Tell me about the SWK Thriftykilt

[RobertParker]

In a few months I'll be moving from Southeastern Michigan to Washington, DC. Among other things, this means I'll finally be back near the Appalachians and able to do some serious hiking. Of course, this will include the hot, humid climate of the late spring through early fall of the southeast. Having spent most of my life in the southeast (except the last 6 years), I know that trying to do any serious hiking in that weather can be a real exercise in sweat management.

I would like to look into a good kilt for hiking and backpacking. I have 3 worsted wool kilts that you can see listed in my profile (11, 13, and 16 oz.). I won't likely wear them hiking, for various reasons - not the least of which is my tendency to get muddier, dirtier, and generally more messed up than I'm willing to put one of those through.

So, in looking for a good, inexpensive hiking kilt, would like to hear about the construction quality of the SWK Thrify-kilt. I like the idea of the velcro closure so that there are no buckles to dig into my sides when cinching down heavy pack-belts. Here are my questions.

1) How many yards of fabric are we talking about? I assume something in the 4-5 yard range. Is this true?

2) Are the pleats sewn in? Is the kilt essentially of durable construction?

3) How does the weight of the fabric compare to the standard worsted wool I'm used to?

4) Does it come lined around the waist with any kind of cotton lining?

5) Has anyone used this for hiking and backpacking in humid climates - how does it do for ventilation and sweat-control?


Other thoughts or recommendations are welcome, though I'm trying to keep the cost pretty far down for a first shot.

[Riverkilt]

Just my personal opinion:

I do a lot of hiking and a lot of walking. The two most important things for me are the effect of the kilt on my "fire helmet" and how the kilt swings when I walk.

I used to do a lot of hiking in cotton Utilikilts. I don't any more. I really had to protect "myself" from the long term effects of the friction with the apron on "me" or on various forms of underprotection I tried - from Body Glide to thick underwear.

I do hike in my hand sewn wool kilts but the scrub around here is usually so low there's little worry of snagging them and the swish and swing of a hand sewn is a sweet pleasureable high.

HIking is the one thing I can recommend SportKilt for IF you're wearing one of their garments made from the original poly/cotton material. If you look at the fabric under a textile glass you'll see why its "pajama soft." But for me, my pleated to the gather SportKilt doesn't look much like a kilt. But off in the boonies hiking alone, who'd gonna see? And it has the velcro closure.


This is my Macdonald tartan SportKilt.

What I've come to prefer today for hiking - on the recommendation of the long distance hikers on this board. Is my USA Kilts casuals. Light weight, soft, Teflon coated for protection - inside and out -


This is my Gorden Red in Casual. It has REAL PLEATS that swish and swing and a velcro closure. Washes up easy. Any wrinkles acquired steam out easily.

The USA Kilts Casual keeps me warm on chilly hikes too.

You can see the swing of this very kilt - Prince of Wales tartan - on the USA Kilts website video on the Casual page.

My other thought, though I don't own one, would be an RKilts hemp. I'm heard they are a good hiking kilt.

Sorry I can't answer your acrylic question. Just never owned one. I'm sure someone else will.

[Geoff Withnell]

I own several, so I will take a stab at answering your questions.

In a few months I'll be moving from Southeastern Michigan to Washington, DC. Among other things, this means I'll finally be back near the Appalachians and able to do some serious hiking. Of course, this will include the hot, humid climate of the late spring through early fall of the southeast. Having spent most of my life in the southeast (except the last 6 years), I know that trying to do any serious hiking in that weather can be a real exercise in sweat management.

I would like to look into a good kilt for hiking and backpacking. I have 3 worsted wool kilts that you can see listed in my profile (11, 13, and 16 oz.). I won't likely wear them hiking, for various reasons - not the least of which is my tendency to get muddier, dirtier, and generally more messed up than I'm willing to put one of those through.

So, in looking for a good, inexpensive hiking kilt, would like to hear about the construction quality of the SWK Thrify-kilt. I like the idea of the velcro closure so that there are no buckles to dig into my sides when cinching down heavy pack-belts. Here are my questions.

1) How many yards of fabric are we talking about? I assume something in the 4-5 yard range. Is this true?

Barely 4 yards. The pleats are not very deep.

2) Are the pleats sewn in? Is the kilt essentially of durable construction?

The pleats are not sewn in except at the waistband. This is not a very strongly constructed kilt.

3) How does the weight of the fabric compare to the standard worsted wool I'm used to?

The fabric is acrylic, and fairly light weight


4) Does it come lined around the waist with any kind of cotton lining?

No lining.

5) Has anyone used this for hiking and backpacking in humid climates - how does it do for ventilation and sweat-control?

I have worn Thrifties around Washington DC, including hiking around Great Falls Park. DC is very humid. They are reasonably comfortable, and breathable. The light weight makes "Marilyn Monroe moments" fairly common, however.


Other thoughts or recommendations are welcome, though I'm trying to keep the cost pretty far down for a first shot.

As mentioned, the fabric is acrylic. If you are going to be around campfires, this is a hazard. Acrylic, unlike wool or PV, is FLAMMABLE! Thrifties are a good value for the money, but we are talking about very little money. Thrifties are excellent first kilts for someone who isn't sure they are going to be comfortable in a kilt. It is also useful as an around the house, or working in the yard kilt. I no longer wear my out and about. I have been considering getting a Sportkilt of one version or other, myself. All that said, even a medium or lightweight wool kilt is superior IMHO for hiking in hot humid conditions to blue jeans or other trousers, or even shorts. Less chafeing and more breathable in the crotch.

Geoff Withnell

[Geoff Withnell]

Riverkilt posted his reply while I was composing mine. I agree with the USAKilt casual as a recommendation, although it it somewhat more expensive than either Sportkilt or SWK.

Geoff Withnell

[billmcc]

Of course, this will include the hot, humid climate of the late spring through early fall of the southeast. Having spent most of my life in the southeast (except the last 6 years), I know that trying to do any serious hiking in that weather can be a real exercise in sweat management.

I don't have a Thrifty, but I do have a SWK Standard kilt. The acrylic material is very good at retaining body heat, which is bad in hot weather. I recommend a USAK Casual or SHO Casual, which is made of Marton Mills pv, for summer wear.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Having owned two thriftys I would recommend a nice PV kilt.

USAK casual or SHO casual. Very similar kilts made of the same material, both have velcro closure and would fit your bill quite nicely.

[Jordan]

I have a Thrifty and while it wasn’t very much money, It’s not a very sturdy kilt I’ve worn it outside once and probably never will again it’s too lightweight my liking and I don’t feel very comfortable in it in public. That said it’s good for putting on when I’m just bumming around the house.

Just my tuppence

Jordan

[Marshal Moroni]

Greetings Robert,

I think that you have gotten some good advice. I own three SWK Thrifty kilts. They are a great way to get into kilt wearing and very comfortable around the house. I have stopped wearing mine when going out and about as I have had too many of the "Marilyn Monroe" moments. On a cruise out on deck my good wife snuggled up behind me and walked me back in doors.

Sharing may be caring, but you have to be careful what you share and with whom.

Cheers,

Marshal Moroni

[Inchessi]

I am a big fan of the SWK's. They are good kilts for the prices. As previously stated, they do retain body heat, I would strongly suggest another brand for hiking. I wear my thrifty around the house often. Without speaking ill of the thrifty or Stillwater, I would encourage you to look into another brand/fabric for serious hiking. I wear a Sport Kilt Leatherneck for warm activities, it is much more expensive, and it does not have a liner.

[morrison]

As I read your OP I thought of my reply. As i read the subsequent replies I found my words already stated. So to make my short point, I have the SWK Wallace econ. It's truly light and easy to wear anywhere. And as in the previous poster remarks, if the lowest area of the fabric is to make contact with the foliage as you hike, you can just go in knowing that the fray and premature contact roughage is likely.

ah tennn huT


. . .KILT


. . . .ON!