Ultralight Tips: Rain Kilts Vs. Rain Pants

[@andresleonphoto]

I used a very similar system for a long hike several years ago. It was very effective, but be aware that chafing on the back of the knees was a major issue. The material kept rubbing against my bare skin and was not pleasant at all. Once I became aware of this I adjusted up a little and then worked fine. Thanks for sharing!

[@BackcountryBanter]

For mildly cold weather, such as fringe seasons on the AT, yes. I still wore shorts hiking, as I heated up very fast when hiking. The kilt still worked well in this case. For cold nights I still had my long johns to sleep in.

[@spud156]

Great video. My first rain skirt was actually a pair of Dri-Ducks pants. I cut the legs off at the knees, then cut out the crotch and inseam. I wear them sideways so they had slits on the sides of the legs. This provides for pretty decent mobility, too. Weight ends up about 2.5 oz but they have the one drawback of Dri-Ducks, packability. While being very light they still take up a bit of room so now I most often carry a ULA kilt.

[@wio2189]

This is a classic! And still 100% valid.

[@user-neo71665]

If you are going through the trouble of making a kilt I would suggest just making a poncho that covers down to your knees. One less thing to carry, same benefits of a kilt, and can double as a tarp if needed.

[@spud156]

Great tip and I agree. A rain skirt or kilt is the better solution in spring through fall situations. I like the Dry Ducks Jacket for its performance to weight so I just cut the legs of the pants off at the knees and then cut the crotch and inseam out. Turn the result sideways when you put it on and you have a very functional rain skirt with slits up the sides for about 2.5 oz.

[@ShonryuB]

I used the dryducks UL one time for a section hike in 30 degree weather. After wearing them for 4 hours because they don't breath my shorts were soaked. You will sweat like crazy in those things. Last time I used them and will never go back. Kilts are way better and as stated when your moving even in very low temps your legs don't get cold.

[@TheHBHikerBoyScout]

Great points! I think I'm going to make me one of those. Thanks for sharing!

[@bushcraftone7240]

some advantages for a rain-kilt-skirt 1 equipment cover 2 ground-sheet 3 keep equipment off wet-damp floor 4 sitting on 5 mini-shelter 6 emergency-sled 7 emergency- tarp for gear or over hole in tent or tarp 8 changing mat 9 tent-footprint 10 gear carrier i would add some strategic placed eyelets or looped-webbing for some of ye above for extra versatility can you think of any-more potential usages for a rain-kilt-skirt...?? if so please add them below, thank you

[@jhippl]

i like the pants in the cooler weather because i count on the heat retention in cold rain

[@TryingTheHardHikeATAdrieWashne]

Awesome! Good idea! Live making my own things!

[@flowersafeheart]

Cool! Now im wondering your thoughts on gaiters and waterproof shoes. Also on those thin waterproof stretchy boots that go over any shoes. Ive also been learning many like a good hiking umbrella. And there are rain mittens. Backpack covers vs waterproof backpack. Fanny pack can be waterproof.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks Joe, I am going to make one of these ASAP...

[@windels11]

How far away do you live from hot springs ? I'm in weaverville maybe we could go on a little hike!

[@Bhamlunker]

once temps are cold, some of this can shift? in winter backpacking, the rain pants act as another layer for warmth...or as a backup layer for warmth...but in 3 season otherwise, I can see some benefits to the rain kilt. also can double as a ground sheet if you bring that for your hammock setup...I usually bring a bit of tyvek for that just as a small luxury item...this would replace that...

[@pedallinraw]

That's an amazing tip with that kilt,awesome!

[@BackcountryBanter]

The camera is a GoPro Hero 3 Black and I would absolutely recommend it if you're looking for a high quality but durable camera. Though there are several sites selling silnylon, the best I have found is: backwoodsdaydreamer (sorry, can't post links)

[@ashleyearick9204]

Hi there! How much fabric did you use to make your kilt? And besides maybe cost difference, why did you choose silnylon over dyneema?

[@flysubcompact]

Dude...that's a rain dress! Joking aside...excellent points...as usual from you. Thanks.

[@technosnob]

Im in the planning phase of making one the these. Could you please share the dimensions of yours?

[@carolewarner101]

Unless I'm hiking in summer on say the AT or a similar trail, I much prefer carrying rain pants to a kilt. They do much more than just keep off rain. They also act as wind pants and keep in warmth. Maybe I just don't get as hot as you do, but I don't find myself getting overheated in my rain pants except on the AT in summer (hot, humid, low altitude, wooded). Just sayin.

[@gosutuan]

Great video! Is there a good place online you would recommend for buying silnylon, and I also love the quality of your videos very much, may I ask what vdo camera do you use?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Not terribly far, I live near Charlotte. I'd definitely like to get out and do some more hiking.

[@vplane]

One place I've found that rain pants might be preferable is in the High Sierra. When sudden afternoon storms hit, even in the summer, the rain can sometimes be cold enough to cause hypothermia. Even though they don't help with the wet feet, full pants might help with the loss of heat from the lower half of your body. But now I'm wondering, how much of a factor in hypothermia is loss of heat from your bottom half? Hmm.

[@MrLeviaFUN]

Good idea, but how does it behave in windy conditions ? Seems like the back of the legs will get soaked if the wind continuously lifts the back of the dress... I mean "kilt"

[@BackcountryBanter]

There are two tabs on the corners of the skirt that can be secured together in windy conditions. It still manages to keep your shorts dry in my experience.

[@einzigkeit7216]

Did you ever thought of making one more like a skirt without the side opening. Any thoughts about the breathability effectiveness or the air circulation? Thanks Joe

[@BackcountryBanter]

I have, and I mocked up a design. It ends up being way too constricting for walking and especially for stepping up/down. I'm sure breathability wouldn't be as effective either.

[@deckmastercelticguardian8582]

Great idea!!!! Awesome

[@wendyrixstine8516]

Joe, please share how you secure and cut the hole for the drawstring waist... I just can't figure it out.

[@BackcountryBanter]

My next video will be how to make a DIY rain skirt.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Good luck with a rain kilt above the treeline. In Scotland or Scandinavia, literally no-one uses them. For walking in the woods, it might be a good idea. But when the wind is driving into you at 60mph you're simply going to get soaked and hypothermic.

[@robXjames]

Great video!

[@8FuzzyLegs]

Please tell me how how made this with the elastic drawstring!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Just use a rolled hem at the top of the skirt and run an elastic cord through it. Use a cord-lock to adjust tightness.

[@joshbaker2157]

Magic

[@robXjames]

And you really should make a video on how to make one of these kilts!

[@philipbuckley759]

forget the two of them and get a zpaks poncho ground cloth....it covers you, the back pack and has ventilates becoming a game changer, for sure...

[@lighterpacks]

What material are they made of? Cuben fiber?

[@steveandsandyhikes]

Hey Joe. I've really enjoyed your thru hike videos. What material did you use for your rain kilt?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Steve Hansen It's siliconized nylon aka silnylon. Ripstopbytheroll is a great website to source it from.

[@citizen1435]

Cute! But a very good idea. I'm going to have to get one. Rain pants are expensive.

[@greenmikey]

I would call up Noah Lamport. You can get Silnylon seconds for 3 dollars a yard. Their customer service isnt the best always but at 3 dollars a yard that is cheaper than I can buy regular 1.1 nylon often. There is a 10 Yd min and 5 dollar cutting fee but it still comes out cheaper. Make sure to ask them to ship it off the roll to save on shipping cost.

[@HikeRx]

What about rain shorts?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Haha, when this video was made those weren't really a thing yet (as far as I know anyways.) They are certainly an option but in my opinion they are less convenient than a skirt because you can't just wrap them around you.

[@MessiahHasReturned]

A Hat, a Poncho, a Kilt, two small calf-kilts and you are done. On rain-pause simply lift and fix your Kilt to your hips and throw your Poncho over your shoulders and fix it with some self made fixes too. No dressing on and off is needed.

[@obiwanjacobi]

And its multi-purpose - you can use it in camp as part of your shelter or somesuch...

[@XArmyMP]

damn dude your going to save me 1 lb with your rain kilt idea.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm working on a DIY rain skirt instructional which will come out soon if you are wanting to build your own.

[@XArmyMP]

hell yea! thanks

[@zackedwards7803]

What if your wearing long pants? Then you have wet pant legs and socks and shoes.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Is he associated with a website or anything? Never heard of him.

[@thelawlesshiker]

Hey man, I'll trade you a practically brand new zpacks cuben fiber rain kilt for a kilt like yours. I don't like cuben fiber to be honest. It's too loud and crinkly. But it weighs nothing. Lemme know if you're interested.

[@nullobject5668]

I wear waterproof boots plus tall gaiters... I never get wet feet. Wet feet are avoidable... dry feet are much more healthy and comfy.

[@maximusmeridius1272]

+NL Slacker Hey Slack, the only problem with water proof boots is that they take so much longer to dry than non-waterproof boots. Not really an issue of you are a day hiker, but for long distance hikes, porous footwear is the way to go.

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

I have a rain kilt that goes with my tarp for a door/visitable

[@marlkarx1474]

Kilts seem great for hikes/runs/walks but bad for cycling and trail riding.

[@BivouacBradley]

Actually, wet pants are surprisingly heavy. Not to mention uncomfortable.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Carry a External frame backpack, then 10 to 12 oz will not matter...

[@windels11]

Ill message you. Maybe we can plan something

[@sketchlock]

Or you could just not bring rain paints or a rain quilt and save even more weight.

[@maximusmeridius1272]

Joe, within 15 seconds of this video I knew which one you were biased to -not necessarily a bad thing. However, for future reference, speak of the facts and let your viewers decide which gear they want -ie: you really bashed the pants for not keeping your boots dry, but the truth is the kilt won't keep you feet dry either. Anyway, I enjoyed the video for sure. I hope you'll follow through and make another video on how you made the kilt. I would consider making one if I had a sample video to follow. I too was going to ask what material you made the kilt from but I see you already answered that previously. If you make a video on making the kilt, make sure you are specific on all the materials you are using: what the material is, where you bought it from, how much you paid, etc. Thanks Joe!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

He is making a comparison video on a rain kilt because...what... he doesn't like them? He explained (not bashed) that nothing keeps you lower legs dry and the kilt is lighter, more compact and offers better ventilation. This was a great video not needing any suspense or plot twists. Besides... did you continue to watch after 15 seconds? I rest my case.

[@joshbaker2157]

He believed and stated that the pants were designed to keep your boots dry. And also stated that the skirt is not designed to do so. So, there's that.

[@PabloMelendez1969]

Cute feet!