Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
I'm glad this question has come up. I've been meaning to ask it too, although my intentions are slightly different.

I do a lot of hiking, and am planning a couple of serious backpacking trips this year that I plan to do kilted. So my hiking kilt will get dirty and be expected to stand up to some abuse. I normally wear a Utilikilt for this, but would like to have a more traditional tartan kilt to abuse (I ain't doing it in my expensive tank!).

PV is not an option. I've already owned a PV casual kilt, and I find the material to be way too thin and light for my tastes. I like a thicker, heavier material (preferably in the 16oz or heavier range).

I love the price and choices of SWK. Acrylic would be fine, since I don't do campfires (the only fire would be my small stove), but I'd probably go with their 'heavy' wool kilt. The problem with SWK is that they don't make kilts in my size. Their standard length is about 2" too long, leaving me with the option of having to wear it way higher than I want, or paying someone to do a hem job that may end up looking like crap.

I may end up having to go with a SWK and finding someone to do a decent hem job (since they don't offer it), even though I'd rather avoid it. But does anybody else make an el-cheapo kilt that's good and heavy, preferably that can be made-to-order instead of "standard sizes" that don't fit me?

And on that subject, the SWK website is not very informative as to hip measurements. If I order a 34" waist kilt, how much do they add for the hip? All their pictures make the kilts look like they have very minimal flare for hips... they almost look like tubes instead of kilts. Does anyone know their typical formula for hip size based on waist size?

Also, what's the weight of the wool on their heavy wool kilt?
Well, the simplest way to get the answer to these questions would be to call SWK. I have a couple of times for various reasons, and they are quite nice people to talk to. Steve even told me the secret of his delievery speed, but I have been sworn to silence.

Geoff Withnell