Why Backpacker Mag, Adventure Alan & Others Enjoy Hiking in a Skirt!
Here at Purple Rain Adventure Skirts we believe to our core that hiking in a skirt is an AMAZING alternative to hiking in pants or short. But as the old slogan goes … don’t take our word for it! Today, we want to share excerpts from several reviews that tout the benefits of hiking skirts, including a couple from male converts.
UL Weekend Warrior
Until this year, I probably would have laughed at the idea of wearing a skirt. I’m a big, burly man, after all! After hearing lots of good things from hiking friends (including other men), I decided to give skirts a more serious look …
I’ve been hiking in this skirt for a few months now, and I love it. It helps keeps my undercarriage cool and dry in hot weather, but can be paired with running tights or base layers for use in the winter. The skirt also provides an improved range of motion over pants or shorts. You don’t have to worry about splitting your pants when you’re wearing a skirt! This product also makes potty breaks simpler, especially if you decide to go commando! ...
All-in-all, this is a great product. If you’re a man, be sure to ask questions about the sizing, and you’ll be fine. The biggest question is: Are you man enough to hike in a skirt?
Full article: https://ulweekendwarrior.wordpress.com/2015/05/12/purple-rain-adventure-skirts/
Backpacker Magazine
Think skirts are just for business casual? One tester wore this one in everything from downpours to desert heat on thru-hikes of the PCT, CDT, and AT. It’s still her favorite layer: “The airflow prevents chafing, it’s easy for me to change baselayers while remaining modest, and the poly/Lycra blend lasted for literally thousands of miles on the trail,” she says. But what really won her over were the four pockets. There are two large enough for a topo map or phablet, and two smaller ones perfect for lip balm and snack bars. In lieu of a slit for mobility, the Lycra offers enough stretch to accommodate scrambling over “Volkswagen Beetle-size” boulders, she says.
Full article: https://www.backpacker.com/gear/purple-rain-skirt
Garage Grown Gear
Let me just say it flat out: this is less of a review of Purple Rain Adventure Skirts and more of a straight up recommendation. This hiking skirt with pockets is hand-sewn in Oregon, fits and flatters, and is rugged enough to hold up to all that nature will throw your way.
Shortly after receiving my skirt – sage green with a stretchy grey yoga-style waist band – I e-mailed the company’s founder, Mandy Bland, to thank her. Here’s what I blurted out, ya know, to kick the e-mail off: “I'm so in love! It's the best skirt I've ever owned.” And, I truly feel that way.
Full article: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/blogs/magazine/purple-rain-skirts-why-we-love-this-hiking-skirt-with-pockets
Outside
In 2013, Mandy Bland hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in a homemade skirt. The benefits—from increased airflow to fast transitions—were obvious immediately. “A few miles in, I knew I was onto something,” Bland says. Whenever she got cold, she just added a base layer under the skirt. Back at home, she started Purple Rain Adventure Skirts, which turns out products featuring comfortable yoga-style waistbands, large Velcro pockets, and stretchy quick-dry fabric. Bland still makes each piece herself in Oregon.
Full article: https://www.outsideonline.com/2072606/5-adventure-dress-companies-women-who-get-after-it
Adventure Alan
I guess I’m at an age where I am comfortable with who I am. I am not going to let societal stereotypes deter me from checking out a possibly more comfortable and efficient way to hike.
And it’s clear that there are many women hikers kickin’ some ever lovin’ ass on the trail—like my fabulous wife and the record setting Heather (Anish) Andersen who is besting the men. If they see benefits and efficiencies in hiking in a skirt, I am interested.
As a man, I had some concerns about people’s reaction to me wearing what is essentially a skirt—especially from other men. But it turns out other hikers are pretty chill about it. I’ve had zero negative comments and more than a few compliments on my kilt (all women) but that’s just fine! …
Hiking skirts have advantages over shorts. Heather (Anish) Anderson, who currently holds the unsupported records for the PCT and the AT hikes in a dress or skirt most of the time.
Bio breaks are faster with a skirt. Dramatically so for women who also use the “pee rag system.” But even for men, bio breaks are faster and more convenient.
They are more comfortable than shorts. In warm weather, there’s a ton more ventilation.
Hygiene. There’s a lot more below the belt ventilation and drying going on. This equals better hygiene. When used without underwear there’s even more ventilation and less environment to breed bacteria.
There’s far more range of motion that you might expect in a skirt. Neither of us had any problems taking huge strides over large trees blown down on the AT.
A very nice pocket arrangement. Two on each hip (one Velcro security pocket, one drop in pocket) with the drop in pocket being the perfect size for your smartphone.
For women, you can look more upscale for a town visit and/or at a restaurant. (Men maybe not so much)
Full article: http://www.adventurealan.com/why-would-a-man-wear-a-hiking-skirt/
Darwin on the Trail
Love it even more than my other skirts! I was immediately interested in the Purple Rain Adventure skirt due to the stretchy and soft waistband which is extremely comfortable. I was also attracted by the fact these skirts are handmade and designed by a female long-distance hiker, Mandy “Purple Rain” Bland who tested this skirt design herself on the PCT.
Full article: https://darwinonthetrail.com/2018/09/15/purple-rain-adventure-skirt-review/
Backpack Gear Test
For the last two decades, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four-season backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan and Canada. My pack weight varies considerably, but my base weight is under 14 lb (6.35 kg). I am primarily a tarp or tarptent camper who averages over 50 nights a year backpacking in a huge variety of weather conditions including relentless rain, wet snow and sub-zero (0 F/-18 C) temps ...
I love this skirt so much that I have bought two more in different color combinations. This is significant as I really don't purchase much new these days, especially more of the same product. So what makes this skirt so coveted? First it is so well designed that I barely notice that I am wearing it. The comfort level is huge between its light weight and relaxed fit. There are no areas of constriction and the freedom of wearing it is amazing. Nothing binds when I am climbing up and down.