Necessity is the mother of invention, and that could not be truer for Mandy Bland, founder of Purple Rain Adventure Skirts, which makes skirts for hiking, backpacking and around town.
When Mandy began her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2012, she used a trash bag as a rain skirt. In awe, after seeing other hikers fashioning their own gear, she figured she’d give it a go herself.
First she tried cutting up some hiking pants, but quickly heard about someone selling ripstop nylon by the yard. Mandy begged her mother to get some fabric and sew a skirt for her – in purple of course – and the first Purple Rain Adventure Skirt was born.
That led to a rather appropriate trail name for Mandy: “Purple Rain.”
Growing up in the Midwest, sewing was a part of Mandy’s upbringing. Learning from family (and a few YouTube videos) Mandy figured out how to make some pretty badass skirts.
Purple Rain skirts offer everything you could ask for in an active wear bottom. Skirts allow airflow, which reduces chafing and makes peeing a breeze.
Mandy’s hiking and backpacking skirts are made from durable, lightweight, stretchy fabric that dries quickly. They have a stretchy, comfortable, yoga-style waistband made of wicking fabric.
The skirts also have POCKETS! Who doesn’t love pockets especially when on the trail?! Small, non-functional or altogether non-existent pockets can be a real issue for women’s clothing, especially when it comes to hiking bottoms, but Mandy has taken care of that! The Velcro pockets on Purple Rain Adventure skirts are big enough to hold all of your essentials, such as a camera, chapstick, lighter, snacks and even your map.
Men, Mandy didn’t forget you! Purple Rain also offers hiking kilts. The kilts include a snap for more modesty when around camp or in town, if needed.
Purple Rain Skirts and Kilts are made in Mandy’s home studio in Southern Oregon. Mandy recently hired another seamstress and the two create each and every skirt. Mandy hopes to focus on new designs and custom orders now that she has some help.
Mandy still uses that first ever skirt that her mother made. Its new job is covering her son’s wagon when they go for walks in the rain. It is a true rain skirt through and through.
4 comments
Drusilla Montemayor
I’ve worn Purple Rain skirts since 2014! After over 6,000 miles of long trails I can confidently say they are the BEST and most comfortable option for me. Easy to wear easy to clean (they shed dirt wonderfully) and just make life more FUN! Thanks so much for providing a product that WORKS and works well! :-)
Amy Hatch - GGG
Thanks Jill and Julianne for chiming in with how much you love this skirt. SO glad to hear you love this skirt as much as we do!!!
Jill "Bright" Duncan
My favorite piece of gear ever! I don’t know how I ever hiked in pants—-and had to squat to pee! Purple Rain Adventure Skirts have a wicking yoga-style waistband that can be pulled up or down to accommodate changing body weight. The pockets carry a map, a cell phone, and a small journal and pen when I’m on trail. In the city or while traveling, they keep my wallet secure and my lip balm and phone handy.
Julianne Baker
I have 2 purple rain skirts. I hike and backpack in them and just wear them for hanging out. I love them! Perfect fit,no chafe or falling down while wearing a pack.