To roll or not?

[Laird_M]

I've noticed that there are several threads relating to kilt luggage.

A number of sites sell suit-type carriers with several pockets.
Some sell these with kilt rolls.
Some just sell the rolls.

Some sites say that you shouldn't roll a kilt...
I do have a multi pocket suit-type carrier, but it is slightly narrower than my kilt, but doesn't seem to affect the kilt.

The question:
As kilt rolls are a cheap alternative and protect the kilt when travelling, do they really affect the pleating as some suggest?

[creagdhubh]

Good question, and to be honest, I'm not really sure. I've never used a "kilt roll." To me, they seem impractical, but I suppose in a pinch, they could work as a cheap alternative to more expensive and larger types of luggage. I always use a large garment bag; the kind that can fold in half, zip up, has wheels and a telescopic handle for travel through the airport. This is the type of bag I use whenever I travel and need to bring Highland dress. My garment bag as all sorts of internal and external compartments too, which can be filled with Highland dress accessories if needed. The kilt lays flat inside the garment bag (with its wooden hanger still attached, so when I arrive at my destination, all I have to do is pull it out and it's ready to hang!) and is secured by padded, nylon straps. I put my jackets and waistcoats in there too and have never had a problem with wrinkling - even on the longer flights to Scotland.

Here's my garment bag from L.L. Bean that I swear by:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/39072...ng-garment-bag

Cheers,

[cmcbeth]

Rolling hasn't been an option to me the few times I've traveled via plane with a kilt. Mine is simply too long for my rollaboard when rolled (I tinkered with the old pair of wife's hose bit that is suggested elsewhere on this board). So, I fold twice and secure it with the bag's internal straps. When I arrive at my destination, the kilt is the first thing hung and the 16oz wool seems to be fine and wrinkle-free quite quickly.

Good luck!

[Grae]

I too have wondered about this and read the competing views on this site. So I decided to test it out last time I flew long distance and used a kilt roll and rolled a 5 yard woolen kilt and then put that roll in my luggage which went into the airplane's hold. Upon arrival on the other side of the globe it was perfect and I wore it with no pressing , airing etc. On return home (the kilt having then circumnavigated the globe) it was still perfect. So they work.

Next time I am going for a bit longer and intend to roll the knife pleated 5 yard kilt again and take another kilt , a 4 yard box pleated and lay that one flat in the case. I have heard that in days of old people pressed their 4 yard box pleated kilts under their mattresses so can't see why it won't in travel!

[DesertCeltic]

I always roll my kilts when traveling. I do take them out and hang them when I arrive at my hotel and have only had to touch up press the front apron a couple times in over five years of traveling.

[Highlander31]

I always roll my kilts when traveling. I do take them out and hang them when I arrive at my hotel and have only had to touch up press the front apron a couple times in over five years of traveling.

I roll my kilts for traveling, as well. I travel with carry on luggage only (stopped checking my bag after a rather uncomfortable experience in a third world airport in '84), and the rolled kilt has to be flexible enough to fit into the bag. After rolling the kilt, I slide it into one of my wife's old stockings. From time-to-time, I have had a couple of wrinkles in the kilt, but those few times, appear to be due to me not straightening the apron completely before rolling the kilt and sliding it into the stocking. The wrinkles came out after a short hanging.

I hang my kilt using Steve Ashton's two hanger method. The hangers are compact, and easily fit in the bottom of my bag.

Btw, I can stay on the road for two weeks using just a carry on bag (sometimes longer, depending on what I will be doing.)

[BCAC]

I try to do carry on only, too. I'd hate for the airline to "lose" my luggage with some of my highland dress inside!

[Ordway]

Careful rolling is an excellent way to store and travel with your kilts. I rarely hang mine.

[JohntheBiker]

I usually roll kilts when travelling if I am only bringing a modest amount of highland kit. Works well. If I need more and can bring a second bag, it will be a suit bag and the kilt(s) will be on a hanger. Haven't had any problems this way either.

[Liam]

I regularly roll my kilts and pack then in a regular suitcase for travel. I also pack a kilt hanger and hang them up upon arrival.

Bill