kilt belts and backpacking

**Kilted KT** · 6th April 06, 08:08 AM

I'll be doing a fair amount of backpacking this summer ( kilted, of course ) and would like to know how those of you with kilted backpacking experience go about using a waiststrap on a backpack with a kilt belt? I see the buckle as a potential problem, and want to figure out how to avoid serious comfort problems before I get into the woods.

thanks

**auld argonian** · 6th April 06, 08:26 AM

I've got to get a picture posted of the rig that I've used for short hikes...it's based on the nylon "pistol" belt and the suspenders that go with it. You add a butt pack on the back and can hook any number of things (like a canteen in its holder) onto the belt. The belts are about 2 inches wide and have a plastic buckle...it works well when I've worn jeans (the trousers of death!) so I'll certainly be trying it with the kilt this summer.

Here's a page with the belts and suspenders:

http://www.imsplus.com/ims1b.html

And here's the butt packs:

http://www.imsplus.com/ims1d.html

I think that by the time I got done I had spent thirty bucks on the whole rig and it's been a lot more functional than just carrying a little backpack.

Just food for thought.

Best

AA

**Kilted KT** · 6th April 06, 08:30 AM

thanks for the info.

I'll be packing out a 4000 cubic inch pack, with a substantial waiststrap. I've got a small army to look after, and need the gear.

**Tartan Hiker** · 6th April 06, 08:48 AM

I've found that I can't make a kilt belt work with a belted backpack. I do use a regular sporran strap below the waistbelt of my pack, and everything stays in place just fine. I have no pics, but will try to get some soon.
TH

**auld argonian** · 6th April 06, 08:56 AM

Sounds like you're doing my thing: making sure that you have absolutely EVERYTHING because you know that the people that you're with (in my case my family) are going to be carrying the bare minimum or less. I'm the walking drug/grocery/camping supply store...who's the only one who remembered to bring moleskin even though he never seems to need it himself? Who has several spare lantern mantels in his bag? I'd like to think that my group thinks of me as resourceful but it's more like paranoid and obsessive.

But, sorry, I guess that I misunderstood the point of your query. I wouldn't think that the buckle on a regular pack waist strap would be uncomfortable but I would be concerned about the wear and tear on the kilt material...I've had camera bags that have been made of the rougher waterproof nylon that have rubbed holes in the clothing that they've been in contact with...those straps seem to usually be made of the smoother stuff, though.

Best

AA

**Kilted KT** · 6th April 06, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Sounds like you're doing my thing: making sure that you have absolutely EVERYTHING because you know that the people that you're with (in my case my family) are going to be carrying the bare minimum or less. I'm the walking drug/grocery/camping supply store...who's the only one who remembered to bring moleskin even though he never seems to need it himself? Who has several spare lantern mantels in his bag? I'd like to think that my group thinks of me as resourceful but it's more like paranoid and obsessive.

Best

AA

Yup, you nailed it on the head. I've got to be able to provide for up to 100 7th graders, most of whom have never never even been away from their playstations, much less actually out in the woods. My pack has weighed 60 lbs some years.

**Mattg** · 6th April 06, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

Yup, you nailed it on the head. I've got to be able to provide for up to 100 7th graders, most of whom have never never even been away from their playstations, much less actually out in the woods. My pack has weighed 60 lbs some years.

I did that last summer when I worked at a kids camp in Colorado. I carried about 75 to 100 lbs on a day hike. Lucky for me it was food so the trip down was with an empty bag:rolleyes: Unfortunetly I wasn't kitled though

**way2fractious** · 6th April 06, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Sounds like you're doing my thing: making sure that you have absolutely EVERYTHING...

Maybe it's our ability to think ahead? My son (in the white hat) chides me about my pack weight, but he cannot deny the value of the field repair kit when his pack bag tears loose from the frame and needs to be sewn, or the clovis pin breaks, or the snap buckle breaks, etc. My camp sandals saved him on one trip and his sister on another trip. I still think HE should carry it all so I can enjoy the trips more.

**Southern Breeze** · 6th April 06, 01:50 PM

Whether or not the kilt straps are problem seems to be based on the pack used and how much weight is carried. I'm currently using a Gregory and on a 7-10 day trip carrry 30-35lbs. Thats in the summer and in the southern appalachians.

**Richland** · 6th April 06, 08:58 AM

I would suggest using a casual kilt like Sport kilt which closes with Velcro.
if you are carrying a heavy pack you will want a high percentage of the weight distributed on your hips. Anytrhing such-as a heavy kilt belt or any belt for that matter may interfere with this. The buckles and straps which close a more trad kilt might even rub you raw.
When we teach proper load distribution we talk about 60% of the weight should be carried on your hips. This is not absolute everyone is different.
but this is a general rule of thumb. Also get rid of all the junk people like to carry on their waist. knives cell phone etc. I Cant tell you how many soldiers still have that stuff mounted on their uniform belt then try to put a heavy padded hip belt for their ruck on over that.
There are quite a few who hike kilted on this site. It would be interesting to hear their experiences.