Some gal friends and I have joked, on more than one occasion, that we're going to organize a skirt hike--y'know, a dayhike where you don't necessarily have to be a girl to participate, but you do have to wear a skirt. (That second-to-last part added purely to encourage strapping lads with flowing manes and well-defined calf-muscles to don their boots and UtiliKilts and join us.)
Though I like the rugged functionality of the UtiliKilt, let's face it, on me, it just ain't flattering! I do not have the figure to pull off wickedly thick pleats and umpteen pockets without coming off looking like Frumptonia.
I found something a little more feminine in the Royal Robbins Discovery Skirt - a flattering mixture of functionality, durability, and ehh, maybe a little fashion, too. It's cute enough to wear to a job interview or out for a cocktail, yet rugged enough to emerge from a hike unscathed.
It's made of a slightly stretchy, moisture-wicking nylon-spandex blend that is figure-flattering without binding too tightly, and UPF rated up to 50. The inside of the wide, forgiving waistband is a breatheable mesh, and there's a back zipper for easy entry (though if you're not careful there, quickzip, it tends to bind). And with three pockets - a left hip pocket with snap closure, a right hip security pocket with vertical zipper, and a velcroed cargo pocket at the hemline- there's ample (and secure) room to store enough necessaries that you could conceivably leave your purse at home.
It's lightweight, it folds easily, and it's wrinkle-resistant, making it a versatile piece for your travel wardrobe.
The sizing seems to run a wee bit large though, maybe because of the stretch. I say reach for the ego boost and order down a size--And hurry up about it, so you can go on our skirt hike!
Grade: A
Those UtiliKilts are cotton = bad. I'd recommend a SportKilt (what they use for the Highland games) or even the Mountain Hardware Kilt (this one looks more like a skirt though). Either is synth fabric.
ReplyDeleteI gotta say, I second the Mountain Hardwear kilt for men. J got one and I'm tempted to follow suit!
ReplyDeletePS. That little flip at the bottom will visually narrow your hips! Nice little trick most women will love.
ReplyDeleteDear Dusty (And everyone else):
ReplyDeletePlease stop encouraging men to hike in skirts. They are not kilts. They are skirts.
A SportKilt is a kilt. I have one in the family tartan but I've never hiked in it. I have worn it to Home Depot for fun.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that it's in the family tartan is the only thing that distinguishes it from a skirt... :)
ReplyDelete