Waterproofing a Contemporary/Modern Kilt

**Hiburnicus** · 1st March 15, 12:54 PM

I *think* the OP was inquiring about waterproofing a modern casual kilt, made from cotton canvas, etc...I agree a proper wool kilt needs nothing for waterproofing. I wonder how scotch guard spray would affect a wool kilt?

**MinusHD** · 2nd March 15, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Hiburnicus

I *think* the OP was inquiring about waterproofing a modern casual kilt, made from cotton canvas, etc...I agree a proper wool kilt needs nothing for waterproofing. I wonder how scotch guard spray would affect a wool kilt?

Yes. Perhaps I should have been more clear in my original post . The question is about waterproofing a contemporary/modern style cotton, canvas or maybe even PV kilt.. or any other non-wool textile kilt. I apologize for the confusion.

The reason for asking is that I tried a little experiment taking a rather long neighborhood walk in the rain (cold rain) last week wearing my USAK Casual kilt. It didn't take long before the front apron was soaked through, then both aprons, then pretty much all of the kilt that wasn't covered by my waterproof jacket, which reaches a little past my hips. Before you think "well, how dumb was that?", I knew it would soak... I just wanted to get an idea of how long it took, and see how the kilt reacted and felt while soaked.

The bigger purpose for the experiment was to start thinking about kilted hiking, and what gear I would want/need for a multi-day excursion. So, I got curious about the waterproofing idea. If there's a good product that works well and doesn't change the feel or properties of the fabric, why not waterproof the kilt and avoid carrying another item to keep it dry?

Before we go down another path let me stop and say I know there are different lengths of jackets, ponchos, capes and rain kilts that could help keep a kilt dry in the rain, and there are other threads I have already seen that address many of those options. I thought there might be some members who had tried waterproofing a non-wool kilt for hiking/camping purposes and could share their experiences.

Since it looks as if nobody here has tried this, I'll choose a product and give it a shot - if I ever get my first X-Kilt completed.

**Lake Mist** · 2nd March 15, 10:46 AM

Scotch-Guard is a very good non-wool fabric protector. I use it on the carpet in my MG Midget, helps when I do have to clean it up.

**Dughlas mor** · 2nd March 15, 11:50 AM

MinusHD, I`ve never tried waterproofing a kilt, but I think I can recommend Nikwax products, I have used them extensively in the past on all kinds of outdoor gear, any type of synthetic clothing, boots, etc. I see that they make a product specifically for cotton and polycotton fabrics, as well as about anything else you can think of. No waterproofing treatment is permanent, but I would say that their stuff is a bit more durable than the spray on products. www.nikwax.com
Here in the Northwest we have a saying regarding cotton clothing in the mountains: "Cotton kills." It gets wet, it doesn`t dry out, if you`ve nothing to change into hypothermia will come calling. Just my opinion, but cotton would be my last choice for a hiking garment. I think PV would work much better.

**MinusHD** · 2nd March 15, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Dughlas mor

Here in the Northwest we have a saying regarding cotton clothing in the mountains: "Cotton kills." It gets wet, it doesn`t dry out, if you`ve nothing to change into hypothermia will come calling. Just my opinion, but cotton would be my last choice for a hiking garment. I think PV would work much better.

You're absolutely right. Spending all of my youth in the Boy Scout program, and taking a few trips to the mountains since then, I would keep that in mind for longer treks especially in a wet climate, or at altitude. I appreciate the input!

I'm still very much in the "consideration" phase and would probably use a waterproofed cotton/canvas kilt for shorter hiking trips (2-3 days, low mileage) or overnight camping trips within half a day's drive from North Texas. These would also be fairly infrequent occurrences. Again, just trying to see if it's feasible to wear a kilt, and keep it reasonably dry without bringing more stuff.

This product looks interesting... (for a lot more than clothing, too...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZrjXSsfxMQ

There are a lot of products out there. I'll post back here if I ever try it.

**Dughlas mor** · 2nd March 15, 04:48 PM

Huh, that product looks very interesting. If it`s half as good as it looks in the video, it would be worth a try. Good luck with your experiments, and good hiking!

**Destin_scot** · 2nd March 15, 05:42 PM

I think I get the idea now. Some PV kilts are made from teflon coated fabric, (I think the actual threads are teflon coated). This will provide some water resistance, but maybe not the "proofing" you are looking for.

I second the scotch-guard spray, I've used that to touch up some of my nylon foul weather gear (Helly-Hansen gortex).

**marypenny** · 3rd March 15, 12:58 PM

Owned a wonderful 1963 Midget. Met my husband of 42 yr competing against him in a MG Club slalom. Great car. Fortunately our father taught auto shop/metal shop in high school so Sydnie and I had a built-in mechanic/instructor right at home. Sydnie makes her living in the automotive industry, she took to it so well. Me? Not so much!