I am going to wreck it, I'm sure...so I need help!

**Burly Brute** · 8th November 10, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

The ultimate hiking/camping kilt: the belted plaid ("great kilt"). The upper portion acts as an extra layer - and even a hood - for warmth or to ward off rain, and it functions as a blanket when night comes on!

Back in the 18th C., highlanders had to deal with N. American underbrush and adopted military gaitors or Indian-style leggings to protect their hose. I own a pair of these (heavy canvas) and just love 'em:

http://www.flyingcanoetraders.com/co...oque=4&Prod=65

I would love to do this! I have, however, run into some difficulty in that these kilts (in my research) cost like 600 bucks! What is the best fabric to get the B.P. in for hiking? Also, its hard for me because I am a big fella. I am 6'3", 44 inch waist.

**BoldHighlander** · 9th November 10, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

I would love to do this! I have, however, run into some difficulty in that these kilts (in my research) cost like 600 bucks! What is the best fabric to get the B.P. in for hiking? Also, its hard for me because I am a big fella. I am 6'3", 44 inch waist.

Have you looked at Celtic Croft? Depending on tartan weight & yardage you can get them for much less.

**Burly Brute** · 9th November 10, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Have you looked at Celtic Croft? Depending on tartan weight & yardage you can get them for much less.

It look to me to still be about 500 dollars. I dont know, maybe I am not being realistic.

**wildrover** · 9th November 10, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

It look to me to still be about 500 dollars. I dont know, maybe I am not being realistic.

I gotta tell ya, it sounds cool and all, but unless you need this stuff for reenacting or something, you're better off just getting a regular trad kilt in 16oz wool for 500-600 bucks, plus some Gore-Tex, a nice bag & pad, etc...

**Burly Brute** · 9th November 10, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by wildrover

I gotta tell ya, it sounds cool and all, but unless you need this stuff for reenacting or something, you're better off just getting a regular trad kilt in 16oz wool for 500-600 bucks, plus some Gore-Tex, a nice bag & pad, etc...

I guess I will just have to look more into it. thanks!

**Tartan Hiker** · 9th November 10, 07:55 PM

Go to Joann's or some other fabric shop and see if you can find some budget wool or wool blend. Be sure it's double width (at least 58" wide) and get three yards...four if it's a really good deal. You should be able to do this for between $50 and $75.

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Another contender for photo of the month!

Aw, gee. Thanks.

**Burly Brute** · 9th November 10, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

Go to Joann's or some other fabric shop and see if you can find some budget wool or wool blend. Be sure it's double width (at least 58" wide) and get three yards...four if it's a really good deal. You should be able to do this for between $50 and $75.

The only issue with that, is I would like a clan tartan...but alas, now it becomes an issue of money again. Plus I would like something durable, as I would like to use it for a long time.

Side Note: I started a thread in the Historical Highland Attire a few days ago, before this one turned into a discussion on this topic. Could you move these posts and replies to that thread? I hate hi-jacking this thread with my bothersome questions. Thanks again to all!

-Zach

**NewEnglander** · 10th November 10, 04:47 AM

If I were you (and this does sound like a rather interesting idea), I'd find some the most inexpensive piece of wool you can get your hands on and do a trial run with that. I'm thinking of the olive drab wool Army blanket I keep in my Jeep. That way you can see if the whole great kilt thing is actually practical for you before you drop the cash to make one in your family tartan.
Good luck!

**Jock Scot** · 10th November 10, 07:11 AM

Just something for you to consider, the climate in Scotland is harsh on occasion, for sure.BUT our highest mountain is just over 4000 ft and no one lives at that height, yours are regularly much higher than that. In Scotland we have the help of the Gulf Stream to keep up our temperatures more than a bit. Your weather is far, far more extreme. Yes we can easily do hypothermia, wind chill, exposure, torrential rain, severe Atlantic storms, snow(4ft is unusual), sleet and death on the hill. We have below freezing temperatures, but rarely does it get below -15C and -20c is a once or twice a year event.But no one in their right mind goes out in the great kilt in those conditions!Remember, no Scot has ever had to suffer your type of climate in Scotland. And you want to go out in even more severe weather wearing a great kilt? I admire your thoughts,but with the greatest of respect, don't do it! If nothing else think of the poor devils that have to sort out the mess as it will inevitably turn out to be. Sorry laddie, I have to be honest.

**Jock Scot** · 10th November 10, 08:51 AM

No I am not a ranger, just a countryman who has seen too many ill prepared souls who have unrealistic expectations of their equipment and their abilities-----if they have any of either----- and have heard far too often, the cries of anguish from those left behind.

I am not at all sure where our friend is going and I am sure that he has more than a fair idea what he is doing, but-----------.