Hiking skirt and legs

[Miss.Entropy]

I'm setting my sights on a nobo thruhike beginning March 2019 (So *really* planning ahead ...). I like the idea of wearing a hiking skirt and have gained some great tips from this wonderful site. But what have other women worn on their legs for the cold-weather stretches on the AT? I was thinking about some of my running gear -- the regular lycra-blend stuff. But will that be warm enough? Just looking for best ideas.

[Bmelee]

I wear either Icebreaker leggings or fleece lined leggings. All depends on the temperatures! When it is really windy, my Frogg Toggs go on to block the wind.

[doeontrail]

Hi, I'm wondering if you are wearing a hiking skirt or a rain skirt. I also plan to hike the AT in 2019 and I'm not sure about carrying both. I think I will make a rain skirt myself and see how light weight I can go and use leggings and gaiters with it. I don't think I want rain pants...but who knows. I guess I need to get out in a driving cold rain and try both and see what works. Looking to hear what others respond about best type of leggings also.

[Miss.Entropy]

Hi, Doe
My first trek with a *real* hiking skirt (as opposed to a skort, etc) was a five-dayer in Greece a few years ago. It was autumn, but still rather warm so I didn't need any leg coverings. I, too, am very interested in hearing the recommendations for leggings or other under-skirt solutions for a chilling March Nobo departure. The hiking skirt I used in Greece is from Melanzana. It won't keep you dry in a downpour, but sufficiently water repellent for light showers and so forth. The fabric is very durable and has a nice stretchy quality for climbing. Main downside for me was length. When sitting down, it can be a bit immodest without compression shorts or something underneath. And who wants to keep their legs crossed at night in camp? I included a link below.

http://melanzana.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/22/products_id/35

[kizzybean]

On my 2017 thru hike attempt ( had to leave the trail for death in family) I wore a hiking skirt with short style merino wool underwear (I'm XL so wanted legs protection from thighs rubbing) and I loved my Anti Gravity rain wrap skirt. Light weight, packs very small so easy to grab and put on quickly. At 5'5" the rain skirt came about mid calf. I had a pair of pants as alternate to skirt in cold weather. I didn't start till last week in March so didn't hit any extremely cold weather. I also use knee sleeves (support) which helped protect knees on rocks and keeping warm wearing a skirt.