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Whether your bush bashing, hiking or fly fishing, gaiters make sure you keep dry and comfortable. Great at any time of the year, gaiters are particularly useful in wet, muddy, and cold conditions or when you have to contend with thorns and bristles. So are they a handy accessory or a vital necessity? I’ll share with you why gaiters are a good choice and how to choose a pair to suit you.

What are gaiters?

Gaiters are personal protective equipment that fit over your shoes or boots, and pants, below the knee, to protect your legs; ankles from snakes and insects; and prevent seeds and prickles from getting into your shoes and socks.

Depending on your varying needs, leg gaiters may be constructed from polyester, ripstop nylon, Gore-Tex (for breathability), or heavy duty canvas. They can be hard-wearing, have velcro closures and zips for an easy fit, and hooks for durability.

Mud. Gaiters are vital in a muddy environment like on the Overland Track in Tasmania or Stewart Island, New Zealand.

In most cases, there is either a loop on the gaiter that simply hooks to your shoelace or a strap that runs under the shoe to the instep.

Gaiters usually come in different heights. Short gaiters are great for easy bushwalking expeditions. They usually range in size from about 20 to 30cm to fit around your ankle and are best for keeping dirt, water, and prickles out of your boots.

Tall gaiters can get up to about 45cm to fit the top of your calf. These are better for people going on longer treks in thick grassy terrain and severe weather, such as in rain and mud, and even snow.

When do you use them?

Gaiters can be used for a variety of activities such as bushwalking, running and orienteering, trekking, hiking and agricultural pursuits. You can wear them in a variety of conditions such as long grass and dense underbrush, mud and shallow streams of water. You can get heavier gaiters for cold weather and more extreme activities and lighter gaiters for for use in warmer weather.

Why are they so useful?

If you’re trekking in long grass, gaiters can protect you from snake bites and other insect stings as well as keeping you dry when walking in the rain or through puddles or mud. They’re also really great for keeping out nasty spinifex in desert regions of Australia.

An ancient pair of Sea to Summit Quagmires. No doubt still effective.

All you have to do is make sure you fit the gaiter over your shoe and lower pants to prevent rain, pebbles, seeds and other elements from funnelling into your boots.

I’ve heard that gaiters can also keep food items, equipment and some clothing dry and clean by being used as placemats to keep these items off the ground!

What should you look for in a gaiter?

As mentioned earlier, look for lighter weight gaiters for travelling in warmer weather, to protect against thorns and thistles. Choose more heavily weighted gaiters for wet and muddy environments. Some can even offer some assistance in light snow conditions.

Velcro closure

The Sea to Summit Spinifex is ideal for protection against snakes, gravel, and prickles when on the trail.

Lightweight design

For a lighter style, the Sea to Summit Spinifex is great value for money. They’re made from 450D ripstop nylon that is durable and tough. They also have an easy fit system with velcro so you easily adjust the gaiter to suit your size.

Heavy duty choices

Sea to Summit Quagmire Canvas Gaiters is a much tougher and more durable gaiter as it is made from core-spun canvas. This makes it perfect for protecting you from the extreme elements. You can go completely off track and into thick bushland or mud with these babies!

Choosing the right size

One thing you have to make sure of when choosing a gaiter is that they fit your calves snugly, as well as your shoes. Ladies, look out for gaiters that have been made especially for women. Women tend to have larger calves than men and these gaiters have enough room to accommodate that.

What happens if…

Yes, although your gaiter may be the toughest of the tough, after lots of use they may soon get a puncture or a tear. I recommend patching them up with duct tape on both sides to hold for maximum strength!

Are you a gaiter wearer? If not, why not?