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Gaiters are worn to block debris, shield shins, channel runoff, and insulate. Depending on trail conditions they can be overkill or a godsend.
We tested all the recommended gaiters for hiking and this is what we found. Read on to see which model is best for you and get some buying advice.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
PRICE
Gaiters range widely in price. Simple low gaiters can be as low as $20, while rugged leg gaiters can reach $90+. Premium gaiters are made of durable materials that offer high degrees of protection and waterproofing while still being comfortable and breathable.
Gaiters that provide the greatest value:
- Dirty Girl Gaiters
- Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters
- Rab Latok Extreme Gaiters
Most Affordable Low Gaiters: Dirty Girl Gaiters
Most Affordable Mid Gaiters: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters
Most Affordable Leg Gaiters: Rab Trek Gaiter
Premium Gaiters (most expensive):
- Rab Latok Extreme Gaiters
- Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
WEIGHT
The thickness of the gaiter material is the biggest factor in weight. Simple, thin spandex and nylon models weigh the least. Rugged, GORE-Tex waterproof options weigh the most. Gaiter height also affects the price. Low gaiters weigh the least and leg gaiters weigh the most.
The Lightest Low Gaiters: Dirty Girl Gaiters
The Lightest Mid Gaiters: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters
The Lightest Leg Gaiters: Rab Trek Gaiter
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters with strap and hook attachment
COMFORT
Comfort is a mix of materials, seal, and breathability. Spandex is the most comfortable material while stiffer nylon can rub and chafe. A snug fit is important to keep the gaiter secure to prevent unnecessary rubbing. Like a raincoat, your gaiters must offer breathability to keep your legs cool and sweat-free. They should also seal around your shoe to prevent rocks and debris from getting in. We’ll cover comfort in more detail below.
The most comfortable Low Gaiters: Dirty Girl Gaiters
The most comfortable Mid Gaiters: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters
The most comfortable Leg Gaiters: Rab Latok Extreme Gaiters
Other Things to Consider
- Height
- Entry Method
- Attachment
- Material
- Waterproof
- Snake-Proofing
- Insect Repellent
- Top Closures
- Breathability
HEIGHT
High Gaiters (left): Best for extreme and rough conditions - bushwhacking off trail, snow post-holing, etc.
- Shin height, sometimes up to the knee. Usually designed to be worn over boots rather than shoes.
- Heavy and often waterproof.
- Hardshell and rugged to protect against snow, ice, rock or heavy bush.
Mid Gaiters (middle):Best all-in-one gaiters. Offer basic protection in rough, wet conditions while still being flexible and breathable.
- Shin height. Can be worn over both trail running shoes or heavier hiking boots.
- Mid-weight with a balance of waterproofing and breathability.
- Flexible material gives protection against rocks and snow.
Low Gaiters (right): Best for most backpacking and trail running - sandy, muddy or debris-heavy trail.
- Ankle height, typically under a foot tall.
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Keep out trail debris without inhibiting movement.
ENTRY METHOD
You want them to slip on and off easily. You might want to take your shoes off and wade across the creek, have a blister in between your toes, or just want to let your feetbreathe at lunch. Whatever the case, you need to have easy access to your feet. This is why the ease of entry is so important.
Most high gaiters are “stepped into” like a leg cast. Make sure the heel strap is in place on your boot… and then zip (or velcro) it up. I vote front entry (instead of rear) because you can actually see what you are looking at.
REI Co-op Backpacker Low's instep strap
Most low gaiters utilize a stretchy material (kind of like the old school book covers) that you slip your foot into before you put on your shoes. Think of it like a skirt… for your ankle.
Kathoola RENAGaiter - Mid features a breathable nylon construction
ATTACHMENT
Strap and Hook: Beyond getting them on, you want to make sure they are secure.
Again, keep it fast and easy. Most gaiters secure themselves to your shoe via some sort of hook attachment on your laces and under the bottom of the shoe via some sort of strap. Some low gaiters do not have the under-the-heel strap at all and require you to tape a piece of velcro on the back of your heel.
Just like placing your boot into the stirrup of a horse saddle, the instep strap of gaiters wraps around the bottom of your shoe or boot to keep the lower end in place. Some models use simple laces or bungees. Some use more durable synthetics or leather for instep straps. I vote for light, thin and strong laces. You don’t want anything thick that will make consistent and direct contact with the ground.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters is a waterproof snake gaiters
MATERIAL
The materials of your gaiters affect the overall weight, as well as the amount of insulation, breathability, and waterproofing they provide. Materials play a big role in the level of comfort and performance you’ll get out of them.
- Nylon: Rugged,abrasion-resistant, and used for high gaiters (we'll explain in a sec). Thickness and weight can vary drastically. Typically, the top portion of mountaineering-style high gaiters is a waterproof orwater-resistant material. The bottom is tougher - designed to shield more frequent ice, rock, and brush abrasion.
- Spandex: Yes, the same glam material from 80’s workout videos. Spandex is super stretchy and flexible... and lightweight. Not going to provide a lot of protection, but enough to keep out trail debris.
WATERPROOF
If you’re planning on encountering snow, wet conditions, or river crossings waterproofing is key. Nylon fabrics offer a minimal level of waterproofing. Best for short hikes, damp undergrowth, or light rain. Gore-Tex, an industry-leading waterproof membrane, is best for extended rains, river crossings, and snow travel.
REI Co-op Backpacker Low with top closure
SNAKE-PROOFING
The most robust gaiters can be thick enough to protect against snake bites. These large, armor-like, gaiters only make sense when hiking in areas with thick undergrowth where snakes might be hiding. Onwell-traveled trails, snakes can be avoided by keeping an eye, and an ear, out.
INSECTREPELLENT
Some gaiters come with insect repellent pre-applied. Insect Shield® and permethrin are common repellents used. Use gaiters treated with insect repellent in areas with high tick and mosquito activity. If your gaiters don’t come with insect protection you can apply it at home. Read our how-to guide for more info.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters is made up of both nylon and spandex
TOP CLOSURES
Top closures, a strap or toggle on the upper part of the gaiter, are an important feature for cold weather and wet hiking. A dedicated top closure ensures the gaiters remain snugly in place to keep out water, snow, and ice.
BREATHABILITY
All gaiters must be breathable to prevent rubbing and chafing from sweaty feet or legs. A lightweight fabric like spandex is the most breathable and our pick for warm weather hiking. In colder or wet conditions, thicker Gore-Tex material is waterproof while still providing breathability.
FAQs
How to wear gaiters for hiking?
To wear gaiters for hiking, each pair of gaiters will vary slightly on how to wear. In general, these are the steps to put on gaiters.
Salomon Trail Running Gaiters' full strap-and-wrap design
- Step into the gaiter with the strap buckle facing the outside of your foot. This minimizes the chance of kicking the buckle with your other foot while hiking.
- Ensure the bottom strap sits underneath the arch of your foot.
- Adjust internal strapping, if applicable.
- Close the velcro or zipper running the length of your gaiter.
- Tighten the top closures to hold the gaiters on your legs.
- Adjust any other snaps, zippers, or buckles your gaiters may have.
- Hike on!
How to make gaiters for hiking?
You can make your own gaiters with stretch nylon or polyester material, velcro, and a couple of hooks.
- Step 1: Make the pattern. Generally, gaiters are one size fits all, but tweak to your size if needed.
- Step 2: Cut the fabric.
- Step 3: Hem and sew the edges to avoid fraying.
- Step 4: Reinforce the tips by adding another piece of fabric. Most of the strain on the gaiters is on this point. Make sure to sew solidly.
- Step 5: Attach the hooks and velcro.
A full guide can be found here.
📸 Some photos in this post were taken by Dana Felthauser
(@danafelthauser)
