Benefits of gaiters

[T.B.]

Who uses gaiters on a regular basis and what benefits do you get from them
Also what brand do you prefer

[rowdycwby1]

I use mine all the time I hate my pants soaking up water and then soaking into your socks after a rain or first thing in the morning everything is wet and from dew or after a snow. I think the one's I'm you using now are kenetrks

[CurlyTail]

I am researching this as well.

I want gaiters mostly to keep debris and grass awns out of my boots and socks. Last season, I literally ruined several pairs of socks with grass awns stuck in the fabric. A seconday benefit would be ability to go through shallow streams without the water pouring in over the top of your boot. Another benefit is waterproof protection from wet grass hiking off trails. Another benefit is protection for your expensive Sitka hunting pants. Another benefit is protection from yucca pokes and limb pokes from downed timber. The most obvious use is keeping snow out of your boots, and up your pant leg.

The down side is that they may be hot during early season, they may make noise you do not like, they make pick up burrs, they may not stay up and annoy you keeping them in place.

I have come to the conclusion that I am going to need two pairs of gaiters. One for full length protection (snow, rainy days), and one lighter, lower gaiter for early season hiking in warm weather. I am looking at the Outdoor Research Crocodiles, and the Outdoor research Endurance gaiter

[Indian Summer]

I love them. I've used them for years so I've tried several brands. Schnee's and Kenetreks are like any other fleece gaiters. Nice. Quiet too but fleece soaks up water and they get nasty and heavy. They are warm too. For those reasons I never use fleece gaiters. I prefer Outdoor Research M-Crocodiles. Heavy duty nylon. Not too hot and durable

They keep the cuffs of your pants snug which I like. You can run through a small stream without getting water in your boots or your pants wet. Like Curly said they keep you dry in wet grass or brush and also protect your pants where they take most of the abuse which is especially nice if you wear pricey hunting clothes. They also protect most of your boots except for the toe. I really like that.

I'm a gaiter user for sure.

[Lefty]

I have gaiters in my gear box but seldom feel the need for them. That may likely change.
I like tall hunting boots, And have only used gaiters in areas with lots of plant seeds or deep snow

[Brendan]

After last year, I'll never be without them again. If it's really hot and dry, you can always take them off and stash them in your pack. As mentioned, keeps wet grass from wetting your pant legs and wicking down into your socks and soaking your feet.

Last year I used Kuiu, which I liked, but don't have a lot of others to compare them to. Sold them and am trying a pair of Outdoor Research - I think they're the Large / XL crocs as I found someone selling an unused pair cheap. Only problem is they're black, not camo, so am wondering if that "blob" could ever attract unwanted attention if stalking in close. Probably should have kept the Kuiu, so may end up finding another pair in Camo - First Lite maybe as I really like some of their other gear. Maybe I'm just being picky...

[jmez]

I wear them all the time. I use the Kuiu and buddy uses the Oregon Research. I've had mine 4 years I believe and they have held up well. No complaints. If you do some looking OR is going to be the overwhelming favorite. They are made of a louder material than the Kuiu. I don't think it's an issue though.

They keep my pants, socks and boots dry in the am when dew is heavy. They do the same if it is or has rained. I usually take them off at lunch if it isn't raining and just hang them on my pack.

[longbowelk]

I use them when hiking in general, usually stick with the Outdoor Research and have not had a problem when using them hunting.

[BlackOvis]

I almost won't go out without my gaiters. Yeah, they are great for snow and moisture, but they also keep the weeds out of your socks. I have tried a lot of different ones out there, and I like the Kennetrek ones the best. They are quiet, they fit well on hiking boots as well as snow pacs.

Sorry for the link, but here are the ones I like: http://www.blackovis.com/kenetrek-hunting-gaiter

I've tried the Killik ones and the snap and strap broke my first time out. The Outdoor research ones were nice, but didn't fit the hiking boot very well, and didn't come in camo. These should do well for ya.

[VT Sasquatch]

I have a pair of gaiters from Outdoor Research. I couldn't be bothered with them unless there is a fair amount of snow on the ground. When there is deep snow they keep you pant legs dry and keep snow from going up your pants or down your boots.