Also known as spats, gaiters prevent water, mud, dirt, snow, pebbles, etc from entering your hiking boots. It acts as an extra protection that cover the tops of boots to fully protect your feet. No matter how waterproof your boots are it is still exposed at the top.

Gaiters take a lot of punishment and are a source of frequent complaints, that’s why many makers have quietly stopped producing them but the ones that are still around are most likely good ones.

Outdoor research is one of the biggest manufacturers of gaiters. One of their most popular gaiter is the Outdoor Research Crocodile. They have been around for quite a while and won the Backpacker Magazine Editors’ Choice Gold Award. The gaiter uses both Cordura fabric, which makes it resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs, and Gore-Tex, which makes it waterproof and windproof as well as breathable.

Waterproof gaiters like the Crocodiles do a good job of repelling rain and snow They also do well for stream crossings and muddy trails. The properties of Crocodile gaiters make them perfect for extended mountaineering in rough and rugged conditions.

Made of thin coated nylon or soft-shell fabric like Schoeller, water-resistant gaiters are cheaper but a little bit more than a light drizzle can soak them. Some experts refer these to trail gaiters. They are lightweight and breathable

The simplest gaiters have elasticized cuffs and no closures. These gaiters slip on before your hiking boots. They are also the lightest and cheapest costing around $25 - $35.

Supergaiters, which are used in swamps, have a tight-fitting rubber or a cord that grabs above the exposed sole of the boot.

You can either get gaiters that are ankle high (8”- 12”) or calf high (15” - 18”). Use ankle high gaiters in mild conditions to keep trail debris and rain out of your boots. Use calf high gaiters in extreme conditions like hiking in deep snow or bad weather.

Most gaiters are opened and secured at the front by Velcro or zipper. Others that use back entry are less convenient. You might want to occasionally opening up the entries a little bit for ventilation since gaiters trap the moisture rising from your boots.

Mountain Hardwear make gaiter with roll-back fabric panel over a mesh venting system. It really helps with ventilation better than other gaiters.

The cord or strap under the instep should not absorb water and should be able to resist abrasion or be replaceable.

Some gaiters can be used with mid-cut hiking boots and some can even be used with hiking shoes. One such gaiter is Outdoor Research’s Rocky Mountain Low Gaiter that have elastic edges around the bottom and top that improves the fit around hiking boots or hiking shoes.

Another option is to go for Mountain Hardwear’s Trail Gaiter that has a minimalist design but does a good job at protecting against dirt, scree and other trail debris.

Gaiters should have a snug fit on your boots. Choose a size that is meant for the size of your boots or shoes. Fit is important to have a good seal and prevent leak paths.

If you are in snow or mud or other wet places put the gaiters outside your hiking pants or boots. To prevent rain from running down your gaiters and into your boots, put you rain pants over your gaiters.