Hiking in a Kilt

**Kilted KT** · 15th June 07, 11:09 AM

I would go with an acrylic or wool kilt for hiking. UK's get REALLY hot if you are hiking in warm weather, are painfully slow to dry, and are not much as keeping warm if it is cold and raining.

**furrycelt** · 15th June 07, 12:28 PM

every time i go camping/hiking/backpacking, i wear one of my Utilikilts. some campers live by the term "cotton kills". but it is not like the fiber will strangle you in your sleep if you take it with you. besides less than half of the UK is cotton (unless it is the Workman model). it dries quickly cause of all that polyester in it. it doesn't restrict the legs at all. i've never had a problem with bugs under my kilt. i might avoid a kilt under super cold conditions, but other than that, i won't take anything else.

the only time i am not regimental is when i am backpacking. i wear trunk-like/boxer-brief things that are made from micro-fibers. they keep my junk from banging around, and they wick away moisture, and prevent chaffing. and i wear gaiters to protect my lower legs.

the ideal fiber though for camping and such is still wool. it is the most fire proof of all the wearable fibers, it breathes well, it holds heat in regardless of moisture content. and it dries quickly. PV is said to do the same thing, and be cooler (of course PV in a fire would melt and burn, so avoid hiking in fire).

**Archangel** · 15th June 07, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by furrycelt

so avoid hiking in fire).

darn, that was next on my list...

**cavscout** · 15th June 07, 01:01 PM

I notice though that many of the issues being brought up, you would still encounter while wearing shorts (lower leg, bugs, ...).

Fact is, most folks will do the most if not all of their hiking and camping in the warmer months so I'd tend to go with a very light cotton kilt. I personally think the UK Survivals are too heavy for a long hike. My PK MarPat is very light and hardly any metal but is very durable to scuffs. If I had the coin to own a lot of PV kilts, I'd probably be willing to dedicate a couple to getting filthy in the woods, but for now, the one I've got is dedicated to semi-formal casual wear. The same principle goes for my wool kilt also.

**kilted in kleaveland** · 15th June 07, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by shrednwail

Well, I'm considering buying a Utilikilt as a hiking/backpacking/outdoors garment. How many guys here actually have hiked or camped in a kilt? Are there any special issues, such as chafing, or insects that I should consider, or that might give me any problems?

I say any excuse to buy a kilt is a good one! But seriously, I love camping and hiking in my Mossy oak UK. It does not show dirt or stains so I feel comfortable to really hike / climb without worry. I have gone swimming in it (though not recommended as it drags too much) and hung it to dry (which was quickly). Though I rarely suffer from chafing, I too recommend having Body Glide on hand.

**Tartan Hiker** · 15th June 07, 05:40 PM

Others have said it, but I'll chime in anyway:

-- biting insects, briars, etc. are no more of a problem kilted than if in shorts

-- if you're in serious tick country, long pants sprayed with repellant and tucked into your socks is the only answer. Looking good gives way to living without Lyme disease every time.

-- Heavy canvas will be much too hot in warm weather. I go for lighter cotton or PV if the mercury passes 70 F.

-- Body glide, because with the better air conditioning you will not build up perspiration and your bits may chafe

-- Can't beat wool if you might get wet / cold / both

-- Acrylic dries fast and is not a bad alternative for cool weather. Not recommended if it's hot or cold out

-- Be sure you either stick the sporran in your backpack or use a belt that lets you easily shift it around to the side. Your wee friend will thank you at the end of the trail.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 15th June 07, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

...
-- Be sure you either stick the sporran in your backpack or use a belt that lets you easily shift it around to the side. Your wee friend will thank you at the end of the trail.

Even if its more than a "wee" friend!

Yeah, that weird mood is still here!

**ScottEPooh** · 18th June 07, 12:53 PM

Just got back from a 2 night camping trip in Hot Springs, NC. I wore my UK Workman's the entire time. It can get a little warm (of course, mine is also black, which might have something to do with it), but for hanging around camp and such, nothin' beats it! Also, the multitude of pockets comes in handy for all those little "tools" you need while camping, ie extra pipe tobacco, pipe lighter, pipe cleaners, tamper... I have taken the UK on many a camping trip and highly recommend it.

**Clockwork John** · 18th June 07, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by ScottEPooh

Just got back from a 2 night camping trip in Hot Springs, NC. I wore my UK Workman's the entire time. It can get a little warm (of course, mine is also black, which might have something to do with it), but for hanging around camp and such, nothin' beats it! Also, the multitude of pockets comes in handy for all those little "tools" you need while camping, ie extra pipe tobacco, pipe lighter, pipe cleaners, tamper... I have taken the UK on many a camping trip and highly recommend it.

It just isn't the same going camping (or kilted, for that matter) without a good pipe...

**flyv65** · 18th June 07, 01:23 PM

As you can see from my avatar, a UK works just fine for short hikes (less than 10 to 12 miles a day, I'd say). If you're making good time, consider Body-Glide (as has been mentioned earlier), or wearing a long-legged brief. Other than that, I find my UK dried easily in our Western Environment, and was cool in wam weather.

Bryan...good luck with your decision...