Hiking in the rain with a wool kilt

**Ryan Ross** · 14th January 12, 08:37 AM

I've certainly been out in a driving rain, long enough for the pleat section of my 8yd tank to be soaked all the way through. It didn't hurt it a bit.

Bare in mind that if you have to ride in a car with your kilt in that state, you had better sit down carefully- if you don't, the wrinkles will be brutal.

**ForresterModern** · 14th January 12, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

I've certainly been out in a driving rain, long enough for the pleat section of my 8yd tank to be soaked all the way through. It didn't hurt it a bit.

Bare in mind that if you have to ride in a car with your kilt in that state, you had better sit down carefully- if you don't, the wrinkles will be brutal.

I think that after my soakings I did sit in the van for anywhere between one and two hours a couple times without paying specific attention to the pleats, and when I hung the kilts up at teh end of the day it was usually over one of those old radiator style heaters that give of a dry heat. I think the already wet tartan and the dry heat combined to act like a good steaming to remove the wrinkles, as next morning they were each essentially back in normal working order. A pleasant and unexpected and unplanned outcome of simply utilizing the facilities available at hand.

j

**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?

**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...!

**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!

**Mark E.** · 17th January 12, 04:01 PM

Been there, done that-in a great kilt, 13 ounce. Biggest thing happened to me, I was red from waist to knee-and not due to chafing! You know the offerings of "weathered" tartans? Well...that's what happens to the colors. As far as stretch, I noticed no real difference-the weight of the kilt, even wet, should not pull fibers, even if it is of an inferior or open weave.

Just a suggestion...wear a looooong shirt. Trust me.