kilt belts and backpacking

[Kilted KT]

I'll be doing a fair amount of backpacking this summer ( kilted, of course ) and would like to know how those of you with kilted backpacking experience go about using a waiststrap on a backpack with a kilt belt? I see the buckle as a potential problem, and want to figure out how to avoid serious comfort problems before I get into the woods.

thanks

[auld argonian]

I've got to get a picture posted of the rig that I've used for short hikes...it's based on the nylon "pistol" belt and the suspenders that go with it. You add a butt pack on the back and can hook any number of things (like a canteen in its holder) onto the belt. The belts are about 2 inches wide and have a plastic buckle...it works well when I've worn jeans (the trousers of death!) so I'll certainly be trying it with the kilt this summer.

Here's a page with the belts and suspenders:

http://www.imsplus.com/ims1b.html

And here's the butt packs:

http://www.imsplus.com/ims1d.html

I think that by the time I got done I had spent thirty bucks on the whole rig and it's been a lot more functional than just carrying a little backpack.

Just food for thought.

Best

AA

[Kilted KT]

thanks for the info.

I'll be packing out a 4000 cubic inch pack, with a substantial waiststrap. I've got a small army to look after, and need the gear.

[Tartan Hiker]

I've found that I can't make a kilt belt work with a belted backpack. I do use a regular sporran strap below the waistbelt of my pack, and everything stays in place just fine. I have no pics, but will try to get some soon.
TH

[auld argonian]

Sounds like you're doing my thing: making sure that you have absolutely EVERYTHING because you know that the people that you're with (in my case my family) are going to be carrying the bare minimum or less. I'm the walking drug/grocery/camping supply store...who's the only one who remembered to bring moleskin even though he never seems to need it himself? Who has several spare lantern mantels in his bag? I'd like to think that my group thinks of me as resourceful but it's more like paranoid and obsessive.

But, sorry, I guess that I misunderstood the point of your query. I wouldn't think that the buckle on a regular pack waist strap would be uncomfortable but I would be concerned about the wear and tear on the kilt material...I've had camera bags that have been made of the rougher waterproof nylon that have rubbed holes in the clothing that they've been in contact with...those straps seem to usually be made of the smoother stuff, though.

Best

AA

[Richland]

I would suggest using a casual kilt like Sport kilt which closes with Velcro.
if you are carrying a heavy pack you will want a high percentage of the weight distributed on your hips. Anytrhing such-as a heavy kilt belt or any belt for that matter may interfere with this. The buckles and straps which close a more trad kilt might even rub you raw.
When we teach proper load distribution we talk about 60% of the weight should be carried on your hips. This is not absolute everyone is different.
but this is a general rule of thumb. Also get rid of all the junk people like to carry on their waist. knives cell phone etc. I Cant tell you how many soldiers still have that stuff mounted on their uniform belt then try to put a heavy padded hip belt for their ruck on over that.
There are quite a few who hike kilted on this site. It would be interesting to hear their experiences.

[Southern Breeze]

I've hiked more miles than I can remember. This year will be the first I've hiked kilted so it's new to me also. I've already found that wearing a kilt belt won't work with the pack I use. The straps and buckles on the kilt may also be a problem. I'm planning on taking a weekend hike as soon as I can to sort this out.

[Andrew Breecher]

I never wear a kilt belt with a backpack - it just doesn't work. I have a fair number of miles, both kilted and unkilted. I also don't wear a sporran, but I have worn a "bum bag" hung in front, for small things like a Swiss Army Knife and Aquamira and my camera (though since my new backpack has pockets in the hip belt I won't need to wear that for my next hike).

You're out in the woods. You certainly don't need to "dress up" a kilt with a fancy belt! No one else is wearing cuff links with their polypro shirts!

Andrew.

[way2fractious]

Most kilt belts are not necessary to hold a kilt up - they are decorative; a properly made kilt is fastened on by the straps. However, hip belts on backpacks create downward pressures that kilt straps were never designed to bear, especially on narrow hips.

My backpacking kilt of choice is my MARPAT cotton/poly with a cotton webbing belt and plastic snap buckles. The webbing belt rides higher than a normal trouser belt, and usually sits above the pack's hip belt.


I have done dayhikes in a wool kilt before, but not a backpacking trip. The downside to the cotton/poly kilt is that it is not warm enough in the mornings and evenings at high altitude, so I also carry polypropylene long johns to get me through the cold times.

[Mattg]

Those are good look'n pics! Looks like you're having a good time!