Outdoor Retailer Trend Alert: Skirts Hit the Trails
Female runners have probably noticed that skirts and skorts have come into athletic vogue (see the August cover of Runner's World, anyone?). Since 2005, SkirtSports has led the athletic skirt craze, with other running-oriented companies following suit.
But now outdoor companies are joining the skirt movement, offering more technical options for trail running, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.
Whether you adore skirts' blend of fashionable femininity and function, or are wary of looking "cute" while on the trail, here are just a few of the outdoor skirts and skorts debuting in spring/summer 2009. There's even something below just for the guys.
|
Arc’teryx Visio Skort |
|
Arc’teryx Escala Skort
|
 | Mountain Hardwear Pacer Skort Designed for trail running and other endurance activities, the 14.5-inch Pacer Skort is lightweight and quick drying. A side slit on the woven skirt aids mobility while a polyester, knit compression short with 3.5-inch inseam and anti-microbial properties prevents odor. It features a waist drawcord, internal key pocket, and rear zip pocket. It will also come in a shorts version. 6 oz., $55 |
 | Mountain Hardwear La Rambla Skirt The La Rambla, a 22-inch hiking and backpacking skirt, features a subtle textured nylon weave, flared hem, and slightly dropped seamless conical waist that fits under a pack. It has front hand pockets and two snap close cargo pockets. It will also come in a shorts version. 7 oz., $55 |
 | Patagonia Multi-Use Skirt The 14-inch Multi-Use Skirt is a soft, quick-drying, stretch-woven skirt for running, cycling, trekking, and around town use. It features a 3-inch, built-in compression short with interior back right pocket, flat knit waistband, and crossover front skirt panel with adjustable button closure and ties. 5.2 oz., $55 |
 | Sierra Designs Purity Skirt |
 | GoLite Cali Skort |
 | GoLite Strawberry Short Skirt The shorter, 13-inch Strawberry Short Skirt has an ultra-lite poly shell, soft, flat knit waistband, and compression boy brief with 4.5-inch inseam. 6 oz., $50 |
 | Athleta Sherpa Skirt So, this one isn't new for 2009, but since it claims to be ready to take you up the mountain it earns a mention. The semi-fitted, 20-inch Sherpa Skirt is made from a stretchy, water-resistant, anti-static, Trek Tech fabric (nylon, polyester, and spandex) that's fleeced on the inside. It has four zippered pockets to hold snacks and other items on the trail. $69 |
 | Mountain Hardwear Mountain Kilt
|
 | UtiliKilts |
Want to try a skirt on the trail, but don't want to wait for 2009? A number of running and hiking skirts are already available from brands like Cloudveil, Marmot, Outdoor Research, and Prana.
Check out all of our skirt reviews and product information. And share your outdoor skirt experience by writing a gear review.
Comments
On more for the gentlemen: http://klattermusen.se/produkt.php?lang=EN&id=108&modell=Unisex&produktGrupp=Tillbehor&produktKategori=Byxa
From the Klattermusen site:
"Not for winter use. Place the overlap on your backside when going into head winds."
Ha ha!
The first gentleman who sends me (editor@trailspace.com) a picture of himself wearing a man-kilt in the backcountry will be included in the blog.
I met a nice young couple here in PA recently (male and female). They were through hiking the AT northward. BOTH were wearing skirts/kilts. Great kids - gave 'em a ride to the trail head in Danielsville.
I'm sure there are a few Scots somewhere hiking right now in their kilts! Pardon me if I don't follow their lead! :)
Kilts are becoming a fad on the AT. They offer little protection from biting insects, but some claim they are cooler. Many have a "decency snap".
Whatever!
So I'm officially part of this trend now. I bought a GoLite Calamity Jane Skirt (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/golite/calamity-jane-skirt/) and started running with it right after I wrote this blog.
I felt rather self-conscious the first time I wore it running in public (though I'm sure no one else cared). But it was VERY comfortable, even preferable to shorts. I liked it immediately. I've since worn it regularly (in addition to my running shorts) and even in a 5K.
Skirts get some flack for being "fashionable," but in my experience they can win out for function over form. I figure I'd rather wear something that performs and feels better, than worry what people think about my outfit (even if it is a skirt).
I don't think I'd use the Calamity Jane for hiking, but it's great for running, and I'm now on the look-out for the perfect hiking skirt (if such a thing exists).
can I order an item? Do you charge shipping and return shipping?
Trailspace is not a dealer, manufacturer, store, whatever, so no, you can not order an item from Trailspace (except the magnificent Trailspace-logo hats and such). Trailspace has reviews, lots of discussion, lots of useful information (and some that is amusing or downright hilarious, but not very useful except as entertainment).
As Bill says, Trailspace is not a store or manufacturer, so you can't buy gear or clothing from us. However, you can find out what other users think of said gear through the gear reviews (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/) and forums (http://www.trailspace.com/forums/).
We do list "Where to Buy" info for many items. For example, under skirts (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/skirts/) -- since that's what we're discussing here -- you can see that Backcountry and Backcountry Outlet are both selling the Stamina Skirt (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/sugoi/stamina-skirt/). But you'd be buying it from one of them, not us, if you chose to do so.
