Author Topic: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)  (Read 76388 times)

Karla

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Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« on: August 13, 2013, 09:46:34 PM »
I'm on the lookout for a short hiking skirt. Basically a mini-skirt with a zip on one side. Something I can put on and take off easily and quickly without having to take off my hiking boots. A skirt that could withstand bum-scraping down the rocks of a mountain and which has pockets. You'd think it would be easy but no.

I never bothered in Scotland because I needed protection from the midges but the Alps don't have that problem. Every time I see a suitable skirt on a website or in an outdoor shop it turns out to be a Skort. I have no idea why anyone would bother wearing a skort as opposed to normal shorts. If you're going to have shorts then why have the skirt on the outside as well? Presumably the inner gusset isn't so restrictive and stops chafing but it doesn't help when me if I still need to take my boots off to take the skort off.

I'm wondering if I could make a short sarong out of some quick drying breathable material that they make outdoor trousers from. I don't really want a slit down the side but something that wraps around would work.
The irony is that when I went on the Newt (Naked European Walking Tour), some men there had some kind of barely concealing loin cloth especially designed for the purpose, there are even hiking kilts for men, yet I can't find a short hiking skirt for designed for a woman.

« Last Edit: August 14, 2013, 09:00:30 PM by Karla »

jbeegoode

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2013, 08:21:18 AM »
What to wear? Why? Is it a for a quick cover-up when you encounter strangers? A convenient protection from sun? Butt protection from sliding down rocks? 
A friend of mine uses a sarong. It is light, a towel, something to sit on, a sun block, a shade, a quick cover-up, breathes well, may be arranged as to not restrict movement, cloth for emergencies. Bum scraping down rocks sounds like a need to move naked slow and carefully. If you mean accidentally ripping it, they’re cheap and a fold will do a temporary fix. Our bodies are designed to be naked. She recommended the sarong for me, but she, like you, has to cover-up the top half, too.
You mentioned pockets. If I’m nude hiking, I don’t want them. I carry camera, snacks, etc. in a shoulder bag across the opposite shoulder and to the back. My water is carried similarly. A sarong won’t interfere with these, in a quick cover-up situation.
 
Depending on the situation, I cover-up, or not. If quick is desired, I have a wraparound with snaps and elastic. It makes me legal, but no fashion plate. Again, there’s no top.
 My girlfriend is very happy to get out of her short sundress. It goes on and off quick like a sack. The idea is to stay naked. She drapes it over her shoulders and pins it on with shoulder straps from water bottles or camera bag to protect her from the sun and strap tanlines wrecking her great all over tan.

You might consider just grinning and bare it. Most people in remote situations don’t mind, or at least recognize that they can’t expect city law, or convention out there. It’s not like the police would come out looking for you, with all of the logistics, making a case, and other responsibilities. Most hikers and bikers mostly look at their footing or front tire placement. Many many times, I have watched people go by, as I stand quietly just off the trail. A negative encounter is extremely rare. The art of stealth is a fun game and very good mindful awareness walking meditation. I hear, or see others nearly always, before they see me, especially when hiking nude. There is a greater sense of liberation when one is bare and no cover-up. Baring oneself is a good advertisement for nudity. Just stay naked and justify it as educating the public (incidentally, thank-you for your contribution to naturism here). They need to get used to it.
Barefoot all over, all over.

milfmog

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2013, 03:35:56 PM »
I have a couple of skirts that I use for easy cover up when hiking naked. My favourite is a wrap skirt made by Fat Face a few years ago (and sadly discontinued) which I had shortened to a couple of inches above the knee. This goes on quickly and is fastened with press studs, one on the left (inside edge) and three on the right (outer apron). This is great as I can put it on without breaking stride, even when wearing a rucksack.

I also have a Mountain Hardware “Mountain Kilt”. Despite the name this is not pleated. This is also a wrap skirt fastened with two press studs at the waist. It also has clips near the top of each thigh to keep the aprons wide, flat and provide assured coverage. I only use those when approaching civilisation as they are a bit of a pain. An extra press stud at the bottom of the inner apron fastens to the rear of the skirt to turn it into very baggy and free shorts and prevent those unfortunate “Marilyn moments” on windy days. This is very lightweight, tough and has two really good pockets. It is also very fast drying making it extremely practical for travel and backpacking. Naturally, it has been discontinued for a newer (read "spoiled") version called the “El Kommando”. The new one is pleated and heavier material (in order to keep the pleats). However, the originals do come up on Ebay from time to time so it is worth keeping your eyes open.

Have fun,


Ian.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood.

Karla

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2013, 10:17:00 PM »
Since posting this thread I did wonder when I would be using the skirt. When I'm on the hillside and likely to be bum sliding down rocky slopes I'll be naked. I feel like I could probably be more brazen about staying naked in front of other people now when I climb the hills again in Scotland although the problems Steve Gough, the naked rambler, has had suggests otherwise.

Ironically in Germany, although people are far more accepting of nudity and I've been naked in front of many clothed hill walkers here in the Alps, I'm not so comfortable with my poor German skills. Also Germans do tend to build busy restaurants in remote places which can be quite a shock when you think that you've got away from civilisation. We've been climbing the Alps with Richard Foley from Naktiv.net and he always makes sure to cover up when he goes near built up places even though he'll meet many of the same people when naked on the path. But even if I stay naked the whole day, it will be nice to be able to get dressed again without having to take my boots off.

On thinking about it, I've also been surprised at how comfortable the Germans are with urinating in public places compared to the Brits (although some Brits do it just as often but mainly when drunk).

There is an McTrek outlet store near where I work and I did find a Jack Wolfskin travel skirt and another one by a company called Vaude, although they were all the wrong sizes. Oddly enough I couldn't find them sold on-line, even on Jack Wolfskin's own website.


jbeegoode

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2013, 05:04:16 AM »
When I get around to it, I'm taking my wrap around skirt, to my friend the seamstress. It is actually a before and after bath wrap, light, but not very tough or outdoors looking. She has made complicated medieval recreation clothing for me in the past. This would be a piece of cake. I just bring her the material that I pick out and something to copy. If you can't find something commercial, voila, another option.
Jbee
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skin

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #5 on: December 18, 2013, 11:27:05 AM »
I tend to be in the 'not bother covering up' camp, and have never, so far, had any problems or complaints.
Some may say that the other people were too embarrassed to say anything or complain, but in my experience, they only ever smile, or give a friendly comment.
every garden should have a place where one may sit in the nude, drinking gin

peter

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2014, 05:58:00 AM »

nudewalker

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2014, 06:20:19 PM »
Karla, perhaps this will fit your needs. http://sportkilt.com/category/64/Women%27s-Hiking-Kilt.html. I have a male version for covering up when there is a high probability that textile encounters are likely. They have an easy Velcro closure and overlap enough to not have a slit. There is also a running kilt that a gentleman named Scott has online. He also provides the pattern for us do it yourselfers. A few quick sewing lessons and I was able to construct one myself!
"Always do what you are afraid to do"-Emerson

jbeegoode

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2014, 07:50:55 PM »
Fun site. Lots of ideas.

I found those women's mini kilts tantalizing, yet that's okay, even out on the trails. I'd never seen those provocative the lace slits, but that ain't trail. The movement of a skirt "helps" to eliminate harsh tanlines. Pants draw a definitive stop on a leg, usually.

As for the practicality, they appear clearly identifiable as kilts, not a "What's he/she wearing?" Kilts are acceptable garb. The Velcro makes goode sense. I have been delayed precious seconds pulling to find my snaps in a pinch. Velcro is quick, if it doesn't attach to the material of the rest of the skirt. The snaps are non-adjustable and my waist measurements fluctuate. There have been times when my bath-skirt was saggin' and threatening to fall off, until I shrank to the next adjustment.

I can understand the pleats for movement, although these were not used until a relatively short time ago. Why would they be only on the back? I have limited experience wit them, mostly imagination and observation.

With pleats, mountain updrafts would be a problem during encounters with textile people, wouldn't they?

When I use my bath-wrap, it spends most of its time on my shoulders, protecting them from the sun, with the straps for my camera and water-bottle holding it on.

I liked the camouflage idea. It can be used to help hide my stuff in the bushes, when I want to walk away from it. It has a masculine quality to it, that would make it more acceptable if an encounter with the macho-sensed, who might react weird to a more feminine look on a guy. The material is had in many forms, much of it durable, yet breathable, like the desert uniforms. I think I might get some of that and get my seamstress/tailor to use my bath-warp as a pattern. The slit would still give mobility. The wrap remains off, except during encounters. which only last usually less than a minute.

So, there are good solutions for men, but what about Karla's breast. They are more acceptable, especially in Europe, than genitals. In Arizona, only the dark areas must be covered, which makes no reasonable sense. Pasties connote obscenity to me, giving the impression of wishing to draw attention, the opposite of the desired effect. Wear the kilt and just throw the hands up over the breast during encounters? Model topfreedom equality?

Maybe a large scarf, like a durable sarong? Drape it over the neck and hold it spread in front during encounters, or in transition from public to more private? It would be something nice and protective to sit on, a wind block, worn a dozen different ways like a sarong. Maybe a shade maker when braced, or tied up. A scarf can be a nice addition to photos, bring the breeze into the presented information.

The type of material is an important consideration. I need coverup for encounters, but here, sunburn is a concern. I wear my wrap on shoulders, but a cool breathable material is better. I sometimes carry an Hawaii shirt. The stuff breathes well, so moister drys quickly, the baggy style allows air up, it has a collar around my neck, that can be moistened to cool me. It is lightweight and folds up small, to carry. If Karla is not using a backpack, a long one (maybe oversized) is quick. When wearing a backpack, it can be unbuttoned all the way and just pulled together quickly. They are cooler than t-shirts.

Such a hassle. Coverups are diminished sense of freedom and sensual connection with the world, more to carry, tanlines, no physical necessity or purpose, but to get around silly peoples impositions. Harrumph. Vent.
Barefoot all over, all over.

nudewalker

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2014, 10:46:51 PM »
This is one of those where do I post it so maybe it fits well here. Early last fall we took a trip to the big city and while the Mrs. was in a department store I snuck into a REI store. Earlier here I read the thread containing a discussion about light weight backpacking and that was my interest in the store. To make a long story short; during the conversation with the sales girl the idea of nude hiking came up. I think she thought perhaps she has met a pervert until the Mrs. caught up with me and assured the young lady that I was serious. Anyway, we met up for a naked hike which she felt in the beginning that she would only be topless if that was acceptable to me. When she did remove her top she said she could cover her nipples with the pack straps if necessary. After a few miles and confident no one else was around she did go nude for the rest of the hike. REI girl did purchase a kilt from the site and this spring she plans to meet up with me again and is dragging her new boyfriend along. I tuck my kilt under the straps of my pack for ease of removal; her plans remain the same with the kilt and pack straps. Details to follow along with a description when the time comes.
"Always do what you are afraid to do"-Emerson

jbeegoode

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2014, 07:30:03 PM »
Nudewalker, what an uplifting story about making a convert. I have been in hiking supply places, looking for maps and dropped that one reason for the desire for remote, less populated hiking was nudity. They have been very helpful, once better understanding my needs. "Yup, hardly saw anyone on a Wednesday after that point in the trail," or "Good swimming holes this time of year." Although they may not be nude hikers, they have a great deal of knowledge about getting away from it all and will share. I always stick the pronoun we, or add "and my girlfriend." There is that lone naked perverted guy connotation that lies in many's mind and somehow its okay when there are more than one, especially a couple.

Looking forward to hearing about hiking in West Va. I'd like to see some pictures of the area. The greenery astounds my desert orientations, like another planet.
Jbee   
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nudewalker

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2014, 09:50:37 PM »
We are getting off topic here but the greenery is returning to mountians and I do plan to post some pictures in the proper section. In the meantime 80 degree temperatures are in the forecast so I will be out and about.
"Always do what you are afraid to do"-Emerson

nudewalker

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #12 on: May 12, 2014, 01:50:37 AM »
It is early here in WV but I did add an avatar picture so you can see some green jbeegoode. Not much to report except an encounter with some turkey hunters.
"Always do what you are afraid to do"-Emerson

sandy_beach_cat

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2014, 10:07:07 PM »
Had you considered a cheap kilt from Lidl?

nudewalker

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Re: Hiking skirt (and other clothes quick to change out of)
« Reply #14 on: October 23, 2014, 04:54:23 PM »
The post from SBC reminded me that I had not heard from REI girl in quite a while. So I sent an e-mail and found out that she is engaged, has returned to college to get a teaching degree and has taken to nude outdoor activities like a "duck to water". She did sing the praises for the Sportkilt but did warn of the MM moments in gusty winds. Also she lets others pass before starting an uphill climb as the view from below can be revealing. It is hard to sit without ending up with a bare bum on the surface but it does cover while upright which is what she wanted.Our girl also mentioned that visit a restaurant called the "Twisted Kilt" next time in the city to see how the waitresses deal with short kilts. Anyway Karla, that's the story I have other than her kilt is the smallest in length available. 
"Always do what you are afraid to do"-Emerson