Mountain Kilts

[wolfgang]

How long is the "Mountain Kilt"? I do not find any information about the length.

Wolfgang

[ggibby]

I have sizes large and medium. Both are 21.5" long. They are worn at the 'fashion waist,' where trousers or shorts would normally be worn.

The waistband is actually one of the better selling points, as it has a light fleece lining and a very flat profile. If the Mtn kilt is the right size, there's minimal bunching and binding under waist belts of packs or bags.

Hope that helps!

-G

[Hamish]

I also have one of these - it was recently a gift. Thus far I have worn it only around the house (it is essentially a summer garment in that the fabric is so very lightweight), but I look forward to wearing it when enjoying my hill walks along the South Downs Way, near my home.

The fabric, I am reliably informed, is of the highest quality and is used extensively in expensive hiking and camping gear - it is shower-proof yet 'breathes' and if it gets wet it dries within minutes.

No doubt a photo of it will appear in my Photo Album at IMFF.NET before long!

[Blu (Ontario)]

All of the aforementioned notwithstanding, I was just wondering if anyone had seen or heard about a more traditional kilt style done in the same fabric... ro perhaps a "ripstop" material or something similar?

[longshadows]

Well, it came. I was looking forward to a "cheap" (I know, that word doesn't apply in kiltland!) kilt, one that could take abuse and just pitch it in the washer and hang it up and keep on wearing it. Something to lie around in at home, maybe even work in the yard or dig in the garden.

Well, I think you can, but...

First, it's not going to work well for guys over 38" waist. It's obviously designed for athlethic guys and if you're like me (40" waist), it's going to be a tight squeeze into their largest model (XL). It's not that it doesn't fit. The kilt itself does. It's the little belt that comes with it. They don't give you any extra slack. The ajustable belt maxes out at 38".

Secondly, it's a bit short. Even for me, who wears a 22" kilt normally. Standing, it's OK, but sitting down, well you better be wearing panties! There is no "apron" to drop and precious little extra material to cover the no-fly zone! Now, keep in mind my posterior takes up some of what little extra fabric there may be. A thinner man might not have this problem.

Thirdy, the fabric is totally synthetic and given that this it a dry, cold winter (well early spring, but this is Maine, so let's call it "winter") night and the MK is clinging to my legs. As I type this, it's crawled halfway up my thighs!

Well, that's it. I'm going to keep it, however, as I need a "cheap" knock about kilt for the summer and at home. I'm hoping to drop a few pounds/kilos and a n inch or two in the coming months.

One feature I do like, is the "modesty snap" at the front and back hem. One can snap it and use the kilt as a running costume or other athletic activity with some degree of confidence.

So, while it's not kilt-nirvana, it will do--especially if you're a thin guy.

Cheers!

[way2fractious]

Years ago I ran across the MK on the web as I began exploring using kilts in the outdoors. No way was I gonna shell out $85 for a bit of nylon Supplex and some plastic webbing!

Anyone here familiar with the "jonesing" phenomenon? Even though the Backpacker magazine field test review was written with tongue jammed firmly in cheek, I was still in the market for a hiking kilt... so, I made my first kilt from cotton upholstery fabric. I have since backpacked and hiked in kilts made from cotton, wool, and USMC MARPAT (cotton/poly digital camo.)

A year ago I sprung $35 or $40 for an MK from some mail order company because I was interested in the lining and other construction techniques. I've never worn it - just use it for a reference. It is much too lightweight to be usable in the temperature fluctuations found at high altitudes.

Many of my kilts have belt loops and a two-inch wide cotton webbing belt with two-inch side-release buckles (same buckles as the backpack belt.) The kilts serve just fine for backpacking with hip belts. I obviously do not subscribe to the "ultralight" techniques.

[Randy]

It's very light and fairly comfortable. It will dry quickly when crossing small water or just a shower. When wet the lining can hold some water how long depends on the temp, but just take it off and wring it out if cool. I find it works from 55degrees F and up when hiking. I have not worn it since last Sep, but will go back when down Florida next month.

I am split on lightweight backpacking. I carry the kitchen/1st Aid/purifier for my group and any weight savings is great. My mantra is "Ti is my friend"

[Angus MacSpey]

I just got one from REI a few days ago, and I'm itching to try it out hiking, as soon as it stops snowing and the temperature climbs a bit.

I did notice the complete lack of anything around the waist/hip area that might chafe under a hip belt from a heavy pack. That should be a big plus for the trips I have planned for this summer, and I'm definitely not one of those ultra-super-extreme-lightweight hiker types. I want a damn kitchen sink at 13,000 feet.

As for the old right/left : left/right controversy....

I have seen women's jeans that zip on the same side as men's. Do you think the girlies worry about that?

This argument is fine for traditional Highland attire - because there is tradition for it.

See, no one out there knows the difference anyway. I saw a guy on St. Paddy's Day wearing a ladies' kilted skirt - almost mid-calf length. No one said a thing. Joe Average doesn't know there is a difference. Only we here at forums like this even care. And I'd just love to see anyone try to tell a woman she can only wrap her skirts in the opposite direction that mens' are supposed to....

"Oh! My! God! Billy Ray, look at Jim Bob! He's wearing a backwards-wrapped skirt! Cross-dresser! It's LEFT to RIGHT, you silly poof! I KNEW you were faking when you said you liked beer and hockey! Freak!!!"

[Mr. Kilt]

Wow, talk about bringing back a post from the dead! It's even more ironic in that I just sold my Mountain Kilt on Ebay last month as I found I never wore it anymore.

[kiltsocal]

I am absolutely new to the kilting community, so I've started humbly with the MK. Just got it today, so the only great adventure I've had in it so far is walking out into the living room and braving my roommate's laughs! Hopefully off to the trails in the next couple of days.