While browsing for gear to bring on your next great adventure, you may have come across the word “gaiters” without much explanation of what they actually are. And no, they’re not pet alligators you bring along on your trek for protection. Gaiters are an extremely useful pair of protective gear for your legs and feet, especially if you’re going to be trekking through heavy snow, deep mud or other types of tough terrain.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about gaiters:
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What are gaiters? Learn exactly what they are in the world of outdoor exploration.
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Why do you need gaiters? Find out which trips they would be most useful to bring along and why.
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What are the features of gaiters? Check out their features including waterproofness, abrasion resistance and more.
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How to put gaiters on. Know how to make sure they stay on during your trek.
What are gaiters?
Have you ever gone on a hike in the woods after a particularly nasty rainstorm, and find yourself stepping in puddles that get your shoes, socks and pants dirty? Or what about while snowshoeing, when some loose snow falls down your boots and makes things uncomfortably wet and chilly? Gaiters are the best gear for the job as protective coverings worn over the lower legs and shoes, extending from the ankle to below the knee. They’re specifically designed to provide your legs and feet with protection against elements such as water, snow, mud and more.
Why do you need gaiters?
If you’re planning a hike somewhere that doesn’t have well-maintained trails, you’ll want to bring along your gaiters to help you on tougher terrain. For example, the infamous West Coast Trail, a multi-day trek on Vancouver Island, is known for its deep muddy puddles and routes along sandy beaches. Gaiters are excellent for keeping water, rocks and grime out of your boots, so your feet don’t get wet and cold or poked by sharp stones. Gaiters are also useful for snowshoeing or mountaineering through deep, heavy snow. Aim for gaiters that have waterproof and breathable fabric that keeps snow out of your boots as you trudge along, while also being insulated to keep you warm. Gaiters are also useful as a barrier against pesky insects, most notably mosquitos, wasps and ticks that might take aim at your ankles.
What are the features of gaiters?
Gaiters do a lot more than just keeping your ankles clean from mud splashes. Here are some key features to look for:
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Waterproof materials: This is probably the biggest reason why you want gaiters in the first place. Gaiters are made with a water-resistant coating that blocks out wetness from puddles, mud and even rain to keep your feet dry. If you’re heading for an area with a particularly wet terrain, look for gaiters that use GORE-TEX® materials for even stronger protection for your legs and feet.
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Abrasion-resistant material: Most gaiters are made from abrasion-resistant nylon, meaning that it resists being worn away or damaged by friction. It’s great if your hike involves stomping through pokey branches and rocks, as the tough material won’t rip as easily as others.
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Underarch straps: These strong straps go under the soles of your boot to secure the lower edge of your gaiters, keeping them pulled tight over your legs and feet.
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Toggle cords: These little cords at the top of the gaiters can be used to tighten them even more, sealing off any debris from falling into your boots and keeping your legs nice and warm.
How to put gaiters on
Once you know how to properly put gaiters on, you’ll get the full benefit.
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Make sure your pants are tucked into your socks, with your boots laced up nice and tight (but not uncomfortable).
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Unzip or open the gaiters and adjust the straps so they’re as easy as possible to slip into.
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As you step into your gaiters, the fabric should be wrapped around your legs with the opening in the front. Make sure the underarch straps are on the outside of your feet.
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Close any straps, zippers or snaps along the tops and bottoms of the gaiters and secure it around your ankle. Make sure the gaiters are snug, but not too tight.
Keep in mind that specific gaiter designs depend on the manufacturer, so take a look at any attached instructions if they’re available. Be sure to practice putting them on at home to confirm they fit before tackling any trail.
