Is the GREAT KILT still useful in the 21st Century? Winter overnight camping experiment

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Long Time Lurker... First Time Commenter here. Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed watching your channel and your travels. I have adopted some of your gear & techniques to my own interpretation of an 18th Century American Frontiersman. Thank you for sharing your experiences with a wider audience!

[@martinmeltzer2696]

In addition... Thank you for recommending the book, "School Of The Moon"! I had NEVER heard of it. I found a reasonably priced copy on Amazon... and it was a very enjoyable read that was jam packed with nuggets of information. It was a very welcome addition to the works of Walter Scott!

[@craigstege6376]

Funny you mention the wool and Nylon mix. That was an old soldier / outdoorsman trick that popped up once women's nylon stockings became available. Wool and nylon have extremely low friction coefficients together - standard issue wool socks worn over nylon stockings dramatically reduce friction blistering and are especially useful on new boots that haven't quite contoured to your feet yet. Was a time you'd see a bunch of shave headed 18-21 year-olds raiding women's clothing departments for stockings around army bases - could tell when they had a long march coming up lol. It's the basis for a lot of two sock systems that are commercially sold today.

[@artinaam]

I use elements of my medieval clothing all the time with modern stuff - woolen hoods, cloaks, knitted gloves and hats, and so on. They are super cosy, fully functional and look great. Plus, there's nothing better for a hot summer day than a straw hat and a linen shirt :)

[@gnollman]

"A tactical nap," gonna have to remember that one. Good stuff, as always.

[@djmanparty123]

My seven year old has watched all of your videos so glad you’ve continued to put out more content

[@MichaelCHO-tl6di]

I love this man, a peaceful warrior we all need to be for this wonderful earth 💚⚔

[@Brettmlyons]

Peaceful warrior is a really great way to describe Tom. He's such a badass.

[@SequoiaRaven]

I almost forgot that modern equipment exists lol 😆. Great example Tom, you just showed us all that you don't have to be 100% historical or 100% modern, I like that. This is great inspiration to the person interested in history & the outdoors, but dosen't know how if they'd like it. Great video as always Tom. Thank you for respecting nature so much.

[@moorshound3243]

Yep I am the same, I blend the two old and new, but lots of the new is only good for a couple of seasons then it breaks for fails, I then always go back to wool blankets that are older then I am and they still work fine.

[@lindseyreyes983]

Drink plenty of water with the chia seeds 😅 What a great video! Tons of practical information. Thanks so much!

[@stolman2197]

I love mixing modern & period gear my current ruck is a roycroft frame with a old ALICE bag mounted on it.

[@erikhoff5010]

The Norse wore linen pants and tunics under their wool for extra warmth and to remove the wool as needed to cool off. Of course, using wool leg wraps would require you to remove them before removing the wool pants. Skal, I love your channel! Keep them coming!

[@lynneeie5226]

As a female viewer who spins & weaves, I would like to vote for more videos including information on women - the earisaid and highland women, their skills and knowledge? Are there traditions for women healers vs surgeons? And the waulking and weaving & dyeing. Are there any museums for such that you could collaborate with? I attended a weaving course once with a woman who worked in Nova Scotia & spoke of black houses and the Scottish immigrants there & there are waulking videos…. so perhaps a collaboration could be done?? Highland warrior visiting a croft or weaver’s cottage?? 🤞🏻🌿🌱 Happy film making!

[@spikemcnock8310]

Another great video Tom, keep them coming, I think alot of folk really enjoy them including me a seasoned camper for the last 40 years and counting. My father used to say "any fool can be uncomfortable", it took me years to understand that.

[@theredfox22]

I love this video please try this again with what you’ve learned to get a better system

[@paddor]

Cool video! I guess carrying 2-3 kg of wool with you is almost unavoidable if you want to use wool for all its amazing properties. I’ve been sleeping in the woods a lot the last few months and I’m usually bringing one large and one regular wool blanket. 2+1 kg. It’s definitely useful around the fire, as underblanket, folded into a triangle to warm your neck, shoulders, and back while sitting by the fire. Btw, check out Savotta’s sleep pad. Due to its flaps, one side always stays clean and dry. I love it.

[@fullmoonmaiden777]

You should come test it it in the Canadian Rockies in the winter. THEN you'll find out it's true worth. I used to wear kilts winter spring summer and fall and loved it. Now I just stick to my dresses and skirts. Wearing a kilt is a special occasion for me now. Greetings from Southern Alberta ✌️

[@daryld4457]

Not really, because his ancestors roamed the hills and mountains of Scotland, not Canada. Your scenario has no relevance to the functional ability of the great kilt to help you survive in the Scottish climate.

[@amybennett4487]

Manitoban here, -8 is a nice spring day for us! You could definitely rock a great kilt fall and spring but definitely not winter. Always wondered what the poor buggers thought of their first winter in the homesteading days.

[@ZEGTHEFISH]

-8C is a lt least dry. Scotland frequently goes either side of 0 everyday which means wet + cold which is super tough to account for. Consistent below freezing cold you just add more layers

[@paulabuist567]

​​@@daryld4457Not as irrelevant as you think. Scottish immigrants settled in Alberta, Canada, including in the Rocky Mountains.

[@victordl6282]

I mainly backpack with modern ultralight gear, but I love bringing my smaller tartan, replaces my sleeping bag together with a sleeping bag liner on hot days, and complements it on colder nights. It’s small enough to fit in my pack, replaces my fleece when used with a fibula, and is awesome for naps!

[@MrEmiosk]

My current bed consists of a cowhide, six sheepskins (sadly industrial standard, so I'd mostly look to double the number by next paycheck) an army wool quilt(I am looking to aquire two full great kilts worth of heavy and light weight felted wool) and a down pillow. Good enough for comfortable sleep, but not enough to overstay your welcome. In this summer heat (19c°+) its nice, if too hot most days.

[@thedriftingspore]

Man I really enjoy learning about how people lived and survived historically. I like the idea of blending that history with modern techniques and technology. Just using the historical gear in the way it was intended is kind of a form of time travel. There’s something important to that. Thank you for doing these Tom. I really appreciate it!

[@garrisonglaittli6428]

i think this was one of my favorite episodes. the lighting was a great change, and the pace of the video was fun

[@alicearial6055]

Love my great kilt, has kept me cozy and warm this last winter with the wonders of wool

[@ianbracken7973]

Would be interested in a follow up after you have refined your system. I'm guilty of putting everything in my rucksack. I could do to learn how to back off with the over packing.

[@jeff7798]

The hardest part of cold weather camping if done right like you did,is makeing yourself get out the cozy sleeping bag and into cold clothes.lol,love your channel

[@johnnivek9653]

One piece of modern kit that I recommend for anyone just getting into Bushcraft, camping, and survival but are on a budget is the Ozark Trail saw backed machete for $20 at Walmart or on eBay. It's short enough to fit in your pack and the saw back actually works. Seriously, even expensive saw backed machetes I've tried out usually don't work as saws, but the Ozark Trail one has teeth that are wider than the blade itself, meaning it doesn't get stuck a quarter of an inch into the wood like other ones do, and as a machete being its primary function it doesn't disappoint in that regard either except it can occasionally stick into the wood your chopping if it's too thick because of the blade profile. But it's a budget machete. You're not going to get much better in that price range for chopping. Happy holidays y'all!

[@Raveler1]

Tom, you've inspired me to try wearing my kilt in a mixed 21st century kit for hiking. I did an overnight shakedown with just a mountainsmith tour lumbar pack (and the clothes + kilt). Unfortunately, my kilt wasn't as long as yours, and didn't go all the way back around the hammock - so I could use it as underquilt or topquilt only. I found that, coupled with an emergency mylar blanket, I could survive a cold night (down to around 1-2 C) - but it wasn't a fun or comfortable experience. I'm going to try again, this time bringing an inflatable pad for inside the hammock, and use the kilt as the topquilt. Hopefully that'll be a better experience! If I can get everything into the lumbar pack, I'm hoping it'll be like a modern sporran. Thanks again for your inspiration to try this in the first place!

[@PaulDekleva]

Tom, a nice little video. I like the work you put into these videos. As a person living in a subtropical area of Australia, we would be trying to keep cool even in winter. I must admit that you get the grey cells working in my head when you talk about your interest in the old ways.

[@pepper3924]

BROO! The opening to the vid is awesome, the perfect mesh of modern and highlander

[@primeflux1]

How would you compare the swagman roll with the Great kilt? I am thinking role, utility, perforamnce against weight/bulk. They are both multipurpose item with similare roles (both are a insulation layer, both can be a part of a sleeping system). I just got myself the swagman roll for my summer trips both as a sleeping blanket and as a cozy warming cloth.

[@moorshound3243]

Are they any good? I want one as well.

[@BrandonE-ri4km]

Yes! This is what I’ve been waiting for. Mixing the old and the new

[@Jen999]

Could not help but wonder if Tom ever gets lonely.. Enjoy being alone at times.. but seems at night in the cold.. would be nice to have someone to talk to.. easy to keep warm also.. we were wondering if he had a family.. and if they ever go with him sometimes.. My husband and I.. and later our boys.. love living in the outdoors.. knowing how good it feels to share these awesome experiences.. we felt bad for him.. all alone out there💜💙

[@journeyman7189]

Great video Tom. A good mix of the old and new can be awesome. It's just finding that sweet spot between them all. Nothing beats wool around a fire and for its overall comfort. I usually have a wool blanket with me since I don't have a kilt. But I'd like one 😁 Nate

[@laceygreenwood]

Nothing better that wilderness survival. More of us should learn how -- if we're still young enough! Enjoy your videos!

[@user-tu5un8jc9v]

How I love your channel!!! Can't wait for your next video. It's seriously my favorite channel on historical and survival/resilience topics.

[@AmazingJane137]

Some beautiful landscape shots as always. Wonderful content.

[@josephr9551]

Well done Tom for an instructive video. I love that belted tan poncho you were wearing briefly. Be well Tom!

[@gordonlawrence1448]

I can't help wondering if there is a version of plaid that was wider. I can find no historical evidence for it, but it would make a very good tarp substitute. I was also thinking the thick socks with Roman style sandals would work well cross country. All in all a very interesting vid, You might be able to find that settlement by finding the grid reference and checking with a library to look at a very old map of the area. They are more often in council archives than the library. Some are even available online.

[@paulabuist567]

New to the channel, and I love all I have seen so far and the new information that is helping me rethink how and what I pack. I will say drinking out of a stream got me😱

[@violadamore2-bu2ch]

I love the scenery and admire the bravery and adventure you demonstrate.

[@airbornedunce7805]

Keep up the good work man! I incorporated some of your survival stuff during my time as a paratrooper in the army and now that I'm out when I hike I use a walking stick.

[@bigwilf1966]

Been using the great kilt for music festivals with a modern rain ponco and combat trousers and leg wraps for the night/ midge time. works great and dont need to keep running back to the tent for extra or less clothing, Got your first vidio on this garment too thank for that.

[@haggispixi]

Informative and well presented. You're always a pleasure to watch. I had a great kilt figured as weighing about 1.5kg tops in my head. Surprised how much heavier they really are holy cow. Take care out there.

[@pjccwest]

Brother Langhorne, 🙏. A pleasure as always.

[@margaretparsons9858]

You can also use it as a carry bag & carry it & gear over your shoulders or diagonal across your body

[@CanYouHearTheWhistling]

Yayyyy another amazing videoo your the best content creator on KZbin

[@simplylifeau]

Love your passion to keep experimenting and learning Tom, thanks for sharing it…👍

[@simplylifeau]

Ps was oil skin or cotton soaked in oil used as a material in those times? Combined with wool you can make some rugged and versatile kit.

[@AdianGess]

Thanks Tom, always interesting and good wee tips. Cheers

[@PAULWICKS-xy6kt]

liking your style, very impressed with practicalities.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

I came for the kilt, stayed for the Tactical Nap!

[@johndanielharold3633]

Great. Thanks!

[@pedroferreira4134]

Very nice hybrid camping. Interesting to watch. You did well.

[@Jimmyfisher121]

The great Kilt is great Tom, who knew.

[@korkad_]

Dunno if the community post made me see this sooner but it's nice to be early

[@stuartmccloud307]

Great video Tom, love your honest approach and review. But I love the fantastic scenery every bit more :)

[@lmccampbell]

I have a sportkilt which I added another section of cloth matching the two flats and pleats at the waist making a hybrid style kilt. The fabric is lightweight and much nicer than using a full great kilt giving the functionality minus the weight.

[@joshuacook4116]

Tom, I'd love to see what you come up with for a more streamlined mixed system for this. I'd greatly appreciate seeing how one could use the plaid practically in the modern world.

[@craigstege6376]

Looks like a Danish style ruck. I have one myself that's starting to break up after ~20 years. Tossing up the idea of replacing the belt fastener or just buying a replacement pack at this point.

[@centerofgravityservices5284]

Excellent work my friend. I've loved watching your videos over the past few years. Keep em comin. ❤

[@mediocreman561]

You should work out a way to use the walking staff as a hammock stand for the times that the trees are too far apart. Good content.

[@TermiteUSA]

Don't tie it up at nite, you might need your walking stick to beat away the she-wolves.

[@monkeymanwasd1239]

​@@TermiteUSAlol I forgot about that song

[@DavisShaun]

Very interesting video. Have you ever tried making a great kilt from a length of modern fleece. It would be interesting to see how an old garment would work when made from a modern material.

[@flokiausflake1671]

Thank you for this video

[@VoodooViking]

I’ve gone camping and hiking in 20 degree Fahrenheit in a cotton kilt. I never had any issue. Just pack and wear your kilt hose and keep your core temp protected and you’ll be fine. And be sure to stop Off periodically for hot coffee or tea, along with hot broth.

[@mojo89]

What is the title of, and whom is the singer, of the song which starts in the video around 13:01?

[@jess53nz]

Description says who the musician is and links channels 😊

[@alejandrodeleon5407]

Hey pal, great video. Are you familiar with systema Russian martial art shovels? They have all the edges sharpened... could be useful for your hikings. Thanks for the awesome landscapes and priceless lore.

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

After seeing your 17c series I have designed and am building a Modern Longhunter kit. Using wool blankets and oilskin/waxed canvas. I just wanted to ask if you'd consider using your great kilt as a cape or cloak instead of as a kilt? In my addled mind I see it as a compromise in a mixed modern/historical kit. Taking advantage of it's utility as a heat trap and carry all and combining it with a (maybe) smaller pack to haul your favorite gear from all eras on a journey. My not having one or any experience with one, other than your vids, gives me ideas on how to use it that aren't traditional but I can't really try. In my head it'd be kinda like a poncho without going over your head and tied to carry gear as yours does over one shoulder. Again just a wandering thot from an addled mind. I may try sewing 2 army wools together end to end to resemble a great kilt to try it. Great vid! Thanks for keeping history alive!

[@MrEmiosk]

It's too big to carry and use unless you fold it and tie it to your waist. Any quilt longer than three metres (10f) is just a waste of carry weight and space if you aren't going to wear it belted. My army quilt is 2 meters and 1.4m wide, it is big and heavy as is, is enough to wear as a mantle, stomach warmer, I use it to pack everything that doesn't fit in my bags etc. In conclusion the great kilt is great, but if you aren't going to wear it as a great kilt, don't bring a great kilt sized blanket.

[@Brettmlyons]

I use the Eno double nest with the bd underblanket. And use the extra fabric for that glorious "micro climate" he mentioned

[@sierrasukalski2133]

This video was worth it just for that moment where he showed loading up the kilt, before putting his backpack back on. Fantastic! Right?!

[@dancampbell9090]

Better to have and not need than not to have and not survive, my Winter load out is based around that principle, as a Scot, I know to respect those hills, looked dry on that wee walk, the wool scores when it's wind and rain, Ive never been a fan of down sleeping bags in Scotland, how much money is that Plaid? I sometimes chuck a Jungle Blanket XL in the bag to fulfill similar function to your Plaid, prices I've seen for a proper one look expensive

[@bombardboxing]

It's what I use to camp and backpack instead of modern gear. It's my clothes, coat, backpack (I can stuff everything in the 'pockets'), and sleeping bag, so I need none of those things.

[@chrisshepard495]

Where can I get a plaid just like your brown/tan one in the US?

[@moorshound3243]

Have one made

[@Chadswonderfulwalkingtours]

Watching from Mackinac Island Michigan

[@christiankrahl659]

I loved the video. Just a thought. How would a 21th century greart kilt maybe look like? A different approach? Greetings from Germany.

[@AngryIrishman0007]

The kilt is good in the winter. As long as you wear Wool thermals and wool shocks. Why do you get funny looks when you wear a Kilt in Edinburgh? You should try the Amok hammock! Much more comfortable than a normal hammock. Also, how much should you pay for a Kilt? I think £1,000 is too much for a kilt.

[@kathyk479]

I like your series. Do they sell banok in Scotland?

[@UFOBobTV]

Odd. I haven’t watched your videos in ages. A few days ago I was wondering if you were still at it, then today this video showed up in my feed.

[@px5591]

Nice

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

Great video! Best wishes!

[@wobblysauce]

Bannocks are great... and don't leave home without one.

[@danieladams2986]

Hi, really cool video thanks. What tarp are you using please?

[@TermiteUSA]

Question: I am not a Scotsman. Is there a non-clan pattern of plaid or tartan that is acceptable to wear? Is there any etiqutte "us ferengers" should know?

[@SuperFunkmachine]

Just wear any open tartan you like.

[@TheGeoffable]

Basically, wear what you want. The whole "tartan per clan" thing is a bit of a myth, formalised by King George IV and the rest of them. In reality, clans would wear locally made tartans, usually from a small number of weavers, using wool dyed with whatever was handy locally, so yeah, they'd all end up in very similar styles, but there was no formal system of "clan X wears tartan Y". Basically, wear whatever you want - and there's loads of non-historical tartans available these days. If you turn up to a coronation wearing Royal Stewart then *somebody* is bound to get upset, but even then the majority of us don't really care. Jackie Stewart, the F1 driver, had a helmet designed in it.

[@songperformer_NET]

MacNumpty is a really popular pattern for non Scots to buy

[@TermiteUSA]

Thanks. Cheers yall.

[@TheGeoffable]

@@TermiteUSA "Yous" is Scots for "y'all", for reference ;)

[@Kinetic.44]

Multifunctional is the trademake of good survival gear, this is really awesome. I want to make one out of waxed canvas, what do you think?

[@bateptesicus]

Funny thinh, yesterday I was thinkink how it would be to go on longdistance hike with a kilt and all my modern ultralight equipment. The only problem is I do not own a kilt. 😅 Anyone know where to buy a proper one? To do a West Higjland Way in a kilt, thats an idea❤

[@TheGeoffable]

Do it out of midge season, that's all I'm saying!

[@bateptesicus]

@@TheGeoffable 😄

[@내이름은재난대피하죠]

와 낭만 넘친다

[@christophernaisbitt6038]

Some what unrelated question. I’ve recently learnt that Silver Weed is also known as the seventh bread of the Gaels. Does anyone know what the other six are? Great video btw 😉

[@trikepilot101]

Great video, just like all the others. : )

[@AlanAlanAlanDave]

Where can I buy plaid material long enough

[@slingshotjohnny1]

Right then, why not line the hammock with the sleeping pad and plaid? Does that compress things so much as to compromise insulation layers?

[@padd6007]

Woooo first🎉

[@infopubs]

The cozy factor of pulling the plaid up over your face both at night and for a nap shouldn't be discounted! There's something really secure feeling about that, adding a peacefulness to the trek.

[@bigbrother5777]

Evry time I'm away hiking n wild camping, it's me great kilt that's worn. Makes a nice change from my daily wear small kilt That soviet shovel is beloved by Spetnaz, they also sharpen an edge. Combined digging, carving, cutting tool as well as a weapon for close in and even throwing

[@LuxisAlukard]

I don't know about usefullness, but it still looks awesome!

[@scottbroadfoot3530]

How about using modern waterproofing on the great kilt?

[@nick_crack9467]

Hey Thx so much for the new video and also, how are these boots called? They seem pretty nice

[@remereme3225]

Any links to a plaid like that ? I have tried looking online but there’s too many options I don’t know what I’m looking for

[@AnthonyTyson-ym5gs]

Nice Vidz. Lyve 4Evr Compadrez

[@Muttonchop57]

When I'm camping overnight in the wilderness where do I plug in my Cpap?

[@k9six185]

Would a plaid half as long be easier to manage but still have benefits do ya think?

[@leegosling]

Would be interested to see how a Paramo kilt would work with modern kit. Waterproof, cooler, lighter but still warm (though more a tarp than a sleeping system)

[@Malefleur]

There was a slight envy. Here, Brazil, survival involves dealing with infernal heat and humidity, mosquitoes, spiders, pumas and jaguars, alligators, anacondas, piranhas, malaria, yellow fever, zika, dengue fever, chikungunya, and forests so thick that it's 12 :00 It already feels like late afternoon. The number of people who have had to be rescued by firefighters on these survival trips is even discouraging.

[@itsablack1]

Hi... Wad it you I met on Saturday coming off Maoile Lunndaidh , strolling through the clag in your bare feet 😳👍😂.... Thought it was a ghost from 16th century 😂

[@DorothyJones-qq8pu]

Hi, I’ve watched all your videos and am a great fan. I’m a trustee of Crieff & Strathearn museum which is about to open next week for the first time and we’d love to show your videos. Is this possible? If so how do I contact you. You can contact the museum on our website. I hope you’ll get in touch. Your videos will enhance our drovers information. 😊

[@erikhoff5010]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Peanut butter and Chocolate bannock for breakfast, or any other meal. I will have to get that recipe from you sometime. Lol