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Best Gaiters

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiter
Outdoor Research
Expedition Crocodile Gaiter
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Great for Hunters
Bottom Line

You get 3 layers of guaranteed boot protection with Outdoor Research's Gore-Tex safety tech.

Pros

The breathable inner material protects your legs from harsh edges and potential hazards while hiking. They're made to fit on most plastic boots and insulated pants. Hoop and loop closure keeps them tight and secure throughout your day. Buyers praise the durability.

Cons

Some complained of holes right out of the package. Hoop and loop may fall apart, but they can be fixed.

Best Bang for the Buck
Unigear Waterproof Leg Gaiters
Unigear
Waterproof Leg Gaiters
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Best for All-weather
Bottom Line

Tough yet lightweight 600-denier nylon sheds snow and rain easily, making all-weather treks more comfortable.

Pros

These knee-high lightweight nylon gaiters stay up when fitted correctly. Durable instep strap adjusts quickly. Nice fit over larger calves. Alloy steel supports and protects in cold, wet weather. Features dust-proof, insect-proof design for multi-functional safety.

Cons

Instep strap is surprisingly short for some. Doesn't support rugged adventures for others.

Salomon Trail Gaiters
Salomon
Trail Gaiters
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Best for Runners
Bottom Line

Lower than a traditional gaiter, these only come up to cover the ankle; best for fast-paced races and runs.

Pros

Their rugged, waterproof nature makes them good for all seasons. Runners love them for obstacle racing and ultra racing. Snug fit and reflective material to keep hikers and runners safe and comfortable. Durable, protective, easy-to-use gaiters.

Cons

No lace connection, so they tend to ride up. Tricky sizing for larger shoe sizes.

Hikenture Anti-Tear Leg Gaiters w/ Waterproof Zipper
Hikenture
Anti-Tear Leg Gaiters w/ Waterproof Zipper
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

You don't just get the gaiters with this set, you get a handy pull-string bag to carry them in, too.

Pros

They protect your lower legs from the elements on your outdoor hiking adventures. The 600D nylon Oxford cloth can take a beating. The waterproof zipper won't wear down with the weather. They fit snugly without constricting your legs.

Cons

Some buyers report faulty zippers out of the box.

Crackshot Men's Snake Bite Proof Gaiters
Crackshot
Men's Snake Bite Proof Gaiters
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Snake Proof
Bottom Line

Hunting in a place with a lot of bitey critters? This pair protects your legs from snakes and other hazards.

Pros

They're effective over your boot against snakes, cacti, and other natural hazards. They're puncture resistant against heavy contact and hold up to strict fire standards. Each weighs just 11 ounces and is available in 6 sizes for your needs.

Cons

Some buyers think they're sized incorrectly; do your research.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consulted
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Buying guide for Best gaiters

Beginning hikers have been known to ask, “What are gaiters?” Experienced hikers don’t have to ask that question. They know exactly what they are and what they’re for, and more often than not they’ve used them on a trek.

Gaiters are an indispensable hiking accessory for anyone tackling muddy or snowy conditions in the backcountry. They help keep trousers and boots cleaner and, more importantly, drier in adverse weather and tricky terrain. Gaiters can also keep pebbles, twigs, burrs, and dirt from making their way inside footwear, an uncomfortable circumstance that can force you to stop frequently to empty out your shoes. They can even protect against accidental scrapes and strikes from crampons and walking sticks. 

Because there are so many sizes and fabrics available, selecting the right set of gaiters can be a puzzle even for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Do you need knee-high gaiters or something mid-calf? Are they worth the investment for trail runners?

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Gaiters offer a first line of defense against rain, snow, mud, rocks, and sharp tools, and they dry out more quickly than boots.

Key considerations

Choosing gaiters requires answering a few questions about what you will use them for. Are you planning a day trip in relatively good weather? Are you a trail runner looking to protect your lower legs from low branches or loose scree? Is a multiday adventure on varied terrain in the works? Are you dreaming of snowshoeing on a powdery hillside? Are you hunting in the backcountry, well away from blazed trails? Each of these situations calls for a different type of gaiter. Consider these details before deciding on the type of gaiters to purchase:

Size

  • Outerwear: Winter snowshoers and climbers wear more layers and thicker clothing that can prevent gaiters from closing tightly. 

  • Footwear: Mountaineering boots, hiking boots, hybrid approach shoes, and trail running shoes are built differently, and their shape affects how gaiters fit. Cross-country ski boots and snowshoeing boots offer sizing challenges, too.

  • Shoe size: Most gaiters are cut to fit a range of shoe sizes, so check sizing charts before purchasing.

Material

  • Fabric type: Coated nylon is a fabric commonly used in gaiters, but hikers need more technical fabrics if they’re tackling a multiday hike, ice climbing, or snowshoeing.

  • Water resistance: Some gaiters are water resistant while others are waterproof. Water-resistant gaiters are breathable, allowing sweat in trousers and boots to evaporate; waterproof gaiters are not.

  • Abrasion resistance: Gaiters are made of tough materials that are hard to scuff or tear. Some have even tougher abrasion-resistant fabric around the bottom cuff for additional protection.

Conditions

  • Terrain: Consider the terrain in which you’ll be wearing your gaiters. A muddy path presents a different challenge than deep snowdrifts.

  • Weather: The climate matters when it comes to picking the right set of gaiters. You probably don’t need knee-high, waterproof gaiters when hiking in the desert in summertime.

  • Injury potential: If your trip has known risks like hard strikes against rocky outcrops, large thorns, or encounters with venomous snakes, “snake-proof” gaiters may provide added protection.
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Expert tip
Most gaiters come as left- and right-foot specific. Be aware of this when putting them on.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Gaiter features

Length

Gaiters come in three basic lengths: ankle, mid-calf, and knee.

  • Ankle: These gaiters measure 6 inches or less, extending from the shoelaces to the top of the ankle.

  • Mid-calf: These gaiters measure 8 to 12 inches and provide coverage from the laces to about the middle of the shin.

  • Knee: These gaiters are 15 to 18 inches long and cover the lower leg from the laces to just under the knee.

Fit

Because gaiters need to fit snugly and not slip around the shoe, their construction has some small but important features, including the following:

  • Hook-and-loop closure: This usually runs the length of the gaiter and allows you to securely wrap the fabric around your leg or ankle and remove the gaiter quickly.

  • Adjustment tab: Located at the top of the gaiter, an adjustment tab or string allows you to get a more precise fit to keep water and debris out.

  • Lace hook: A small metal hook at the bottom of the front of the gaiter attaches to the lowest lace on your boot and prevents the gaiter from sliding around.

  • Instep strap: This runs from one side of the gaiter, underneath the instep of the shoe, to the other side and secures the gaiter to the foot.

Extras

And, of course, gaiters have optional features that can make your outing more comfortable:

  • Insect repellent: Some gaiters are made with fabric saturated with insect repellent, like permethrin, to keep ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects away.

  • Buckled instep straps: Sturdier than lace straps, these leather or synthetic straps adjust using a small metal buckle.

  • Additional attachment points: Multi-point straps may improve durability and fit, while hook-and-loop heel tabs help gaiters stay in place.
Expert tip
In a downpour, try wearing your gaiters underneath your pants to provide more protection.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Gaiter prices

Inexpensive

Breathable, all-nylon gaiters offer the best utility among mid-calf and knee-length models and start as low as $15.

Mid-range

A wider variety of breathable and waterproof fabrics, as well as durable gaiters for trail running, can be found within the $21 to $47 price range.

Expensive

Gaiters built for extreme conditions command the highest prices, from $79 to $150 or more.

Tips

  • Layer correctly for rain. On rainy days, wear gaiters underneath your rain pants so that water doesn’t run down into the tops of the gaiters.

  • Put the correct gaiter on each foot. Just like shoes, gaiters have a left and a right. If you’re having trouble getting new gaiters to fit comfortably, make sure the lace hook is located front and center on the bottom cuff and the buckle or pull adjusters for the instep strap are on the outside of your ankle. If not, switch the gaiter to the other foot. 

  • Spray insect repellent on the outside of gaiters before putting them on.

  • Tape the lace hook. If the lace hook tends to come loose while hiking, secure it to the lace with a small piece of duct tape.

  • Dry the gaiters. Hang up gaiters to dry in a well-ventilated spot away from campfires or stoves and out of direct sunlight. If you’re stopping for lunch on the trail, loosen the top closure on the gaiters or open the hook-and-loop closure partway to allow sweat to evaporate.
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Gaiters can protect boots and clothing from damage due to walking sticks or tripping over crampons.

FAQ

Q. Are there downsides to wearing gaiters?

A. Gaiters add extra weight to a hiker’s overall load. Granted, it might be just a few extra ounces, but on the second day of a tough mountain hike, you feel every ounce of extra weight. Gaiters can be annoying to put on and take off, which should be done during each extended rest break to allow boots and trousers to air out. Waterproof gaiters prevent moisture from evaporating from boots and trousers, so these can take longer to dry during rest breaks. Trail runners may find that ankle gaiters make their feet and ankles sweat more, which can cause hot spots and blisters. Most of these issues can be minimized by selecting the right type of gaiter for the activity.

Expert tip
Gaiters should fit very snugly around your boots, hiking, or trail running shoes.
BestReviews Fitness Expert

Q. Will the hook-and-loop closures fail when trekking through heavy brush?

A. On properly fitted gaiters, the hook-and-loop closures should hold just fine even when branches and briars are scraping past them. Hikers complain more often that the outer seams become worn and frayed after miles of hiking through scrub or rocks, and they may fail long before the hook-and-loop closures do. Seams can be treated with a multi-purpose seam sealer to extend their life. Hook-and-loop strips should be kept free of dirt and debris to perform at their best.

Q. Ankle gaiters slide out of place easily on my low-cut trail runners and let gravel and burrs into my shoes. How can I stop this?

A. Look for an ankle gaiter with three points of attachment: An abrasion-resistant stretchy instep strap, a lace hook, and a hook-and-loop tab at the back. A bottom opening that is wider and sits lower on the shoe is also helpful because it provides more coverage, and even if it shifts slightly, it won’t expose the ankle collar or tongue of the shoe. Low-cut ankle gaiters are an option; they’re designed with trail runners in mind and feature lightweight, breathable materials and a secure wraparound fit. If debris and burrs are bigger concerns than sweaty feet, consider longer ankle gaiters or even mid-calf gaiters, which are larger overall and made of more durable materials.