Most hiking gaiters cover the laces of the boot or shoe, and then end partway up the calf, with some being shorter, some longer. Most hiking gaiters will have a stirrup that goes under the heel holding the gaiter down and another that wraps around the calf, fastening up on the outside of the leg. They do up with either a zip, velcro or press studs or some combination. You can also get fully waterproof, breathable gaiters that are specifically designed for mountaineering, skiing or snowshoeing.
The cheapest and probably the most common fabric used in gaiters is Cordura , which is made out of nylon. The disadvantage of canvas is that its waterproofing capability operates through the cotton fibers absorbing moisture and swelling, which also means that canvas can get very heavy when wet. Finally, most mountaineering or alpine skiing gaiters tend to use breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex, eVent, or some other equivalent check out our Gore-Tex vs Paramo Nikwax comparison , which work better to combat moisture building up inside the gaiter.
Allow Cookies. Home Home What are Gaiters? Gaiters Buying Guide. What are Gaiters? What are gaiters? What are gaiters used for? When should I use gaiters? What are the types of gaiters? Ankle gaiters The most common type of gaiter, ankle gaiters bind to the ankle and offer you protection from the top of your footwear to the bottom of your trousers. Mid-length gaiters Coming in between the ankle and full-length options are, naturally, mid-length gaiters. Full-length gaiters The most commonly found type in the walking and hiking community, full-length gaiters can measure around 15 to inches tall.
Snow gaiters Similar to full-length gaiters, snow gaiters can include an extension of the material to cover more of your foot. Gaiter features. Always a waterproof material, some will also feature tough, tear-resistant fabric. Fastenings: Cheaper gaiters will fasten with just Velcro while higher-end gaiters can be fastened with poppers or zips. Zip-fastened gaiters will be covered by a storm flap and even have waterproof zips.
Pull Cord: An elasticated pull cord allows to adjust the fit of the gaiter to secure it tightly. Elasticated Ankle: Some gaiters may be elasticated at the ankle to give a closer fit and prevent water from getting in. Lace Hook: You may find that your gaiters include a lace hook for security. It allows you to tie your shoelaces to the gaiters to optimise their fit. Stirrup Strap: Made from either nylon or rubber, stirrup straps go under the outsole of your walking footwear to hold the gaiters down where the sole meets the heel.
How do you wear gaiters? With your trousers and walking boots or shoes on, open up the gaiters completely. Make sure that the stirrup strap is fastened to both sides at the bottom. Ensure that the adjusting mechanism is on the outside of your footwear. The Grasshopper is a solid choice for occasional all-around use—without breaking the budget.
These higher-cut gaiters are designed to protect your full shin. The added height provides extra resistance from scrub, sticks, mud, water, snow and debris whilst protecting your shins and footwear from tough conditions.
The lower, high-wear boot section is thicker and reinforced, whilst the upper is lighter. Use these for serious hiking, trekking, or snow use in cooler climates. Knee height gaiters are best suited where substantial protection against the terrain and elements is required. The Overland is a value-packed knee-height option. The upper is a tough D Polyester and the high-wear boot patch region uses an even tougher D Nylon fabric.
With a hook-and-loop front closure and replaceable cord underfoot strap, the Overland is a great entry point into full-height gaiters. Fast-and-light approved, the Alpine gaiters are a stripped-down cousin of the Quagmire below. The waterproof, breathable eVent upper is complemented by a D Nylon boot section. The Alpine is ideal for fast-and-light applications such as alpine climbing, ski-touring and fast-packing. Any activity where protection is required, but in the lightest package possible.
These are the high-performance, full-featured flagship model of the Sea to Summit gaiter range. The Quagmire is knee-height and constructed using a waterproof breathable eVent fabric upper. The high-wear boot area has been reinforced using a tough lined D Nylon fabric. The Quagmire is a champion in the toughest of muddy treks, heavy rain and snowy alpine excursions. The additional breathability of the eVent upper adds versatility in high-output activity and warmer conditions.
The Canvas version of the Quagmire gaiters provides the same comprehensive feature-set as their eVent sibling—but with the added durability and protection of a tough woven 8oz Canvas packcloth upper. Designed to tackle the harshest of off-track, leg-destroying adventures, the Quagmire Canvas is at home anywhere that razor-sharp undergrowth and deep mud is the norm. The stiffness of the canvas upper also allows for ventilation when the top closure strap is loosened off. Just like footwear, gaiters need to fit correctly to function effectively.
These can be further strengthened by an adjustable strap, securing the gaiter into place. This style of fastening is called a storm flap, which as its namesake implies, keeps the worst of the muck out when the weather takes a nasty turn.
An elasticised drawcord gathers around the ankle to secure it tightly. Stirrup straps are used in the construction of gaiters as they fasten well and are easily adjustable. Virtually all gaiters have them as they provide the fundamental fastening mechanism for the entire gaiter and enable it to work effectively. Stirrup straps are made from either nylon or rubber and pass under the outsole of the walking boots to hold the gaiters down across the boot.
Be careful to leave a little wiggle room so that the gaiters still fit nicely with alternative footwear. Most gaiter models feature a lace hook, which allows you to tie your shoelaces to the gaiters to optimise their fit.
Gaiters can be tricky to put on, especially for the inexperienced. Gaiters should always be worn outside the trouser leg. Take note of these steps to wear your gaiters correctly:. As with any other piece of outdoor gear, gaiters require after-care to maintain their appearance and function.
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