I'm pretty blind at this...have two of the old gathered SportKilts and one of the new sewn down pleat SportKilts. Don't have any Stillwaters since they only size them around, not up and down.

SportKilt now lets you order custom length (for a fee) but what's the point of having a kilt too long or having the first thing you do after buying a kilt be find someone to adjust the length properly.

Other difference would seem to be the fabric. SportKilts come in cotton/poly while I think the Stillwaters come in acrylic.

I think Sportkilts are sewn up in California while Stillwaters are sewn up overseas...? Correct me if I'm wrong. That may be why Stillwater clings to the fixed length...easier to do adjustment work if your sewing machines are nearby.

A few months ago I had intentions of buying a Stillwater to make this comparison...got stymied by the fixed length. The Stillwater folks are polite, but they won't budge and deal with the reality of people having different length legs. SportKilt didn't budge either, until they got real a few months ago.

Hopefully, Stillwater will follow SportKilts lead and offer custom lengths for a fee.

And true, SportKilts are great for hot weather hiking...not only cool, but from a distance most folks don't see anything but a kilt.

No clue why SportKilt puts that funny little pocket in the front. I can never get to it without un velcroing...which makes it useless except for a secret stash I won't need until undressed. Would rather have the cost savings than the pocket. Thinking about cutting my SportKilt pockets up for belt loops and flashes.

Not sure that helps, and may even be wrong. I'm sure if it is someone will be kind enough to correct me.

Ron