If you’ve been hiking for a while, you understand that the quest for the best and most comfortable gear is never-ending. Today we’re going to be covering the best men’s hiking kilts (also known as men’s hiking skirts) and why wearing a hiking kilt will make you wonder how you ever hit the trail without one.
There are three key components to a great hiking kilt:
- Material: it’s got to be breathable and comfortable
- Size: your hiking kilt needs to fit well and stay on your body
- Features: pockets, extra storage, belt loops, and more
Read More: Men’s Hiking Kilt Buying Guide
The 5 Best Men’s Hiking Kilts
Sport Kilt Borealis Men’s Hiking Kilt
The Borealis Hiking Kilt by Sport Kilt earned top marks thanks to it being super lightweight and made of quick drying and breathable microfiber.
It has a 22 ½” length and has a Velcro closure with a little elasticity in the waistband to make sure it stays on where it should for your time on the trail.
Why We Like It:
- Simple design
- Velcro & elastic waistband ensures a great fit
- Extremely lightweight and breathable
Damn Near Kilt ‘Em Men’s Techlight Rogue Utility Hiking Kilt
The Techlite Rogue Utility Kilt is great for many reasons, but what put it on our list was it’s lightweight and durable construction.
This kilt has snap closure, a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend to make it quick drying yet tough, and has belt loops for extra convenience and getting the fit just right.
Why We Like It:
- Dries quickly
- Durable materials
- Belt loops and snap closure
Tartanista Men’s Utility Cargo Hiking Kilt
The Tartanista Utility Cargo Hiking Kilt features a 24” length and is made from a 65% cotton / 35% polyester blend so it has the ruggedness of material while still offering the quick-dry characteristics of poly.
There’s belt loops and a sizable cargo pocket on each side which is convenient for holding your stuff.
Two fabric straps with eyelets and buckles help to cinch the kilt below the waist near your legs if you wish, and the kilt features internal studs for a better hold.
Why We Like It:
- Plenty of storage thanks to 2 cargo pockets that snap closed
- 24” length is great for modest types
- Belt loops and 2 buckle straps make sure you get a great fitting kilt
UT Kilts The Standard Utility Men’s Hiking Kilt
UT Kilts’ “The Standard” kilt offers a 22” length, tough cotton-poly blend, and comes in over 7 colors so there’s sure to be one that fits your taste.
There’s belt loops, snaps, side buckles, and two large cargo pockets for keeping everything you need with you.
Combine all this with the affordable price point and you’ve got a winning hiking kilt.
Why We Like It:
- Plenty of pockets
- Belt loops and snaps to get a great fit
- Durable and affordable
Lixada Waterproof Rain Kilt
Although not a hiking kilt in the traditional sense, the Lixada Waterproof Rain Kilt made our list for it’s sheer usefulness.
This kilt is made of nylon and has a silicon coating to make sure that it’s durable and 100% waterproof.
It weighs under 2.5 ounces and folds down small for storage, making it a great addition to your existing gear.
You can wear it over your existing hiking kilt, shorts, or pants to shed water and keep your lower body and footwear dry, and pack it away easily when not in use.
Why We Like It:
- Great waterproof solution to help you stay dry
- Ultra lightweight
- Small and compact storage
- Extremely affordable
Why Wear A Hiking Kilt?
Hiking kilts have big time advantages over shorts, which we’ll cover below:
Better Ventilation
The added airflow you get by not having fabric covering your upper legs and crotch area does wonders to reduce sweat, especially in warm weather.
This will keep you comfortable, less itchy, and moisture-free as you hike.
Increased Range Of Motion
You’ll be able to stretch your legs further apart in a kilt than you can in pants, which is very helpful for hiking steep inclines and moving around or over obstacles on the trail.
Having this extra range of motion is extremely convenient while hiking.
Improved Hygiene
With reduced sweat and better air flow, there’s less of a warm and moist environment for bacteria to breed.
Extra Pockets & Storage
Most hiking kilts offer extra pockets, D-loops, and other ways to carry more of your stuff with you, which can help keep your pack weight down and offer more convenient access to your most-used items.
Easier Bathroom Breaks
This may seem obvious, but it’s much easier to take a bio break when there’s no pants to mess with, as it’s much faster and even a little less conspicuous.
Water Crossing Made Easy
If your hike takes you over bodies of water, crossing them in a hiking kilt is simple- just hike it up and you’re not messing with wet pants legs and waiting for them to dry the rest of your time on the trail – it’s so simple!
Drawbacks Of Hiking In A Kilt
Less Insect And Brush Protection
Mosquitos, other insects, and brush all have easier access to your lower and upper legs when wearing a hiking skirt versus pants.
Consider the brush and foliage where you’ll be hiking when deciding what to wear, and be sure to bring along bug spray to protect yourself.
Incorrectly Sized Hiking Kilts Will Slip Down
Although this comes back to choosing the right size hiking kilt, if yours fits improperly and is weighed down by stuff in your pockets, it can slip down as you hike which can be annoying at best, or even can be a potential safety hazard.
Luckily, this can be remedied by making sure your waist measurements fit the kilt specs and also using a hiking belt.
Are You Confident Enough For A Kilt?
There’s nothing wrong with a man wearing a hiking skirt, but for some they may be self-conscious.
Don’t worry about other hikers – we’re an accepting and encouraging bunch – but traveling into your local town may get you some sideways glances.
Shrug them off and know that you’re hiking in comfort.
Hiking Kilt Buying Guide
Consider the following items closely when choosing your men’s hiking skirt or kilt:
Material
The material your hiking kilt is made of has a huge impact on how functional it is.
Kilts are primarily worn for comfort on the trail, so look for materials that are breathable and soft: the softness will make them pleasurable to wear, and the breathable materials will keep your body cool and help sweat to evaporate faster.
Look for hiking kilts made with breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool, polyester, nylon, or microfiber.
Avoid hiking kilts made with cotton as it absorbs more moisture and holds it longer than other fabrics.
Size
Many men’s hiking skirts are adjustable in size and some have different closure types: velcro, buttons, elastic, or buckles to name a few – some have a combination of these.
Whatever you decide upon, make sure your kilt fits your waist well so you’re not worrying about the kilt drooping, sagging, or otherwise becoming uncomfortable on the trail.
One thing to be clear on: the size of your hiking kilt will not match up exactly to your jeans or pants size! Be sure to measure your waist with an actual measuring tape and look at the manufacturer’s sizing guide to make certain that you are ordering correctly.
Features:
There are plenty of additional benefits that hiking kilts have over pants, and the primary one is storage.
Most options will offer a few extra pockets that may zip or snap closed, so factor your preference in when choosing.
Additionally, some kilt makers will also incorporate belt loops to accommodate a hiking belt or hiking waist pack, and you should look for this feature if you plan on using either.
Wrapping Up The Best Men’s Hiking Kilts And Men’s Hiking Skirts
We hope you’ve learned more about how to spot the best hiking kilt for your needs and that you take the leap and try one on your next outing.
Which kilt did you choose, and how did it work for you? Let us know in the comments below.