Skirt or kilt? Both offer freedom of movement, plenty of airflow, and pockets that actually earn their place on the trail. But a few differences in fit and design can make one your favorite.
At Purple Rain, our Adventure Skirt and Adventure Kilt take different approaches to the same goal: comfortable trail wear that moves with you. Here’s how to choose.
The Adventure Skirt: A simple shape with a wide, comfortable waistband
Our Adventure Skirt is a true skirt, with no built-in shorts or lining. That means plenty of airflow and easier pee breaks on the trail. If you prefer a separate layer underneath, you can choose what works for you.
The 4-inch yoga-style waistband lies flat under a backpack’s hip belt. Wear it higher or lower on your waist, or fold the waistband over to shorten the length.
Its A-line shape gives you room to stride without excessive flare, and the length generally falls above the knee, depending on your height and how you wear it.
And yes, there are pockets. The double pockets sit at the hips to move with you, rather than swinging around like cargo pockets. Each side has a drop-in pocket and a secure fold-over pocket for valuables. That second pocket is sneaky: one customer told us he didn’t find it for two years!
The Adventure Kilt: A wrap design with adjustable fit
Our Adventure Kilt has a wrap design without pleats. While originally designed for men, it’s worn and loved by women, too. Some hikers with curvier hips prefer the freedom of movement the wrap provides. Choose the design that feels right on your body, not the label.
The kilt has a narrower, 2.5-inch waistband with an integrated drawstring to fine-tune the fit. That adjustability is especially handy for thru-hikers whose fit needs may change over a long hike.
The overlapping panels also give you options when sitting in camp. You can arrange the fabric between your legs for extra coverage, so your hiking partners can enjoy the view of the mountains instead.
For windy stretches, a modesty snap connects the front panels. You can also snap through to the back panel to create a shorts-like configuration. That feature started with an idea from thru-hiker Allgood, a little trail ingenuity that became part of the design.
The kilt has double pockets similar to the skirt’s, but slightly larger to accommodate bigger hands.
So, which should you choose?
If you like a wide yoga-style waistband and a straightforward A-line shape, start with the Adventure Skirt.
If you prefer a wrap design, a drawstring-adjustable waist, and more ways to manage coverage while sitting or in the wind, start with the Adventure Kilt.
Both have the pockets and freedom of movement we love on the trail. The best choice is the one that lets you stop thinking about your clothes and get back to enjoying your hike.
Find your trail favorite: explore our Adventure Skirt and Adventure Kilt.