Backpacking kilt

[brewerpaul]

Ok my 10 cents in this conversation again because 2 cents aint enough. I like the ideas of the sport kilts with the higher traditional waist. Ill take that into consideration this winter when I get some performance fabric and make some running and hiking kilts. I think for running the low waist, jeans measurement is the way to go but the normal navel waist for a hiking kilt sounds good. Belts can be an issue as the Elkommando has a narrow 1 inch belt, though adequate, would be better at 2 inches on a navel measured kilt.

Now to packs as I have seen much talk on this thread about them. I owned an outdoor retail store for a few years and believe me I sold alot of gear to the "in crowd" who wore North Face mountaineering coats on nothing rougher than a gravel parking lot. It happens that gear turns into trend. I come from a background of mountaineering and hiking. The former pushes me to using internal frame packs. Like most gear it is personal preference and like most gear it is what someone will sell you. Most people hiking the lower 48 trails will do best with a frame pack for a few reasons. They for one are a half to third less expensive than an internal. Beyond that they fit well for most backpacking adventures that dont require snow and glacier travel. They are made light weight, have plenty of room for all your gear, fit well and are quite adjustable and have the wonderful coolness on your back because the frame keeps the pack away from your body. They are great for most hiking and backpacking as I said before. This said beyond the "in crowd" when I am on Baker, Rainier, Denali or any other glacier covered mound of of rock I wear my Osprey internal frame. It packs well, keeps the load tight to my body and gives me room to slap on the items that do end up outside your pack such as Ice axe, pickets, crampons, wands and other oddities. This is an apples to oranges discussion as it is the preference of the individual and the use at the time. Would I do the Maroon Bells in Colorado in a frame pack, yes. Would I do Rainier in an internal ,,, yes. Application and preference. They both have their place and are sometimes bought for the wrong reason. ..

The leggings look great yet on a glacier I need my gaiters. In the realms of WW gear I have my grandfathers gas mask from WW1.