Gear Review: Backcountry Skirts

The Mountain Hardwear kilt is great! However I only wear it when I don't think I'll be around a lot of people. My wife thinks I look great in it, but I'm still self conscious about wearing a kilt.

I have a hiking kilt and a couple of skirts. I became a convert a couple of years ago when I was hiking and complaining about how hot it was. One female in our group dared me to use one of her light weight lacrosse skirts that she was using. I did and I could not believe how much better I enjoyed my trip. Came back ordered me a couple and have never looked back. So much cooler, and less binding. I get a few stares but I could care less. Hiking my own hike...in a skirt... :-)

I have seen a number of men of late hiking in Kilts and it appears to be a lot cooler than shorts or the zip off legging type pants. How about researching a story on Kilts and avialble materials and sources or how to make our own?

I too was so very tired of having to buy menswear and making do in illfitting technical clothing because companies cater primarily to the guys. (It's improving slowly.....) I starting wearing skorts while doing long distance backpacking about 2 yrs ago and will NEVER GO BACK! They are so much more comfortable than shorts...no multiple waistbands with the integrated liners...cool...no chafing...lightweight and quick drying. I'm 49 yrs old, going on 30, and am proud of my fitness level and my body. I am so thankful for the chance to do what I love and look strong and sexy while I do it. And no I'm not a girly girl...I wear leather chaps and jacket when I ride my Harley! And the only looks I've gotton when I'm on trail in a skirt, have been good ones! Keep 'em coming!!!

@ Katie, I was just at the Outdoor Retailer show last weekend and Ibex has at least one dress for Spring 12 that looks perfect for hiking.

Try a WRAP. Best four letter word since GORP.
I always bring one in my bag and during the trip it will be used as a head scarf when the sun or bugs are too much, I wear it as a skirt when I'm hiking for ease of movement and ventilation, then it wraps around my bikini as a cover-up for around camp. Of course if I get chili it will wrap around me right on top of my bag. Sometimes I hang it over a few branches for a small shady spot. They're about 10$ and are very multi-functional. Same idea, just more versatile and packs up small :)

@Alison - I know what you mean by the skort is like wearing shorts and a skirt at the same time..it might be like that if the skirt and shorts were made of the same material, but this is where the patagonia multi use skirt shines. the shorts are a much thinner, lighter material than the skirt (it might be their silk weight capilene, not sure) so the shorts actually feel like nothing, but with the bonus of being able to squat, high step, sit cross legged on the ground, cartwheel, etc. without flashing everyone. and since the shorts are so light, i doubt you'd be able to find a difference in dry time between them. basically, i pick a skort as a shorts substitute and i think this is where the length thing comes in. since i have shorts underneath, my skirt only needs to barely cover my ass (which is my preference), rather than a true skirt where one would need a longer length to stay covered.

@darwingirl - i've never had cargo pockets on anything and have always enjoyed my hikes. i put things like my map and knife in my pack...

I backpack in a skirt as well and find it incredibly comfortable and ventilated...guys, you are missing out! However there are technical considerations. 1.). It has to move enough to be able to take big strides. Otherwise it can trip you up on water crossings and semi-technical climbs. 2.). Large cargo-style pockets for map, knife etc. If it doesn't have these you won't enjoy your experience.

I almost always backpack in a dress. Not having any type of waistband under the hipbelt is fabulous and I get a much wider range of motion compared to shorts. I've hiked in some pretty rugged places in a dress and haven't been any more scratched up than I would've been in shorts. It's not always easy to find a synthetic dress that fits the bill, but Title Nine usually has some options as does Patagonia.

My friend Robin (male) finds the Mountain Hardwear backpacking kilt quite comfortable.

"a little less to the imagination"

Don't you mean more to the imagination? Or are you trying to let them peek up your skirt?

I have Patagonia's skirt, very cute, nice fit and works well for hiking.

Thanks for your comments, it is great to hear how well the skorts are working for you. Personally, I find it to be like wearing shorts and a skirt at the same time, plus it takes longer to dry at camp if you have washed it. Surprised to hear that even the CYA skirt is too long, at 14", that skirt is really too short for me to wear in town. YMMV, of course!

Also, the Outdoor Research Expressa skort and Mountain Hardwear Pacer advance skort are both fantastic! They are lightweight, quick drying, super comfy, and a bit short, but have built in spandex that are really comfortable. I thru-hiked the AT in these and loved the comfort, lack of chaffing, femininity it brought to the backcountry!

if you like to go mini skirt (i find all the skirts listed above on the long-side) try the patagonia multi use skirt. it has built-in shorts, dries super quickly, has a flat waistband and comes in different colors and prints. it's my fav!

Some related musings by me on my blog:

http://allisonoutside.com/2011/08/02/on-being-a-model/