Chaps instead of troos

[Shewie]

Anyone use chaps for wet weather hiking? I can't bring myself to try the skirt option but I can appreciate improved breathability with chaps as opposed to elasticated waist overtrousers.

This type of affair ..

http://www.luxeoutdoor.com/eng/catalog-topic-gallery-view1.asp?id=1429&selfpath=/168

 

[edh]

No. But I can see the utility.
Skirt antipathy, why?

 

[fluffkitten]

Interesting.

Least they don't look like they'd be worn by the cowboy from the Village People.

 

[el manana]

These are in direct conflict with modern day waterproof jackets....which usually stop just above the navel.

You'd would end up with a soggy groin.

 

[Robin]

I did a (very) long time ago. Unless you wear a really long jacket, your crotch gets wet. Not pleasant.

 

[Shewie]

No. But I can see the utility.
Skirt antipathy, why?

Not sure really, they don't look that practical, a bit flappy?

Interesting.

Least they don't look like they'd be worn by the cowboy from the Village People.

These are in direct conflict with modern day waterproof jackets....which usually stop just above the navel.

You'd would end up with a soggy groin.

I did a (very) long time ago. Unless you wear a really long jacket, your crotch gets wet. Not pleasant.

That's good enough reason for me


Nothing to see here, move along now

 

[Teepee]

 

[Shewie]

Spongecrotch Shewbob

 

[edh]

Skirts not that flappy.
I have about 5 years using them: as you know I am out a lot.
No issues.
And NO shame

 

[dovidola]

Shewie you are a hero. My rain skirt is still on order, and these chaps may save me having to actually wear it. My rainjacket is of the longer-cut type, but those with UL 'shorties' might like to wear the skirt over the top of the chaps and hedge their bets, so to speak?

 

[cathyjc]

30yrs ago I made a pair of Chaps/Gaiters. I attached them to troos waistband/belt at the waist and clipped onto boots as gaiters at bottom.

I found that as legs rubbed together walking, the wet wicked it's way upwards and I got a soggy groin - even tho' my jacket was long/thigh length.
Only wore them a couple of times - they are probably still knocking around the house somewhere

 

[dovidola]

30yrs ago I made a pair of Chaps/Gaiters. I attached them to troos waistband/belt at the waist and clipped onto boots as gaiters at bottom.

I found that as legs rubbed together walking, the wet wicked it's way upwards and I got a soggy groin - even tho' my jacket was long/thigh length.
Only wore them a couple of times - they are probably still knocking around the house somewhere

Interesting. It might explain why such garments haven't found their way into the West's repertoire. There again, perhaps the material Luxe use has different wicking properties than what you employed all those years ago? On reflection, I'm doubtful that tent fabric is an ideal material for waterproof clothing, when worn close to the body, so perhaps it's going to have to be the skirt after all...

 

[edh]

Trend leaders shrug off criticism ....

 

[Imperial Dave]

well, at least you are easily spotted if you get into difficulty

 

[EM-Chiseller]

Man up and pit a skirt on.... Works for me lol

 

[Shewie]

Skirts not that flappy.
I have about 5 years using them: as you know I am out a lot.
No issues.
And NO shame

Back to this again

Would you take the skirt on a soggy UK trip Ed or just to the sunnier climes you like to visit?

 

[el manana]

Inov8 Race Ultra pants

I think mine are 90g

 

[Fair Weather Camper]

Back to this again

Would you take the skirt on a soggy UK trip Ed or just to the sunnier climes you like to visit?

Not certain that it's totally respectful to refer to other folks' significant others as 'the skirt'...
Shirley it should be a ladies free choice..

Man up and pit a skirt on.... Works for me lol

Come on guys It's really not that scarey, some of us have been wearing skirts for years and years.
Mayhap women are altogether braver, and more open minded????

Ime it depends on conditions.. Multi day trips in colder filthy weather I'd rather have trews..

For quick on and off in showery, but not too cold a skirt is great..

 

[gixer]

Wore a rain skirt on last years Lakes trip, won't bother taking WP trousers this year.

Had to hike it up in sections, both up hill and downhill, got wet ankles, other than that worked great

 

[edh]

Gurly

 

[Teepee]

Purely for academic reasons, what length of skirt/kilt is best if your were going to have one custom made for a beardy hill chubber?

Overlap at the side, or back? Velcro fastening waist, or poppers?

 

[Shewie]

 

[edh]

I favour a split skirt to the left

In actuality usually wear mine with the split at the back (depends on rain dirn).
Use a cord adjustable elastic so I can fit it to circumstance....... and circumference

 

[craige]

Purely for academic reasons, what length of skirt/kilt is best if your were going to have one custom made for a beardy hill chubber?

Overlap at the side, or back? Velcro fastening waist, or poppers?

Just below the knees is best/most practical ime. Overlap in the opposite direction from the wind works well, if little wind just wherever is most comfortable. Snaps and an adjustable elastic waist win for me. I've made 3 and velcro on the first one just wasn't for me, a pain to line up and adjust. 2 snaps guarantee the amount of overlap and the elastic is easy for waist adjustment.

 

[Teepee]

Thanks guys, great info. That's nailed it.