Outdoor Retailer Trend Alert: Skirts Hit the Trails

Female runners have probably noticed that skirts and skorts have come into athletic vogue (see the August cover of Runner's World, anyone?). Since 2005, SkirtSports has led the athletic skirt craze, with other running-oriented companies following suit.

Skirt vs. Skort
Can't tell the difference between a skort and a skirt? Skorts have a pair of integrated shorts or briefs underneath. Athletic skirts might have a liner or pair of short shorts. However, be warned: not all brands adhere to these rules when naming.

But now outdoor companies are joining the skirt movement, offering more technical options for trail running, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Whether you adore skirts' blend of fashionable femininity and function, or are wary of looking "cute" while on the trail, here are just a few of the outdoor skirts and skorts debuting in spring/summer 2009. There's even something below just for the guys.

	Arc’teryx Visio Skort The Visio is one of two athletic skorts with wraparound skirts that Arc’teryx is introducing. A technical running skort, the Visio is constructed with breathable stretch textiles and a moisture wicking inner brief, and features a long overlapping side slit for unrestricted strides. 4 oz., $69
	Arc’teryx Escala Skort The soft-knit Escala Skort has a next-to-skin brief that wicks moisture and a wraparound skirt with external mesh panels that increase airflow for venting. 5 oz., $89
	Mountain Hardwear Pacer Skort Designed for trail running and other endurance activities, the 14.5-inch Pacer Skort is lightweight and quick drying. A side slit on the woven skirt aids mobility while a polyester, knit compression short with 3.5-inch inseam and anti-microbial properties prevents odor. It features a waist drawcord, internal key pocket, and rear zip pocket. It will also come in a shorts version. 6 oz., $55
	Mountain Hardwear La Rambla Skirt The La Rambla, a 22-inch hiking and backpacking skirt, features a subtle textured nylon weave, flared hem, and slightly dropped seamless conical waist that fits under a pack. It has front hand pockets and two snap close cargo pockets. It will also come in a shorts version. 7 oz., $55
	Patagonia Multi-Use Skirt The 14-inch Multi-Use Skirt is a soft, quick-drying, stretch-woven skirt for running, cycling, trekking, and around town use. It features a 3-inch, built-in compression short with interior back right pocket, flat knit waistband, and crossover front skirt panel with adjustable button closure and ties. 5.2 oz., $55
	Sierra Designs Purity Skirt Sierra Designs says its Purity line is the answer to the classic conundrum of looking feminine while training and enjoying the outdoors. Whether or not you care about such conundrums, the 20-inch Purity Skirt, made from Revival fabric (a 100% polyester, breathable, soft, wicking material for high output activities), features a flat waistband and inner liner short. $56
	GoLite Cali Skort GoLite has two new running skirts for 2009. The 16-inch Cali Skort has a wide, soft, flat knit waistband, internal key pocket, compression boy brief with 4.5-inch inseam, and side zip. It's made from an 88% recycled polyester-12% lycra material and is designed for running and hiking. 9.1 oz., $55
	GoLite Strawberry Short Skirt The shorter, 13-inch Strawberry Short Skirt has an ultra-lite poly shell, soft, flat knit waistband, and compression boy brief with 4.5-inch inseam. 6 oz., $50
	Athleta Sherpa Skirt So, this one isn't new for 2009, but since it claims to be ready to take you up the mountain it earns a mention. The semi-fitted, 20-inch Sherpa Skirt is made from a stretchy, water-resistant, anti-static, Trek Tech fabric (nylon, polyester, and spandex) that's fleeced on the inside. It has four zippered pockets to hold snacks and other items on the trail. $69
	Mountain Hardwear Mountain Kilt Finally, something for any bold guys who are feeling left out of this trend. Mountain Hardwear offers a hiking and backpacking Mountain Kilt made from their nylon Canyon Cloth. It has UPF 50+ sun protection and a seamless, conically cut, chamois-lined waist for resistance to chafing and discomfort from backpack hip belts. 5 oz., $50
	UtiliKilts And for men who want more variety, UtiliKilts makes an entire line of “utility kilts for everyday wear,” which retail from $112 for the Spartan to $666 for the leather version. The Original, made from a cotton-poly twill, is at left. You cannot miss these guys walking around at OR. 8.5 oz., $150

Want to try a skirt on the trail, but don't want to wait for 2009? A number of running and hiking skirts are already available from brands like Cloudveil, Marmot, Outdoor Research, and Prana.

Check out all of our skirt reviews and product information. And share your outdoor skirt experience by writing a gear review.

Outdoor Retailer Trend Alert: Skirts Hit the Trails

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