Hiking in the rain with a wool kilt

**longhuntr74** · 14th January 12, 12:20 PM

I regularly wear my 18oz. Black Watch box pleated (historic styled...not military box pleats...only about 3.5 yards of fabric total, believe it or not) hiking. I confess that it's never rained while doing it...because, well, it NEVER rains here in Monterey, CA. The only thing we ever have is Sun, Fog, or Mist. All that being said, I wouldn't worry a bit about wearing your kilt in the rain...just hang it up and let it dry when you're done with it...and yes, maybe you might need to touch up the crispness of the pleats...depending on how well they were set in and the type of fabric.

My question to the rabble is: if you sweat profusely when hiking in a wool kilt, how often does it need to be "cleaned"? (Thinking woolite in a bathtub...rinse well...hang to dry). I have saturated mine with sweat about 4 or 5 times in the past 3 months or so. I'm actually surprised that I haven't yet seen any signs of salt stains on the outside of the fell area or in the lining. I know that salt can damage the fabric, stitching, and canvas over time. How often is it necessary to clean it if you sweat heavily like I do?

**Riverkilt** · 14th January 12, 12:40 PM

Methinks that's why Inverness Capes were invented. I like Mr. Antony's Ultimate.

Do know the advantage of wool is that when wet it STILL keeps you warm.

Thoughts from an old Portland boy who grew up in the rain but excaped to Arizona where I'm still drying out.

**tundramanq** · 14th January 12, 12:59 PM

Would Scotch Guard repel the rain or damage the wool kilt?

Riverkilt is still loosing his toe webbing?

I spent time in Puget Sounds liquid sunshine in the Navy in the 70s!

**Tartan Hiker** · 15th January 12, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

My question to the rabble is: if you sweat profusely when hiking in a wool kilt, how often does it need to be "cleaned"?

If it's warm enough for "profuse sweating", then I'd suggest that you need to acquire a kilt in a different fabric, or at least one with less material. PV is a great alternative if you are wedded to tartan. Lots of great poly/cotton fabrics if you are OK with a more contemporary look. My 5-yard wool hiking kilt stays in the closet until the temp falls below 45 F. My 8-yard wool hiking kilt never sees the light of day unless it is at least in the 30's. PV 6-yard between 45 and 70. Anything above 70...poly cotton 5-yarders.

I know that sounds like I'm taking this to an extreme, but since I make all my own kilts I have the luxury of fine-tuning my gear.

And it's all Alan H's fault!

**Woodsheal** · 15th January 12, 12:04 PM

Wool is the ultimate outdoor fabric, as the "old-timers" all knew. If you're going to hike in a kilt - in cool, wet, or really any sort of weather - wool is the way to go. Synthetics and cotton just don't perform as well, IMHO.

The belted plaid ("great kilt") is the ultimate. The upper portion can function as a cape and hood when the weather turns nasty, and it becomes an extra blanket at night...!

**Riverkilt** · 15th January 12, 12:17 PM

If I sweat in a kilt (summers in Arizona) I'd be wearing an underkilt between my sweat glands and the kilt fabric. Works for me.

**Silent Raven** · 15th January 12, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by wrcraig

Hello fellow kilt lovers! I live in the Pacific Northwest where we see our fair share of rain. Has anyone out there in kilt land gone kilt hiking in the rain? And if so, what damage if any occurred to your kilt? Did your kilt sag or stretch to your ankles? Stain, or become badly in need of pressing? Let me know please? Thanks!

WELCOME! from a fellow Oregonian!

although ive never been stuck in a heavy rain, i did wear my wool kilt to this past portland highland games where it rained for the first half of the day, and both it and me stayed pretty dry and warm.

P.S. if you get a chance check out the Xmarks Map and add your self and any other kilt realted places to it!

Happy kilting!

**xman** · 15th January 12, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Do know the advantage of wool is that when wet it STILL keeps you warm.

Exactly my experience as well. My kilt was so drenched it was heavy and still warm enough to enjoy a beer in. It's like a wetsuit.

**Riverkilt** · 15th January 12, 01:38 PM

Remembered, "rain" in the NW is often just a drizzle. "Rain" down here is thick and heavy...

Think a desert monsoon would drench a wool kilt a lot faster than a Northwest drizzle....hence, back to the Inverness Cape

**Gryphon noir** · 15th January 12, 02:02 PM

I don't go hiking in a kilt (rarely go hiking due to arthritis) but I walk a lot in the city. I have gotten good and wet a few times, and I find that hanging the kilt carefully to dry has worked fine so far. Though our constant rainfall {west coast} is mostly drizzle, it certainly can accumulate, and a 16oz. fabric can become surprisingly heavy, yet warm enough that I didn't really notice until I took it off. All of my kilts are wool, and aside for touch-up pressing, seem to stand up well to whatever I have exposed them to.

I really like the look of the Inverness cape. Very impressive!