Which gaiters

Though you might only need to adjust your buckles the first time you use them, the move to a velcro closure made us wonder why they aren't all like that. Though we found the top snap to be a little finicky, it actually proved to be an inessential part of the attachment process. All of our low-ankle models, including the Dirty Girl , Altra Trail , Kahtoola Instagaiter Low , and Salomon Trail are all comparatively simple to attach, especially the first two, which do not have an instep strap to contend with and leverage a lace hook at the front and velcro at the heel.

Rain, melting snow, and river crossings can all wreak havoc on your feet. For backpackers, trail runners, and mountaineers, a fundamental practice that keeps people happy, healthy, and on the move is good foot care. However, with that in mind, it is important to remember here that not all models are designed to be waterproof or even water-resistant in the first place.

Though it is crucial for mountaineering and expedition models, it is much less so for trail running pairs.

Each product is ranked relative to other similar styles. One model we tested stood out from the rest in terms of balancing water resistance and breathability. The waterproof fabric used in the Rab Muztag is meant for high-performance. Like a mini hardshell jacket for your feet, this model sheds water like a champ. The Outdoor Research Crocodile uses a three-layer Gore-Tex upper and a D foot panel and is even more water-resistant, but it is also a liability, allowing moisture to build up on the inside.

When it comes to the lighter hiking models, they just aren't meant for wet weather, but ones like the Dirty Girl can keep your socks dry during a wet bushwhack and dry quickly as well.

The Kahtoola Instagaiter Low is another standout for its water-shedding prowess. The small scree-blocking models were not really noted for their water resistance. As with any other piece of gear, weight counts though admittedly, not as much here as with other equipment. Lighter weight materials typically suggest a tradeoff with durability, but experience also tells us that there is a middle ground.

As far as full-length models go, the Rab Muztag offers the best coverage for the weight, and a pair of these settles in at less than eight ounces. We tested some sub-one-ounce products as well: the Dirty Girl performs really well, with the Altra Trail weighing even less at a scant one-half ounce per foot — an addition that is barely noticeable whether you are wearing them or carrying them in a pocket or backpack. Regardless of what you are using them for, a good pair of gaiters will keep your feet comfortable and keep things out of your footwear so that you can stay on course.

There are a variety of options out there, from mountaineering highs to trail running lows and a lot in between. We hope our tests and ratings help you sort through just some of the products out there to choose the best pair for you on your next adventure.

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No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Best Gaiters of Photo: Ben Applebaum-Bauch. Share this article:. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more.

Looking for your next pair of gaiters to keep your feet dry and your footwear grit-free? We purchased 10 of the best pairs of gaiters in to put to the test.

Our team of die-hard sloggers pushed these contenders to their limits through snow, slush, talus, dust, and mud. From posthole-worthy options to low-ankle trail runners, our review spans the full spectrum of styles and uses. There are a lot of options out there, but our experts hone in on the most important metrics in order to help you make the right decision for your next adventure.

Top 10 Product Ratings. Displaying 1 - 5 of Rab Muztag GTX. Outdoor Research Crocodile. Black Diamond Talus. Show full specification details Hide full specification details. See all prices 3 found. Comfort and Breathability 7. See all prices 2 found. Check the size guide for the relevant measurements of your gaiter of interest. For the uninitiated, getting gaiters to fit and function correctly can be a little bit more complicated than expected. All Sea to Summit gaiters come in a pair and feature a left and right specific gaiter.

Use them accordingly. Once you have the left and right sorted, locate the lower lace-hook on the bottom of each gaiter. This will be front-facing. All Sea to Summit gaiters have a front-facing hook-and-loop opening. With the front closure completely opened, wrap one gaiter around the corresponding lower leg. Line up the front hook-and-loop closure, press it closed securely, and slide the whole gaiter down so the bottom meets your footwear. Locate the front lace hook and engage this around the laces of your footwear.

This secures the gaiter to the boot, assisting to create a seal between your footwear and the bottom of the gaiter. The better this seal, the better the resistance to rain and mud will be. All other models: Check the cord is passing through the small loop on each side of the bottom of the gaiter. Position the knot right beside the small attachment loop on the outside of each gaiter.

Check everything is snug and the gaiter is fitting securely. If your gaiters have a top-closure strap or cord, this can be cinched around the lower leg.

Generally, this needs to be pulled tight, to stop the gaiters from slipping down your legs. A little space around the top does allow for better comfort and ventilation. Wet weather tip: In heavy rain, wear your gaiters underneath rain shell pants. This allows the water running down the pants to run off. Otherwise, it will run down the pants, into your gaiters and your footwear. As with all outdoor gear, correct care and storage is essential.

The Sea to Summit gaiters are also equipped with Velcro front entries, cam buckle top closures, high-quality stainless-steel lace hooks and replaceable boot straps. The Sea to Summit Alpine eVent come in four different sizes to offer good fit. Sea to Summit Moosejaw. Average rating 4. Outdoor enthusiast with experience in all types of hiking and mountaineering. Hiked in the Alps, Iceland and other countries. In love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes. Check out my hikes. Winter Hiking Gear: How to use crampons, ice axes and gaiters?

Outdoor Research Crocodile. We regularly update our reviews and selections to always recommend you the best products on the market. Expert Selections We only list top-tier products. Read how our selections of best hiking products differ from others here.

Links We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you. Best Gaiters for Hiking. Where to buy? Buy from Amazon. Pros: Material Functionality Abrasion Guard. Outdoor Research Verglas. Pros: Weight Functionality Reinforced with Cordura. Rab Latok Alpine. Pros: Weight Material Breathability Design. Sea to Summit Alpine Event Gaiter.

Pros: Material Breathability Quality. How helpful was this post? Click a star to rate it! Since you found this post useful Thickness and weight can vary drastically. Typically, the top portion of mountaineering-style high gaiters is a waterproof or water resistant material. The bottom is tougher - designed to shield more frequent ice, rock, and brush abrasion.

Spandex is super stretchy and flexible Not going to provide a lot of protection, but enough to keep out trail debris. A thru-hiking favorite and, despite the name, Dirty Girl Gaiters are not just for women. One thing that sets Dirty Girl apart from other ultralight and running brands is their array of colorful and often flamboyant designs. Zebra print, neon camo, and tie-dye printed gaiters - you name it.

These are best for keeping out sand, dirt, rocks and other debris during fair weather hikes and runs—but not rain or cold. The stretchy fabric slips over your feet and secures to your shoelace with a hook. One of the best things is that there is not a traditional under-the-heel strap.

Instead, Dirty Girls secure to the back of your shoe heels with a self-adhesive velcro patch. This alternative securing method can kind of stink considering the velcro is permanent. All Dirty Girl models are low gaiters, reaching up to about mid-ankle. The rip and stick entry means that you can put them on without taking off your shoes - a uniquely awesome feature for low gaiters. Ahhh, yes… easy on and off!

That speed and ease is super useful on the trail. The upper part is a comfortable, breathable nylon and the lower strap is a well-gripped rubber. The fabric is also more water-resistant than other competitors and keeps very cool. Another unique feature to note about the Salomon Trail Running gaiters: the full strap-and-wrap design provides a bit of support and can almost act like an ankle brace on its own.

For this level of support, I love how light and easy these are. Related: See the Salomon High Trail for a slightly higher-rising model.

Scree noun ; an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff. Hence the name, that is exactly what these gaiters are made for - trudging over rocky mountains. The Rab Scree gaiters are a low-rise model for fast and light backpacking. The top is secured with an elastic ankle cuff, and the instep strap is a thin and adjustable bungee cord. These are slip on gaiters, with a shoe lace hook in the front.

It is better for tough terrain rather than tough weather though. While the DWS repels light rain and snow, moisture will eventually seep through the fabric.