Which OR gaiter Endurance or Flex Tech

[huntabsarokee]

Looking to buy my first pair of gaiters. I think I have it narrowed down to the Endurance vs Flex Tech 2 vs Rocky Mt low. All by OR. I am thinking the Endurance since it is more of a soft shell thinking it would be quieter. Don't want knee high length. This is just for fall elk to keep the wetness of the bottom of my pants. Thanks!

 

[mtbshark]

so i have the endurance and the Flex Tech gaiters, i will say that the zipper is real nice to have day in day out. The flex tech is defiantly quieter than the endurance since it does not have the nylon on the inside. I would say that they are the same as far as breath ability and water resistance goes.

I will run the endurance again this year due to the zipper and i also like the dual front lace hook!

 

[charvey9]

I have the OR Crocodiles, for about 2 years now with no complaints. I'm not too sure why you would want a pair of gaiters unless they were waterproof, but maybe thats because I only were mine in the snow or chukar hunting when the crass and brush in the canyon is still wet but not raining enough to get out the rain gear. The Expedition would be cool, just because they are camo, but probably not worth the extra ounces and cash for the average user.

Kenetrek makes a pair of GTX gaiters with a brushed finish that is quieter and come in camo. I got a pair for my dad for his birthday, but haven't worn them myself.

At some point I may try a pair of KUIU gaiters, just because I have been impressed with the brethability of the Toray fabric over the GTX.

 

[kodiakfly]

I have a pair of Crocodiles and two pairs of Expeditions and unless you sit there and rub your legs together like a cricket, they're not loud; at least not any lourder than rubbing your pack with your hand....even the Expeditions. I'm with charvey. If you're going to wear gaiters, might as well make them waterproof and full coverage. That's like wearing a sleeveless softshell as a rain jacket. JMO

 

[shaun]

I ran the endurance last year and I have no complaints

 

[Lawnboi]

I have a pair of rocky mtn lows for normal backpacking they work great. For hunting they are too loud.

 

[Mike7]

I have used all of these gaiters, except the Endurance, a fair amount. In my unscientific testing/use, I would rate them as follows.
Best Breathability -- Flex-tex #1, Crocs/Kennetreks, and last Kuiu (mostly the bottom doubled material really collects the moisture).
Best Durability-- Crocs, Kennetreks, Flex-tex/Kuiu
Waterproof--Crocs, Kennetreks/Kuiu, Flex-tex.
Quiet--Flex-tex, Kennetreks, Crocs/Kuiu.

My favorite gaiters to put on when I take off on day hikes are by far and away the Flex-tex gaiters. They are amazingly waterproof and very breathable. I have walked across narrow streams (quickly) and gone all day in light rain with perfectly dry feet. These are my go to gaiter in Sept. I shove my crew length warm weather socks under the top edge of the gaiter and wear my pants over the gaiter when not wearing shorts. They work great in snow also, as long as it is not a day long hike in deep wet snow. The only thing I have had trouble with is that the portion of the nylon instep strap that attaches directly to the soft shell material on the inside...it has started to come off (there are no problems with the outside portion of the strap, with the way that it is attached differently). For me, the front boot lace holder is completely unnecessary, as these stay right in place without it.

My go to gaiters for the colder wet weather of Late Oct through Late November are the Crocs. I don't find them to be too loud.

 

[huntabsarokee]

Thanks guys you gave me some things I didn't really think about. I am leaning towards trying the Flex Tex 2 since I won't be wearing them in deep snow. I have a $45 rebate at back country so thought I would pick up a pair of gaiters.

Any thoughts on the RAB Latok gaiter? Its made from Event so thought it would be good and not too high around 16".

 

[Ramcam]

I use the Rab Latok gaiter .You're right they are not too high but they tend to slowly slip down a bit .Event is awesome pants stay dry and sweat disappears.And they a re good quality.

 

[kuhn4]

After doing some research last year I bought a pair of OR crocs and OR flex-tex. Crocs for cold/wet weather and serious protection. Flex-tex for warmer weather and when I want something lighter weight. My limited experience with both pairs is the same as Mike7.

 

[huntabsarokee]

Thanks everybody. I ended up getting the Flex Tex 2. I received a $45 credit from Back Country via a pair of Lowa Camino boots and with the 20% off 1 item they were basically free.