Improved Mountain Hardware Kilt

**Jock Scot** · 5th September 09, 05:03 AM

I am viewing this thread with interest and with an open mind.

**JRB** · 5th September 09, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by Bruno

...I think they have a ways to go yet before I order one. A crisp defined pleat at least rather than a saggy baggy wrinkled one like in the bottom picture. It isn't my taste not being traditional, but I am the first to admit some UK etc have a kilt look, which is sharp and clean cut, this looks sloppy and cheap.

I agree with you about the pleats. I can't imagine that thin nylon could ever be made to hold a crisp, defined pleat. This is one of those kilt like garments that's totally purpose built and not meant for fashion in any way. That's probably the reason it didn't even have pleats for so long. I'd never own one as it's not for me (there are much better looking contemporary kilts out there), but it's cool to see a major well respected outdoor gear company making a kilt-ish thing. I'd bet it's extremely comfortable when hiking in the summer.

**dfmacliam** · 5th September 09, 07:01 AM

It's just my opinion, and nothing more.... To me, I would think, as trail/backwoods garment, it would have to be made of a heavier material to be truely functional. As I see it, it's more of a fashion statement over a truely functional one... but to each their own...

**vmac3205** · 5th September 09, 09:23 AM

I have the original version, sans pleats. I was a bit surprised when it arrived, but since I'm female, I wear it as an active skirt, and really like it. I like the plastic clips. Don't know if I would like the snaps. The clips are adjustable.

**JRB** · 5th September 09, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

It's just my opinion, and nothing more.... To me, I would think, as trail/backwoods garment, it would have to be made of a heavier material to be truely functional. As I see it, it's more of a fashion statement over a truely functional one... but to each their own...

Most of my hiking/backpacking shorts and shirts are made of the same thin nylon and they hold up very well on the trail.

**cavscout** · 5th September 09, 06:41 PM

Exactly JRB. The operative word here is trail. GO wandering off trail into the briars and you'll surely shred this quickly. But for covering miles on the AT or any other well beat in trail system this concept is ideal. All it lacked was pleats.

While I agree some more structured pleats would make it even more appealing visually, while on the trail I'm not real concerned with what I look like, just about being comfortable so I can enjoy the outdoors.

That "extra yard" (I don't really know if it's a yard) of fabric will give plenty of freedom of movement for even the longest of strides.

**vorpallemur** · 5th September 09, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by JRB

Most of my hiking/backpacking shorts and shirts are made of the same thin nylon and they hold up very well on the trail.

Light weight nylon is pretty abrasion resistant. And it's super light, and packs up very small, and it drys instantly, all of which important on the trail. Depend on how it's woven, and how it's treated, some are prone to punctures and tearing. It's universal in outdoor clothing, except in places where thorns are problem, and among grump old men. It's not really suitable for kilts, as it doesn't take pleats well.