Gaiters!

They come in many shapes and sizes, and like most of my other gear, I've tried a lot of different onces!

Not every hiker uses, or even likes gaiters.  But I've always found them helpful.  They keep debris out of your trail runners, snow and rain out of your boots, and maybe the bottom of your pants dry while making post-holes.  I've also avoided losing a shoe to the suction power of a muddy trail thanks to these little gems.

So here is a list of the the various brand and types I've tried over the past few years.  Mostly, I use low gaiters.  I've never really felt a tremendous need for high gaiters, though I have worn them in the summer (in combination with running shorts) if I'm tearing through thorns and brambles.

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters

This was the first pair of gaiters I ever bought, and they are still in great shape!  I haven't even worn through the bottom strap - which is usually the first thing to go.  I use these for winter and snowy hikes when I switch to boots, as they have a bit more room and fit better than my other smaller gaiters.

They stay put very well, and do a good job of keeping debris and snow out of your boots.  Sometimes I get annoyed with the extra velcro locking tabs at the top - but they always stay closed, so it's worth it.

You can get them on Amazon for $32.50 as of today.  In my opinion, that's a good deal considering how long mine have lasted.

REI Low Gaiters

I have a slightly older version, but they are essentially the same.  I don't use them much anymore, as I've found other brands that are more versatile or easier to use.  But they do a good job, and are a good option if you have never tried gaiters before.  You can pick them up at REI and return them easily if it doesn't work out.  The other pairs below are all from online-only cottage industry shops - so returns aren't as easy.

I tore through the thin retention string in no time on these, and since replaced them with 1/8" shock cord (you can get it in bulk here).  This isn't a problem with hiking boots, as they have a higher arch, which generally keeps the cord from contacted rocks and such.  But with trail runners, it's going to cut through sooner or later, even if your soles have a notch specifically for gaiter cords.  So, that's a slight hassle when it breaks and you have to splice the cord together or replace it with a spare.  These are $29.50 at REI.

Simblissity LevaGaiter

These gaiters are ultralight, at only 1.8 ounces per pair, and intended with use with trail-runners.  So they are perfect for moving fast.  They are stretchy, durable, and comfortable.  Keeping out rocks and shedding water well.  They close in the front using velcro, which also conceals the adjustable toe hook.

They are touted as being able to stay put without the need for velcro at the heel or an undershoe cord - though I never had any such luck.  I ended up having to put a cord on them despite trying every conceivable adjustment and configuration.  I have big feet (size 14), so I can concede that I might be outside of their ideal size range (story of my life).  They have worked well for others, and are recommended by Andrew Skurka.  You can get them here, for $27.95.

Equinox Trail Gaiter

My one and only pair of calf-high gaiters.  I got them as thorn defense after a serious of bloody hikes through brambles.  I like that they zip up in the back, so the zipper doesn't rub on your shin (I usually wear shorts with these).  The stay put well, but have the same cord issues as other gaiters if you use them with train-runners.  They are easily roomy enough for boots though.  I might take them out for winter this year - we'll see!

My only gripe: I wish the top draw cord had more adjustment.  Since I almost always hike in shorts (almost certainly not the way these are intended to be used) they often fall down.

These are a great deal for the price, you can get them here for $24.95-26.95.








Dirty Girl Gaiters

These have easily become my favorite.  Besides having a fun name that is sure to make your postman raise an eyebrow, they are the most simple of all the gaiters reviewed here.  And they stay put without an undershoe cord!

You put on these like a sock, before putting on your shoe, as they are a continuous piece of fabric without a front or rear seam.  This works very well and makes them faster to put on then any of my other gaiters.  They have a front toe hook, and velcro sewn into the heel.  You'll get a long strip of matching velcro to attach to your shoes.  Surprisingly, it sticks very well, even after getting wet and grimy.

They meet all the needs of keeping junk out of your shoe, and shedding water very well.  Like the LevaGaiters, this are meant for trail-runners, though you could probably stretch them over smaller hiking boots if you really wanted to.

Dirty Girls gaiters are my go to for 3 season hiking and trail running, I only wish I had tried them sooner!  They have countless patterns and colors available, and at $21 a pair, are a steal.  Go get yours here.