Gaiters: How to Choose
Snow, water, dirt and pebbles have a
way of sneaking into even the most waterproof of boots. To prevent this, put on
some gaiters. Gaiters cover the vulnerable tops of your footwear to fully
protect your feet from the elements.
Gaiter shopping is not complicated.
This article gives you the basics.
What's
Your Activity?
The right pair of gaiters depends on
the kinds of trips you have planned and the conditions you expect. The main
types:
- Trail gaiters: These lightweight, breathable gaiters offer basic protection against rocks, grit and light rain while on mild-weather excursions.
- Alpine gaiters: These are designed for all-around hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and cross-country skiing. They offer added protection against rock abrasion and water.
- Expedition gaiters: These provide heavy-duty protection and add insulation for extended mountaineering trips in harsh conditions. Most feature a waterproof, breathable fabric for superior comfort and protection.
- Women's gaiters: While these can fall in any of the above categories, women's styles are typically shorter in height and have a bit more top girth to specifically accommodate a woman's calf.
Low
Versus High
Gaiter height depends on how much
protection you need.
- Low gaiters are ankle high, about 8" to 12" tall. These are best for less-than-extreme conditions when you just need to keep trail debris and rain out of your boots.
- Regular gaiters are calf high, around 15" to 18" tall. These are designed for rugged conditions such as hiking through deep snow, wet brush or in bad weather.
Entry system: Gaiters are usually
opened and secured by front rip-and-stick fasteners (VELCRO® brand
or similar), although a few models feature a sturdy zippered entry. Older
models tended to be rear entry, which offered less convenient on/off access.
Top closures: Basic gaiters are
typically cinched with toggles and elasticized drawcords; some models are a bit
fancier and feature a dedicated top strap with cam buckle.
Instep straps: These secure the
lower edge of your gaiters around your boots' insteps. Basic gaiters come with
simple lace straps. Premium gaiters feature beefier leather/synthetic straps
for extra durability.
Lace hooks: Offered on some styles,
these let you attach your boot laces to your gaiters for added security.
Much like with outerwear, fabrics
help define the level of gaiter performance you're going to get. Most gaiters
feature a lower section that is abrasion-resistant to fend off scrapes and an
upper section that is waterproof or highly water-resistant. Here's a breakdown
of the most common fabric players:
- Gore-Tex®: This well-known laminate provides superior waterproof, windproof protection and breathability. It's ideal for tromping through wet or snowy conditions.
- Cordura® nylon: This super-rugged fabric is designed to withstand the abrasion of ice, rocks and the occasional nick of crampon points.
- Coated nylon: Basic gaiters are very light and are usually made with polyurethane-coated nylon. If a short day hike or fast-packing through talus, sand and wet brush is on your agenda, this type of fabric will work just fine.
- Schoeller® fabrics: This family of soft-shell fabrics offers flexibility and stretch as well as excellent weather protection
Get a snug fit: Most gaiter styles
come in sizes, which are aligned with a range of boot sizes. When you try on
gaiters, adjust the straps to make sure the fit is snug. Your goal is to
achieve the best possible seal around your boots.
Wear low gaiters under your rain
pants: This creates the most waterproof seal.
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