Kilts, like any other garment, have mutiple intent and material. Need to choose a dedicated outdoor activity kilt. The kilt your nephew got married in or a Royal Stewart ten yard 60 cnt 9 set to pleate would be incredibly hot and impractical for a backpacking trip.
Worsted wool in a Ghillie style works well for woodland paths and trails as far as durability but the Best choice is Canvas as it would be cooler and much less likely to snag on bramble and brush. Carhart, Utilikilt, Umbh`resse, Sportkilt, (to name a few US manu.) all make kilts out of canvas duck. Carhart will direct you to their subsidiary company and the choices are limited. Seattle Wash based Utilikilt makes the widest variety of utility oriented outdoor kilts. Prepare to spend some $. The cultural popularity of American made Workman kilts has driven the price up on most cavas unbifrocated garments. You are looking at $120 to $250 depending on pockets and xtras.
Sweetwater Kilts offers a good selection in Acrylic which is a more weather resistant and a more economical alternative to Wool.
Whichever you choose, activity kilts will have flat fold pleats verses the mutiple folds of a ceremonial dress kilt. It is those flat folds which you are looking for. Less material means less weight.
Example: an ancient MacKenzie tartan Dress kilt is made from eleven yards of 8 count grade 1 wool, all eleven yards are pleated in the back, it weighs over 8 #'s and costs upwards of $750. + tx & freight. The waiting list is around 8 to 9 months.
The kilts at the tuxedo rental store are typically cotton grade, sewn up cheaply, made for costume events, and will shred the first day out.
