The maple Leaf fabric is indeed quite light (lighter than the clan tartan fabrics). Personnally I would stick with the 8 yard Maple Leaf. Mind you I don't own a Grizzly cut kilt from Bear, only 3 classic cuts (2 - yard, 1-8 yard). I do however have one of the lighter fabric kilts, and it would be better if it were 8 yards instead of 4. The 4 yard in the ligh tfabric is perfect for the hot summer, but not so good for the cold. If it were in the 8 yards, I t would be a better most-weather kilt.