Depending on the conditions you’re in, gaiters can make a significant difference between a wonderful and horrible climbing experience. These gears will keep your feet safe and make your adventure even more enjoyable. So, what kind of pair should you look for? Well, our list of best gaiter for hiking will help you decide. Moreover, we also include several variations of the model, including the best gaiters for winter hiking. And you better not switch your browser tabs, because we also have some great tips on how to wear gaiter. Without further ado, let’s get started!
How to Choose The Best Gaiter for Hiking
In order to get the most of your gaiters, you need to do everything right from the beginning. Make some serious considerations before you decide. Think about how tough the terrain will be. Take into account how long you plan to spend on the trails. That way, you’ll get exactly the best gaiter for hiking you’re looking for.
However, we do understand that this is definitely not an easy task. Some of you may be relatively new to outdoor activities and don’t even have an idea how to wear gaiter! But don’t worry buddy, because we’re here to help. So, here are three important factors that you need to think about when choosing the best gaiters for winter hiking or other gaiters in general.
Material
Just like with other outdoor gear, the material is a vital factor in choosing the best gaiter for hiking. It’ll determine the level of comfort and performance of the equipment. Most gaiters are made of tough nylon material. They’re generally resistant to abrasion and water and have a tough bottom. Another alternative that you can consider is spandex. They’re more stretchy and flexible but might not provide much protection.
And speaking of outdoor gear made of impressive materials, we have plenty of them on our list of the 13 best small hiking daypacks. Make sure to check them out for some amazing solutions to carry your hiking essentials around.
Attachments
Another thing that should be your main concern in choosing the best gaiter for hiking is attachments. Make sure you get gaiters with good straps and hooks, as they’ll make sure the gear sticks to your legs the whole way. Remember, the last thing you want is to walk with gears that are constantly making direct ground contact. So, make sure you get this right.
Opening
How many of you know how to wear gaiter? Well, no matter how advanced the protection offered, good gaiters are supposed to be easy to put on and take off. But remember, you need to have a precise fit. Too loose, you’ll slip easily. Too tight and you’ll end up with bruises and blisters. So, make sure you get gaiters that can slip on and off easily. Apart from that, see if they have some sort of adjustment system.
How to Wear Gaiter?
It’s quite simple actually. Once you’ve made sure the gaiters fit your foot properly, attach them to your shoe. The most common method is to slide the hook under your shoelace. And depending on the model you get, there may be additional velcro or buckles for better fitting.
Are Gaiters Good for Hiking?
This basically depends on how much protection you expect. For hikes on snowy terrain, you’re better off going with a taller gaiter. But if you plan on doing lighter activities, the shorter gaiter will be a remarkable choice.
Why Do Hikers Wear Gaiters?
Gaiters are basically designed to provide extra shields to your legs. In the case of climbers, they’ll provide great protection against tree limbs and thorns. Apart from that, gaiters will also help prevent mud, snow, and other debris from getting into your boots.
And for even better protection, there’s nothing wrong with putting some extra gear. In case you want to take care of your feet, check out our list of the 13 best knee braces for hiking. They’ll prevent you from putting too much stress on your knees, which in turn improves your overall climbing experience.
Do Gaiters Keep Your Feet Dry?
If you’re talking about drowning your feet in a creek, no. Gaiters won’t be able to do much in that scenario. Nevertheless, they’ll be great at preventing light rain and debris from getting into your shoes. But remember, gaiters might make your feet sweat a lot. So, it’s highly recommended to wear socks.
Outdoor Research Crocodile
13
If you don’t know where to start, getting a product from a well-known brand is a wise decision. In this case, we recommend Outdoor Research Crocodile. These gaiters are one of the popular choices among senior hikers. Despite the fact that the designs haven’t received any updates recently, they’re just as reliable as they were first released a few decades ago.
Outdoor Research Crocodile is designed to deal with some of the toughest outdoor conditions. It’s made of heavy-duty triple-layer Gore-tex fabric with high insulation. You can use this to walk in the snowiest terrain and there won’t be a single snowfall on your pants. As for easy application, Crocodile features a front entry with rip-and-stick velcro and cam buckle. But there’s a downside, these gaiters can be quite heavy for some.
What We love
Reliable gaiters, designed to withstand some of the toughest outdoor conditions
Pros:
- 70D upper leg Cordura
- Waterproof, breathable, abrasion-resistant
- Larger circumference
- Available in three different colors
Cons:
- It can be quite heavy
Rab Latok Extreme
12
Rab Latok Extreme is probably the best gaiter for hiking with a lot of advanced technology involved in its main construction. Despite their sleek design, these gaiters are able to perform just as well as products that are, let’s say, more “traditional”. The combination of the eVent outer layer and Watergate back panel provides an excellent level of breathability and waterproofing. What makes it even better, these gaiters are also great at protecting you from low temperatures!
As for the entry method, the Rab Latok Extreme slips on relatively easily. You don’t need to bother taking the time to learn about how to wear gaiter with this thing. Just make sure you adjust the instep strap to get a proper fitting. And you don’t have to worry about it wearing off in no time because the strap is rubberized and thick.
And speaking of gaiters, you need to remember that they won’t work optimally unless you pair them with good boots. In this case, you might want to check out our list of the 13 best snowshoes for hiking.
What We Love
Offers complete protection against the elements, with a sleek design
Pros:
- 70D nylon material
- Hook-and-loop closures
- Lace hook attachment
- Weight at 8oz
Cons:
- It’s a bit pricey
Outdoor Research Wrapid
11
Outdoor Research Wrapid is often dubbed one of the most ideal gaiters and we can quickly see why. Despite their ultra-light construction, these gaiters are able to provide the same amount of protection as their regular counterparts. You get all things right with these things. Starting from a tight fit, water-resistant, and breathable nylon-blend fabric, plus an entry mode with sturdy velcro.
Overall, Wrapid’s Outdoor Research is doing a great job at providing the best of both worlds. It has the comfort of full-size gaiters, without making your pack significantly heavier. So if you’re a big fan of ultralight gear, this is one of the best gaiter for hiking that won’t let you down.
What We Love
Ultra light construction, with more than decent protection
Pros:
- 50 percent nylon
- Machine wash-friendly
- Double Pivoting Boot Hooks
- Movement Mirroring Stretch
Cons:
- Some reported problems with the velcro
Rab Scree
10
While they don’t have the fanciest names, Rab Scree is one of the most dependable gaiters when it comes to rugged rocky terrain. They carry a low-rise model, which makes these gears perfect for short backpacking trips. For the technical features, Scrab Free uses an elastic ankle cuff to secure the top. Furthermore, the instep strap uses a thin bungee cable. It’s durable and really easy to adjust. Forget about the idea of learning how to wear gaiter, because this product is really simple, practical, and approachable!
For the main material, Rab Scree decided to go with Double Weave Stretch. It’s a lightweight softshell fabric that offers a decent amount of breathability. But don’t expect it to be 100 percent waterproof. They might work great for resisting some light rain or snow, but in the end, you’ll still get some minor seepage. Overall, this is a product that deserves to be among the best gaiter for hiking. Definitely worth checking out.
What We Love
Carrying a low-rise model, perfect for short backpacking trips
Pros:
- 100 percent polyester
- Elasticated underfoot bungee
- Silicone gripper ankle cuff
- Articulated secure lace hook
Cons:
- Not 100 percent waterproof
Salomon Trail Running
9
When you’re out in the open, you’ll obviously want to put all your focus on the trails and surroundings. So, don’t let hard-wearing gaiters ruin your whole experience. Do yourself a favor and grab a pair of the Salomon Trail Running. These are gaiters that are designed with a smooth entry system. Extremely easy to slip on and slip off!
Furthermore, the upper provides impressive comfort. Meanwhile, the lower strap uses rubber for maximum grip. Apart from that, the fabric is able to resist water well. We even dare to say it’s better than most of its competitors. If you haven’t decided among the best gaiter for hiking, don’t hesitate to go with the Salomon Trail Running.
What We Love
Easy to wear and provides excellent protection against water
Pros:
- Synthetic
- Hook and loop closures
- Easy to put on
- Durable
Cons:
- It has a slightly loose fit
Outdoor Research Sparkplug
8
The Outdoor Research Sparkplug is a lightweight gaiter with fantastic specs. It’s made from 86 percent nylon and 14 percent spandex, giving you a level of flexibility like no other. Compared to most gaiters on the market, Sparkplug is one of the lightest. Apart from that, they’re also breathable, so you don’t have to worry about getting toasty legs.
To give you an excellent fitting, Sparkplug includes hook patches on the heel. This product is also claimed to have Movement-Mirroring Stretch technology, which gives you more freedom of movement while protecting your feet from various types of debris. Available in small/medium and extra-large sizes, Outdoor Research Sparkplug is one of the best gaiters for hiking that you don’t want to miss!
What We Love
Ultra light design, comes in a refreshing blue
Pros:
- 86 percent nylon
- Hand wash
- Lightweight design
- Breathable
- Movement-mirroring stretch
Cons:
- Not available in small sizes
Black Diamond GTX Frontpoint
7
Black Diamond GTX Frontpoint will be an excellent alternative when you need waterproof gaiters. The fabric is thick enough to ward off different types of moisture. Furthermore, this gear carries a front-entry model, which makes it compatible with almost all types of mountaineering boots. For a really precise fitting, Black Diamond adds a velcro closure. No matter how long your hiking trip takes, these gaiters will sit comfortably on top of your boots.
As for the main construction, Black Diamond GTX Frontpoint utilizes nylon ballistic material. It’s completely resistant to tears, which explains why these gears are often considered one of the best gaiter for hiking around. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement here. As for breathability, these gaiters are average at best. Meanwhile, some users reported failures with their loops and buckles. If you haven’t learned how to wear gaiter before, this might be a problem.
Speaking of hiking, did you know that we have lots of great recommendations for mountaineering equipment? You can start by checking our list of the 13 best waterproof hiking pants. They’re great when you’re planning to go on a winter adventure.
What We Love
An excellent alternative to water repellent gaites, effective in repelling various types of moisture
Pros:
- Compatible with most mountaineering boots
- Waterproof
- Comfortable
- Tear-resistant
Cons:
- The breathability could be better
Outdoor Research Ultra Trail
6
These Cordura gaiters will be great when you plan on not carrying a lot of weight in your pack. That’s because the Outdoor Research Ultra Trail has a lightweight construction, measured at just around 4oz per pair. Plus, it’s also resistant to water. And thanks to its mid-level design, you’ll get utter protection up to half your calf.
Possibly your best gaiter for hiking, the Outdoor Research Ultra Trail is packed with an impressive array of technical features. Some that are worth mentioning include the double pivoting boot lace hooks, flat seam construction, and the molded boot section. If there’s anything we have to criticize, then it’s probably how these gaiters perform against the water. They’re great for light rain, but not completely waterproof.
What We Love
Lightweight, measured only about 4oz per pair
Pros:
- 91 percent Cordura
- Machine wash friendly
- Breathable
- Movement-mirroring stretch
Cons:
- Not 100 percent waterproof
Outdoor Research Expedition
5
Whenever you need to deal with harsh conditions, go with Gore-Tex gaiters. They’re known for their toughness and should help you a lot during intense moments. And this is precisely why we recommend the Outdoor Research Expedition.
Weighing around 12.1oz per pair, the Outdoor Research Expedition is a lightweight alternative for your leg protection. It’s packed with plenty of resistance capabilities, including waterproofing, abrasion resistance, as well as protection against various debris. Furthermore, the Expedition is also compatible with mountaineering boots and that’s a plus for its versatility. The only downside is that these gaiters can get a little heavy and hot. Regardless, this is one of the best gaiters for winter hiking which you certainly don’t want to miss.
What We Love
Made from Gore-Tex material, it provides great protection against some of the harshest conditions
Pros:
- 100 percent nylon
- Waterproof and windproof
- Versatile
- Tripe-bartracked BioThane webbing
Cons:
- It’s recommended to downsize
Sea to Summit Alpine eVent
4
Considering yourself a serious hiker? Then you can’t go wrong with the Sea to Summit Alpine eVent. This is one of the best gaiters you can get on the market. As for the fabric, Alpine eVent uses a specially made material to provide excellent breathability and protection. And for an impressive level of toughness, the underside is made of 900-denier Nylon.
Most climbers often have problems with fittings. But you can say goodbye to that, as the Alpine eVent is equipped with Velcro front entries and cam buckle top closures for easy slip on and off. Apart from that, these gaiters also come in four different sizes. You can choose between S, M, L, or XL, depending on your profile.
What We Love
Crafted using tailor-made materials for excellent breathability and protection
Pros:
- Ultralight
- Breathable
- Ideal for ski touring, mountaineering, or trekking
- 38mm Velcro front opening
Cons:
- Not the best choice for waterproof gaiters
Rab Latok Alpine
3
If you put functionality above all, go with Rab Latok Alpine. This beast is made from eVent, a tough fabric that’s much more breathable than Gore-Tex. And what makes Alpine even more appealing is that they’re able to deliver impressive performance, despite their lightweight construction!
To further enhance the sturdiness around the ankle area, Rab Latok uses a layer of Tough Robic nylon. And in case you’re asking about fittings, Alpine features Velcro front closures and abrasion-resistant instep straps. The combination of the two should make it easier for you to use the gaiters, even when you put the gloves on. If you ask us, this is one of the best gaiters for winter hiking that you definitely don’t want to miss.
And in case you’re looking for other types of gaiters, you’re in the right place! We’ve got some impressive recommendations on our list of the 13 best gaiters for hunting. Check them out if you’re looking for a fantastic solution for your foot protection.
What We Love
Provides impressive performance, despite its lightweight construction
Pros:
- eVent material
- Top closure
- Underboot strap attachment
- Calf height
Cons:
- Low quality seams
Outdoor Research Verglas
2
Outdoor Research Verglas is a Pertex Shield gear with a stellar performance. While it’s not as well-known as Gore-Tex, the fabric is extremely light, waterproof, and breathable. This also makes Verglas one of the lightest gaiters around, measuring at around seven ounces a pair. Further, Outdoor Research includes some remarkable technical features here. We’re talking about Cordura reinforced ankles, cam buckle top closures, and metal boot lace hooks.
Overall, Verglas really deserves to be among the best gaiter for hiking. They’re lightweight and perform as expected. If you’re planning to go on a snowy adventure in the near future, make sure to check them out.
What We Love
A Pertex Shield gear with stellar performance, great for snowy conditions
Pros:
- 100 percent nylon ripstop
- Versatile
- Durable hypalon instep strap
- Tough materials
Cons:
- Not as durable as thicker gaiters
Black Diamond Apex GTX
1
Coming with well-crafted construction, Black Diamond Apex GTX has become one of the popular choices among seasoned hikers. They manage to put on impressive performances, especially in snowy conditions. Apart from that, we’re also impressed by its three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, which is both breathable and waterproof. You can take these gaiters to some of the toughest terrains and they’ll work flawlessly! In other words, this is one of the best gaiters for winter hiking that you’ve been looking for.
We also appreciate the fact that Black Diamond pays great attention to small details. For example, there are reflective panels near the buckles. They’re made for increased visibility, so you’ll have no trouble finding the gaiters during low-light conditions. Apart from that, there’s a wide opening in both hooks and loops for easy application.
What We Love
One of the best gaiters for hiking with an impressive ability to tackle snowy conditions
Pros:
- Calf-high design
- Hardshell Gore-tex material
- Velcro clasp
- High-density neoprene
Cons:
- We’re still working on finding it!
