Hiking Gaiters

First of all, a very clear explanation for beginners who take their first steps in hiking. When searching on websites and general interest, we often hear the names "shoe covers", “gaiters”, "high socks” in some cases also «lanterns». In fact, all of these things are the same, they’re about the same thing. From now on, let’s agree to call them tourist gaiters and get to know them.

Gaiters are designed to protect boots from water, stones and dirt. Waterproof shoes made of good leather or with a good membrane have one unfortunate disadvantage: if it does get wet, it will dry for a very long time. The pebbles should have no place in a shoe, so you can't leave the gap between the pants and the top of the boot unprotected.

Types of gaiters

Running

The shortest, lightest ones are often made of elastic stretching materials. Designed to keep dirt out of your running shoe when you run over rough terrain. It is not recommended to use them with tourist boots on serious off-road, as they are quickly worn out and torn.

Low tourist gaiters

In height, they reach the middle of the lower leg, made of dense wear-resistant fabric. Special design protects trekking boots so as no pebbles, dirt and all kinds of forest debris gets in.  They can also be used in uncomplicated mountainous terrain with occasional walking on talus and shallow snow, eliminating the need to constantly shake out or dry boots. They can be worn both over the trousers and hidden under them.

High climbing gaiters

They reach the knee in height, are made of heavy, very durable fabric (most often the fabric is so stiff that the gaiter stands upright, keeping its shape). Designed for walking in deep snow, as well as frequent walking on talus, where the lighter gaiters wear out quickly.

Anatomy of gaiters

Let's look at the anatomy of gaiters using the OR Rocky Mountain High Gaiters model as an example. Fixation under the knee is carried out in this model due to a rigid sling with a fixing eccentric. An alternative option is a powerful elastic band with a slider. It is necessary to measure and make a choice depending on the individual anatomy. Try pulling the gaiters down your leg - the harder they pull together, the better.

Also learn how to choose hiking and mountaineering gaiters