Innovation in clothing: Are you ready?

uh, maybe no. Cute, folksy, eccentric but No.

Patterns like that make my hips look wide.

My MYOG eVent jacket is similar to the bottom picture.

I think it works real good to have it a little longer like that.

I've been thinking about the top picture. That seems to work pretty good for desert people. They've had a long time to figure that out. Something like that might work good here in the summer.

I note that all the traditional peoples have animals to do their work. But the Westerners haven't figured that out yet.

I note the Indian / Sri Lankan / guy-with-elephant has a long slit up his skirt. Whereas the Lapps don't and I belive kilts (being for cold weather) have quite an overlap and not so much cross ventilation.

Since we deal with hot working days and cool or cold nights, how about slits in the sides to increase ventilation during the day (while maintaining sun protections) then closing up a zipper or velcro or buttons at night? Maybe back the opening with pleated mesh so it does blow around too much. A sudden gust of wind could cause decency issues.

Even if it's not your usual style, remember that all of these wraps provide some protection and you could up your clo rating by wrapping yourself in your tarp, quilt, or groundcloth and still make progress down the trail. Who hasn't seen a few Boy Scout trips end that way?

As to your original Q: I'd consider it. Or maybe another route. I've heard bicycling-style tight shorts recommended (without the padding) to avoid chafing. And I can see that. And I've got these Jockey brand atlethic-style underwear in wicking fabric that are superlight, wicking, snug fitting and not too revealing because they're black. So I'm debating about those as summer UL hiking shorts. Two pair would let the other one be washed and dried each day.

The real benefits come when worn without a pack so ventilation is full body.

The Inuit use sleds.

And when was the last time you got to bring an elephant or a camel for packing your gear.

I like cagoules for certain conditions. My wife calls hers the "bugoule" since
it does a good job of keeping out skeeters.

>The real benefits come when worn without a pack so ventilation is full body.
If you look closely at the last picture, I am actually wearing my hipbelt. The caguole has a zipper at the sides to allow you to wear hip belts "inside", thus maintaining very good ventilation.

If you go this far, why not just wear a poncho over your pack and everything :)

I mean I know its more comfortable to wear a dress, but as a man, its not exactly mainstream/accepted. I guess this is an interesting idea, but I just don't really want to wear a dress, while hiking or otherwise. It is quite a concept though, keep working on it!

Woman's dress?

Men in New York or Chicago wear long coats over their suits

"Cowboys" in Westerns wear long coats

Not too long ago a challenge was put forth asking for innovation in UL gear. You just got one. But it seems "modesty" is a limiting factor in going lighter or trying new ideas. No wonder nothing new comes out in men's clothing!

Just make em even longer. Very modest.

My wife wore hers in Western China and the cagoule never received a sideways glance, her blonde hair garnered more attention.

Side zips I like.

Layering brainstorm-

Waterproof bottom portion with WPB top. There could be enough ventilation on the bottom that having it made of a non,breathable fabric wouldn't matter.

Or DWR windbreaker top, add a poncho, umbrella or waterproof jacket in heavy weather.

Brit's often use a crutch strap to keep wind and fog from blowing up the skirt of
their anoraks. This might add a bit of modesty.

Just wear pants or shorts like normal

I think a zipper all the way down the front is good because it allows ventilation if you feel warm

at least one western person "got it"

amundsen used dawgies to pull him to the south pole … and he ate them too, no wasted weight there …

no wonder he is considered one of the greatest explorers of all time …

and he used inuit style dress as well, which was the best for the time

scott on the other hand …

>Waterproof bottom portion with WPB top. There could be enough ventilation on the bottom that having it made of a non,breathable fabric wouldn't matter.
I know what you mean. Its like rain skirt and rain jacket combined into single pc. I have thought about this for a long time, but I couldnt find event for sale. The pack straps will block air circulation in the sleeves, under the arms, on the shoulders and chest and I don't think any other wpb fabric could cope up with that.

Another option is to make bulge in the back to accommodate the pack inside but i need to investigate if that would infringe packa patent claims. I think roger's design avoids them.

>Or DWR windbreaker top, add a poncho, umbrella or waterproof jacket in heavy weather.
Supplex has good wind resitance and I added dwr on it. So its works ok.

Infringe patent claims. That is laughable. Ever since the first sea faring people used oil slick skins with gear underneath, there has always been stuff underneath and therefore no such patent can be awarded. Boyscout groups the world over have been putting their poncho over the pack as well since a VERY LONG time ago.

If what you claim is his packa "patent" then anyone can sell it as its a prior use and any lawyer would eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Besides you are talking about making one for yourself/friends and not selling it. In which case there is no patent infringements at all. Its only if you sell it.

If anyone is interested in trying this out for a trip, send me a PM. I am looking more feedback on the design.

What under the Kilt? a old Scotsman joke. That the questions I would get asked on the trail and around town and other derogatory comments from ignorant people in USA.

I really like your rain shell design to be worn in conjunction with pants to protect your lower core area,part of your thighs in the elements. But I live in Southern California we get very little rain compared to some one that lives in the pacific north west of USA were they get rain,snow and cold. Person that lives in tropical country that gets high rain fall.
That would be your target tester for your product and for the summer kilts the few brave men who would wear a Kilt.
Good luck,
Terry

"I've been thinking about the top picture. That seems to work pretty good for desert people. They've had a long time to figure that out. Something like that might work good here in the summer."

I read an article about it. It said that it creates a slight upward draft from the ground up inside the clothing – keeping the person cooler.

Now David, we don't call it a skirt. That would not be manly. The Indian guy is actually wearing a Mundu. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundu . I own a number of them myself. They are cool in hot weather.

I just say the hell with it and go in shorts. About the only time I need something covering my legs while hiking is in winter type conditions. In those situations I'll take some disposable Dri Ducks pants and call it good.

>I just say the hell with it and go in shorts. About the only time I need something covering my legs while hiking is in winter type conditions.

what do you wear in summer to protect your upper body from sun?

I think shorts are fine in cool weather but when its really hot and sunny, I find this cooler then any shorts/shirts combo.

Send this letter to Huzefa earlier today:

Hi Huzefa,

Thanks for giving me the chance to try this.

Pretty sexy Miguel. Your neighbors don't bat an eye anymore do they?

LOL! Actually I think there's a whole gossip network established by now. Lots of whispering:

"Did you see that male foreigner on the balcony again today? He's wearing dresses now and taking pictures of himself! I'm thinking of moving soon."

"Me, too! It's unsightly! And outrageous!"

"Hmm. I don't know. I wonder where I can get me one of those! It would be great for putting out the laundry on those rainy days!".

You might stir up some memory of being a "Long Robe " out of Lu Xun in China, but given the way everybody wears PJ's in Beijing and Shanghai, you might be overdressed, but given Lady Gaga, you might be cutting …