Gaiter Recommendations?

[Agar426]

Just took my 13 year old son out for his first hunt, which started the day after Thanksgiving. As the day progressed, we encountered everything from dry grass, to mud, to snow over a foot deep. It was in the snow that I realized I forgot to pack my gaiters....and I also realized that I had none for my son.

Questions:

1. Snow - What is considered a good gaiter for snowy (or wet) conditions? The Sitka gaiters are quite expensive for example....is their high price point worth it, or are they distinguished from the competition? The Kenetreks seem to be popular as well. Point being....which ones should I stay away from and which ones should I consider?

2. Dry/Warm weather - Here in New Mexico, you can literally start the day at 30* and end up packing out an elk in 80* weather. Obviously I don't need a thick water proof gaiter. But, over the years I've always wanted a lightweight gaiter that I could wear over light boots, or even athletic shoes that would keep debris from going in my shoes. Anything from grass seeds to stickers. Any recommendations for this?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

 

[mtnclimber]

The Sitka gaiters are quite expensive for example....is their high price point worth it

NO NO NO. i was just on a recent goat hunt where i had my Outdoor research gaiter and my partner had the sitka stormfront gaiter. His got shredded on the hunt while mine had no signs of use other than they were dirty.

Get the OR's. They have an unlimited replacement warranty.

 

[realunlucky]

For light wieght ones I like the flash gator for drier conditions or trail running. I like kenetreks for snow but thier are less noisy options like kuiu

 

[AGPank]

The OR Crocs are bullet proof, but limited color selection. They have a several other types too.

I would say they are average on noise. I just picked up some Blacks Creek used here on the classifieds and they look to be very well made.

 

[Agar426]

What are the typical wear points on the gators? I would assume it's the strap that goes under the shoe, but...you never know?

 

[BroodBuster]

I absolutely love my KUIU gaiters. They are just as awesome in snow as they are when I'm wearing shorts in burr/seed country.

My only issue would be I wish the top strap had a little give in it. Fits great until I'm kneeling when that top strap gets a little tight on my calf.

Two years and lots of miles on them now and I've yet so see any wear so very durable.

 

[BackcountryMT]

I absolutely love my KUIU gaiters. They are just as awesome in snow as they are when I'm wearing shorts in burr/seed country.

My only issue would be I wish the top strap had a little give in it. Fits great until I'm kneeling when that top strap gets a little tight on my calf.

Two years and lots of miles on them now and I've yet so see any wear so very durable.

I really like my KUIU gaiters. My only complaint, and it could be that I walk like a moron, is that if I put them on the designated foot (left/right) the bottom buckles always catch on each other. I'm not sure if they got the tags backwards or what but I have to put mine on the opposite foot.

 

[BroodBuster]

^^^Velcro/snap on the outside?^^^

If not then they are backwards

Or I never read the directions and have been wearing them backwards all along

 

[Yellowknife]

NO NO NO. i was just on a recent goat hunt where i had my Outdoor research gaiter and my partner had the sitka stormfront gaiter. His got shredded on the hunt while mine had no signs of use other than they were dirty.

Get the OR's. They have an unlimited replacement warranty.

The Sitka gaiters have some good design features. The tucked in heal strap for instance was a nice improvement, and I liked the zipper over velcro. However, the thin upper fabric was a major weak link. Tossed mine after two year and lots of patches. Went back to OR.

OR gaiters aren't perfect, and I'll wear them out too... but at half the price and with less patches.

What are the typical wear points on the gators? I would assume it's the strap that goes under the shoe, but...you never know?

Besides the heal strap and buckles, the other wear point for me is usually around the seams. Dirt and rocks will cut the threads, and holes will also develop on the fold lines where the thinner upper fabric is sewn to the lower cordura. On OR gaiters, the little closure flap near the bottom comes apart right away, and I just cut it off.

 

[midwest]

Wore gaiters for the first time this season. What a difference! Absolutely loved my KUIU's....quiet, waterproof, and durable.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I now own three pair.

OR crocs - bomb proof heavy and noisy. I use for ice climbing skiing and snow showing. Really overkill for non snow bound activities.
OR spandura - these are the light stretchy keep stuff out of your boots kind. I have used them from trail running to light snow. Handy, packable and surprisingly water proof. Not a lot of weight or bulk but limited protection.
Mid weights - I replaced a set of OR miss with kuiu. They are perfect. I have worn them in snow and in summer heat busting brush. Quiet, water proof and not too bulky. Perfect balance of they other options.

 

[tttoadman]

I buy the $30 cheapos from sportmans warehouse. I don't really know the brand name. I get 3-4 years or more out of a pair. I don't really notice the noise. I am only a rifle hunter if that makes a difference. The first thing I do is cut off the strap at the bottom, because all it does is collect snow clods.

 

[Agar426]

My apologies on not responding, as the OP! I checked the box for instant email notification, but it didn't work, so I didn't know to check back.

I've been doing some reading, and have noticed that it's not all that uncommon for folks to cut the straps that go under the shoe. I understand why....but, is there now a chance that the snow will simply push the gaiter up and end up in the shoe anyway?

 

[tttoadman]

I look for the elastic on the ankle so it snugs up tight. That along with the lace hook has never caused me problems.