Take a Beating, Wash, Repeat (Indestructible)

**azwildcat96** · 7th January 11, 04:20 PM

When I got into kilting, I did so with the intent of wearing it for specific events that were mostly "clean". Things like dinner parties, outdoor art fairs, spectator sports (highland games), concerts, well, you get the idea.

But now, after reading a couple posts about Warrior Dash, I am thinking about entering the one coming up in April, here in Arizona. With the expected water, mud, sweat, blood, beer, fire, etc, I will defiantly not be wearing a $750+ tank to such an event!

I have been browsing the internet for a cheap kilt, to wear to this event; something that if it gets destroyed, I am not out a lot of $$$ (the Warrior Dash Shop has one for $25, and Stillwater Kilts has their Thrifty-Kilt for $28.95). But at the same time I wonder if something for a little more money might last longer???

I guess what I am really looking for is something that can literally take a beating, get thrown into the washing machine and dryer, and be put back on again and again and again and again. Kind of like my favorite pair of blue jeans.

I have looked and found a few on Ebay in the $60-80 range, from sellers funbythedozens, tartanista, and heritageofscotland-net. I have also looked at the Stillwater Kilts Standard model, and the Sport Kilt Original and Hiking models.

Tartan is not a huge concern, although I want to stay with a tartan pattern, so no solid black or tan, or camo patterns (sorry, Utilikilt is out). I will be happy with it as long as it is a universal tartan (think Black Watch, Royal Stewart, Royal Stewart Hunting, Black Stewart, USA Tartan, etc.).

Any suggestions or advice on this topic is appreciated. Personal experiences with a product in a similar situation are even better! Thanks in advance,
Jim

**DougC** · 7th January 11, 04:30 PM

I was right there with you. And, I asked a new member (who was sporting a Warrior Dash hat!) what he thought. He replied he went with a thrifty from SWK.

I was leaning towards a casual from USAKILTS...until I read the added statement that the kilt will get wet AND MUDDY!! Muddy means heavy. So, I went with a Semitraditional from USAKILTS for the added "safe" of the buckles and straps that aren't on the casual. PLUS, I wanted to run in a Campbell kilt. I expect the kilt will get clean after the race. (Ordered on 1-5-11 and should be here for the race in March.)

So...I would suggest a Stillwater kilt in Black Watch; maybe the standard??? Why this tartan? No white or light colors that might get stained. Oh...and its pretty close to Campbell! (I have a bias...Doug Campbell)

Good luck in the race!

**CMcG** · 7th January 11, 04:32 PM

Here's a thread I started awhile ago about rock bottom prices on beater kilts:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...asement-60520/

There are cheaper options but I'd figure a basic Sportkilt (with sewn down pleats as the only option) might be a good call for your needs. The waistband has elastic in the back, which I have found to allow maximum comfort and freedom for active duty.

**CMcG** · 7th January 11, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by DougC

<snip>

So...I would suggest a Stillwater kilt in Black Watch; maybe the standard??? Why this tartan? No white or light colors that might get stained. Oh...and its pretty close to Campbell! (I have a bias...Doug Campbell)

Good luck in the race!

FYI Campbell is Blackwatch:
http://www.ccsna.org/jsep50a.htm

**DougC** · 7th January 11, 04:45 PM

Nope--Campbell is lighter than Black Watch, but they are the same pattern and Campbells can wear Black Watch according to the Chief--I paid attention on the tour of the Clan castle last summer...

Edit--sorry, your link does say they are the same with Black Watch being the darker (but, still the same!!).

**DougC** · 7th January 11, 04:54 PM

Forgot to mention--the Warrior Dash might not be a good time to go regimental! There is a cargo net climb.

**JSFMACLJR** · 7th January 11, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by DougC

Nope--Campbell is lighter than Black Watch, but they are the same pattern and Campbells can wear Black Watch according to the Chief--I paid attention on the tour of the Clan castle last summer...

Edit--sorry, your link does say they are the same with Black Watch being the darker (but, still the same!!).

I'm glad, Doug, you changed your mind!

**llyd** · 7th January 11, 06:12 PM

I have become addicted to making kilts..although I still suck at it, and don't have my copy of Barb's book yet..I've got four simple kilts that I made...two of them are pretty much X-kilts, except I made it up as I went along...both are box pleated, one is made of jean weight twill, and one is made of carrhart canvas...both indestructible....it takes me a couple evenings to make one...if you are so inclined, it is very satisfying to wear a kilt you have made..and you can make it out of what you want...I don't think I have more than 25 bucks in one...

**MacMillans son** · 7th January 11, 07:05 PM

I bought an 8 yard PV kilt from buyakilt.com last year for hiking and the likes. It is in the Scottish National tartan. I am not sure where the PV is milled, but it is thicker and coarser than the Marton Mills PV, though not fuzzy like acrylic.

It has been quite serviceable and cost all of $40 GBP. It is a three buckle kilt pleated to the ??? but looks and feels like an actual kilt vs. a lightweight low yardage casual kilt (which I also own).

I think it would also make a good starter kilt for someone not yet committed to wearing a kilt, without having to shell out the bucks for a proper wool one.

I would buy one again, for its intended purpose, if I ever had the need.

**Zardoz** · 7th January 11, 07:17 PM

"what I am really looking for is something that can literally take a beating, get thrown into the washing machine and dryer, and be put back on again and again and again and again."

You're describing a USA Casual there! It will hold up as well or better than the acrylic "beater kilts" and you can get it made to measure.