Gaiters do more than just keep the snakes at bay! Scratched calves, muddy boots, and wet socks are a thing of the past for Myrthe following her investment in a pair of indestructible ankle gaiters.

 

Gaiters are one of those things that I didn’t realise how much I needed in my life until I owned a pair.

I bought my gaiters a few years ago as they were on the compulsory gear list for my upcoming Snowcraft course. Ever since I’ve taken them on all sorts of trips, and they’ve been more valuable than I would’ve ever thought. 

Read more: Essential Gear For A Snow Camping Trip

 

6 Reasons To Start Wearing Gaiters

 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t take my gaiters on every hike I go on, instead, I’ll assess if they are a must for either the terrain or the weather I’m heading into. If there’s a chance I’ll be sinking in my boots, or battling scratchy bush, you bet I’ll bring them along.

Here are six reasons why I am glad I ended up with a pair of gaiters!

Jump to Section

1. Gaiters Keep Snow and Mud Off and Out of Your Boots

This is my number one reason to pack my gaiters, and any trip where I might encounter snow I’ll make sure to throw them in my pack. 

With gaiters fitted, you won’t end up with snow down your boots, and your boots will not get soaked as quickly while you are wading through the snow.

Plus they keep the wind off

And your ankles warm

In freezing temperatures, this can easily make the difference between being comfortable or being cold AF. 

Similar to snow, it’s great to have gaiters when you’re on muddy tracks. With most of the mud ending up on your gaiters instead of on your boots, pants or legs, it’s much quicker and easier to get yourself (somewhat) clean at the end of the day. 

Gaiters are very easy to clean as you can just put them under the tap, or allow them to dry so you can rub the dry mud off.

Read more: It’s Time To Spring Clean Your Outdoor Gear – Here’s How

Shot by Marshall Frasier

Shot by Sam McCloy

Shot by Tegan Larissa

2. When Wearing Crampons, Gaiters Protect Your Legs or Pants

Walking around with spikes underneath your feet is asking for trouble. 

If it wasn’t for my gaiters, I would have definitely ripped my nice softshell pants by catching the crampons on my opposite leg. Some mountaineering boots come with built-in gaiters, but this does mean you’ll get pretty hot feet when you aren’t in the snow.

A handy tip: Gaiters are a great way to transport your crampons. Just wrap your crampons in your gaiters while you store them in your pack, and the sturdy material will protect the rest of your gear against the spikes.

 

6 Reasons To Start Wearing Gaiters

Gotta love multi-functional clothing

3. Gaiters Protect Your Legs When You’re Bush Bashing

Ever hiked off-track through any matagouri, Spaniard, cutty grass or any other shrub that seems to be out to get you? No doubt there are Aussie equivalents to these sharp New Zealand shrubs that I encounter.

Whether you’re in the middle of nowhere or accidentally ended up off-trail, gaiters will help you look a bit less mangled afterwards. 

 

6 Reasons To Start Wearing Gaiters

The trick is knowing ahead of time what vegetation you’ll encounter. When in doubt, go for taller gaiters

 

Of course, there is limited protection when said prickly bushes reach up to the knee or hip height. So pick your length accordingly!

Also valid: choosing not to wear gaiters to make sure people can tell you’ve had an epic Type 2 Fun adventure over the weekend.

4. Gaiters Can Help Regulate Your Temperature

I love hiking in shorts, and will try to do so in as many months of the year as I can. But those early spring and autumn mornings can be cold!

The combination of wearing shorts and gaiters definitely makes me feel a bit warmer, while still giving me the freedom of movement I love. When the day does warm up, gaiters are a lot easier to take off than to change from pants or leggings to shorts mid-hike.

 

6 Reasons To Start Wearing Gaiters

Though if it’s snowy or icy, they’ll typically stay on. Make sure to sunscreen up if you want to avoid a sexy gaiter tan

5. Gaiters Delay Water Getting in Your Boots When Crossing a River

Hiking in New Zealand, I’ve learned multiple techniques to cross a river. 

My favourite method is using a bridge, but when this is not an option, I will revert to rock hopping, log balancing or the classic dash-across-to-give-the-water-the-least-amount-of-time-to-penetrate-my-boots technique. 

It’s this last river crossing method where gaiters realise their full potential as wearing them will 100% delay any water getting into your boots for at least another millisecond! It’s science.

 

6 Reasons To Start Wearing Gaiters

Gaiters aren’t watertight so water will get in if submerged

6. Gaiters Make You Look Great!

You might not know this yet, but gaiters are extremely fashionable. 

The versatile tube tops for your legs go very well with a layer of mud, combined with stripey long johns or bare skin if you’re planning on working on your gaiter tan. 

They also make for a great accessory if you’re wondering if your stubbies are showing too much leg. 

They convey a keenness for adventure, a fearlessness, and a readiness to take on whatever the trail ends up throwing at you. If you’ve never worn them, give gaiters a try on your next hike and we promise you’ll look great!

Read more: Salomon, a Super Bowl and Built-In Gaiters

 

6 Reasons To Start Wearing Gaiters

Striking a pose is mandatory, of course

Tips For Buying Good Gaiters

When choosing a gaiter, consider what terrain you think you’ll be entering. How scratchy and tall is the flora? What is the climate? Should they be waterproof and/or breathable? Ankle or knee-length? There are no wrong answers!

Some, perhaps those in warmer climates, might like a lower cut ultra-durable gaiter made of hard-wearing 450D ripstop Polyester like the Sea To Summit Spinifex Gaiter.

While others who prioritise waterproofing and warmth, might look at the Sea To Summit Quagmire Event Gaiters with its top of the line waterproofing.

Whatever gaiters you go for, you can be sure they’ll elevate your hiking to another level.

Sea To Summit Spinifex Nylon Ankle Gaiters

Sea To Summit Quagmire Event Gaiters

FAQs Gaiters For Hiking

Do gaiters stop snakes?

Snakes have quite small fangs and gaiters are generally enough to stop them piercing your skin – but nothing is guaranteed. You’ve got a much better chance of avoiding a snake bite if you’re wearing gaiters while hiking or bushwalking.

What should I look for when buying hiking gaiters?

When buying hiking gaiters, consider the terrain and weather you’ll be hiking in. Look for durable materials like ripstop nylon or Gore-Tex for waterproofing, secure closures (Velcro or zippers), and a snug but comfortable fit around your boots and legs. If hiking in warm conditions, opt for breathable gaiters to avoid overheating or a sweat-fest.

Are ankle gaiters or knee-length gaiters better?

Ankle gaiters are great for keeping out dirt, sand, and small bits and pieces on dry trails, while knee-length gaiters offer better protection against snow, mud, and scratchy vegetation.

Choose ankle gaiters for light hiking and trail running, and knee-length gaiters for bushwalking, mountaineering, or wet conditions. Trails like the Overland Track and Larapinta Trail generally warrant longer gaiters, though many ultralighters will often use ankle-height ones instead. It comes down to personal preference.

Do I need waterproof gaiters?

Waterproof gaiters are essential if you’ll be hiking in wet conditions, crossing rivers, or going through snow. They help keep moisture out and your feet dry for longer. If you mostly hike in dry areas, a breathable, water-resistant gaiter may be a better option for comfort as you won’t sweat so much.

How should gaiters fit over hiking boots?

Gaiters should fit snugly around your boots without restricting movement. They typically have an adjustable strap under the sole, a hook to secure them to your laces, and a closure system around the calf or ankle. A proper fit prevents debris, water, and snow from sneaking in.

Can I wear gaiters with trail running shoes?

Yes! Many trail runners use lightweight, low-profile gaiters to keep dirt and sand out of their shoes. These gaiters are often made from breathable, stretchy fabric and attach with Velcro or underfoot straps. Look for trail-specific gaiters designed for running shoes.

How do I clean and maintain my gaiters?

Most gaiters can be cleaned by rinsing them with water or wiping off dirt with a damp cloth. For heavy mud, let them dry and then brush it off. If they get really grimy, hand wash them in mild detergent and air dry.

 

Table of contents image by @katealiice

Got Gaiters, Need a Hike

At We Are Explorers we take great pride in presenting content that is fact checked, well-researched, and based on both real world experience and reliable sources. As a B-Corp we uphold high ethical standards and strive to create content that is inclusive, with an an increased focus on underserved communities, Indigenous Australians, and threats to our environment. You can read all about it in our Editorial Standards.