Cracking Hardy

[Grouse Claw]

In my year's experience on this distinguished site I have read about how certain persons wear the kilt in most weathers. I have read these posts with some scepticism, (sp. Brit, NZ Eng.) especially the North American winter testimonies. A few days ago I wore the kilt in the damp start to the New Zealand autumn, when the temperature was down around 11 degrees C. After a couple of hours of this I was chilled, and back home took several hours to return to normal core temperature. I was wearing two layers below and wearing four layers on my upper body. We have a phrase down here with which you may or not be familiar, "cracking hardy." It certainly does not describe me!

[Chas]

Not quite sure that I understand. Are you saying that even with two layers your hardy is cracking?

[Calgacus]

Hi Grouse Claw,

I would happily wear a kilt around town in pretty much any temperature to be found in Scotland (roughly -5°C to 25°C with the odd exception). For heading in to the hills, I find the kilt to be a 'three seasons' garment. That means spring, summer and autumn only. I've worn a kilt in the hills in falling snow but found it prudent to stop going regimental. Much colder and my knees start to seize up, so my rule of thumb these days is to wear trousers when hillwalking if there is going to be snow.

It should be noted however that when hillwalking (hiking) the body is generating a lot of heat internally. The kilt is ideally suited to keeping that heat on the cooler days, yet being able to dissipate it on the warmer days making it, at least in my experience, to be an ideal garment for three seasons walking.

On a damp day at 11°C I'd happily wear a kilt, regimental or otherwise, with a pullover, tweed, or maybe a Barbour jacket.

[Tobus]

11 degrees C is about 52 degrees F. That should be plenty warm for wearing a kilt, especially if you're actively walking or hiking. I've done plenty of hikes in that sort of weather (damp too), and found myself actually getting hot and sweaty. The only time I'd get chilled is afterwards, when I had cooled down.

[Riverkilt]

We should probably clarify what kind of kilt you were wearing. Was it a 16 ounce 8 yard wool tank or an inexpensive kilt made from synthetic fibers? Thanks

[Hawk]

Good point Ron and Tobus......in addition, a photo of what you were wearing would be nice as the rabble could comment and give suggestions.....

Hawk

[TheOfficialBren]

I have found that my lightweight P/V is fine down to the low 60s F and too hot over about 85*F. I have found that my 5 - yard 16 ounce wool is comfortable down to the high 40s, low 50s F and too hot over about 80*F. Then again, I hate the heat and for me anything over 70* is too hot.
I never go regimental.

For my area the kilt is, indeed, also a three season garment: Autumn, Winter, and Spring.

Way too hot in the summertime (it gets 110*F here). I've tried it. I wear shorts on those days.