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When out walking with my family a few weeks ago, we were constantly stopping to remove small stones from our hiking boots.
Sound familiar? Well, what you (and your family) need is a good set of hiking gaiters.
Not sure what gaiters are? Well in this guide You will learn not only what they are and why you should get some, but you’ll also find out what the best gaiters for hiking are in the UK.
Recommended Hiking Gaitors
Why Should I Use Gaiters When Hiking?
Gaiters are typically worn by hikers and mountain climbers to keep snow and debris out of their boots.
Gaiters come in many designs, but the most common is a simple tube of fabric that goes up to just below the knee. The material is usually waterproof and breathable so that they don’t get too hot on the trail. They often have a drawstring or elastic band at the bottom to tighten around your boot or shoe.
Gaiters are an essential part of gear for any hiker because they help keep snow, leaves, dirt, and other debris from entering your shoes and giving you blisters or making it uncomfortable to walk.
How Do I Chose The Best Gaiters For Hiking?
There are three kinds of gaiters depending on what type of activity you are doing while hiking:
- Water-resistant winter gaiter for winter conditions
- Lightweight summer gaiter for summer conditions
- Heavy duty gaiter for use in extremely wet and windy conditions
When choosing the right gaiter, you should consider the following factors before making your purchase:
Waterproofing
The amount of waterproofing that your gaiter provides is important if you intend on heading out in the wet and snowy months.
The level of waterproofing represents just how much rain and snow your gaiters will be able to withstand.
For the summer months, this is probably less of a concern.
Windproofing
As well as protecting you from the rain, gaiters are also designed to protect you from the wind.
If you will be hiking in particularly exposed spots, such as up hills or along the coast, you will want to ensure that your gaiter will stop debris from getting inside of your hiking shoes or boot.
A good windproof gaiter will do just that. As it won’t be affected by the wind as much, the amount of debris that will get into your boot will be reduced.
Insulation
For the winter months, having a set of gaiters that will keep your legs warm is a must.
Windproofing will go some way to helping with that, however, insulation is the key for ensuring your legs stay toasty warm when hiking in particularly cold conditions.
Again, this factor is less important in the summer months, but it can make the difference between a good time and a bad time out hiking in colder conditions.
Durability
There is nothing worse than a product that promises so much but just falls to pieces after the first couple of uses (like a cheap toy from the pound shop).
Having a durable set of gaiters means that you won’t have to go out and do your research for what to buy all over again in just 6 months.
Price
For me, this is probably the most important factor when it comes to choosing a set of gaiters. Well let’s be honest, it’s the most important factor in every purchasing decision I make.
When considering the other factors above, you should try and do it in the context of how much you are going to be paying for your gaiters.
Are you willing to spend 3 times the price for a product that lasts twice as long? Are you willing to pay a little extra for a higher amount of waterproofing? Do you want to blow £50 on something you’re probably going to use once a year? The choice ultimately is up to you!
Best Gaiters For Hiking
Forclaz Trek 500 Trekking Gaiters – My Favourite Hiking Gaiters
When buying a pair of gaiters, having something light, waterproof and breathable is a must.
These Forcalz Trek 500 Trekking Gaiters strike the balance perfectly between being an effective barrier and not costing the earth.
For a very reasonable price of £14.99, these gaiters are one of the cheapest pairs you can get.
The waterproofing on these gaiters will ensure that your socks and shoes remain dry, even when the rain is pouring down. Ultimately this will help keep your feet from getting wet and blisters forming.
They are also breathable, meaning that your legs won’t get too hot in spite of the fact that you have an extra layer on.
A great choice for someone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a set of gaiters, but still wants something durable and waterproof!
Lictin Hiking Gaiters – Best Budget Hiking Gaiters
If you need a pair of gaiters but you’re on a budget, then these Lictin Hiking Gaiters might be just what you need.
At just £8.99, they are not only the cheapest on this list but are also very affordable in general.
In spite of the low price, you don’t lose out too much on other features. They are still waterproof, lightweight and durable.
Ok, so you’re not going to win any style awards with these gaiters, but at the end of the day, they will do the job and all at a very low price.
Solognac Gaiters Supertrack 500 V2 – Most Durable Hiking Gaiters
If you want to buy a pair of hiking gaiters that are going to be durable and last a long time, why not buy a pair that have been made with the same fabric used to make bulletproof vests!
The Solognac Gaiters Supoertracks 500 V2 (that’s a mouthful) will fit the bill perfectly if you’re in the market for “bulletproof” gaiters.
Made from 600 denier polyester and reinforced with Aramid, these gaiters are built to last and won’t tear or rip easily when you’re hiking through abrasive vegetation.
They are also waterproof, so you know your legs will stay dry when wearing them.
So if you want to avoid the need to replace your gaiters after regular use, these would be the ideal purchase.
Trekmates Cairngorm GORE-TEX® Gaiters – Best Hiking Gaiters For Extreme Weather
If you’re after a gaiter that will protect you from more extreme hiking conditions, then the Trekmates Cairngorm GORE-TEX® Gaiters would be a good choice for you.
These gaiters have been designed to withstand heavy rain, meaning your lower legs won’t get wet in even the wettest of conditions.
In addition to waterproofing, they will also provide significant protection from the wind as well, so your legs will remain warm when out hiking.
This is all achieved with a 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric, which is even breathable, to help stop you sweating in warmer weather.
Compared to other gaiters these are more expensive, available to buy for £35 from Blacks. However, you do get a lot of benefits for your money.
Peter Storm Hike Ankle Gaiter – Best Ankle Hiking Gaiters
Most gaiters you will find are ideal for when your hiking in cooler months when there is more chance of rain and wind (although we are talking about the UK, so that could be any time of year).
These Peter Storm Hike Ankle Gaiters are perfect for those looking for a simple solution to grit, dirt and stones getting into their hiking boots in warmer months.
Designed to cover just around the top of your boots and your ankles, these low cut gaiters are great if you don’t want to completely cover your lower leg, which could get too hot.
Although they won’t protect some large sections of your legs in wet conditions, they are still waterproof and windproof, meaning that at least you won’t get wet socks if you are caught out in the rain.
At just £16 (and sometimes on sale for less), these are a great choice for those whose primary reason for buying gaiters is to avoid getting debris in their boots.
Best Gaiters For Hiking
Trekmates Laggan GORE-TEX® Gaiters
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Extremities Nova Gaiters
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Peter Storm Hike Gaiter
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TSL Outdoor Mini Gaiter
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Trekmates DRY™ Rannoch Moor Gaiters
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Salomon High Trail Gaiters
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Peter Storm Trek Gaiter
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Simond Mountainerring Gaiters - Sprint Black
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Related FAQs
How Tight Should Gaiters Be?
When it comes to outdoor gear, there are a lot of variables to consider when buying the right product. One of these is how tight gaiters should be.
Gaiters are an important piece of gear for anyone who spends time in the outdoors, whether you’re a hiker, backpacker, climber, or skier. They protect your legs and feet from the elements by sealing out rain, snow, and dirt. But with so many options on the market today, it can be tricky to know which type and size of gaiter will work best for you.
One thing to consider is how tight gaiters should be. Most people make the mistake of thinking that gaiters need to be extremely tight in order to be effective at keeping out water and debris. But in reality, this isn’t always the case. Tight gaiters are great for keeping out debris, but they also tend to restrict the movement of your legs and feet. This can actually make it more difficult to move effectively.
Do You Need Gaiters for Winter Hiking?
One question that often comes up when preparing for a winter hike is whether or not gaiters are necessary. Gaiters are typically worn during the colder months to keep snow and debris from getting inside of your shoes and boots.
If you are hiking in an area where there is a lot of snow, then gaiters are definitely recommended. They will help keep your feet warm and dry, which is essential for enjoying your hike. If you are hiking in an area with little or no snow, then gaiters may not be necessary.
Do Gaiters Go Over Waterproof Trousers?
Some people believe that you should always put gaiters over waterproof trousers, while others say that it’s not necessary. The truth is, it depends on the type of gaiters and waterproof trousers you have. If the gaiters are made out of a water-resistant material, like nylon or polyester, then it’s OK to wear them over waterproof trousers. However, if the gaiters are made out of waterproof material, like rubber or PVC, then you should not wear them over waterproof trousers.
Do Gaiters Prevent Ticks?
There is a lot of debate over whether or not gaiters prevent ticks. Some people say that they do, while others argue that they don’t make much of a difference. The bottom line is that there is no definitive answer to this question. However, there are some things to consider when trying to decide whether or not gaiters are effective at preventing ticks.
First of all, it’s important to note that gaiters work best when they are worn with long pants and boots. They protect your legs and feet from ticks that may be crawling up your pants or shoes. Gaiters also help keep ticks from getting into your boots, where they can crawl up your leg undetected.
Summary
So, which gaiters are you going to buy? For my money, the Forclaz Trek 500 Trekking Gaiters offer the right balance between functionality and price to be my favourites.
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