Long Distance Hiking

[Andrew Breecher]

No one has mentioned the option of making your own yet. Start with the X Kilt instructions available elsewhere on the forum. Use some milspec camo in light poly/cotton and you'll have a garment that you made yourself that will last for years of hiking.

I wouldn't suggest anything with cotton in it. While cotton is just fine for day-to-day wear, and even for an overnight or weekend camping trip, if you might be hiking in weeklong rain in 35 degree weather you don't want a fabric that doesn't keep you warm when it's wet. Even when soaking wet, my PV kilt kept me warm. Cotton will actually pull the heat from your body when it's wet.

[Tartan Hiker]

I wouldn't suggest anything with cotton in it. While cotton is just fine for day-to-day wear, and even for an overnight or weekend camping trip, if you might be hiking in weeklong rain in 35 degree weather you don't want a fabric that doesn't keep you warm when it's wet. Even when soaking wet, my PV kilt kept me warm. Cotton will actually pull the heat from your body when it's wet.

I totally agree, Andrew. If cold weather is anticipated then PV or wool would be the way to go. I like it better than wool because the threads are smaller yet stronger, making for a tighter weave that is more resistant to snags and tears.

In cool/wet weather I will always go for PV or wool. The problem is that finding either in a weight and color for kiltmaking in my experience is very difficult. I wish PV was more readily available, but it's just not. Of course both can be mailordered if you're serious.