Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I had an opportunity to check out the Kenetreks, Peax, Outdoor Research and the Kuiu’s Yukons over the weekend and today at the local sporting good stores. I have to say all of them seemed pretty darn good compared to my older Kenetreks. However there was one clear winner over the rest of the pack and that’s the Peax! I had an opportunity to spend some time talking with the guys at Peax and all I can say is “WOW”! These guys know gear and backcountry hunting and they have dialed it in when it comes to the Peax gaiters. I’d say the Kuiu was runner up but here’s what sold me on the Peax…
The weight: the second lightest of all 3 at just over 10oz (kenetrek was slightly lighter but sacrificed rigidity aka sagging down the calf)
The materials: Dyneema stitching and bombproof 1000D and KEVLAR boot strap!!
The buckle: by far the most innovative design of any gaiter ever!! Seriously it’s ridiculously awesome. It has a hook feature so you can set your desired fitment around the calf and never have to mess with the buckle or webbing again unless you need to due to different clothing.
My favorite features besides those listed above is the overall fit and materials of the Peax. The flat out stay up with zero sag even when the buckle is completely loose. I have small calves and nothing drives me nuts more than my gaiters ending up around my ankles. The Kuiu also performed will with the OR’s coming in third and the Kenetrek last. The Peax use extra abrasive resistant materials in all the right areas and more breathable materials in the uppers. The OR are similar but didn’t have the rigidity that the Peax offer. Besides, they’re using dyneema thread for stitching. There’s no secret it’s one of the lightest and strongest materials known in the outdoor world. I can’t speak the breathability yet but they don’t feel like they’re going to make a sweat fest on your legs.
The only cons are price and color. They’re the most expensive of the bunch coming in at $119 but I’d gladly pay extra for the quality and innovation they bring to the market. Currently they’re only offered in black. I’m not a camo nut but prefer natural earth colors like tan/coyote, olive or even grey. Black IMO just shows to much mud/dirt and contrast to much against any color of pant. That’s just my personal preference and really has no bearing on actual performance. Kuiu and Kenetrek offer the better color choices and OR is just black as well.
Anyway, happy hunting! Hope this helps someone else in the market!
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so on the pack they went and I just put them back on when needed for creek crossings or really wet conditions. I was certainly hoping for better breathability but such is the cost for that type of gaiter. Now the search continues! I’m curious if guys using the Kuiu haters have similar experiences with breathability?!
