Blazing kilts

[McGurk]

I've just been reading the Tartan herald that was linked to in the thread directing people to Matt Newsome's artical.

http://www.tartansauthority.com/web/...tober_2007.pdf

I was a little shocked to see a poster attached to the back with a burning kilt on it. The kilt I recently purchaced was the same make as the one shown.

I must say, I understand their motives, but I dont think any body need worry, they simply need practice a little common sence. I checked the material before I bought it, I know full well it is not a garment for me to wear around the campfire, I bought it because it was so cheep, and had it not been there I'd still be kiltless.

So long as people are aware, as the should be, no one need fear what its made of.

Having said all that, I am looking for a kilt for camping, and cant decide what'd be best.

Normaly, I'd wear cotton around a campfire, and as most of my camping and hiking is in the summer, this might be the better option.

However, I am a big fan of having a campfire, no matter what, and have been known to sit by a lake in torential rain, with a canopy strung between some trees stop my fire being drenched. In such a situation, wool would be the warmer alternitive.

Also, there is a question of style, do I get a traditional kilt, or a more contemporary one? I must say, I've looked around and taken a fancy to the freedom kilts made in canada.

Anybody else out there do a lot of out door activities in kilts, who can offer advice?

[cacunn]

Having said all that, I am looking for a kilt for camping, and cant decide what'd be best.

Anybody else out there do a lot of out door activities in kilts, who can offer advice?

In all honesty it has been a long time since I have been hiking of camping, bad knees. However, IMHO a Freedom or Utilikilt seem the way to go. They can be easily cleaned after a few days camping. Should not be a prone to snagging getting caught by brushes as a wool kilt. If it is cold you might carry a wool kilt for in camp wear. As you walk the canvas kilts should be warm enough.

As for:

I was a little shocked to see a poster attached to the back with a burning kilt on it. The kilt I recently purchaced was the same make as the one shown.

So long as people are aware, as the should be, no one need fear what its made of.

Remember in todays society where you can buy a hot cup of coffee and then sue because the coffee was hot people must be careful. There is also the tourist who have a small child wanting a kilt or they want to get a souvenir of their trip. They are looking at cost not construction material. They don't think that the reason that the kilt is cheap is because it is a cheap kilt. (Note: I see a difference between a cheap kilt and the inexpensive kilts sold by some of our members.)

There is the same problem with children's pajamas cheap material that burns quickly. I don't care about the adult that buys a cheap kilt and stands by the fire they SHOULD know better. Children may not.

I am waiting for the law that requires a warning sign on all water fountains. sinks and shower head that "If you tilt your head up under the water source you may drown."

Having said all that does anyone know of a product that could be applied to acrylic kilts as a fire retardant.

[demobud]

There is a product called METALAST SAT - 200. It is made by a company that make intumescent coatings for the construction industry. Metalast-200 is water soluable coating made for pv cloth applications. You can look it up on the web, just do a search for METALAST. I don't know how easy it is to handle though. Alot of intumescent coatings use hexavalent chromium whish can be pretty nasty to deal with.

[Riverkilt]

Isn't it sad that the manufacturers of said kilts don't include such a warning - particularly for children's kilts.

Ron
Too many years with the fire dept to support commerce over warnings.

[McFarkus]

There was and earlier thread (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/b...hlight=burning) that showed the burn rate of various materials on video. I believe that wool is the one with the lowest burn rate.

You might want to consider one of SWK's heavy weight wool kilts. Modestly priced for what you get.

[Robinhood]

The spray on flame retardants that I know of are not
intended for use on clothing, only things like curtains
and rugs. Most flame retardant fabrics for regular
clothes (like children's sleepwear) is spun and woven
of blends of fabric that don't burn freely rather than
being coated with flame retardant.

You don't want spray on flame retardant rubbing
on your skin and getting absorbed into your system.

You probably already have lots of other flammable
clothes. Anything that is 100% cotton is very
flammable, particularly flannel shirts. Your
acrylic kilt will not be much different.

The key to fire safety while wearing flammable
clothes is to stay out of contact with open flames.
I don't know of any fabric that will ignite without
actual contact with a flame or red hot glowing
coals.

If you intend to be working with fire, like for
example forging or casting metal, don't wear
an acrylic kilt. If you are wearing an acrylic
kilt and find yourself in a situation where an
open flame is present, don't come in contact
with it. Sitting around a campfire is not
making contact with it. Stirring the logs
might be.

Now that you've though about fire, it is
probably not a bad idea to think about
what you would do if your clothes were
aflame. In my case it would be very quick
and easy to take the clothes off. For a
shirt, buttons will pop off if I rip the front
open. For kilts, I can slide them down
quicker than I can unbuckle them. I'm
pretty much prepared, if I can keep my
wits in an emergency.

[Yaish]

Personally, I just avoid sticking my nether bits in fire. Then it doesn't matter what material my kilt is made from.

Check your shirts too people, if you are really worried. Or if you still wear pants, particularly any sort of dress slacks check those. Lots and lots of clothes are made from flammable synthetics.

[Nick the DSM]

get a utilikilt. thats what they are made for, to do something manly!

[Colin]

Your interest in Freedom kilts is well warranted. Steve makes a fantastic product. Plus it is a custom made kilt rather than an off the rack kilt like some other companies.

When I do finally make the plunge to a solid colour kilt, my order will go to Steve. I have seen enough of these kilts in person to know how much time, work, and attention to detail that Freedom kilts puts into their product.