Why a Kilt?

[muckypops]

I saw some people mentioning wearing kilts for hiking in another thread. Since I didn't want to derail their thread I figured I'd start another...

Why do people wear kilts when hiking? I don't get it. Could someone please enlighten me?

[Martyn]

Probably rain kilts - an alternative to waterproof overtrousers. Basically it's lighter and breathes better. The breathe-ability of waterproof trousers, even goretex, is overwhelmed fairly quickly when you are working hard. You dont get rained on, but you end up getting soaked from your own sweat. A kilt keeps the rain off the important parts (from your knees up) and offers unparalleled breathe-ability so you dont end up in a puddle of your own making. Rain kilts also pack much smaller than rain trousers, and are also much lighter - some even made of CF.

[kayak karl]

he is probably NOT talking about rain kilts. a few hikers have started wearing kilts. i don't get it either. maybe just a way of being different and to stand out. the rain gear is usually referred to as a rain skirt.

[Martyn]

he is probably NOT talking about rain kilts. a few hikers have started wearing kilts. i don't get it either.

Really? How strange. Wearing kilts for hiking isn't even popular in Scotland.

[Ramblinrev]

Once you start wearing kilts for streetwear you easily get wearing a kilt for hiking. But wear what you want. I don't even own dress pants any more. This past winter was sweatpants, but I am counting the days when I can rock the kilt in Walmart again.

[Martyn]

Once you start wearing kilts for streetwear you easily get wearing a kilt for hiking. But wear what you want. I don't even own dress pants any more. This past winter was sweatpants, but I am counting the days when I can rock the kilt in Walmart again.

I agree, wear what you want, but it's really about the 'pose' isn't it? You rarely see a Scott or an Irishman wearing a kilt outside of a wedding or a funeral. If you go to Glasgow, you are very unlikely to see a Scott wearing a kilt in ASDA. Is there any other national dress that appeals? Do you think you could rock a turban?

[Passinthru]

There seem to be pros and cons but I would not like the attention a kilt would get.
I don't use bumper stickers, caps or T-shirts with slogans, or anything else that would draw extra attention.

[humer91]

A kilt is comfortable, and allows for increased airflow to your bits and pieces. on a hot summer day, the increased airflow on a long day of hiking is great.

[Baby Huey]

Well classic kilts were made for more formal events. Now they have tactical and utility kilts with pockets much like cargo shorts. Not all people wear kilts the "authentic way" as in commando. Though the few Scots that I know never wear theirs commando. With the right type of underwear like the Exofficio Give and Goes you can have perfect air flow for those hot and muggy days. Just my thoughts on it. I own no kilts, but have friends that do and have looked at getting a pair or two for myself to check out. Also bear in mind the difference between hiking a well established trail and blazing a trail through brush.

[sandykayak]

As the ex-wife of a Glaswegian who wore his kilt at special events, I was quite intrigued to see men in hiking kilts. It is cooler and there is less physical restraint while moving or climbing in a kilt/skirt, but thigh chafing could be a problem - long, form-fitting underwear solve that problem but add to the heat.

I've lived in the Middle East (Kuwait) so seeing men in non-trouser clothes (dishdashas (they wear loose, long cotton underwear) or longhis) is no big deal. In fact, I like ethnic dress. I salute men who are confident in their own skin to enjoy the freedom and tolerate the ribbing. Having nice legs helps. lol

The younger one (plaid kilt) is now-Texas resident lilricky, while the older one barks occasionally. He can identify himself, if he wishes. Of course, if you've seen his socks it's a dead giveaway.

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