Short Days, Cold Nights, Blisters, and Human Waste--What a Blast!: ONF 3/10-13/2013

[Jungle Jim]

Great report! But I have to ask, why would you want to backpack in a kilt, even a thrifty kilt?

Now I've worn a kilt for formal occasions like a Burns' Dinner but they were traditional, heavy affairs. I checked out the Thrifty Kilt, expecting something designed for ultralight backpacking but was a little perplexed at what I found.....For $30 its a great deal but how much does that sucker weigh? Did you use a sporran? While its great to be able to enjoy.....ah.....total freedom, I don't imagine this will weigh less than a good pair of running shorts (about 4 ozs).

Jungle Jim

[FLRider]

Nice report, Rider! I should've gone with you. The Camp Blanding section is now unhike-able...we did hike Gold Head tho, and made the best of it.

- Duffy

Thanks, Duffy!

That's no good about the Blanding section; I'd heard nothing but good things about it. Gold Head is awfully pretty; stayed there with Mrs. FLRider a ways back for her birthday in one of the cabins. It took me the whole first day to realize that the repetitive noise in the distance was someone qualifying on an heavy machine gun (too deep in tone to be an AR) over at Blanding .

Well, we'll have to get together some time soon!

Great report! But I have to ask, why would you want to backpack in a kilt, even a thrifty kilt?

Now I've worn a kilt for formal occasions like a Burns' Dinner but they were traditional, heavy affairs. I checked out the Thrifty Kilt, expecting something designed for ultralight backpacking but was a little perplexed at what I found.....For $30 its a great deal but how much does that sucker weigh? Did you use a sporran? While its great to be able to enjoy.....ah.....total freedom, I don't imagine this will weigh less than a good pair of running shorts (about 4 ozs).

Jungle Jim

Thanks!

Yep, the kilt is heavier than a pair of running shorts, for sure (but nowhere near as heavy as a traditional wool kilt, let alone a great kilt). However, I get better air flow through (not an inconsiderable concern during the summers down here) and ease of access for the results of hydration (again, not an inconsiderable concern during the summers down here). It also dries faster than any pair of shorts I own (so it's better for cold, wet weather) and allows me to change from compression short underwear to long underwear in company without gymnastics inside of the hammock. Or from one pair of compression shorts to another if it's hot out (compression shorts are the one duplicate clothing item I carry on trips above three days; hygene down there goes a long way).

As an example of dry time, I'll put it in the washer (yes, it's machine washable, on the gentle cycle) with my poly athletic shirts. By the time the spin cycle is done, the kilt requires another ~10 to 15 minutes hanging to be bone dry. By contrast, my poly shirts require between an half hour and an hour. This is due to it being an acrylic material (which I wouldn't want in a pair of shorts; it's somewhat abrasive).

I don't use a sporran; it would interfere with my pack's waist belt. Instead, I've gone over to using an ID badge holder for my knife, ID, credit card, spare cash, and firestarting method (I need to get another firesteel since I broke mine and lost the actual cylinder a couple trips back ). That way, it's always on me.

Hope it helps!

[emcee]

Whew...happy to read that it was just about trash being left behind Glad to see you out on the trail!

[SilvrSurfr]

Sounds like a nice getaway. While I do pack out other people's trash, that particularly foul item would have to be left behind. You're a better man than me!

[FLRider]

Whew...happy to read that it was just about trash being left behind Glad to see you out on the trail!

Me, too. I was very happy to get out there. The hiking season down here is so short that I do need to take advantage of it before it's gone.

Sounds like a nice getaway. While I do pack out other people's trash, that particularly foul item would have to be left behind. You're a better man than me!

It most definitely was. Don't know about that; the stuff on the shirt was dry (and had been for a while). Still...I wish I'd had my gloves with me... 72 hours since I handled it, and no ill effects yet, so I think I'm in the clear.

[BillyBob58]

Great report, I enjoyed that!

[FLRider]

Great report, I enjoyed that!

Thank you! So did I!

[KYJim]

Thanks great report!!

[FLRider]

Thanks great report!!

Thank you!

[WV]

Fine report! Your word-pictures outpace photos by far.

I got a new firesteel kit a while back and picked up some extra rods to share with friends. PM me your address.