Alternative to Hiking Trousers

[McMurdo]

Jock
the posts have been delt with.

[CDNSushi]

Umm.. sry to ask, but, mods: this 3-pg thread is rather annoying to read now with all the "deleted posts" inter-mixed (I don't even know what happened -- and something tells me I probably don't want to)... But would it be acceptable if someone from the mod team came in and removed all those deleted (now off-topic) posts? If so, thank you.

And please remove this post too...

[McMurdo]

CDN Sushi
I wish you had PM'ed instead, this is how it is done, sorry for the inconvenience.

[McNulty]

Planemaker
The top shot is of a BlackWatch and the second is a MacLaren(both from SWK). Indy, our Siberian is not form SWK but from a Husky Rescue in Indianna before we moved out here. She is great and as she aged her color went from dark mahogany to the shade you see now. Super dogs BUT very high maintenance.
Nulty

[Cavebear58]

Wow! Well guys, thanks very much for all your suggestions. Sorry to have prompted such a scalding debate, albeit off topic. I was bemused that Jock Scot ended up defending the English, but there we go!

In the end, I decided to have a go at buying a very cheap 16oz Polyviscose kilt in Hunting Stewart. I'm sorry to have to tell a few of you, that I bought it from one of the Gold Bros outlets (Heritage of Scotland) but they had one in my size that was on ebay at £23.99 plus £5 postage. When it arrives, I will do a review of it in as much depth as I can - at least I shall be able to compare it with a very decent kilt (the Kinloch Anderson).

The thing that has really annoyed me has been the way so many of the companies offering kilts seem to pinch each other's photographs and use them almost regardless of what it is they are illustrating. It makes it incredibly difficult to know what you are comparing. The illustration of the kilt I ended up going for was used in some US-based (apparently reputable) companies sites too!

It's also annoying when details simply don't seem to match - one site says this kilt has two straps and another three. And when they say the pleats are 'sewn down' they cleverly don't say how far down.

I could go on, anyway this one isn't exactly going to break the bank.

By the way, I saw the references to Bob Chalmers kilts and ebay. I did email him before Xmas and he is perfectly happy to make his kilts in a wide range of tartans from the standard lists - you just have to ask and he emails the internet URL for the Mill's catalogue. His prices have gone up a little though, I think, in 2009.

All the best
Graham.

[Cavebear58]

In the end, I decided to have a go at buying a very cheap 16oz Polyviscose kilt in Hunting Stewart. I'm sorry to have to tell a few of you, that I bought it from one of the Gold Bros outlets (Heritage of Scotland) but they had one in my size that was on ebay at £23.99 plus £5 postage. When it arrives, I will do a review of it in as much depth as I can - at least I shall be able to compare it with a very decent kilt (the Kinloch Anderson).

Well guys, I know this isn't going to go down too well in some quarters but here goes...

It arrived two days after ordering it. The packing was basic, and I opened it with trepidation. The inner bag was clearly labelled 42" which was a shame because I ordered a 44" to be on the safe side. I rang HoS to tell them. They apologised and said they'd replace it. They rang back to say they didn't have a 44" in stock... I could return it for a full refund, keep it and they would send me a free pair of kilt extenders and reimburse half the cost, or I could swap it for another in a different tartan. The customer service rep could not have been nicer to speak to. She suggested that I take it out of the bag and try it on, then decide and ring back.

Now, bear in mind what I want it for - summer wear for hiking (ie lightweight and as destructable as a pair of jeans). Firstly, the 42" fit perfectly. Second, the weight was exactly right. Third, the fabric is actually a LOT better than an acrylic one I bought years ago - stiffish, wool-like in texture, with no likelihood of pilling.

Technical details: two straps, sewn down 6-7 inches from the top, roughly 1.5inch pleats, exactly 5yds in length, NOT with a selvedge but with a small hem. The turn-up at the first reverse pleat on both sides is there. Self-fabric at the waistband, rather than a contrasting one. Liner all round, but only 7-8 inches deep. An intriguing double fabric edge on the right side edge of the apron (gives body and a double fringe).

I will upload some pics one day.

Now, I am not pretending that this is anywhere near the quality of my full, family, Kinloch Anderson, kilt, which cost £400. But I can't wear that one in the summer for anything strenuous because it's simply too hot. This one has already proven itself as ideal for centrally heated living in winter and I'd be comfortable wearing it walking in today's temperatures. But let's look at the cost... it was £23.99 plus £5 postage. That would have been perfectly acceptable for the quality that I have got. Only this one has cost me... £16.99 TOTAL plus I have now got three kilt extenders, AND they included a fancy box of shortbread biscuits too!

So, in summary, the quality is actually far better than I expected. The price (and value for money) was much better than I expected. Their customer service was exceptional.

Have fun,
Graham.

[cavscout]

It may not matter considering the use you have planned for this kilt but I don't think their is such an animal as a 16 oz. PV kilt. Unless I missed this development( which is very possible). I just don't want a mis-conception to start. 16 oz. PV has been a highly desired mythical creature that so far, no one has actually found. If I'm incorrect here someone please tell me so I'm not creating a mis-conception

[chasem]

To my knowledge, you are correct, Cav.

[McNulty]

Cavscout
You are correct, sir. Ain't no such thang as 16oz P.V. ,though the folks at Gold Brothers pitch that particular material for some of their, GULP, kilts.
Nulty

[macwilkin]

Post deleted.