Quote Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown View Post
Let's see, leather get heavier as it gets wetter, transfers the cold quicker as it is almost totally lacking in insulating ability,
Leather is not really about warmth but protection from abrasion-- "tough as leather". That said.. not all leather is ill-suited to cold weather. Heavy sheepskin (of a good quality) can be quite warm (built in wool)--- even if one ends up looking like "McCloud". Some leathers can be quite waterproof as well.. Russian "Juften" leather is a good example albeit for shoes.. for coats horse and walrus (albeit these days available almost exclusively only as antique) leather can provide a good level of protection but I honestly don't see the point of a leather jacket with a kilt. Wool is water resistant ("rain proof"), warm and provides ideal isolation. With all the wool in a kilt one is, I think, best off with another layer (or two) of wool for additional protection from the elements. There are good reasons why traditionally--- from the Himalayas to the Sahara--- wool, silk and linen were the materials of choice for outerwear and leather or wood were chosen for shoes.