Best Hiking Gaiters

KEY CONSIDERATIONS for the best hiking Gaiters

Do You Need Gaiters?

Easily the most important question when you’re thinking about taking gaiters on your adventure – do you need them? This is a very valid question since none of us want to pack extra gear and tote it miles into the backcountry if we don’t even need it. Therefore, let’s examine the thought process for gaiters and ask some specific questions to see if you need them.

First, consider your footwear. Non-waterproof hiking shoes and trail runners are becoming increasingly popular on the trail these days, and are built to drain water and dry quickly if you happen to get wet. In this case, gaiters are most likely not going to significantly help you (unless you’re using them to keep physical debris out of your shoes) since your shoes will get wet regardless of whether the top is covered by a gaiter or not.

Second, think about the environment you’re heading into. You are infinitely more likely to encounter wet conditions in most mountain environments with variable weather patterns, along with dewy foliage that you may brush against in the mornings. In these cases, gaiters can be beneficial. On the flip side, getting your feet wet is less of a concern in very dry environments, in which case you may not need gaiters.

Lastly, remember that gaiters can help with a lot more than just keeping water out. They also block any physical debris from sneaking into the tops of your shoes. This could include pebbles, twigs, and sand. So again think about where you’re heading, and if gaiters have a significant benefit to offer you.

If you’re joining us on a guided vacation with Wildland Trekking, remember to consult your packing list beforehand. If your guide believes gaiters are worth having, they’ll be listed along with the rest of the gear we recommend you bring.

Length

Broadly speaking, hiking gaiters can be classified as long/full-length or short (although there are minor variations within these categories). Full-length hiking gaiters sit a little below the knee and cover everything from that point down to your footwear. These types of gaiters provide the maximum level of protection and are best suited for deep snow, river crossings, or other significant sources of moisture.

Short gaiters can sit anywhere from just above the ankle to slightly below mid-calf. This type of gaiter is more common on the majority of hiking trips and provides good protection against debris and moisture during your typical hiking adventures. Take note, however, that some short or ankle-length gaiters are not 100% waterproof, which we will discuss in more detail next.

Waterproofing

This is very important to remember during your hiking gaiter search, not all gaiters are waterproof. Many short and ankle-length gaiters sacrifice complete waterproofing in favor of lower weight and prices, along with the fact that they are more geared to stopping trail debris from getting into your shoes (especially for gaiters designed for trail running). These gaiters are still water-resistant, however, and can certainly repel the occasional rain or splash from a creek crossing. But just remember that they won’t offer the same level of water protection and 100% waterproof gaiters.

Therefore, if waterproofing is important to you, remember to take a close look at your perspective gaiters to make sure that they live up to your expectations. We’ll also identify each of our recommendations below to make it clear which gaiters are waterproof and which are not.

Adjustability and Fitting

The vast majority of gaiters follow a similar formula for fitting to your leg and footwear – but there are some minor variations to be aware of.

First, many gaiters have a full-length zipper or velcro closure that allows you to slip them on without needing to take your shoes off – a very handy feature for putting gaiters on quickly when you need to. They also often include a small hook that fastens to your shoelaces to help keep the gaiter in place along with either an adjustable strap at the top where it fastens to your leg or stretchy elastic (or both).

Some gaiters will also include an instep strap that fits under your footwear and also helps the gaiter stay where you want it. Not all models have this feature, but we’ve found it to be a handy addition, especially for full-length gaiters. In some cases, this strap may be adjustable, and in others, it may simply be a stretchy cord that you can’t adjust.

We definitely recommend you familiarize yourself with all the adjustment options for your gaiters to make sure you get the most comfortable and secure fit. What’s more, remember that gaiters come in a variety of sizes, and you should refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to make sure you get the right size for you.

Price

Like all our hiking gear, there is a distinct price range when it comes to hiking gaiters. Most budget options will hover around $30 or $40 while high-end, full-length options with the most durability and protection will be closer to $90 0r $100.

So think about what you expect from your gaiters, how often you’re going to use them, and your budget for this particular piece of gear. The premium-level options may definitely be worth it for hikers who regularly find themselves in very wet or snowy conditions. Meanwhile, folks who hike occasionally throughout the year and seldom tackle significant snow or water can find a much more budget-friendly option that will perfectly suit their needs.

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters GORE-TEX

Best Premium Hiking Gaiters

• MSRP: $89.00
• MATERIAL: Cordura nylon – Packcloth nylon
• GAITER HEIGHT: 17 inches (knee height)
• WATERPROOF?: Yes (GoreTex)

PROS: Excellent waterproofing – Comfortable fit – Lightweight design

CONS: Expensive

LOOKING CLOSER: Outdoor Research has done a fantastic job trimming excess weight and fluff while still maintaining excellent waterproofing on the Crocodile Gaiters. These gaiters feel super lightweight and comfortable no matter how many miles you’re logging, which makes them ideal for folks heading into the mountains. The lower weight means the crocodile gaiters feel noticeably thinner than more robust options, and that may affect their long-term durability. But the water protection they offer certainly can’t be disputed. Of course, this premium-level protection comes for a steep price – but if you know you’ll use them to their full potential, then the price may well be worth it.

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Kahtoola INSTAGaITER Low

Best Lightweight Gaiters

• MSRP: 39.95
• MATERIAL: Stretch woven nylon
• GAITER HEIGHT: 5 inches (lower calf)
• WATERPROOF?: No – water-resistant

PROS: Super lightweight – Easy to put on – Decent price

CONS: Not 100% waterproof – Less protection than longer-length gaiters – Zipper may let water seep through

LOOKING CLOSER: For moving light and fast on the trail from hiking to trail running, the INSTAgaiter will be right there with you. The easy-to-use zipper makes throwing these gaiters on very easy, and they only weigh a mere 1.5 ounces. With such a low weight, you’ll barely notice these gaiters as you continue your adventure. Now, these gaiters seem primarily designed to keep grit and debris out of your shoes (especially for trail running). They are water-resistant and will deflect the occasional puddle splash, but they’re not going to be as effective as other options that we’ve discussed (the zipper in particular seems to be where water will seep through with prolonged exposure). So, if you need a super lightweight pair of gaiters that you can throw into your pack and forget about until a quick rainstorm pops up – these may be for you. But if you know you need more rugged protection for prolonged exposure to snow, water, or other wet conditions, the INSTRAgaiters probably aren’t for you.

If you like the look of the INSTAgaiter, but want something with a little more protection, check out the INSTAgaiter Mid for a little added oomph.

View at KahToola

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More Gear Recommendations

Check out our Wildland Gear Guide for more recommendations about hiking, trekking, camping and outdoor gear. We are always adding new products to help our guests and readers make the best choices to outfit their adventures.

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