Best Hunting Gaiters Reviewed & Rated for Quality
The use of gaiters became popular right after they went away from the usual leather materials. Now with the main materials being more flexible (and more protective) having them is a must for a lot of outdoor activities. Protecting the ankles and lower legs, whether it is hot or cold consumers depend on gaiters for protection.
Featured Recommendations
- Outdoor Research Gaiters
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Our rating - Strong
- Price: See Here
- MAIYU Outdoor Gaiters
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Our rating - Rust Proof
- Price: See Here
- Outdoor Research Crocodile
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Our rating - A+ Materials
- Price: See Here
Best Brands
Outdoor Research is a name you’re going to see a lot on this top ten best hunting gaiters list. They do a fantastic job of making compatible sizes and gender-specific gaiters. Due to the differences in leg sizes, compatible sizes is the most important thing when considering a brand.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Treat gaiters like any other heavy duty snow or hiking gear. Warm water with some light scrubbing will get rid of any stubborn dirt that stays attached. There is going to be a lot of build-ups so keeping them fresh and ready to go on a trip is important. Gaiters don’t really require a lot of upkeep out of the normal realm of hiking equipment if you keep up with it.
10 Best Hunting Gaiters
1. Outdoor Research 61122-001
Using a traditional style for gaiters, the Rocky Mountain High manages to add protection without a lot of bulk. And this is all done without compromising the overall quality of the product.
Features and Specifications
Nylon with Hypalon instep strap
Reinforced boot lace hook
Price/Value
The price varies but is average across the board no matter what size you buy. This is consistent with other high-end gaiters and is worth its weight in value.
Decision Time
The best on the list is no surprise and won’t let you down when you need it. Outdoor Research has created the gold standard for gaiters in the industry.
- Best model from Outdoor Research
- Snug fit with the maximum amount of protection
- Big calves will have problems fitting
2. MAIYU
Gaiters are used in some pretty bad conditions so having rust-proof components is important. Maiyu made the shoelace hook and strap able to withstand abuse, leading to a better long-term pair of gaiters.
Features and Specifications
Available in army green, blue, orange and red
High-quality Velcro fittings
Price/Value
You won’t spend a lot for this pair of gaiters and will be looking at a low price. With such great waterproof abilities, anyone that skis will find great value in them.
Decision Time
Whatever your outdoor activity is, this should be on your shortlist of gaiters to buy. It’s a solid purchase from a quality company.
- Best gaiters on the list for skiing
- Great customer support and longevity
- Available colors look average
3. Outdoor Research 61572-413
Using 100% Nylon for the upper leg (70D) and Condura (100D) for the inner leg, there are only a handful of better gaiters in the entire industry. You can count on these to be your go-to pair of gaiters for years.
Features and Specifications
Bio thane instep strap
Abrasion resistant and lightweight
Price/Value
This is one of the most expensive gaiters on the list, as they come out to about the average-high price. Even if they cost more than some boots, it’s a necessary accessory if you’re outdoors a lot.
Decision Time
Very few buyers have been disappointed with this purchase, and it provides everything you would want from a pair of gaiters. When paired with high-quality boots, it’s an unstoppable combo.
- Durable and tough against all weather conditions
- Best choice for wearing with plastic boots
- Long in leg height
4. AKEfit Outdoor
Entering the wilderness requires some planning, depending upon the season and current climate. This product has been designed to assist with many things, such as keeping you dry. No more worries of snow and rain, getting into your boots or soaking your pants!
Adjustable Cord
This set of hunting gaiters is bound to keep out debris and stay up on your legs. There is an adjustable cord built into these gaiters, ensuring a tight fit that stays comfortable for long periods of time.
Price/Value
Average priced, and at this point the most expensive item on the list. What's more is that these gaiters are comfortable and stylish.
Decision Time
This is a top flight pair of gaiters that serve their purpose well. Conditions won’t be an issue, turning this into one of the best purchases for the outdoors.
- Improved version of #7 product on the list
- Comfortable material that won’t rip when used
- No color options
5. Oumers
Using a one size fits all approach, the company found a great middle ground. Compared to the other gaiters on the list, these have a universal fit possible for small to big sizes.
Features and Specifications
600D Nylon fabric
Weighs 5 ounces
Price/Value
As another low priced pair of gaiters on the list, with a universal fit, it serves as the best value. Several members of the family can share the same pair when needed.
Decision Time
It’s impossible to ignore the universal fit of this product which really cuts down on how many pairs you need to keep in a home. Give them a whirl and you’ll realize how much of a great investment these gaiters are.
- Lightweight and true universal fit
- Available in black or camo
- Fasteners can be a pain to use
6. Kadyn
Going beyond the normal color choices, this pair of gaiters has the most variety. Available colors are black, blue, camo, green camo, red, sky, yellow camo, black three layers and maple camouflage.
Features and Specifications
Adjustable elastic band
Waterproof zipper which doubles as a pocket
Price/Value
Low priced and with a lot of choices, the price won’t be an issue when making a decision on this pair. Customers that spend a lot of time in snowy areas will get the most value from this deal.
Decision Time
For some hardcore gaiters that deliver on their promise of keeping you warm, buy a pair of these. They’re strong against the elements and provide a snug fit for all wearers.
- Double layer keeps feet and legs warm
- Snap fastener works with elastic band for a snug fit
- Default setup can be a bit too tight
7. Outdoor Research 61007-001
Wearing gaiters don’t have to add uncertain bulk to your legs or feet. With the low top design in effect, it’s as close as possible to not wearing them at all.
Features and Specifications
100% Nylon
Hypalon instep strap with reinforced boot lace hook
Price/Value
Although they come close to being the average price, they fall more within the low-average range. With the high rate of fits with all sizes, this is a good value.
Decision Time
It’s secure, has great sizing and is competitively priced for gaiters. Depending on these for protection won’t be a problem at all even for a hardcore outdoorsman.
- Secure and stays in place
- Has a high rate of consistency with different sizes
- Straps are not replaceable
8. Altra AXU16301
Using a mixture of Nylon and Spandex, these gaiters can protect your feet from various elements. And because of the materials, they are a bit more flexible and stretchy than normal gaiters.
Features and Specifications
82% Nylon and 18% Spandex
Front metal lace hook
Price/Value
The materials are really good and the price is low, so there is a lot of value in this bundle. Owning other Altra branded products helps since they are compatible.
Decision Time
A mixture of nylon and spandex has never been better, and the price is just right for interested buyers. Even if you are not a fan of Altra products, this turns out to be one of their best yet.
- Compatible with Altra trail shoes
- High compatibility with other branded trail shoes
- Only comes in lime green or orchid
9. JTENG
Along with the high resistance to cold, the fabric won’t leave you uncomfortable. Enough air will get in while still keeping the unwanted cold air out.
Features and Specifications
Made of 210D Oxford cloth
Built for hiking, fishing, hunting and more
Price/Value
A pair of these won’t run high at all and are a low cost even when compared to the rest on the list. With the way they are built, it should last years of abuse.
Decision Time
Buyers that want a safe pair of gaiters will get their money’s worth with this Jteng product. With only a small investment this could turn into a sure winner.
- Tough on long trips through bad weather
- Keeps airflow positive and comfort optimal
- Runs bigger than average gaiters
10. AMYIPO
Often with unisex options, you get colors that aren’t neutral enough. That isn’t a problem with this product since it is available in two different blacks, a blue, and an orange.
Features and Specifications
Windproof, waterproof and tear resistant
Instep straps with intuitive lightweight design
Price/Value
This pair won’t cost a lot, and it often hovers around the low price range. Since they are unisex, the value is great if more than one person will be using it.
Decision Time
As long as they fit you’ll be getting a pretty good deal overall. They don’t have any issues with quality and should work great in any situation.
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
- Strong with great rip stop technology
- Fit might be a bit small for some
Criteria Used in Evaluation
Water Resistance
Unless you are absolutely sure that you are going to be walking in a dry area, you will want your hunting gaiters to be water resistant. Many hunters need to walk off of the trail and there is a good chance that you can be exposed to water from snow, bogs, rain, or mud. Although your hunting boots will provide most of the production, the water can still enter your boots through the top which is why gaiters help provide additional protection. However, if the gaiters do not resist water, then they will do little to stop your feet and ankles from getting wet. That is why water resistance is an important part of purchasing hunting gaiters. There are a few different ways that hunting gaiters are made to be water resistant, but they tend to come down to the construction of the item and the materials it is made from.
You will want to begin by checking what materials are used to make the gaiter. Generally speaking, synthetic fabrics work better at resisting water than fabrics made out of natural materials. This is because synthetic fabrics are polymer based and therefore repel water rather than absorb it like natural fibers do. For this reason, you should look for hunting gaiters that are made from materials such as nylon, polyester, gore tex, or polyurethane. These materials will block water from entering into the fabric of the gaiters and penetrating the clothing that you are trying protect. You should try and avoid anything that uses cotton or wool as these materials will absorb moisture rather than resist it.
The construction of the hunting gaiters will also play an important part in making sure that they resist water. Many hunting gaiters feature dual or triple layer construction. In other words, they will have an out shell and an inner lining. Triple layer gaiters may have a water resistant or waterproof member in the middle layer. At a minimum, you should look for hunting gaiters that have two layers. The exterior layer should be a water resisting shell that is designed to block water from snow, rain, mud, etc. If your hunting gaiters have a third layer, then it is helpful to make sure the middle layer also resists water, although it is possible that the middle layer is meant to provide additional insulation rather than water resistance.
You may also see hunting gaiters that are specially treated to resist water. There are many different fabric treatments available for both home and commercial uses that can make a piece of clothing resist water. These treatments work by plugging up the air holes that are found in the fabric which will translate into it blocking water as well. Many hunting gaiters are treated with such chemicals to help increase the water resistance. You can also purchase such sprays yourself and add additional treatment to your hunting gaiters as needed. You will normally need to apply the spray after you have machine washed your gaiters.
It is also worthwhile to check and make sure that the gaiters resist water by testing them. This is a fairly simple test as all you need to do is pour water on the exterior layer of the hunting gaiters. If the water starts to form beads and runs off of the gaiters, then you know that it resists water. On the other hand, if you see the water soak into the gaiters immediately, then they are not water resistant and should be avoided. You should keep in mind that water resistance is not the same thing as waterproof. Waterproof material will block all water from penetrating into the hunting gaiters while water resistance means that that the gaiters will repel water for a little bit of time but will eventually allow the water to soak into the gaiter. When you are testing for water resistance, you are looking to make sure that they can block water from entering the waters for a short period of time so that you are protected against splashes of water or melting snow. You only need to look for fully waterproof when your situation calls for it.
When you purchase hunting gaiters that resist water, you will find that your shoes, boots, and pant legs will stay much drier than what they might otherwise. Many hunters end up walking in damp or wet conditions. You can end up getting wet from things such as snow, mud, rain, or vegetation rubbing against the bottom of your legs. Hunting gaiters provide you with an additional layer of water protection by covering the tops of your boots and protecting the shoelace areas. These are areas where water and moisture are prone to entering the boots and making your feet wet. You can ensure that you stay dry by looking for hunting gaiters that resist moisture.
Shell Hardness
There are some areas where you won’t want to wear hunting gaiters that have a hard shell, while other times you will want to look for hunting gaiters that have a softer shell and are more flexible. Where you are walking outdoors will be a determining factor on how hard you need the shell to be. If you are walking in the snow and there isn’t a lot of undergrowth, then you may want to favor hunting gaiters that are softer so that it is easy for you to walk. On the other hand, if you are hiking in an environment where there could be poisonous snakes, then you should look for hunting gathers that have a hard shell to avoid getting bit.
It is highly possible that you could be walking in difficult terrain. You may find yourself in an area that has thorny bushes, cacti, or even near thistles. These plants are known for feeling sharp and can penetrate even a thick pair of jeans. You may even need to be aware of biting or stinging animals that can also cause you injury. The last thing you want to experience if having a rattlesnake come out and bite you in the ankle while you are nowhere near any medical treatment facility. For these reasons, you may want to consider looking for hunting gaiters that have a hard protective shell on the exterior of the gaiter. A hard shell can help protect your lower legs from these outdoor hazards. It should be hard enough to block things such as thistles, thorns, and other forms of undergrowth that can cause you injury. If you can find gaiters that are hard and yet flexible, then all the better as this will make it easier for you to walk while you are wearing the hunting gaiters. However, given the choice between ease of walking and safety, you should choose safety when you have to make a choice.
However, sometimes hard shell hunting gaiters are unnecessary. For example, if you are walking in the winter then chances are that much of the undergrowth has died off due to the season. Furthermore, animals that might attack you may not be harmful during cold weather. The snake is a good example because reptiles do not live in cold weather environments or they go dormant. During such seasons, you can generally get away with hunting gaiters that are softer and are more geared towards water resistance and warmth rather than protection. Nevertheless, you may still find it beneficial to wear hunting gaiters that are not hard or soft either. It may be more convenient for you to purchase a pair of hunting gaiters that are suitable all year. If you are not concerned about animal attacks and you are in an area where the plant life isn’t too sharp, then you may find it sufficient to purchase hunting gaiters that offer a mildly hard shell and more flexibility.
You can determine how hard and durable the hunting gaiters are by once again looking at the construction. Some materials are naturally harder than other materials and the thickness of the materials used to make the hunting gaiters will be a sure sign as to how well they will protect you. For example, some hunting gaiters are made from a thick leather material that helps resist piercing. Other brands of hunting gaiters allow you to insert plastic or polycarbonate shields. Naturally speaking, a plastic shield will do a better job of protecting you from sharp plant life and animals as opposed to a hunting gaiter that is made from fabric alone. On the other hand, hunting gaiters that have shields will not bend as well and will also weigh more.
In addition to the construction of the material, you can also feel and test how well the gaiters will protect you in the outdoors. One thing to check for is how easily sharp objects can pierce the material of the gaiters. Many thorny and thistle plants will pierce your clothing so if you are unable to push a needle through your gaiters, then you should be well protected against these kinds of plants. On the other hand, if you can easily push sharp objects through your hunting gaiters, then you should be warned that they will not provide you with protection against thorns, thistles, or snake bites. This may be desirable depending on your situation because if you do not need such protection, then you can focus on purchasing hunting gaiters that are better suited to your other needs.
When you are purchasing hunting gaiters, you should take a look at how hard the outer shell is and how well it can protect your legs. Some hunting gaiters have a thick outer shell or provide you with inserts that will protect you from thorns, thistles, needles, and animal bites. However, these gaiters may not be as flexible or easy to walk in as opposed to soft hunting gaiters. You should always pick out a pair of hunting gaiters that are best suited to the conditions that you will be walking in.
Conditions
Some hunting gaiters are designed to favor certain hunting conditions and are engineered with a specific purpose in mind. If this is the case, then you may want to consider where you are going to be hunting and what sort of conditions you will face. For example, some kinds of hunting gaiters are designed for dry and mild conditions while other kinds of hunting gaiters are meant for winter weather. When you pick the proper kind of hunting gaiters for the conditions that you plan on hunting in, you will find that you get better protection and performance from your hunting gaiters.
Sometimes you will be hunting in conditions that are tough and you will need hunting gaiters that will perform in such conditions. If you plan on hunting in an area that has lots of scrub brush, scratching or sharp plants, or hostile animals such as snakes, then you will want to look for tough hunting gaiters. these are hunting gaiters that have a thick shell or may even have inserts for a plastic or polycarbonate shield. The point behind such gaiters is to make sure that your lower legs are fully protected in such areas since your clothing may not be sufficient to protect you against the wildlife in this sort of area.
If you are going to be hunting in conditions where it is wet such as snow or muddy conditions, then you should look for hunting gaiters that resist water. Snow and mud can get caught on your exterior clothing and make you feel damp and wet. Your clothing may end up getting soaked with water and cause your clothes to chafe against your skin. In order to prevent this, you will need to look for hunting gaiters that resist water. This will stop water that comes from melted snow or mud that is stuck on your clothing from penetrating into your clothing. Instead, such gaiters will repel and resist the water so that you feel warm and dry at the same time. If you are going to be in cold weather, as is often the case in these conditions, then you should also make sure that your gaiters are insulating so that you stay warm.
There are times that you are going to be in dry conditions without a lot of undergrowth. Instead, you may that your shoes are getting full of sand or seeds. In this case, you will want to look for ankle hunting gaiters. These filters are lightweight and in many cases, only come to your ankles. They are meant to keep debris from falling into your shoes while you are hunting in dry areas. This will help you avoid needing to take your shoes off and empty them out while you are walking around in the outdoors. This sort of gaiter is ideal when you are dry areas that have a lot of pebbles or a bare forest floor that has a lot of seeds. They are not intended to keep you dry or protected from undergrowth but are meant to add a layer of protection over the top of your shoe.
You may also find hunting gaiters that are tick and insect repellent. These hunting gaiters are made from fabrics that are treated with pesticides that kill ticks or other pesky insects. Since such creatures often spread disease, you don’t want them walking around in your clothing or your shoes. If you are going to be in areas that are known to have ticks, then you should consider wearing such clothing and also purchase a repellent spray that will help you stay safe. You do not want your hunt to end with an illness such as Lyme’s disease or worse. These gaiters may also help protect you from other conditions that you may find on the trail such as brush or undergrowth, but their main function is to ward off insects so that you do not get bit.
You should always take the time to consider the conditions that you will find yourself hunting when you are purchasing hunting gaiters. Some conditions call for tough and durable hunting gaiters. This will be in areas where there is a lot of undergrowth, thistles, or harmful animals such as snakes. You may also find yourself in damp and wet conditions. If this is your situation, then you should try and find hunting gaiters that resist moisture and help you stay warm. That way your legs do not end up feeling cold and damp while you are hunting. People who are hunting in dry conditions that do not have a lot of undergrowth may get away with wearing lightweight hunting gaiters. These gaiters are more geared for keeping stuff out of the bottom of your shoes. Finally, if you are going to be in an area with ticks, then you might want to look for gaiters that are treated to repel insects.
Height
Hunting gaiters are sold in different heights. The height of the gaiter will determine how much protection you get from the gaiter while you are spending time on the trail. You can pick from three different height starting with over-the-ankle, mid-calf, or knee height. As the gaiter gets taller, it will offer you more protection but that also means that the gaiter will be warmer and may weigh more. You should try and match the gaiter to as close to what you need when you are purchasing a hunting gaiter. That way, you will be more satisfied with the overall purchase.
The shortest kind of gaiter is the over the ankle kind. As the name suggests, this gaiter is only meant to cover the top of your shoe and your ankles. You should purchase this kind of gaiters when you are going to be in areas with lots of pebbles or other kinds of debris as it is well suited to keep unwanted trail debris from getting inside of your shoes. This kind of gaiter will provide you with the least amount of protection. It is not suitable for snow, rain, brush or bad weather. However, if you are going to be in hot and dry regions of the country, then this gaiter height will allow your shoes to remain free from debris without you starting to feel hot and sweaty while you are wearing the gaiter.
If you need more protection than what is available from an ankle-high gaiter, then you should take a look at the mid-calf kind. You will notice that these gaiters come in at about eight to twelve inches tall which makes them better for mild weather or light snow. These gaiters provide you with all of the protection found in the ankle-high gaiters, but they also protect you up to about the middle of your calves. You may find this kind of gaiter to be useful if you are wearing tall boots while you are hunting because a shorter gaiter may not reach the top of your boots. If you are going to hunt in areas that have low undergrowth, light snow, or light rain, then you can use this type of hunting gaiter as it will provide you with more protections than the ankle high kind of hunting gaiter. However, if you are going to be hunting in more extreme conditions, then you will need to go for the tallest kind of hunting gaiters.
The knee-high hunting gaiters are the tallest kind of hunting gaiter. You will notice that these gaiters stand at about fifteen to eighteen inches tall and are designed to reach your knees. The intention behind having gaiters this tall is to protect your ankles and your legs from heavy brush, deep snow, and bad weather since gaiters that are this tall will offer you the highest amount of protection. You will immediately benefit from wearing high gaiters if you are in terrain that has a tall brush or deep snow and your legs will be covered and won’t take on any water that is on the leaves of the plants or from melting snow. You may also notice that they are a benefit if you are in the severe rain, as tall hunting gaiters will protect your legs from splashing water and mud. This will help you stay clean and dry when you are out in such conditions.
It is worth noting that you should try and purchase hunting gaiters that are the proper height for the conditions that you are going to be hunting in. The taller your hunting gaiters are, the more material they will need and the more they will likely cost. Furthermore, your legs may end up getting too warm and hot if you are wearing hunting gaiters that are too tall for your activities. On the other hand, if you are going to be in cold and windy weather, then you may find it beneficial to purchase taller hunting gaiters as these will offer you more protection against such conditions.
If you simply need a general purpose hunting gaiter, then you should be found to choose a mid-calf size set. The mid-calf ones are not much taller than the ankle height hunting gaiters and they will offer you more protection against a wider range of outdoor hazards. You should only consider purchasing the ankle high hunting gaiters if you are too concerned about getting hot, as the additional material will trap additional heat against your leg. The knee-high hunting gaiters should be reserved for severe conditions where you are going to need the extra protection.
Having knowledge about the use cases for different height hunting gaiters can make a large difference in your purchase outcome. A good rule of thumb to follow is that the more protection that you need, the taller the gaiters should be. When you purchase hunting gaiters that are the proper size for your conditions, you will feel comfortable and stay protected at the same time. That way you can enjoy your time hunting outdoors to the fullest.
Features
Hunting gaiters come with a wide variety of features, some of which you may find to be useful. You usually find that hunting gaiters that have more features will be a higher quality set of hunting gaiters as opposed to a lower quality pair of gaiters. In many cases, the features found on the gaiters will directly impact how long the gaiters will last and how well they will work. When you are purchasing a set of hunting gaiters, you should try and make yourself aware of how the different features found on the gaiters will impact how well they perform. This a certain way to make sure that you are happy with your overall purchase rather than frustrated and disillusioned.
Water resistance and waterproofing are two features that are commonly found in hunting gaiters. Spending time on the trail can lead to moisture exposure from plants, brush, rain or snow. For this reason, it is typical to see hunting gaiters that resist water or are completely waterproof. In addition to being waterproof, many hunting gaiters are made with fabrics that resist abrasion. Once again, gaiters are exposed to scratching and rubbing from the undergrowth, and you do not want to end up with a pair of hunting gaiters that are unable to withstand such stress. You do not want to experience your gaiters getting caught and tearing because they could not resist abrasion.
The next feature isn’t common, but it is still available to people who are specifically looking for it. Once and a while you will run into a pair of hunting gaiters that have insect repellent build into the gaiters. The idea is to keep annoying and biting insects off of you and your clothing. Since many insects can spread disease, you may want to look for insect repelling gaiters when you are going to be hunting in areas that are known to have ticks and mosquitoes. Another way to keep insects and other items out of your gaiters are to look for hunting gaiters that have top closure.
The top closure is a feature found on hunting gaiters that allows you to great a tight fit around your legs on the top of the gaiters. This can help keep insect from crawling into your gaits, but it can also help reduce the chances of snow, mud, or rain from getting into the gaiters through the top. Some gaiters have a buckle on the top while other ones use Velcro or elastic. This feature can be useful in areas where you are walking in deep snow and want to have extra protection from melting snow around your legs.
You will also see gaiters that have a shoelace hook and instep straps on them. The instep straps are used to secure the bottom of your gaiters around your feet. This strap does the same job on the top closure by holding the gaiter tight against your feet so that you can keep insects, snow, rain, and mud out of your shoes. There are different kinds of instep straps which make include leather buckles style straps, velcro straps, or tie straps. You should try and find the type of inseam strap that will work best for you so that you feel comfortable while you have the gaiters on and help them perform at their best. The lace hooks can be used to secure your shoelaces to the inside of the gaiters so that they do not come loose while you are walking around in the brush.
Another thing you may want to check for is the entry system. Sometimes you put gaiters on by simply sliding them up your leg over the top of your feet. Other gaiters zip or velcro open so that you can put them on more easily. You should check out how you put the gaiters on to make sure that they will work for you. If you do not like sliding gaiters over your feet, then you can opt for a style that opens up so that you can quickly put the gaiters on without having to remove your shoe. If you do go for this kind of gaiter, then you should make sure that it closes securely and doesn’t accidentally open up when you need it to stay shut.
As you look at hunting gaiters, you will notice that different hunting gaiters have different features. The features and benefits offered by a pair of a hunting gaiters is an important consideration as they will determine how well the gaiter perform and how long they will last. You will notice that some gaiters are more water repellent than other gaiters while some gaiters have different ways of attaching securely to your legs. Better features usually indicate a better pair hunting gaiters which will lead to a higher overall satisfaction in your purchase.
How To Make The Best Decision When Choosing Hunting Gaiters
There really is only one answer to this question, and that’s focusing on the fit. You don’t want gaiters that sag or are too tight. If they sag then you’ll run the risk of tripping and hurting yourself. And if they’re tight and you use them a lot, then it can turn out to be life threatening. Focus on the fit, and if it isn’t optimal return them for a better sizing.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Universal Fit Gaiters A Good Choice?
A: Yes, especially if more than one member in your home can wear them comfortably. Universal fits are really great for this, and can even save you money.
Q: Will The Type Of Boots I Wear Make A Difference?
A: Not by much. The straps or clamps on gaiters are made to be adjustable enough to work around any boot type.
Q: How Big Of A Deal Are The Materials?
A: Now this is a point of conflict, with some customers preferring the old-school leather, while some will only deal with 100% nylon or polyester. There is no best material, so just focus on breathable fabrics that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Q: What is the best kind of fasting for hunting gaiters?
A: Inexpensive hunting gaiters will usually have velcro while more expensive gaiters will have a lace hook or even a click-lock buckle strap. You should make sure that you avoid velcro since it will likely come undone while you are wearing the gaiters. The better that the gaiters attach to your legs, the better they will perform so you should allow looking for ones that have a click-lock buckle or at least a drawstring or pull cord.
Q: How can I protect myself from snakes?
A: There are special gaiters that you can purchase that will keep snakes from biting you. These gaiters normally have some sort of plastic or polycarbonate shield that is too hard for a snake to sink its fangs into. If a snake were to attempt to bite you while you are wearing such gaiters, they will be unable to penetrate the shield. You should always wear this kind of gaiter when you are walking in an area known to have snakes.
Q: How should I clean my hunting gaiters?
A: If the care tag on the gaiters says that you can wash them in the machine, then go ahead and wash them according to the instructions. If you are sure, then you can wash the gaiters in warm water with a sponge or a brush to get the heavy dirt off for them. When you have finished washing your gaiters, you should rinse them completely and then hang them out to dry until they are fully dry.
Q: How can I keep my gaiters waterproof?
A: There are fabric treaters that are widely available that you can use to treat fabric and make it water resistant. You should apply such treatments to your gaiters on a regular basis and always after washing them. Over time the treatment will break down and start to wear out, which is why you need to treat your gaiters as a part of maintaining them. This will help them stay waterproof so that you stay dry.
Q: How do I stop my gaiters from falling down?
A: You should make sure that the gaiters have a snug fit that isn’t too tight on your legs. If they have a top cord, then you should also make sure that the cord has been pulled tightly shut and secured to your legs. This will help keep the gaiters from falling down. If the gaiters are too large, then you can always try wearing thicker clothing underneath them as a way to make them fit snugger.
Sources
1. Mountain Warehouse, Walking Gaiters Guide
2. Lots A Fresh Air, How to Choose Gaiters for Hiking
3. REI, Gaiters
4. Black Ovis, Gaiter Comparison
