The Effects of Kilt Yardage on Body Heat Loss

**cavscout** · 21st January 09, 01:53 PM

TH, this is awesome stuff! I'm curious on something, the the standing temp in the 8 yard kilt appears to be climbing right up to the point you begin walking. I wonder how high it would go if you did not start walking.

The temp increase in the 4 yd kilt appears to flatten out just after 5 minutes and the Polly/cotton kilt climbs at a very slow and steady rate.

Just curious if you get a chance to stand around outside in the sub-zero temps if you wouldn't mind measuring how warm the 8 yd kilt will go while standing.

**Tartan Hiker** · 21st January 09, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by cavscout

TH, this is awesome stuff! I'm curious on something, the the standing temp in the 8 yard kilt appears to be climbing right up to the point you begin walking. I wonder how high it would go if you did not start walking.

The temp increase in the 4 yd kilt appears to flatten out just after 5 minutes and the Polly/cotton kilt climbs at a very slow and steady rate.

Just curious if you get a chance to stand around outside in the sub-zero temps if you wouldn't mind measuring how warm the 8 yd kilt will go while standing.

Yep, I noticed that, too. I don't think it compromises the data since I let all three adjust to the outside temp for the same length of time, but it would be neat to see how high it would go. It's 16 degrees outside right now....

**meinfs** · 22nd January 09, 05:38 PM

This is indeed a real and significant contribution to the art and science of kilt-wearing. Well-done sir. It is well-designed within its own restrictions. The fact that it supports apparent anecdotal wisdom is part of its contribution to the body of knowledge of kilt-wearing.

The results of this most recent research will arm the ordinary and not-so ordinary kiltwearer with information that can calm and inform the curious minds of non-kilt wearers when in the winter they ask - "Are you not cold in that?" or "Isn't too warm to wear that?" in the summer (the answer to the second question will be explored in the proposed follow-up research). And also to inform the wearer and assist him or her in decision-making for a future or current purchase - which kilt design; what length, etc.

May I add a couple of suggestions?

- Perhaps you can perform the same experiment indoors to simulate temperatures that are closer to ambient room temperatures as a first approximation to a more summer-like weather? In lieu of waiting for the summer. Or with external funding, perhaps fly to the southern hemisphere to conduct research there? Additionally, performing indoors has the added benefit of eliminating or reducing the less controllable meteorological variables.

- I would also like to suggest extending the walking data acquisition with an extra 5 minutes (or longer) to allow for a minimum of 10-minute temperature equilibration period.

- Attach a temperature probe to the selvedge of the kilt on the inside of the inside apron - to approximate the temperature near the knees. Attaching to the apron section will perhaps eliminate or reduce the "swish" factor on the edges of the kilt.

- There are more variables that can be thought of which can increase the complexity of follow-up research; realizing what the current materials and equipment is able to support. The point is that this is just one more variable that I believe may be relevant to the wearer.

What is the science method but the the ability to reproduce the results, so I also recommend a duplicate or triplicate experiment. It will only strengthen the paper.

Overall, a very fine study. Thank you for sharing your results with us.

**puffer** · 22nd January 09, 06:35 PM

GREAT RESEARCH>

The "swish factor was of special interest to me. One of the things, I have observed, wondered about (in my un-scientific observations) is that my "regimental issued" (18-20oz) kilts are warmer when walking than my WPG 22oz kilt ( sim. style) IMHO, the reason is that the "regimental issue" is more fitted in the hips & therefor fits closer to my thighs.& do not "open up as much at the bottom. ??????

Puffer