Macabi Skirt
I used to hike wearing trail pants that converted to shorts by unzipping the bottoms. This conversion involved stopping, removing my boots, then unzipping the bottom portion of the pants above the knees, putting the boots back on and stashing the unzipped pant legs in my backpack. I thought, There's got to be a better way.
Then, visiting the website of Sisters on the Fly, I discovered Macabi Skirts. These skirts are a design marvel. It’s easy to convert them from a skirt to pants to shorts of various lengths. A pant clip hangs at the end of an adjustable thin strap, which runs down from the waist in the middle of the skirt. It clips quickly to a hook on the inside back of the skirt. Using the strap, it’s possible to adjust the length in just seconds! Converting to shorts is just one more step. On the inside of each side of the skirt are snap straps that attach at the bottom of the pockets. Again, it takes seconds to adjust. Unlike the zippered convertible pants I used to wear, there’s nothing to store when switching modes in this skirt.
The supplex fabric is lightweight and soft. It resists wrinkles and dries quickly. There’s a comfortable elastic waistband with a drawstring, and belt loops. One of my favorite features is the oversize cargo pockets on each side of the skirt. It’s possible to stuff them without looking bulky. On the right side there is deep pocket that includes a zippered security pocket that easily fits a passport, thin wallet, and keys. The large left side pocket has an inner pocket that’s just right for a phone, iPod or slim camera.
Two of these skirts are the foundation of my travel wardrobe. In the summer the cool fabric and loose fit combine for outstanding comfort. I wear the skirts so often that I bought long underwear bottoms, so that I can continue to wear them during the Colorado winter!
Manufactured by and available from Macabi Skirt LLC
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brad
Bravo, these don't look at all nerdy and woods-dudey like those silly zip-off pants. Everytime I see someone wearing those convertible trousers it makes me think of the photo of Elliot Coleman on the cover of the first edition of his (excellent) Four Season Harvest book, wearing his yuppie-gardener uniform of Smith and Hawken Japanese Farmer pants, Smith and Hawken garden clogs, a chambray work shirt, and a beret. As if you need to buy special clothes to go work in the garden. Honestly, it's possible to travel light and bring a separate pair of shorts and a pair of trousers.
Sorry for the diatribe. Anyway, this looks like a perfectly stylish and practical alternative for women.
dwd
Yep, it looks like a normal skirt. It only starts looking nerdy when you turn them into shorts.
But owning Y chromosomes, means I cannot properly appreciate this piece of clothing.
I can note that $77 is kind of pricey with an extra strap and some catches to make it into shorts.
Davey
Just curious: why would you want a skirt option when you're hiking?
j.lulu
Cool tool! I want something like this but as a complete, preferably sleeveless dress, like a tank dress. I have a difficult time fitting pants, particularly around my waist area, and I'm tired of always to have to pay a "premium" to get pants hemmed, too.
I'm wearing dressess much more for work, weekends, and travel - and would want 2-3 dresses similar to this that are durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick to dry but still with a nice 'fall' to the fabric.
Dan
As an added bonus, you don't need to worry about guys hitting on you while wearing one of these.
Adam
As a guy, even I'm seriously considering wearing these out on the trail. Kilts are in, baby!
http://sectionhiker.com/2009/10/09/hiking-kilts-for-men/
Jeanne Edna Thelwell
@dwd
There's actually a "Macabi for Men" http://macabiskirt.com/mens_home.php
Chris
Dan, that added bonus only pertains to shallow, unimaginative guys. For me, seeing a woman walking a backcountry trail in this would make me think she's not afraid to try new things and is confident in her appearance. It also adds a little mystery.
rob
"The large left side pocket has an inner pocket that’s just right for a phone, iPod or slim camera."
...or your ganj stash
Ted
@Chris: I guess you might have some luck being hit on once the guy stops laughing... that's ridiculous looking! A great big piece of burlap and some twine would be just as effective, but a lot less costly. Sheesh.
Barry
Why is this man smiling?
That is the mystery.
http://www.macabiskirt.com/image_view.php?image=mens_hiw_medium.jpg
Derek
I'm going to stick with a sarong and/or those "goofy zip off pants short things". I don't have to take my boots off and they're damned convenient when you're paddling or hiking through varied terrain.
LR
@Barry: I think this little gem of marketing prose from their website answers your query: "It's day eight of your 200-mile trek through the Sierra Madre, and you're the only one in the group who's not suffering from crotch rot. Welcome to the liberated, ventilated world of the Macabi"
No "crotch rot?" I'd be smiling, too...
kelly
@Davey: I'd wear a skirt hiking because it makes bathroom breaks easier for a gal (much more dignified than dropping your pants to your knees). I've been looking for a good hiking skirt for years.
sara
@Davey: In addition to what Kelly said, it also looks like it would be great for backpacker-style travel through more culturally conservative parts of the world, where many/most women usually dress in long skirts (or the equivalent, e.g. a sari). Useful in a "performance" type sense when you're hiking, trekking, or doing outdoorsy stuff, but equally good in town when you want to be respectful of local social mores.
Also, sometimes when you're traveling (especially if you're a woman traveling alone in the developing world) not being hit on constantly is a feature and not a bug. In black it could potentially look pretty classy, though.