Kilt Quality Question

[HighlandMike]

Hey all,

Is anyone familiar with Mountain Hardwear's Elkommando Kilt? I'm on the verge of ordering one, but I can't figure out their description of 'nylon canvas' in terms of weight and quality. This will be my first kilt, and it falls right into my budget range, but I don't want to get drawn in on price alone.

Thanks!

Mike

[cavscout]

A bit more info will help us point you in the right direction.

Will you be using this as a beat around kilt, yard work, hiking, camping, .... Not really concerned about it being recognized as a kilt? If so, go for it. The reviews have been vary favorable.

However, if you will be planning to wear this as more of around-town clothing, you might consider a Stillwater standard or Thrifty.

For a few dollars more you could get a PV kilt which would serve you much better in my opinion for all of the purposes you might ever want to wear a kilt. All the vendors here sell PV kilts as well as Skye Highland Outfitters and many many other cottage shops like Wallace Catanach at Waterfalls Kilts

[HighlandMike]

All things considered, I'd rather it be recognized as a kilt, which probably contributes to my uncertainty over this one.

It would be an around-town, general purpose kilt; the plan is be kilted by next month's Scottish Games. As it turns out, the girlfriend is in full support of this which, while unexpected, is quite nice.

[cavscout]

Then my suggestion would be not to go with the Elkomando as your first kilt. No worries, you will end up getting one later, it's just par for the course. You can't have just one.

If you can manage a PV kilt, I'd start there. It's just an all around great kilt. Machine washable, tailored to your fit, lots of tartans to choose from, looks great.

If you want to go with wool right away, the Stillwater Heavy Weight deserves to be in every kilt arsenal.

If funds are really tight, start with the Stillwater Standard. You get a nice looking kilt and even once you invest in a high end wool kilt, you will still be glad to have a decent quality knock around kilt on hand.

Enjoy. The hunt is a big part of the fun.

[HighlandMike]

Many thanks, Cav!

As it turns out, I've been looking at Stillwater during this conversation and they're who I'm going to go with. The question now is, Economy or Standard? The price difference is marginal at best, and I'm of the mind that you buy quality once, rather than sub-quality twice. Their Nightstalker tartan is very appealing as well...

[Korvyn]

Quality over quantity. You really need to get the best you can up front. You may regret a cheap kilt, but never will regret spending a little more cash for a good one.

[cavscout]

The question now is, Economy or Standard?

Standard. Mainly due to the wider selection of tartans. I honestly don't really know what the differences between the Standards and the New Design Economy's are (Less yardage? No Lining? ...) They both appear to be acrylic, with buckles/straps, apron fringe, bottom selvedge, lot's of pleats.

The main thing to be aware of with the the Acrylic fabric is that it pills up and needs to be shaved every so often. Other wise you will end up with a fuzzy looking apron.

They are very light and may require a bit of pressing to keep it looking nice and straight after washing.

[Chirs]

I like the Stillwater kilt and was looking at them but have not got one because of the standard sizing. To my understanding, they have a 22" drop that is too long for my short legs. If this length works for you, I am envious.

[Cherub]

I like the Stillwater kilt and was looking at them but have not got one because of the standard sizing. To my understanding, they have a 22" drop that is too long for my short legs. If this length works for you, I am envious.

this is true, but Stillwater will do a custom length it just costs a bit more and takes a little longer to arrive. You have to send them an e-mail or give them a call to set it up.

[Chirs]

this is true, but Stillwater will do a custom length it just costs a bit more and takes a little longer to arrive. You have to send them an e-mail or give them a call to set it up.

Really?! Good to know. Any thoughts on how much more $?