I ordered this bit of kit a while ago, and hadn't really had a chance to test it or review it. However the topic of rain kilts came up and I being one of the few to have an EE kilt decided to review it! This is the newest Rain Kilt in the UL community, and a departure from EE's usual wheelhouse of quilts.
Since I cannot find any other EE Rain Kilt reviews yet I have to assume I have the dubious honour of being first to review it - even if not out in the wild. On my scale I have it as 45 Grams which is 1.6 (rounding) oz - this is slightly less than the advertised 1.75 oz but within the margin of error for my own cheapo scale. It is very light yet doesnt feel like it will shred like a lot of 15D SilNylon does. It's in a jumbled mess on my scale because there is no carrying pouch or elastic band included - will probably use shock cord. May also simply wad it up and shove it in mesh pocket of my pack. TBD.
I laid it out on my bed since this had the best lighting and the only real hope of colour contrast to show off the kilt. Its a grey check pattern duvet and a black kilt - I can't work miracles. The stitching looks really nice and the elastic waistband feels of good quality. I don't think you would risk it losing its stretch without extreme use.
Features of the Kilt:
Snaps to fasten around waist:
These are the same snap fasteners you find on EE Quilts and they appear to be attached using their same method. They snap real tight and hold like I have come to expect of EE. They are kinda small and the pull tabs are a bit short so getting them undone is a bit trickier than I'd prefer. I wouldn't reef on them given that its 15D Sil, but I don't think they will be a problem in the field. Just a personal quibble.
Shock Cord with Toggle for Waist:
The shock cord is very small but holds quite well. The Toggle is also extremely small and light - I am concerned about the durability of it's wee spring being that small. The Toggle is actually fastened to the waist area by means of a sewn loop - this means the cord and knot are pulled separately as opposed to most free floating toggle and knot combos I'm used to. I really like that attention to detail - neat idea!
Webbing Loops for extraneous uses:
These are one of the real unique selling features of this wrap for me. All rain wraps can be used for a ground cloth or small tarp in a pinch - but EE added these specifically with that purpose in mind. They run around the edges and are sewn in quite nicely. I have no doubt that if you wanted to use it as a beak for your tarp set up that you would not have any issues attaching it with some shock cord.
Fit and Shower Test
I have the Medium Wrap and am 5 foot 9 inches tall, 34 inch waist. This wrap is loose fitting around the waist when un adjusted, but not overly so given the shock cord waistband. With the cord and toggle you can really tighten it down if needed. The length is quite good and does not impede movement due to location of side snap/slit. The opening on the side (or back depending how you wear yours) has the snap about 1/3 the way down leaving the remainder open for movement and flexibility. I was able to stride around my apartment with ease and did not feel hindered with my hiking shorts on underneath.
Shower Test Results: It works, plain and simple. Had it on at a pretty high rate coming out of the shower and it beaded up and fell off nicely. With a rain jacket on over top to overlap the waistline I don't think you would have any real issues with rain. Heavy winds or sideways Scottish rain may get in at the back through the aforementioned slit, but that would be it.
TLDR; This kilt is light, comfortable, well made. Everything I've come to expect from EE's craftsmanship with quilts put into an affordable Rain Kilt.
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