What's your opinion on wearing leg gaiters?

[xcutter]

Thinking about buying some gaiters. I've read what there good for but is it really a piece of equipment I would use of just leave at camp?

 

[colonel00]

I never used them until a year or two ago. I always suffered from wet pant legs that wicked up to the socks and then down the socks into the boots. That and plenty of beaten up shins from thorns and twigs. Since wearing them, I won't leave without them.

After a surprise snow/sleet on what was expected to be a dry Wyoming hunt, my buddy was pissed that he didn't have gaiters. For me, they were great for busting through snow covered sage and keeping my pants dry and water/snow out of my boots.'

 

[xcutter]

Thanks for the reply. Cool pic also.

What are the best ones to buy? I like sitka gear but are they worth $150? Or can I do better for the money. I'm also worried about fitment. I have big calf's. Are gaiters adjustable on the calf area? No one around my home sales gaiters for me to try fitment.

 

[skybuster1329]

Yep, Agree on rain/Snow days they are great !!!

 

[Shrek]

Doesn't need to be rain or snow days. Wet grass in the morning will soak your pants and socks in a minute. I wear mine much of the time . I do need to find some quieter gaiters though. My OR Paclites are LOUD !

 

[BroodBuster]

I bought my first pair last year and love them. I wear them with both shorts and regar pants. And as noted above they are wonderful thing to have in the snow.

I've got small ankles and big calfs and the lg KUIU's are perfect. Probably my best off season purchase last summer.

 

[NEhunter]

Love mine. I have OR crocs. A little loud when brand new but seem to have quieted down a lot with use.

 

[Trial153]

I have a pair of kenntreks that I have beat to hell....I need another pair, just not sure if I am going to replace them with the same or get sitka , KUIU or first lite....

 

[xcutter]

Thanks for all the comments. Sounds like gaitets are a good investment. I'm leaning more to buying the kenetrek or the sitka gaiters I think.

 

[Bigmike68]

Yeh in the morning walking through meadows an wet grass will soak you! drys out mid morning when with the sun rise then just take them off an put in pack. Def worth every penny I wouldn't worry about getting a camo one or good looking one. there only meant too keep bottom of pants dry an stuff from going down in boots no reason to pay to look good in the woods elk won't care about ur lower calve area hahah . Look for deals you can find them on sale closer to the season. Kenetrek are nice a friend got a pair last year on sale I think for around $45 shipped. Good luck

 

[tttoadman]

Big yes on gaiters. Never leave home without no matter what the season.

 

[Ross]

The kenetreks perform well,but the kuiu are a step up from my experience. They keep you drier over a long day of constant wet/snow tromping and will stay up better. For longevity they are equal lasting one season of hard use fall to spring. Money well spent for sure if conditions are wet &or snowy.

 

[ndbwhunter]

Only had the kuiu for a few months this past season, but I won't leave without them.

 

[Finch]

Thanks for this thread! I've been on the fence about gaiters myself. Guess I'll add em to the list...the evergrowing, neverending list!

 

[Duramax_Diesel1]

KUIU..its the only piece of gear i own thats made by them if that tells ya anything.

 

[Stid2677]

Wear them most everyday, keeps the much and mess off my pants, keeps me water tight for quick creek crossings, protects my pants from crampons or springs,, etc...Not just for snow IMHO.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Any day hunting I'm wearing gaiters. Started last season and find they're just generally helpful.

 

[dotman]

Gaiters are a must have, I have moved to shorter ones I can run under my pants. Mainly to keep crap out of my boots and keep my socks dry, pants dry quick in Sep, in the winter I use OR crocs. I had Kuiu and they were pretty beat up after a year but that was also their first production run, the latest must be better based on the above.

 

[Mike7]

I have tried just about every set of gaiters out there including Kuiu (or had friends with a couple I haven't tried myself), and for prolonged water resistance and durability, I have yet to find anything as good as my original OR Crocs. If you are worried they might be a little loud, then just wear your pants on the outside in those situations (I haven't noticed it as a problem either way). The most foot problems I have ever had on a trip, was when I forgot my OR Crocs on an Eagle Cap Wilderness trip where it rained for an hour every morning and afternoon, which was enough to keep all of the grass and brush wet.

Since I usually wear my gaiters inside of my pants when it is really pouring rain, I am going to try the lighter, less durable OR Verglas this year...they have worked well for my wife.

The OR flex-tex gaiters are great when wearing shorts or if not hitting too much rain/wet brush, but if your pants get completely soaked, the water will go right through the pants, then through the Flex-tex gaiters, and down your socks into your boots.

 

[xcutter]

I appreciate all the info from everyone.