I am a bit new to the mountain hunting game but spent a good amount of time outdoors and have of OR crocs. Actually on my second pair. Not because the first are worn out, but just because I find a great deal on a set of Coyote ones a while back and couldn't help myself. My other pair is +15 years old, has done 2-3 dozen trips including hunting, hiking, light mountaineering, skiing and snowshoeing. Still going strong with only a little fraying on the foot strap. They are bombproof but you pay a price for that as they are heavy relative to some other offerings and a bit noisy due to Cordura bottoms. I think they are probably overkill for hunting in anything but snow. I also have a pair of OR spandura hiking gaiters. Low, light and stretchy, they are mainly for keeping snow and debris and bugs out of the tops of boots but will repel a splash or two of water. In a pinch, I have used them to seal the bottoms of hiking and rain pants when caught in some unexpected snow falls twice. they did OK but I wouldn't want to make a habit of it.
I am a fan of gators but think the right answer is someone in between. A midweight gator with a quieter material would be ideal in my opinion.