What Do You Actually Need for Kilted Hiking?

[@SkylerLinux]

I am living for Rocky's faces this ep

[@danpictish5457]

I hike here in Scotland in a kilt all the time and the more Merino wool the better: socks, base layers, glove inlays and balaclavas! There's no problem with the cold because my central core, wrapped in 100%, wool stays warm. I wear my sporran, as days of old, on my hip. My ancestors have been wearing kilts in the mountains since ancient times. My clan lands are in the Trossachs! Greetings from the foot of the Ochils!

[@KarenSDR]

I used to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park in my usual jeans, but wearing an arisaid-inpired tartan cloak. I pinned it so that the neck part could be pulled up over my head like a hood. It was great for all weather. One time I was on the crest of a tundra slope at 12,000 feet with my hooded cloak and staff. A woman below me looked up with a horrified face and said "I thought you were the Grim Reaper." :-D

[@1.1797]

You know, it wasn't until you showed the survival sporran that I realized a utilikilt would be perfect for hiking/camping.

[@navigator5426]

As someone who has done extensive hiking in a kilt in desert and high desert environments, you may want to not go ' Commando ' as I have had some problems and there are some good options for underwear. Also if you insist on going ' Commando ' while hiking a good option is a mix of Vaseline, Teatree Essential Oil, Citronella oil, and Wintergreen Essential oil, will keep insects off of your skin in private areas. And a good mineral oil mixed with Teatree oil in your hair will keep insects out of your hair. And for bare skin on arms & legs etc, a mix of glycerine, teatree oil and wintergreen/menthol will keep insects off of your skin. In desert areas where there is sunlight I just cover my head and neck with a light breathable natural cloth i.e. Cotton Cloth much like the tribes in the Sahara desert in the Middle East. This is very practical in case of Sand Storms which do occur in Arid deserts in the U.S.A. I have done that and I have been hiking in desert and woodland environments since the age of 5 years old, so basicly for 50 years. And according to scientists that study the behavior of bees, wasps and other flying and stinging insects, they are attracted to blue and purple colors, so for hiking in the wilderness, any color but blues and puples/Violets are good. Remember its not the city so safety first and wear clothes that help a search party spot you in case you get lost of injured and need help etc. Practical is smart and smart is Scotish and Irish as well. 😊❤✌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇲🇮🇪.

[@firewarrior9999]

I’m from Nevada, and I can vouch that the headcloth is the one of the most practical things you can bring.

[@MultiOhioman]

Not hiking but in mixed crowds modesty is the better part of valor.

[@stevenwalters3639]

Ticks are really bad in my area so I like khaki kilt hose so they’re easier to spot early on.

[@rickfrazier7114]

I hike the appalachian mountains here in southwest Virginia. In full 18th century highland wear. Heavy weight 100% wool tartan. Strait lasted 18th century shoe recreation as well. The historical preamiter, as well as, taking as little modern equipment as possible, adds a level of living history not avaliable with modern kilts and accessories.

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Thanks! Just ordered my Tactical Nylon Sporran from Stillwell!

[@ahwilson1744]

Just remember that the Black Knife was only worn in the sock when amongst friends; otherwise, it was considered a hideout knife. And no, with 15 Grandchildren I NEVER go Regimental.

[@michaelkennedy4346]

I hike extensively in the mountains of Washington. Whether it’s a day hike or a 100+ mile multi day traverse, I wear a leather sporran, always to the front. I tend to fasten it a bit higher and it rides nicely even with my pack’s hip belt. 50/50 with kilt hose and ties. Sgian dubh never. Regimental always. I also almost never tuck my shirt in my kilt. I prefer wool. It rains a lot here and my wool kilt keeps me warm even when wet. I like the little bit of bling with a pin, but I’ve had one break off crashing through some brush.

[@MWodenberg]

My ultralight kit is: 4 yard great kilt, +- skivvies, very light weight pants for evening, 18 liter pack, belt pouch. The kilt is used folded in half with a camp blanket inside the layers all pinned together. That will keep me warm to the mid-30s. The kilt is also my evening jacket. This all fits in my pack because I wear the bulkiest item. You don't realize how much resistance pants incur while climbing until you hike kilted; easily 10% energy savings.

[@joemikeska2657]

When I’m backpacking, I don’t really concern myself with remaining traditional. As y’all have said before, dress as you would with pants, just substitute a kilt. So instead of a sporran, I use a backpacking specific fanny pack in lieu of a sporran. Everything else is exactly what I would wear/carry when I’m hiking in pants.

[@lordzachariah]

Hiking in wintery northern Scotland in a kilt, I always wear a light backpack for extra clothing and rain gear. The sporran is a necessity as the wind here can be a bit intense for just a heavy kilt pin. Its also great for keeping the phone/flask/leatherman. Agree with leaving the sgian dubh behind as its not nessesarry. Ill leave the flashes as modern knee high wool socks like Darn Tough stay up all day.

[@relicpathfinder2800]

I use a fanny pack worn in front in lieu of a floppy sporran. Also have used a chest pack, non tactical, a outdoorsman style.

[@easyfiveOsink]

Really like the idea of a nylon sporran for day hikes. Excellent idea Eric!

[@PegasusArcher]

At 17,000 feet ASL and in any serious mountain climbing and hiking environment, wearing a kilt or a great kilt, a soft sporran for energy food-slide it to one side, merino wool socks, belt, sgian dubh is actually not a hindrance and useful as a pairing knife for eating. Gators always a good idea to help keep hose and feet dry. Base layer and wool sweater as dictated by weather. Head wear, as weather dictates.

[@thejacobitehiker4024]

I hike in a kilt or a Great Kilt all the time. Sometimes, If I take a full traditional inspired hike with a home-made backpack frame, sometimes I use a modern pack. I sometimes mix up gear, or go full traditional. I always wear a home-made sporran, possibles pouch and my pouch for my flint, steel and char tin. The last walk I done in my kilt was The West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Wouldn't hike any other way.

[@johnellis6959]

I got my bonnet on Monday and I love it. I wish I had gotten it earlier in the winter.

[@douglasfrank9323]

As a day hiker I rely on my lumbar pack no sporran with a folding knife in a pouch on my waist belt, compression shorts and hiking socks.

[@relicpathfinder2800]

I could see those "hiking" canvas sporrans having bells in stead of tassels for those in bear country.

[@forrestculver7301]

I often use a small bag worn on a jean belt with my kilt so I can move it easily to the side when doing physical activities

[@PhilipCrichton]

I agree with the nylon utility sporin for active and busy environments. As the SPL for a Wood Badge course, I was in and out of my sporin constantly and the nylon utility sporin as far better for keeping things organised. However, whenever there was an important ceremony, I'd swich over to the traditional formal sporin.

[@Cubestone]

First off, I wear a kilt made for hiking, the Mountain Hardwear El Commando. Like said in the video, sweat under the pack waist belt can be an issue and this kilt has a built-in panel to help with that. I shortened the hem a couple of inches to stay above my knees. Again, sweat. The kilt dragging across sweaty knees is a nuisance. Going uphill or down present different issues. Going up you lean forward a bit and get the knee dragging. Going down you tend to lean back slightly. This can lead to the kilt Hem hitting in the back of the knees. Sometimes this causes irritation. Hiking in Colorado steep inclines are not uncommon. Ticks are usually only real active in spring or early summer. As the weather warms and dries out they tend to go dormant under the leaf litter. I've had little trouble as long as I stay on trail, out of long grass, and not brushing under boughs. I don't use kilt accessories on a hike. I always have my folding knife and Leatherman. And no matter where I go (within permissive limits) I'm never without at least the folder. The only real difference hiking in a kilt, for me at least, is dumping the shorts/inseam for the comfort of the kilt.

[@davidcooper4119]

Keeping with tradition you could always carry a Sgian Achlais or 'armpit knife'. You can wear it slung with the sheathed blade residing under the upper arm similar to a handgun shoulder holster or if you lengthen the sling the blade can hang at hip level like a sword baldrick without digging in to your side like it would if held tightly on a belt or tucked into the top of the kilt. Worth experimenting with.... form follows function.

[@joshchandler9385]

Made the mistake of doing a mountain summit going “regimental “ as you say and boy let me tell u the chaffing was hell on the downhill. Ended up walking like a frog man the last few miles. Now I usually wear some compression shorts when I hike underneath my kilt.

[@wesleybarrett9502]

I am slowly getting into kilted hiking, however, a medium to large knife belted or in pack, and small knife belt, pocket, or even neck depending on person. A sporran I would forgo in most cases except for very short hikes and wanting to be presentable later.

[@mblaydoe]

A good sharp modern dirk in a belt sheath can be very useful, in place of sgian dhu, or any good camping knife or hatchet.

[@carolsosebee9032]

Kilt with Tevas. Great

[@TheKiltedAdventurer]

The only way I hike is in a kilt. A sporan doesn't work. The pockets in the utility kilts are a must. Ripstop is my favorite material. Don't need kilt hose, get some nice wool hiking socks and don't save expenses on the boots...very important.

[@1981stonemonkey]

4:36 Never under a tartan kilt. But a utilikilt + rugged outdoor sandals like Teva´s? Yes, sir! 6:18 Ticks don´t care if you´re wearing underwear or not. Experienced it myself. Tick wants to go there, it GOES THERE.

[@BelindaTN]

Don’t know much about the many ways of kilting, but I do have a lot of experience with ticks and chiggers. I have had many through out my life as have my family. Both prefer to get in the areas of tight clothing. We have always got them in the areas where the elastic grips the skin. Socks, waistbands, underwear with the elastic at the thighs or legs, and for is women, the upper part of the body with garments with elastic bands. I have always thought hiking wearing nothing could decrease the risk of these parasites from hell. Or at least reduce them. I have never tested my theory on that though. 😊

[@carsonwilson4542]

I did actually get stung by a scorpion up my kilt. Ouch.

[@DonaldBurdek]

Flashing may not seem like a big deal to the squirrel till he comes for your walnuts...

[@lorduggae]

But I only wear flashes to impress squirrels! 🤣

[@MatthiasJRichter]

60 l backpacks are pretty common.

[@leifodinnson]

All you need are the five C's: cordage ,a cutting tool, a metal water container, something for combustion, and if you're going to be out for a while, cover

[@richarddaugherty8583]

I hike a great deal in the desert Southwest and the minimum hike length I do is generally 6 miles in rough terrain (on trails). Elevation gained and lost on Mt Charleston (45 min from Las Vegas where I live) is about 3,000 to 4,000 feet over that distance. The smallest pack I take is an 18 liter by REI and the biggest is 60 liters for a winter backpacking trip. I do not wear my sporran for hiking as having it bounce against the 'bits' is at the very least, annoying. I never go commando! Certain parts do not like rugburn! I use a waist pack cinched tight and my backpack hip belt goes below the waist pack to lift it a bit. The sporran contents go in the waist pack for quick access. Kilted hiking is fantastic! I do wear flashes and a Bradford Guardian in the sheepsfoot blade configuration that I wear daily as my skeign dubh and it goes hiking. Never had a problem, and that's why I do wear flashes hiking. I do not wear a belt as it conflicts with the hip belt. I also wear a FlipBelt under my kilt with spare cash and spare car and house keys. BTW, I wear that daily, not just hiking. If you've ever had your debit card blocked due to fraud, spare cash can save you! It's happened to me three times though no fault of my own. Since I'm 66 years old and mostly hike solo I take what is needed to survive overnight if I turn an ankle or something. I won't be comfortable, but I'll be alive in the morning. I also never go out without my Garmin InReach Mini so I can call for a rescue if needed. There is generally no cell phone service where I hike.

[@firewarrior9999]

I’m from Northern Nevada, and I can attest to bringing some form of satellite device in case you need rescue. I’ve never needed it, but I can send pings to someone so that they can track me during my hunts.

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

Ok, I'm looking for that Traditional bray like wool mushroom hat you are wearing. Please tell me where I can get one!

[@jamesalexander6417]

Always wear drores when hiking in a kilt. Speaking from experience.

[@AtTheHomestead]

I always have a neck knife. Nothing on the hip and definitely not on the leg.

[@InfamousWolf89]

I personally wear a lightweight utility vest when kilted hiking because it gives me extra pockets

[@angryagain68]

Just an FYI here. A 60 liter backpack really isn't all that big. Sort of smallish for anything more serious than a day hike.

[@aridragonbeard745]

....but full of water?

[@angryagain68]

@@aridragonbeard745 "Liter" refers to a unit of measurement. "internal volume" Instead of C.U. (cubic inches)

[@aridragonbeard745]

@@angryagain68 I understood the comment in the video to be specifically about Camelbak-style backpacks that get filled with water, but maybe I need to re-watch

[@angryagain68]

@@aridragonbeard745 Hum...? Perhaps. Sounded more like a general statement of backpacking having "a huge pack, with the saddle bags" to me at least.

[@aridragonbeard745]

@@angryagain68 Just re-watched that little bit, and you're right, it's definitely a more general statement. I got thrown off because it was immediately between a mention of a small water bottle, and a mention of a fish tank

[@justmejesse6216]

I’m going hiking today in 10° weather

[@joanhoffman3702]

Whether the temperature is F or C, it’s still cold!

[@karlr750]

It's not bad weather provided you have adequate gear.

[@MultiOhioman]

Oh, there are 60 liter packs, but that’s serious camping trip.

[@amedeo4512]

In the old days you used to be able to get a thorn proof wax cotton kilt cover. Anyone know if they are still around?

[@Wraftor]

Eric, where did you get the Scottish bonnet you have pictured in the video? I don’t find them on your website. I’ve been looking for one for awhile. While looking online, not all are created equal. I really like the look and quality of yours.

[@karlr750]

I can't speak for Eric, but I bought a lightweight Scottish bonnet online from The Scottish Trading Company, and I'm quite happy with it. They have heavier weight Scottish bonnets also.

[@MrJaseg1971]

The framed pieces of tartan you have behind you, what do they represent and do you sell them?

[@davidalferez1019]

Hoy can i concealed carry in a kilt?

[@CroatiaSurvival]

Get one of those holsters for under a dress they make for the ladies

[@outpostraven]

My sporran is big enough

[@mblaydoe]

A small enough pistol in a pocket holster can fit nicely in a sporran. Do NOT forget the pocket holster. I have a Ruger LCP Max .380 ACP in my sporran right now. If you are wearing a jacket, you take a clue from the Sgian Achlais or 'armpit knife' mentioned elsewhere, with an underarm or suit holster.

[@Tipi_Dan]

Fandabi Dozi. Here.

[@Dd214medaddy]

PV? I work in the humid tropics (consistent 85F and humid), the lightest wool you stock I still fear would be too hot, but down here its natural materials only, polyester and synthetics can lead to lots more sweat and smell. How do you feel PV kilts perform in humid heat vs your lightest weight wool?