Gaiter Help!

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Nov 4, 2009
5
0
Essex, UK
Hi folks,

Planning on buying my first set of gaiters and I'm seeking some advice. I'm looking for some gaiters that would fit my size 10 MK7 German para boots, and fairly large calf muscles.:confused:

Any advice will be smashing :D

ATB

Stompy
 
I think they all fit quite generously but best bet is to go to a shop and try them on - sorry if that's obvious.
A couple of alternatives to think about : Macgaiter neoprene gaiters and Ventile gaiters. I am a big fan of the latter because they are so breathable. They turn up on Ebay every so often.
Hope that's useful
http://www.macgaiters.co.uk/ - in green, calf size up to 21 inches

NS
 
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The big question is "what do you want from them"? If you're just looking to keep your trouser legs dry, then a cheapie pair of breathable gaiters should do just fine. If you're looking for physical protection whilst bashing through brash, you might be better off with some heavy-duty canvas ones (I'm sure they're out there somewhere). Not sure about Ventile gaiters myself... Since you refer to para boots, I assume we're not talking about serious mountaineering gaiters...

One thing: if you get a cheap pair which tie at the top with a bootlace, do yourself a favour and pick up some shock-cord and a couple of cord-locks while you're buying them.
 
Thanks for the advice chaps, Gaiters are pretty new to me, and with a week of hiking in the cairmgorns next month:o:o I was considering grabbing some. As Nonsuch suggested i think its best for me to check out some in the shops. Thanks both of you for your input :D

ATB

Stompy
 
I have big calves and have had probs getting any to fit, even ones marked L or LX.... but I did find some large ex army gortex ones perfect, I'm not mad keen on camo stuff but it's the only ones I've found that fit well.
Hope that helps.
 
Norrona do a really good pair made from tough-as-you-like polycotton. They fit easily over my Lundhags, so I would imagine do likewise over your para boots and they are generous in the calf. If you have the dosh, they come highly recommended for sloshing around in the wet or acting like greaves for your shins and calves.
 
There is a british made company who make fab ,old school canvas ones, wider to go over cold weather boots and thicker trousers, I took a pair to the Norway Arctic trip... Can't remember their name, I shall try and dig them out!
Came very highly recomended, bought them at last years Wilderness Gathering.
Chris.
 
I don't do any serious walking but to keep my trousers dry in early morning stalking and stuff I use horse riding half chaps.
The thing I don't like about gaiters is the swish swish when walking, chaps are made of leather mainly and designed to be close fitting so no swish.
Come in loads of hieght/ width fittings so easy to get something that fits
Had mine years and currently use them with my five fingers - they keep the stingers and brambles out brilliantly

Mark
 
There is a british made company who make fab ,old school canvas ones, wider to go over cold weather boots and thicker trousers, I took a pair to the Norway Arctic trip... Can't remember their name, I shall try and dig them out!
Came very highly recomended, bought them at last years Wilderness Gathering.
Chris.

Are they the Trailwise you're talking about Chris ?
http://www.red-deer.co.uk/acatalog/Footwear.html

They're on my shopping list once my Fjallravens fall to bits
 
I've had a look at them in the flesh a couple of times, they're really well put together and feel like they should last a good while.

Some of the smaller and long established hiking shops seem to stock them.
 
I have some of the trailwise gaiters, absolutly bomb proof, had a pair for about 3 years now, still going strong, and stand up really well walking through brambles etc!!!!!!
 
How about gaiters made of Loden cloth? I tried canvas, coated synthetics etc. I personally don't like the breathable synthetics. Imho they don't breathe that good ... Canvas is great in summer, but wool works in summer too. And the mechanical protection of Loden cloth is much better. The funny thing is: in winter the boot feels dry and warm under the Loden. Even when it rains. The woolen gaiters get heavyer when wet, but it's really ok.
It is an old tradition in the Alps, but people nowadays seem to go for the Gore-Tex option. Kind of strange imo. My next trouser/overall will have 3/4 legs only, to wear the Loden gaiters permanently. Nobody needs trousers on the lower part of the leg, always wet ...
 
The cheap gaiters are fine for summer use, but when it gets a bit nippy, condensation forms on the inside of the gaiter. Best to use a proper 3 layer pair for the 'gorms.
 
How about gaiters made of Loden cloth? I tried canvas, coated synthetics etc. I personally don't like the breathable synthetics. Imho they don't breathe that good ... Canvas is great in summer, but wool works in summer too. And the mechanical protection of Loden cloth is much better. The funny thing is: in winter the boot feels dry and warm under the Loden. Even when it rains. The woolen gaiters get heavyer when wet, but it's really ok.
It is an old tradition in the Alps, but people nowadays seem to go for the Gore-Tex option. Kind of strange imo. My next trouser/overall will have 3/4 legs only, to wear the Loden gaiters permanently. Nobody needs trousers on the lower part of the leg, always wet ...

They sound great. Any idea where we can get them please. Any available in the UK?
 

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