Because sheep can hear a zipper a mile away

Ambulance Driver reports on his experiences in going kilted.

Jokes about "if I need to travel by air again..." aside, I've actually given some thought to the Kilt Option.  See, I mainly wear cotton shorts, and they have an annoying tendency to wear out at the crotch - maybe something to do with my walking 5-10 miles a day.  When they wear out, the rough worn-out patch starts wearing at my skin... and when this happens in the middle of a 5-mile hike, things get decidedly uncomfortable.

So, I've been considering options for hiking attire that wouldn't have the wearing-out-at-the-crotch problem.  One possibility is Lederhosen, which ought to wear out much more slowly, but taking care of leather garments is a bit of work, and besides a search for "cargo Lederhosen" turns up nothing that looks like a product (with the possible exception of vaguely Lederhosen-styled cotton cargo shorts), and I need plenty of pockets.

The other obvious option is a Utilikilt.  Abundant pockets, and no crotch to wear out at all!

And it's not like I'd suddenly look goofy.  Standard morning walkies attire consists of cowboy hat, Hawaiian shirt, tacky-khaki cargo shorts, and Five Fingerses.  (Althouse would not approve.)  How much goofier would I look with a kilt?

On the other hand... kilts are pricey, and if I spent that kind of money on one, well,  I'd be pretty much committed to actually wearing the thing, wouldn't I?  And, realistically, I'd need more than one, to allow for laundry day.

So... well... maybe.  Of course, I could always have a go at making my own (kilt or cargo Lederhosen), if I suddenly started having craft time available (and if I got around to fixing the sewing machine).

Afterthought: a kilt would perhaps not be the best attire for a hike that includes river crossings.  For those, I think I'll stick to swimming trunks.

 

Comments

[Ambulance_Driver]

I got enough material for four cargo kilts and the appropriate fasteners and decorative hardware for just over $100. Beats the heck out of a Utilikilt.

[Eric Wilner]

Hmmm... got to study up on kilt construction, and rummage around the discount fabric stores, in my copious free time. And clear off the sewing table, and see if I can find a replacement for the sewing machine's oddball capacitor that blew out last year, and....
Anyway, a homemade kilt would remove the "gotta wear it because I spent so much money" aspect, while adding the "gotta wear it because I spent so much time" angle. (Yes, I still wear the cloak I made many years ago, and it still attracts comment.)
Maybe a project for rainy winter mornings when I'm not hiking. And there seems to be plenty of information out there, based on a quick search for "kilt pattern" -- a little studying, a little playing with cheap muslin to get clear on the concept, and next thing you know my father will be wanting one.
And it should be both cheaper and easier than Lederhosen.