikilt.com I own two Amerikilt and I love them! They cost about %20 less than UK's and are nearly as utilitarian. They don't have as many pockets, but a fanny pack or belt pouch on the hip more than makes up for that.

**timseh** · 29th April 09, 11:38 AM

Your post is very timely Nighthawk as I was doing a little browsing around and was just about to ask about the Amerikilts. I like the look of them in the photos, particularly the Olive. And the price is certainly within reason. The UKs are a bit pricy for my blood, all things considered.

Question for you on the Amerikilt. How "flexible" is the sizing? I'm right about a 34-35" waist. My Stillwater 34" is adjustable enough to be just fine, but since it looks like the AK secures with snaps... Well, I'll be wearing a belt, but am not sure if a 34 leaves enough leeway for large meals if you know what I mean.

**Spc. Scott** · 29th April 09, 12:31 PM

On an AK the apron secures with snaps but the waistband is secured with velcro and does have a bit of give to it.

I love my AK for rambling around in the outdoors. On the other hand my SWK heavyweights have seen quite a few campfires thus far.

A hand-held steamer will see you through most cleaning short of rolling around in the muck. (save that for the AK/Alphakilt/UK IMO)

**Woodsheal** · 29th April 09, 04:14 PM

The old-time highlanders knew best: wool! It breathes and works well for both hot and cold weather, and keeps you warm even when wet (plus, it doesn't melt!). As a reenactor who's lived "in the field" in both kilts and belted plaids, I think wool is the way to go. Heavy cotton is hotter and miserable when wet....

**Larry124** · 29th April 09, 06:34 PM

I camp a dozen times each summer.
For me everything depends on the weather:
Hot: Amerikilt or SportKilt specialty fabric poly-cotton or SportKilt Hiking micro-fiber.
Warm and Wet: Same.
Warm: To those above add USAK Casual.
Medium to cool: SWK Standard, Celtic Croft Economy.
Cooler: SWK Heavyweight, Heritage of Scotland (Gold Brothers) “PV” (--whatever the fabric really is).
Cool and Wet: Same.
Cold: I stay at home.

**Panache** · 29th April 09, 06:45 PM

When camping here in California I wear a Stillwater Standard Gordon or my Predator camo X Kilt

I use a Stillwater nylon cargo sporran and a nylon sporran strap and belt which is very lightweight for hiking.

A fleece zip up vest gives great options for being cool or warm as the day progresses.

Two pairs of cheap soccer socks work well for hiking and keeping your legs warm in the evening and morning.

Cheers

Jamie

**Nighthawk** · 29th April 09, 08:42 PM

Man, Jamie, even when you're camping, you look spectacular. I just look like a biker in a kilt when I camp!

Originally Posted by Larry124

I camp a dozen times each summer.
For me everything depends on the weather:

Cold: I stay at home.

Wimp. I've woken up to two inches of snow on my tent. Of course... I was cuddling with my best friend, and had to go kill something with a bladed weapon to feel manly again... But that's beside the point!

:ootd: