Hikes in Skirts [Archive]

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 11:38

Wow...that almost sounded like a trail name or a sequel to Dances with Wolves.:D
I have been giving this hiking in a skirt a go....I LOVE IT....So airy...so free feeling. No pinching or rubbing..... Easy peepee access.:D
Who else does the skirt thing and what material do you like?

Jester2000

01-20-2010, 11:53

I'm a guy, but I occasionally hike in a skirt. I've seen a lot of women hiking in the MH Mountain Kilt (which I suppose makes them crossdressers), but you don't need to spend that kind of money. I got a nice thin polyester skirt at goodwill for a buck. It dries quickly and has pockets. I think as long as it isn't cotton, and allows for good range of motion for your legs (pleats are nice, or stretchy fabric), you're good to go.

Oh, I saw quite a few women on the PCT wearing running skorts as well, which seems to defeat the purpose, but they looked nice.

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 12:05

Thanks Jest...from a mans perspective anyhow...
I think the skorts adds bulk and chaffing. Wouldnt want to try that.
I have heard men sometimes hike in kilts. Hummmm.:cool:

rambunny

01-20-2010, 12:26

I hiked in those hiawian print $5 synthetic shifts from Osco. With bike pants under-loved it! Dried quick.

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 12:32

Never heard of them.

ShelterLeopard

01-20-2010, 12:40

I was going to get a kilt, but decided to make my own. (Female, by the way)
Lighter and airyier. (Airier?) And I'm wearing pants until April, because of the cold.

Doctari

01-20-2010, 13:05

Acrylic kilt from Stillwater kilts (I is a guy).
Pluses: Ample ventilation, Drys very quickly, holds it's shape, so far (Its 3 years old) it is color fast.
Minuses: Ample ventilation in cold weather :p , It is heavy at 18 OZ, It attracts burrs from miles away (or so it seems) compared to a similar sized wool kilt on my hiking partner. I had thousands (no exaggeration) he had 3 or 4. Modesty can be an issue, especially when climbing or descending the steep stuff. I just warn those below me they are in the "Flash zone" :D

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 13:26

Flash zone:D
I typed something else but used my better judgement...I am smart sometimes...only sometimes.:rolleyes:

Jim Adams

01-20-2010, 13:51

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 13:58

Jim, I would have been hiking behind you long ago had I known that.....:D:D
Just kidding...or not...
I was really hoping for some gals point of views....hehehehhee

Spokes

01-20-2010, 14:04

I've often wanted to try a sarong.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Maninsarong.jpg/180px-Maninsarong.jpg

Hey, if it's good enough to wear in Sri Lanka, it's good enough for the AT.

Blissful

01-20-2010, 14:22

I have one I got last summer I'm looking forward to using. Right now, toooo cold.

ShelterLeopard

01-20-2010, 14:29

I have a Sport Kilt and a Stillwater Kilt. I like the Sport Kilt far better even though it is heavier.
ShelterLeopard, kilts are very "drafty" in warmer weather but I think that you may be surprised as to how warm they are in cooler temps too.
Started wearing mine to stop chaffing...works great.

geek

But I was planning on a homeade skirt, not kilt. Kilts are heavier, and you're right, can be warm. But the skirt I'm making is specifically for warm weather, and very light. (Though I did consider a kilt for early spring, and switch out to the skirt later) I think I'll stick to pants in cold, skirt in warm.

ClassicMagger

01-20-2010, 15:13

Okay, glad to know I'm not the only kilt wearing man hiking the A.T.

Although, mine won't be shipped to me until at LEAST April or May. Pants until then. It makes going quick nice and can be a little better specially for chaffing on the thighs.

Not to mention nice and airy.

-Kevin

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 15:27

I have one I got last summer I'm looking forward to using. Right now, toooo cold.

What the Sri Lanka Sarong?:D
Shlep...got a pattern or are you making it up?
Classic..trust me, you are not the only man on the AT with one.....
Geek....didnt you say you had a good story for us here on the good ole WB?:D:D

Johnny Appleseed

01-20-2010, 17:26

Thanks for the laugh spokes, sri lanka does set the standard for the AT.

I (male) wear a female goodwill skirt that is fairly short/half way to knees or just under that length. Single sheet, as my first skirt had some underlayer/liner that got hot. Eventually the skirt ripped up the side all the way to the top from climbing. So you did not want to hike behind me. Just ask cabin boy and his wife, or yukon cornelius. I hiked w/ them for a few weeks and they would always complain of seeing things circular they did not want to, and made me hike last. We were rock climbing, and 1 area no one could get up to, so I spent five minutes trying different methods before I got to this cool area. Well tourists were real close and got to see all of me when some wind blew. My fellow hikers got to hear the reaction, I was dumb to the situation.

So this year on the PCT I have a couple of more cutesy goodwill skirts I want to try. I love the skirt and will not stop wearing it short of being arrested multiple times. Only downfall is putting on rain gear pants for a hitch to town if you don't hitch w/ a group. If I can get my hands on a scanner my 35mm film photos can be uploaded to show a closet cross dresser(I guess) embracing his passion. Goodwill stores have a good selection, but sometimes you have to hit more then one. I think I am gonna go shopping..............

Johnny Appleseed

01-20-2010, 17:27

loin cloth comes to mind, as everyone said that about me.

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 20:08

I have gotten all of my hiking skirts at thrift stores. One of them was a Tommy Hilfiger...go figure:D
So...when are you coming to Florida to hike?:sun:D

skinewmexico

01-20-2010, 23:22

I like my MH Mountain kilt, but I got a really great closeout deal on it.

OutdoorsMan

01-21-2010, 01:27

TheTank

01-21-2010, 02:20

Skirts for women I understand. Skirts or kilts (same as a skirt as far as I can tell) confuse me. Is a guy in a skirt trying to make some sort of statement? It seems that a guy peeing in a skirt has less convenience than when wearing shorts/pants. If you have to change to hitch into town isn't that a hassle and perhaps add weight to your pack because you always need that other garment to change into?

First about the peeing, actually it is rather convenient to lift a skirt, in fact I find just as convenient if not more convenient then unzipping a fly. I will give you changing to get a hitch is a bit of a hassle, but if you consider that that is only a small amount of the time while you are hiking, and that most hikers carry at least some form of a change of garment anyway, it is not all that bad.

And no, not all men wearing skirts are trying to make a statement, some of us just realize it is comfortable and to hell with anyone who will judge us based on what we are wearing.

BumpJumper

01-21-2010, 12:55

Tom, I understand what you are saying but Tank has a valid point. Hikers carry more than one change of clothing as it is...so why not hike in something less constricting.
Here is my scoop..when a lady (not speaking of men, cause guys...this is a LADIES forum...) wears a skirt, you dont have pants rubbing "stuff"..no sweat on your pants or stuff...a skirt will stay clean alot longer not having Sweaty Stuff on it and you wont have to change as much...right??
Let the air take care of my Stuff....
Now, you guys and your kilts..carry on..;):D

Johnny Appleseed

01-21-2010, 19:21

A hassle to put on rain pants you need to carry anyway? Do you get to a road to hitch and they are sitting there waiting like a taxi at an airport? You are already waiting on a ride to come by, so The 1.2 minutes is not wasted. Sometimes I just throw on boxers. If you are w/ a pack no one will pick you out, but when you are standing there alone it might stop someone from passing so I change.

I put one on and hiked and I was moving faster and not getting hot. Also there is no resistance or rubbing either. I must be what a light pack feels like as my pack is always heavy. Harder to pee in a skirt??? That is the oddest thing I have read on this site.

Plus skirts dry in no time at all. They also offer more freedom of movement.

Red Hat

01-21-2010, 19:58

I hike in a MH kilt all year. When it's cold I add a pair of tights. When it's hot I wear a pair of boxers (for modesty from behind) Last year I wore a pair of rainpants when it was cold and wet... This year, my packa covers my kilt, so I think I'm good.

moytoy

01-21-2010, 20:35

First about the peeing, actually it is rather convenient to lift a skirt, in fact I find just as convenient if not more convenient then unzipping a fly. I will give you changing to get a hitch is a bit of a hassle, but if you consider that that is only a small amount of the time while you are hiking, and that most hikers carry at least some form of a change of garment anyway, it is not all that bad.

And no, not all men wearing skirts are trying to make a statement, some of us just realize it is comfortable and to hell with anyone who will judge us based on what we are wearing.

I simply can't Grok any of this! :banana:o

Ladytrekker

01-21-2010, 20:50

www.macabiskirt.com

take a look at these skirst.

singing wind

01-21-2010, 23:53

Skirts rock! The current version is from the 2nd hand shop, a lightweight polyester fabric with pockets - originally sort of a wrap around style modified with an elastic wasteband instead of tie straps. Doubles as rain gear in warmer temps and ok with tights when it's a bit colder. Dries in a flash - but gotta watch it in a big wind. I think the next version may have some sort of drawstring at the hem or cut to less width there. Got a couple more in the sewing bin awaiting their next incarnation :).

OutdoorsMan

01-21-2010, 23:58

Dovetail

02-17-2010, 21:41

Google "skorts": skirt over shorts. Granite Gear makes a light weight "kilt" for women that dries quickly if it gets wet. Better ventilation than pants for women.. yeast infection prevention too. The only time I was self conscious about wearing one was when climbing in front of a guy was involved.

jnetx

02-17-2010, 23:39

You know I wouldn't be without my mh kilt. The only thing I didn't like about it initially was that it flapped around my knees. Solved that by cutting off the bottom 3-4 inches and now I think it's perfect, but the tourists hiking behind me in the Whites last year may feel differently! :eek: Will never go back to shorts or pants for ld hiking, ease of P stops is great, no need to even undo the hip belt to get at zippers/waistband, etc., I added a pair of nylon footless tights to my pack for cold weather - they can go on and off under the kilt with relative ease and comfortable down to freezing temps, haven't tried that setup with snow yet - think I might need something more substantial like longjohns for that, even considered my lightweight wool longs over the tights, wool for the warmth and the synthetic close to the skin for wind blocking, might be too constricting with 2 layers though.

I've tried other skirts but find that anything with a narrow waistband can get uncomfortable under the pack (I wear my pack very low and tight) as the waistband can tend to twist when I'm sweaty. I have a couple of board short type material skirts that I wore for a lot of miles on the FL trail, (can't think of the brand right now and the skirts are back in AZ) they were comfortable enough but definitely suffered on sticky humid days, the sweat would make them stick on my butt and back of my legs. Also have a Tommy Hilfiger stretchy skirt with a wide waistband that I picked up in a goodwill last year. It's shorter than the MH kilt and has no pockets, so not sure how it will do long term. Didn't get a chance to try it out once the snow started flying in the Canyon! Hopefully will get a chance to try it out soon.

fehchet

02-18-2010, 06:48

Ibex makes nice skirts to hike in. I'm sowing bigger pockets on my merino wool one.

hellomolly

02-18-2010, 10:29

I'm sure this is a silly question, but... do any of the women who hike in skirts also use something like a short brief underneath for modesty? I know that might defeat the purpose, but as nice as I think it would be to hike in a skirt, I would be concerned about: 1. modesty, especially when windy - don't want anyone seeing me down there! and 2. chafing. As in, inner thigh chafage. Gross I know, but lets be realistic. I dunno, maybe there is an ultra light smartwool short for women that could be worn underneath? But then would that defeat the purpose of having something nice and airy on? Bah, I dunno. I want to hike in a skirt...

Blissful

02-18-2010, 10:47

I wear undies only. Ex Officio. Though I am finding out that the Barely There brand wicks pretty good and is cheaper if you get them on sale. You can use Body Glide for chafing issues.

fehchet

02-18-2010, 11:25

Merino wool boxers. Good year round.

KnittingMelissa

02-18-2010, 12:39

Skirts or kilts (same as a skirt as far as I can tell) confuse me.

A kilt is NOT a skirt, technically. And the MH Kilt is not a kilt by definition, either.

A kilt must reach two to three inches past the knees, have a pleated backside, and needs a claymore to back it up! ;)

But, in all honesty, it's the pleats and length that make a kilt a kilt and not just a skirt. Guys who wear kilts too short (and I've seen guys do it) are just wearing skirts.

I'm thinking of getting a kilt myself to wear, something nice, thick, and breathable (wool), and then just wear my happy Batman boxers underneath. Modesty, breathable (Batman boxers are actually pretty thin), and awesome.

And heck, I knew I needed to get new clothes for the hike anyway (I own jeans, jeans, and a few more pairs of jeans), so I'd rather a kilt than another pair of pants! :banana

jnetx

02-18-2010, 12:45

short brief underneath <snip>
1. modesty, especially when windy <snip>
2. chafing. As in, inner thigh chafage.

Wearing something underneath does counter some of the effects of wearin the skirt in the first place. Most of the skirts I would consider suitable for hiking are narrow enough that they don't flip up in the wind, but short enough that I can get a good long stride. That's a personal preference, I know some who prefer long and billowing. It's just a matter of learning what's comfortable for you. One of the reasons I prefer the mh kilt is actually that it has a cinchable strap on one side that I can pull in close that stops it from flapping, but if I need to take an extra long step it just loosens up.

As for chafing, again it's a highly personal thing. Anything, whether it be a layer or two of fabric, or just salt and sweat can cause the chafing. My personal preference is to not add a layer of fabric, but to keep the potential rubbing spots as dry and clean and friction free as possible, mostly by washing and drying thoroughly. I use a pee rag (small piece of soft fabric that hangs on my pack) rather than tp as I find this gets me drier, even when raining, but I have also used body glide, vaseline, baby powder, gold bond powder, baby wipes, sanitizer (that stings!) etc at various times over the years, and even carried and occasionally worn briefs depending on the conditions. My preference for these times is a 150weight merino wool thong or brief, or synthetic if necessaary. prefer the wool because it doesn't retain odor.

First step would be to find a skirt to try hiking in. Hike with briefs at first if you prefer, to see where your rub spots are, if they are between your thighs then look for some solution to the skin on skin problem. If rub spots are a result of the fabric, then consider eliminating the briefs. If you're not used to not wearing them this will take a while to get used to, but maybe just carry the briefs and try walking longer periods without them. If you do get chafing, try to consider alternative options to just putting them on, especially if the fabric was chafing you. Some options might be baby powder, or wiping with an alcohol free wet wipe and letting air out for a minute. To be honest, even if you have no chafing but you're not comfortable without anything on, after a few tries you're probably best off finding another solution. If you're not going to get comfortable with it then it kind of defeats the purpose.

jnetx

02-18-2010, 13:01

A kilt is NOT a skirt, technically. And the MH Kilt is not a kilt by definition, either.

A kilt must reach two to three inches past the knees, have a pleated backside, and needs a claymore to back it up! ;)

But, in all honesty, it's the pleats and length that make a kilt a kilt and not just a skirt. And heck, I knew I needed to get new clothes for the hike anyway (I own jeans, jeans, and a few more pairs of jeans), so I'd rather a kilt than another pair of pants! :banana

By whose definition? if you look in merriam webster a kilt is a skirt, pleated and knee length. OR it's a any garment that resembles a kilt (kind of circular if you ask me). I'm sure anyone with scottish heritage would argue all kinds of technicalities and if any of us were attempting for the best dressed scotsman at the highland games we'd know all the technical reasons why a kilt is a kilt, but we're not!

I always considered a kilt to have pleats and a flat flap across the front, but a wraparound skirt could have the same thing. I also thought they had to be tartan, but I've seen scottish bagpipers in plain non tartan wools.

A skirt and a kilt in hiking terms are basically distinguishable only by the label on it when you bought it, or by the definition you choose. I refer to my mh kilt as a kilt because that's what I bought, but also as a skirt if I'm referring to hiking skirts. If guys want to wear a "kilt" because it sounds better than skirt to them, then so be it. It's definitely not pants or shorts!

KnittingMelissa

02-18-2010, 13:20

By whose definition?

General definition. Shorter means it's not a kilt because shorter means that a guy can't sit down without flashing everyone, and the pleats need to be there because otherwise it's just a skirt. The flat front panel isn't always used (though it should be in the majority of cases), and it doesn't need to always be wool or a tartan. But it needs the length and it needs the pleats.

A few years back some friends and I spent several months arguing over kilts (one of our friends was wearing a kilt that was too short, and kept insisting that, because it was plaid, it was a kilt, and then kept flashing everyone), and came up with the definition. Length + pleats = kilt. And, generally, if the argument got past that, well, a good Scot always has his claymore on him to back up the argument! :banana

Cuffs

02-18-2010, 13:22

Lets leave the definition battle to the dictionary writers please...

Jester2000

02-18-2010, 13:45

For those obsessing about what a kilt should look like, the new version of the MH Mountain Kilt will, in fact, have pleats in the back, and also looks a bit longer than the current design.

botanista

02-20-2010, 14:55

I've hiked in various skirts and sarongs over the years. Sarongs are very good for hiking- you just wrap them shorter, a bit like a kilt. For this hike, I'm planning to make a simple pencil skirt from board short fabric. Dries fast, doesn't cling even when wet. I'll layer tights under according to the weather.

I remember reading that before horse riding, pretty much everyone wore a skirt or loincloth.

quasarr

02-24-2010, 19:18

I haven't read the whole thread so this may have been addressed, but do you ladies have trouble with your thighs chafing in a skirt? I've never actually hiked in a skirt but I'm worried with sweat the chafing could be a problem. Maybe a solution would be to wear compression shorts underneath (would also help with modesty!) But that would kind of defeat the purpose of a skirt being cooler.

I want to hike the PCT in a few years and it sounds like a skirt is cooler and great for the desert.

betsi

02-26-2010, 15:54

i actually bought a MH guy's kilt at full price and it was worth *every penny.* the MH girl's hiking skirt doesn't (or, didn't, as the case may be) have enough pockets and i didn't like the feel of the fabric. the guy's kilt dries quickly and is a little longer.

go commando. it makes life so. much. easier.

i was worried about "chub rub" btw the upper thighs. i used body glide for a couple of days and everything was fine. i did choose to continue to carry body glide and on a couple of *really* humid days it came in handy. (and, after a 1,000 miles, there was less chub to rub.)