kilt for the appalachian trail

**swampfox** · 27th February 11, 10:24 AM

im hoping one of the kilt makers on here can help me or someone with experience... im looking for a good lightweight yet durable kilt for backpacking, i intend on doing a thru hike of the AT in a kilt after i graduate form college so does anyone have any suggestions?

**Detroitpete** · 27th February 11, 10:57 AM

I've hiked portions of the AT in a sportkilt--worked out just fine.

**Kilted Hiker** · 27th February 11, 11:02 AM

I'd vote SK as well, I've hiked in mine dozens of times. Though, and this has not been a problem for me, but several of my friends who own SK's, you have to watch where the kilt sits relative to your packs hip belt.

**Andy Ternay** · 27th February 11, 11:10 AM

Are you looking for a tartan kilt or a "modern" kilt?

I would not subject a wool kilt to that hike (regardless of what our ancestors subjected them to) simply because of the cost of the kilt. I'd consider a PV kilt if it must be a tartan kilt.

**KiltedDixon** · 27th February 11, 11:19 AM

Sportkilt. I just walked 10 km in mine this morning. Good Luck.

**gary meakin** · 27th February 11, 01:19 PM

I'd go with a PV. I imagine that during those 2,000+ miles, you'll want to rinse it in a stream and hang it out while you're sleeping. And I know this isn't a popular opinion but I'd wear silk skivvies too

**Woodsheal** · 27th February 11, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Ternay

Are you looking for a tartan kilt or a "modern" kilt?

I would not subject a wool kilt to that hike (regardless of what our ancestors subjected them to) simply because of the cost of the kilt. I'd consider a PV kilt if it must be a tartan kilt.

Actually, wool is a premier "outdoors" fabric - it breathes in the heat, is warm when it's cold, and retains body heat when wet. Plus, it won't result in a polyester "meltdown" around the campfire! I'd take wool over synthetics or cotton/canvas any day.

But, as Andy states, wool kilts generally equate to expensive kilts. A solution might be one of Stillwater's "heavy weight" wool kilts. They're not really heavy weight, but are 100% wool - and not alot of money....

**swampfox** · 27th February 11, 03:33 PM

i was thinking of a SWK heavy wool or a lighter weight khaki one like either and alt kilt or something similar

**Andy Ternay** · 27th February 11, 03:34 PM

If money were no object it would be great to purchase a tank especially for this hike and accept that it will need cleaning and mending at the end.

Unfortunately money is usually an object.