Hiking in a kilt

[kiltedbear]

Next summer I am planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in a kilt does anybody out there have any experience hiking the PCT in a kilt? I have hiked in a sport kilt hiking kilt but find it to light on windy days I am thinking of hiking in a utilkilt" survival kilt I know it's a bit heavy and I like all the pockets. Any info would be helpful.

[Caultron]

I've gone hiking in a kilt in a hundreds of time in the past few years and recommend it highly. However, I've never hiked the Pacific Coast Trail. All my hiking has been in Arizona, but Northern Arizona and the PCT probably have a lot in common.

Sport Kilts have always struck me as a bit fragile and breezy. I'm not sure they'd stand up well to brushing against vegetation on the trail, for example. I generally look for heavier cotton or ripstop. For starters, choose the same weight fabric you'd choose in shorts or cargo pants.

Wind can present a problem by blowing the apron open but usually all that produces is a flash of thigh. The chances of blowing both layers open is pretty small. Some utility kilts do have a snap or button inside the lower left corner, though, and those should solve any wind problem you're likely top have.

Kilts do get banged up during hiking, so I don't wear expensive ones: generally less than $100. Sometimes I wear Pakistani imports but my favorites for hiking are the ones from Tactical 5.11, which have rip-stop fabric, two large cargo pockets, two slash pockets, and the already-mentioned wind snap. Unfortunately they're only available for a brief period each year, but you might still catch one or two.

If you expect chilly weather, bring knee socks or leggings.

I like going regimental but generally wear something underneath for hiking. This provides further protection against wind exposure and solves problems you might otherwise have when butt-sliding or straddling fallen trees or fences.

[skirtingtheissue]

I love hiking in a skirt. I choose one of the active/outdoors makes (LL Bean, Mountain Hardwear, REI) designed for such activities. Very comfortable!

[Taj]

I can't say anything specific about your trail, however, I hike a lot in the Colorado Rockies. I don't find the wind to be a big deal. You'll pretty much feel if a quick grab is coming. Pin down the apron if it's really blowing. Trails are usually wide enough to not shred garments. Bushwhacking is another issue and pants are better. Utilikilts can be hot and heavy. I prefer the Mountain Hardware Elkommando. Shorten the hem if it normally rides on your knee caps. It gets real annoying to have it drag on knees and slap the backs of knees when you work up a sweat or are climbing the steep stuff. Enjoy the woods.

[Caultron]

Last weekend in northern Arizona.

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Shoulda worn high socks for leg protection off-trail. Oh well.

[dillon]

Since our trip to the southwest has advanced a day, perhaps we can find an opportunity for a meet-up on a trail, Caultron. Will be in touch as the schedule gets finalized.

[skirted_in_SF]

Good heavens Caultron, you must have been hiking at some altitude to still have green grass at your feet.

I don't own a kilt (for hiking or otherwise), but my preferred garment for day hikes around here is a bottom of the knee length cargo skirt I bought about five years ago. Pictures available in the pics and looks section but you have to go back several years.

[Caultron]

Good heavens Caultron, you must have been hiking at some altitude to still have green grass at your feet.

About 7,000 feet. That's where you have to go to beat the heat this time of year. But the grass is nice, too.

I don't own a kilt (for hiking or otherwise), but my preferred garment for day hikes around here is a bottom of the knee length cargo skirt I bought about five years ago. Pictures available in the pics and looks section but you have to go back several years.

Sounds comfortable. I'd consider one myself if I could find one with enough length and pockets.

[kiltedBob]

You might look into Sport Kilt. I have regular length (knees) and two pockets... They will make them to order. Kitedbob

[TheRod]

I've hiked a lot in the Sierras, including a small amount on the PCT. We tend to avoid the PCT because of the heavy use. The PCT I have been on is wide and clear. I've had no problems wearing a short skirt, mostly off trail all the way to the high peaks. Snagging on vegetation is not an issue. Definitely more comfortable than shorts in the heat of the day.

[Caultron]

Here I am, at it again. This was near Flagstaff, AZ, which is 25-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix because of altitude.

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[JoeBro]

I have been hiking both on wooded trails and on some moderately difficult roots and rocks trails. This year I have finally got to wear kilts hiking. So much more freedom of movement. It is better to have the length at the top of the knee as the ventilation is better and there is no chafing to contend with. It is also flat out more comfortable. Depending on the bug situation where you are, some OFF or equivalent should be used.

[Caultron]

Yes, the kilt I have on there is a little longer than I usually prefer. But it only came in a 24" length, and only cost about $80, and I've had that brand before and found them extremely durable.

I supposed I could get it shortened but for an inch or two, it hardly seems to matter.

[dillon]

The kilt looks good and if the length doesnt annoy you or impede your stride, then it should be fine. My last skirted hike of any significance was in Big Bend. Before that was Pisgah National Forest here in NC. The Pisgah trails were in abysmal condition. It's a shame that with all the expenditures on warfare around the world, we can't even find the funds to maintain a few forest trails. You in the west are fortunate not to have the trail erosion that we have in the rainy southeast. But I suppose you all would like to have a bit more rain, given the fire situation.

[Caultron]

Actually, we do get trail erosion from flash floods, run-off from heavy rains, and so forth. And the trails do get, ah, rugged with fallen trees, overgrowth, and so forth.

But even so it remains spectacular.
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