So, gaiters. Who likes 'em and who doesn't?

[darrenleroy]

I've tried gaiters and while they're good if I'm beating around in dense undergrowth or bracken situations I find they get a bit hot (especially with Goretex lined boots) if I'm walking at a fair old clip.

What do others think? Do you go with or without and in which situations?

 

[Toddy]

If I'm trogging through long wet grass, muddy fields or snow, I wear them. That kind of exercise is too warm to wear full waterproof trousers and the gaiters keep at least some of the muck and slush out of my boots.
Otherwise, no.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[presterjohn]

I use some short gaiters on muddy days as I tend to catch the bottom of my trousers with my boots so muddy up quite quickly. Having said that I often still end up with mud spots right up to the top of my thighs.

 

[woof]

I use them.

Rob

 

[Buckshot]

I don't like the swish noise from gaiters so I use half chaps - the sort horse riders use
They're made of leather, stand up on thier own which means they don't slip down during the day making you pull them up like a pair of unruly socks
Expensive compared to gaiters but IMO worth the extra

 

[British Red]

Can't abide the noise as Mark says - they are practical in such a narrow range of uses when I have the choice of neoprene wellies that mine rarely get used now. Useful if backpacking in an area with much bracken but an unpleasant necessity and a faff to put on and annoying to wear.

 

[Badger74]

I use them; either my home made light canvas or my ex army heavy canvas ones. I use them to keep the mud and crap off, not for full waterproofness. I've found that the canvas doen't make my legs sweat as much as the modern breatherable ones.

 

[thedawnawakens]

I use them....saves the trousers and prevents those pesky bits entering your footwear.

 

[Greek1983]

Always use them when mud and/or snow is present. I can tolerate water, but in no way these two elements.

I like the design of the Berghaus Yeti/Wilderness that also covers the boot, but i opted for the classic gaiter style made with Cordura fabric.

When conditions are fine I don't need them, but I do carry them in case I need to go through a rather "challenging" path.

 

[John Fenna]

I wear canvas gaiters in mud and snow - canvas can stand up on its own for ventilation if needed, is comparatively quiet and is a natural fibre fabric.

 

[Chris the Cat]

Canvas gaiters here too, British made tho I can't recall their name at the mo!?
Its a needs must thing mind you.

Cat.

 

[Eagleman]

They're great! I have yetis on a pair of boots and another pair without. Keeps the heather seeds out of my boots (which keeps the house clean when I take off my boots!) and I can cross reasonable burns without getting wet as long as I move quickly. They do add a bit of weight and the sound can be annoying, so that is why I have them on one pair of boots only. I also often use normal gaiters on my other boots just to keep stuff from going down inside my boots if I know I'll be going across deep heather for a long time. If it does get too warm I do just chuck them in my bag.

 

[Bumbler]

I use them summer and winter. The woods here are always wet. So it's nice to be able to stay dry. And when the conditions warrants wearing them, it's never so warm that I am bothered by wearing the gaiters.

 

[Dreadhead]

never bothered as i wear leather calf height boots to keep trousers and ankles protected and dry

 

[bilmo-p5]

I like them but I don't like the heavy canvas army pair that I have. I think they're destined for the GIO. I will probably try making a pair in something lighter; ventile perhaps.

 

[Tiley]

I will probably try making a pair in something lighter; ventile perhaps.

Now those really would be of interest! I use them and really like their versatility and protection. When out in gnarlier weather, wearing a jacket and gaiters is an excellent combination, giving you more ventilation on your hard-working legs. I tend to use a pair of polycotton ones in the woods and a Goretex pair when on the hill or mountain.

 

[demographic]

Don't have any personally but can see the point if you're walking through loads of wet grass.
If you put them on in Keswick carpark just so you can walk about the town with full fellwalker status* then yer a Berk though.

*Seen it loads of times.

 

[oldtimer]

I have a short and a long pair but I find them both hot, uncomfortable and a nuisance to put on. I don't mind wet but I hate mud. I like the idea of canvas but I haven't worn canvas gaiters since battledress days. Are there modern options and if so where can I get some?

 

[Elen Sentier]

I have a pair but I've never yet worn them! After reading all the replies here I think I will give them a try though ... specially for tic places as well as mud!

 

[copper_head]

I really like mine, cant stand waterproof trousers so its a happy medium.