TDK, Hiking in the rain

**Keith909** · 8th April 13, 03:29 PM

Hey all,

Took my 5.11 TDK out hiking in the rain with a friend yesterday. Up Tower Mountain in Spokane, named for the transmission towers. Training for climbs up Mt Shasta and Mt Rainier this summer, I had a 62# pack on for a 7 or so mile loop with about 1500' elevation increase during the trip. It rained on and off during the 2 hour 40 minute trip and even hailed on us at one point.

I had on woolen Kilt Hose under the gaiters and they worked very well since the shoes I have fit pretty close. The kilt just threw off the rain and the cover I had on the pack stopped most of it from hitting me as well. All in all, it worked very well and didn't fly around in the wind like you'd think a lighter kilt would do.

I intend to wear either a 5.11 kilt or a Mountain Hardwear kilt on the approaches to each mountain if the weather allows and use my wool pants for the summits. It would be a little tricky to glisade (slide in the snow on your backside) in the kilt so I am not sure about wearing the kilt outbound from the high camp. Glisading can cut a lot of time off the hike out.

I just ordered a Multicam TDK to go with the black, tan and khaki I got last year. Was hoping they would offer the Digital Cam.

Click image for larger version.

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Thanks,

Keith

PS: Posted in the wrong forum. IM in to the moderator to move it to the correct forum.

**Standard** · 8th April 13, 07:04 PM

Sounds like the 5.11 worked very well for you. Yes, glissading in a kilt would be "tricky" and possibly a little cold, but for the approach it should be just the ticket.

**Iain Robb** · 9th April 13, 04:19 AM

When I was backpacking in the rain with my Mountain Hardwear kilt, it did not repel the rain. I was glad I had a poncho over it. The bottom edge got wet, but that much was never uncomfortable, and as soon as it stopped raining, dried quickly.

**KiltedDixon** · 11th April 13, 05:36 PM

Good post. Good luck in your upcoming climbs.

**Woodsman** · 13th April 13, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Iain Robb

When I was backpacking in the rain with my Mountain Hardwear kilt, it did not repel the rain. I was glad I had a poncho over it. The bottom edge got wet, but that much was never uncomfortable, and as soon as it stopped raining, dried quickly.

Yes same experience here. Elkommando kilt repels a few drops, but a steady rain will soak it through. That may be OK on a warm day but cool weather hiking is a problem with wet clothes. Best part about the ELKK is the fast dry nylon offers.

**James Hood** · 13th April 13, 11:45 PM

In this opinion, the TDK not repelling rain is a good thing; it breathes more for general use.

'Love that 5:11 TDK thing, cargo pants becomes a kilt. Gonna order a couple more.

**HuDonald** · 14th April 13, 11:17 AM

I missed out on the TDK last year... made sure I ordered a couple this time around!!

I'm excited... got one in multicam, black, green, and tan! I just hope I won't have to wait all the way till fall!!! (finger crossed for earlier ship dates!)

**Keith909** · 14th April 13, 09:40 PM

James,

I think you misread my post. The TDK sheds water like a duck's back, it was raining the day in the picture and it didn't absorb any of it. This was good since it was also windy and cold. I was doing the face of the local ski resort today with 65# and the TDK was great. It kept me cool so my legs didn't over heat. 1500' straight up the mountain will do that. Oh, they hurt like heck but were still cool. The kilt also retained heat when we stopped at the top for a rest. I had to put on a down jacket but my legs were fine.

These things are great.

Keith