New First Lite Gaiter Review?

[BeWitty]

I am curious if anyone has used the new First Lite Boot Gaiters? I currently run the Kuiu gaiters but they're are loud and bulky. They do their job and are waterproof and durable but I like the looks of the new FL gaiters. Great price if they are a good set of gaiters.

Any users? Hows the durability? Are they quiet? Truly waterproof?

Thanks

 

[Cindy]

I looked at them. Decided not to buy them.
They say they are designed to be worn UNDER YOUR PANTS.

I don't know why you wear gaiters, waterproofing, protect lower pants from rock and brush, keep junk out of your boots. Whatever.
They are really short. When you see them in person, you will be surprised.

KUIU and Sitka designed their gaiters to be functional with knee pads. To be worn over pants.

I only have a few pieces of first lite gear, and have not been impressed with any of it so far. So, I did not buy the gaiters.

 

[colonel00]

Cindy, where did you see that they were to be worn under the pants? A quick search turned up this video from First Lite which is on the actual product page. Sure looks like the are worn over the the pants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fSbA7uRAOM

You are correct that they are short but there are quite a few people who prefer the shorter gaiters depending on the weather and terrain. The shorter size will let your legs breath more and weigh less. They can also be worn in warm weather with shorts.

 

[MattB]

The company's website says they are designed to be worn under your pants, but I wouldn't put too much stock in that. These appear to be the sort of gaiter designed to keep debris and not water out of your boots.

 

[Obi-wanshinobi]

First Lite usually makes well thought out gear but these gaiters won't work for everyone. Read this thread.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/show...ite-Gaiter-Sizing-Issue&highlight=lite+gaiter

 

[mmw194287]

First Lite usually makes well thought out gear but these gaiters won't work for everyone. Read this thread.

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/show...ite-Gaiter-Sizing-Issue&highlight=lite+gaiter

**This...obviously I'm one of those who commented in that thread. I ordered a pair that was marked "Large" and they weren't even close to fitting me. I'm a big fan of First Lite and was pretty disappointed that these didn't work out. I might pick up a pair next year when they get it figured out, but instead I picked up a pair of OR Endurance gaiters, which seem similar in their cut and material.

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

Same here. Ordered a pair for me and the lady. Nah. They're tiny, I was bummed. Returned them. Im hoping from feedback they'll design a taller set.

 

[Colberjs]

I looked at them also but was turned off by the "under the pants" design. One of the reasons I wanted them was to keep my pants from getting wet. I went with the OR Crocs.

 

[BeWitty]

Thanks for the input everyone. Saved me a few bucks. I will stay with the Kuiu gaiters until the sizing issue gets resolved!

 

[chindits]

I don't have a pair of first lite gaitors but I might look into them. I always wear my gaitors under my pants. My pants brushing up against vegetation is a lot quieter then my gaitors. I only wear gaitors to keep debris out of my boots. If I am worried about my pants getting wet from wet vegetation then gaitors will not prevent that because there isn't many places where I go that the vegetation stops growing below my knees. People look at me with amusement because I always wear gaitors year round. I look at them with amusement because they are always complaining about the seeds and burrs that get between their boots and their socks.

 

[Dunky]

I bought a pair. Returned them. Could not even get them closed over my boot/calf. Way to small

 

[DaveC]

If you buy gaiters made of a non-waterproof fabric (Durastretch) and expect them to be waterproof, you are bound to be disappointed.

Low gaiters like the First Lite's are for a completely different purpose than OR Crocs and the like. Use the later for snow, the former for keeping dust and pebbles out of your boots and burrs off your socks.

 

[dotman]

I use the OR Endurance gaiter, super quiet and I do run them under my pants. Yup my lower pants get wet and take some abuse but what it does is completely seal off my socks and boots from little crap and water. I have had my upper legs wet too many times to only wick water past my gaiters down to my socks.

Pants dry fast and I'd rather beat up the bottoms of my pants where zero functionality is hurt then have wet socks/boots. The OR Endurance are very breathable and really water resistant, haven't had soaking wet socks since doing this.