Ok, I have wondered endlessly about the Macabi Skirt. Only found one mention of it on the BnA boards. For those who have one: does it make a halfway-decent pair of walking/hiking pants when it's clipped-up? Or does it look like a clown costume made of durable ripstop nylon? I'm always trying to travel lighter, but I'm not sure if the $$ is worth it...

Hello,

I actually bought one for this trip. I got it in the sage color, the fatigue green if you will. I thought they would be more in the olive family, but they still look nice.

They don't look too odd when I clip them into the pants, and yes I did wear them biking. Also seriously useful in a windy city like Wellington.

The shorts tend to look more like a shorter skirt than shorts. All that added material on the sides gives it too much volume to look like a pair of hiking shorts. That doesn't bother me at all.

Overall I have been very pleased with them and would recommend them! I have actually worn it more than I thought I would.

Cheers, Melanie

Thanks, Melanie. I might order one when I next take a warm-weather trip. - Heather

Wow. $76.95 plus shipping? I don't get it. Why not buy locally and leave things if you must pack light?

They look pretty goofy as pants. I couldn't imagine any serious hiking with the skirt re-configured into pants using a pant clip strap. I would think that the extra fabric would chafe as well as hinder movement (ie. feel uncomfortable).

As a person who makes clothing (ie knows a bit about construction), travels, treks (not talking about a walk in the park)...I personally wouldn't get them for myself. They're pretty expensive, especially if they don't work out for you. I think it could work for certain people, but not for me. I rarely wear skirts when I'm travelling..but if I find the need to, I just buy one in the country that I'm in.

I've had one since 2005, in the charcoal color, and I got the long option since I'm tall and wanted more coverage.

It went with me to Egypt in 2005 and China in 2006. In the colder weather I've worn my long johns underneath, and it certainly came in handy on the 14+ hour bus trips in China when the pit stop was at 11,000 feet with no vegetation around and you have to use nature's toilet. At least it covered me ass from the gazes of the strangers on the bus (and even from the gazes of those people I actually knew on the bus).

All that said, I don't think the Macabi is worth the $$. Styling sucks, and I could find a better fitting skirt for much cheaper. It probably won't be in my pack in March when I go to the Middle East. It does pack well and seems to repel dirt, but I just didn't wear it enough on my trips to justify bringing it along again.

quote:

Originally posted by Keppie:
I don't get it. Why not buy locally and leave things if you must pack light?

Yeah, I could do that, but where's the novelty? The gearhound in me keeps searching for that elusive Swiss Army Knife of garments -- quick-drying, water-repellent, breathable, reversible, packable, zip-off, 3-in-1, warm in winter, cool in summer... what could do all that? Maybe a survival blanket made into a poncho -- turn it to the safety orange side when I'm feeling festive. Add a belt and snaps on the sides and turn it into a dress. I think I'm on to something...

When you find that magical garment, please let me know!

I did manage to find the swiss army knife of evening wear. I think I'd have a hard time trekking in heels, though....