Skirt Alert! - It's For Chaps...

We're in belated mourning over the apparent demise of one of the most pleasingly eccentric bits of outdoors clothing we've ever seen - a waterproof, breathable outdoors skirt for men.

Those crazy Scandinavians have been at it again, or rather had. Swedish company Klattermusen has listed the McKilt outdoor skirt for several years now - described in their catalogue as 'the missing link', it's a rather dapper mini-length item made from a stretch fabric with a 2,500mm hydrostatic head.

Cut Longer At The Back

You'll be glad to know that it uses a simple wrap around construction with an elasticated waist and a Velcro fastening for easy donning in severe conditions. It's also cut longer at the back for 'extra protection when sitting'.

Worried about getting wet legs? No problem. Team the McKilt with the 'Outdoor Chaps' - no, not a walking club; 'THE PERFECT lightweight solution for walking in wet vegetation after a rain. Leaves the groin and backside uncovered for maximum ventilation' it says here - and a short waterproof jacket - try the Grim Jacket perhaps - and you're good to go with maximum breathability for your nether regions.

Klattermusen aren't totally unaware of the potential for ridicule mind: 'AND YES, to answer the question boiling in your head', they say. 'This is no joke. We are dead serious. You are free to laugh, it's good for the health. But the benefits and the function of this concept are so great that we just had to do it. All women outdoor enthusiast will probably grasp and go for the idea quite fast, but it works just as good for men.'

Evening Wear...

You needn't feel left out if you're a woman either. There's a female version of the McSkirt called the Nuss which is apparently 'so stylish that it can be used for the evening party at the mountain lodge. Everyone will think you brought a fashion skirt just for this purpose.'

Magnificent, but sadly missing from the '04 range described on the Klattermusen web site. If you want to see it in all it's glory, download the '03 Catalogue in PDF form and go to page 14.

Hmmm... And what would you wear under your McSkirt? Oh, one last observation, the McSkirt is not for winter use and when walking into a headwind, you should make sure the slit is at the back to avoid a nasty draught. Got that?