Best Gaiters for Hiking of 2025
For all hiking terrains–Ankle, Mid, Full-Length, Lightweight, or Waterproof
Crocodile Classics kept us warm on long, cold winter days. Photo by Eric Hansen.
February 25th, 2025, updated to include a best full length gaiter and best winter gaiter with testing notes of 6 more models
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As hikers, we all know the irritation of getting a rock or grit stuck in our shoe, and the internal struggle of when to stop and remove it. Hiking gaiters can be an excellent tool in each of these circumstances.
All hiking gaiters help keep grit, rocks, and other debris out of our shoes and boots. Mid and full length gaiters can protect legs from thorns, stinging plants and insects, sticks, jagged ice, and sharp traction tools like microspikes and crampons. Full length gaiters (particularly GORE-TEX models) can also be an important part of a layering system for maintaining body temperature, keeping toes warm, and protecting against hypothermia while traveling in foul weather or full winter conditions.
We tested hiking gaiters (both low and mid length) from Oregon to New Hampshire, during trail races, and in temperatures ranging from 0 to 100F degrees to bring you the best hiking gaiters.
We tested 13 hiking gaiters (3 low, 3 mid, 4 full length, and 3 GORE-TEX full length) with a variety of terrains and in a wide range of conditions to bring you the best hiking gaiters for all conditions!
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Comparison table
| GAITERS | AWARD | BEST USE | MATERIAL | HEIGHTS | WATERPROOF? | ATTACHMENT METHOD | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahtoola RENAgaiter Gaiters | Best overall Read why |
3-season hiking; backpacking | nylon | low, mid | No | Zipper, lace hook | $60 |
| Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters | Best full-length gaiters Read why |
year round use | nylon | full | No | Lace hook, shin hook-and-loop, ankle & knee buckle | $49 |
| Outdoor Research Crocodile GORE-TEX Gaiters | Best winter gaiters Read why |
winter sports | GORE-TEX | full | Yes | Lace hook, shin hook-and-loop, ankle & knee buckle | $54 |
| Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid | Best comfortable / Best lightweight Read why |
trail running; backpacking | polyester, nylon, spandex | mid | No | Lace hook; heel hook-and-loop (optional) | $39 |
| Dirty Girl Gaiters | Best for thru-hiking Read why |
trail running; backpacking | spandex | low | No | Velcro heel hook-and-loop | $23 |
The winners
Best overall hiking gaiters: Kahtoola RENAgaiters
Best use: 3-season hiking; backpacking
Material: nylon
Waterproof: No
Heights available (low/mid/high): Low, mid
Attachment method: Zipper, lace hook
Price: $60
What we liked: Comfortable, water resistant, replaceable instep strap, zipper for easy on and off
What we didn’t like: The removable hard plastic instep strap can catch on things until adjusted, makes clicking noises on rocks, and can create a slick spot on flat-soled shoes like trail runners that makes technical terrain more difficult
The Kahtoola RENAgaiters are the winner of our Best Overall category. They’re an upgraded twist on a classic, mid length gaiter. They’re made with quick-dry nylon treated with a DWR coat for water resistance, and they breathe fairly well despite being made of a more robust fabric.
They held up to unbrushed trails and underbrush without missing a step. The RENAgaiters also feature a YKK zipper for easy on/off, and the zipper is substantial enough to withstand the wear and tear of miles of trails. Though water can seep in, there is a strip of fabric behind the zipper to prevent most of the seep.
Kahtoola RENAgaiters
The top of the gaiter is adjustable and closed with an elastic cord. They’re adjustable to allow for trail runners, hiking shoes, or hiking boots equally well. The gaiter is available in three different colors and the hard plastic instep strap is adjustable, removable, and replaceable. There is no velcro attachment point on the heel.
Unfortunately, there’s a learning curve to the instep straps; if they’re not flush to a trail runner or hiking shoe, the heel of the gaiter can ride up over the heel of the shoe. Additionally, the hard plastic of the instep strap clicked on rocks and could be distracting. It also can create a slick spot on flat-soled shoes, which was especially difficult on rocky, technical terrain. If desired, hikers can remove the instep strap to avoid these two issues.
Despite this snag, once adjusted, they perform very well across a variety of conditions. Overall, these gaiters are a comfortable, lightweight, and water-resistant 3-season gaiter.
Best full-length hiking gaiters: Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
Material: 100% Nylon, 420D Packcloth With PU Coating
Waterproof: No, but polyurethane coated
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front hook-and-loop closure, instep strap buckle, buckle top closure
Price: $49
What we liked: Single layer, durable, comfortable, most affordable, 4 sizes, adjustable closures to allow a wide range of boot styles and more or less layers, perfect for 3-season and warmer winter activities
What we didn’t like: Can sag when wet, minimal protection against accidental damage from traction devices
The Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters are the winner of our Best Full-Length category. They’re a simple but thoughtful design, with intuitive closures and attachment points. They’re remarkably durable; we’ve worn through a pair of these, but it took more than three years of tough 4-season conditions to completely wear them down. We tested these gaiters while completing winter hikes on all 48 of New Hampshire’s Four Thousand Footers, including Mt. Washington, and they performed admirably.
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
Rocky Mountain High Gaiters in action in the NH White Mountains. Photo by Eric Hansen.
The Rocky Mountain High Gaiters are very affordable, with the lowest price for any full-length gaiter we tested. The fabric is flexible, allowing for a full range of motion, and comfortable. Outdoor Research offers four sizes of gaiter based on shoe size and they were thoughtful in their proportions. The gaiter closures are highly adjustable, making them work well across all seasons. They can be worn on bare legs in shorts with trail runners for late-season snow just as well as insulated pants with 400g insulated boots. The Velcro closure can be partially undone to vent warm legs, and the single layer of fabric keeps them from being too warm.
Testing the Rocky Mountain High Gaiters in the Adirondacks. Photo by Scott Benerofe.
Since these are a single layer, they don’t provide any lower leg fabric reinforcement to protect against accidental damage from traction devices. If you’ll be wearing your gaiters with traction often, we recommend you consider the Best Winter Sports Gaiter below. For most hikers looking for a full-length gaiter, these are perfect. They’re a sturdy full-length gaiter that will satisfy most hikers’ needs at a reasonable cost.
Best Winter Sports Gaiters: Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic Gaiters
Material: GORE-TEX 3L 100% Nylon 70D Plain Weave Upper Leg Panel, Cordura 2L 100% Nylon 1000D Woven Foot Panel, 100% Nylon 420D Packcloth Lining with PU Coating
Waterproof: Yes
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front hook-and-loop closure, instep strap buckle, buckle top closure
Price: $89
What we liked: Very durable, flexible sizing with robust Velcro closure, waterproof, warm, 5 sizes, adjustable closures to allow a wide range of boot styles and more or less layers, amazing for cold or wet winter activities
What we didn’t like: Can be too warm in mild winter conditions
The Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic Gaiters won our Best Winter Sports category. We tested these in full winter conditions, with high winds, single-digit temperatures, negative windchill, waist-deep snow, and in spring conditions with wet rotting snow, knee-deep running water, and 40-degree rain. They’ve summited Katahdin in winter and they performed flawlessly. These gaiters provided great warmth, waterproofing, and soft tissue protection from sharp sticks when rotting snow collapsed.
Similar in design to the Rocky Mountain High Gaiters, they’re well made and dialed in, specifically with winter sports enthusiasts in mind. The Crocodile Classic Gaiters take the excellent Rocky Mountain Gaiters as a template and bulks them up with GORE-TEX uppers and Cordera lowers.
Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic Gaiters
At the summit of Katahdin in Crocodile Classics. Photo by Eric Hansen.
The gaiters attach easily, with multiple points of adjustment for a great fit regardless of the volume of pants or boots. They could be worn with high-volume insulated gear just as easily as light leggings and trail shoes. They’re warm and waterproof, comprising two layers of fabric, and include a lower leg panel to protect against traction damage or injury.
Outdoor Research offers these gaiters in five sizes and we had no issues with fitting them on top of whatever layers were required for the conditions. Of the three GORE-TEX gaiters we tested, these were the least expensive while being the most flexible in their sizing. Adequate sizing meant these could actually be used in all conditions.
The Outdoor Research Crocodile Classic gaiters were warm and waterproof, and just what was needed for breaking trail through deep snow. Photo by Eric Hansen.
If there is a flaw to be found with these gaiters, it’s that they can be too warm if used in more mild conditions. Some heat can be vented by partially opening the front Velcro; we found this most useful during ascents on consolidated trails. However, at a certain temperature, they’re simply too warm; it’s good to know this in advance and experiment with wearing lighter pants (or even shorts with light leggings) when temperatures will be more mild but waterproofing or greater leg protection is required.
Most comfortable gaiters: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters
Best use: trail running; backpacking
Material: polyester, nylon, spandex
Waterproof: No
Height (low/mid/high): Mid
Attachment method: Lace hook; heel hook-and-loop (optional)
Price: $39
What we liked: Affordable, lightweight, quick dry, relaxed fit, replaceable instep strap
What we didn’t like: Lightweight flexible fabric can catch on underbrush and isn’t robust
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters are the winner of our Best Comfortable Gaiters and Best Lightweight Gaiters category. They’re a lightweight, water-resistant, quick-dry nylon/polyester/spandex mid-length gaiter. They’re flexible, breathe very well, and have a looser fit around the ankle and lower leg than the RENAgaiters. Because of this looser fit, the fabric more frequently caught on underbrush, and the lightweight fabric doesn’t seem like it will tolerate rough miles well.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters
Similar to Dirty Girl gaiters (review below), you wear these gaiters by putting your foot through them prior to putting on your shoes. The top of the gaiter is adjustable and closes with an elastic cord. They can easily accommodate trail runners, hiking shoes, or hiking boots.
The rubberized instep strap is removable and replaceable, and there is no Velcro attachment point on the heel. Unfortunately, this lighter fabric and the instep strap has begun to show wear after a few hikes through technical terrain.
These gaiters are a great option if you’re looking to avoid zippers, want a soft instep strap, and value a soft, breathable, flexible fabric. Overall, the Ferrosi Hybrids are very comfortable, lightweight, and water-resistant 3-season gaiter.
Best gaiters for thru-hiking: Dirty Girl Gaiters
Best use: trail running; backpacking
Material: spandex
Waterproof: No
Height (low/mid/high): Low
Attachment method: Velcro heel hook-and-loop
Price: $23
What we liked: Lightweight, comfortable, multiple sizes, affordable, colorful, no instep strap, no zippers or buckles to malfunction
What we didn’t like: Velcro heel attachment required
The Dirty Girl Gaiters are our Best Thru-hiking winner. Dirty Girls are a staple on any long trail and for good reason! They’re the cheapest gaiter we’ve tested and they’re very colorful, with dozens of fun patterns available to enhance your hiking style. They’re lightweight, easy to wash, and quick to dry. They attach to trail runners and hiking shoes easily, with a low-profile shoelace hook in front and a Velcro pad in the back. They don’t catch on underbrush, there’s no zip or buckle that could fail, and no field maintenance required.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Dirty Girl gaiters on a Great Range Traverse in the Adirondacks. Photo courtesy Aubri Drake.
Our reviewer has enjoyed half a dozen pairs of these over the last decade, and their durability is remarkable. With thousands of miles on each pair, the points of failure are few and far between: one pair lost their shoelace hooks on the Appalachian Trail (safety pins were a quick and easy fix), and one half of a pair was stolen by a dust devil on the Pacific Crest Trail.
The one caveat is that these gaiters do require a piece of heel Velcro to function properly. Over many years, we’ve found that only using the Velcro adhesive isn’t enough for long-term wear. Unfortunately, standard superglue is too thin to create a robust connection. However, our easy fix has been to buy a thicker adhesive glue, like E6000 or Gorilla Glue. This kind of glue has kept the Velcro attached for months of trail time, outlasting the life of the shoes they’re attached to.
Dirty Girls are a time-tested, fun summer-weight gaiter to keep dirt, dust, and rocks out of your shoes while you dayhike, trail run, or backpack.
Other hiking gaiters we tested
Kahtoola INSTAgaiters
Best use: trail running; backpacking
Material: nylon
Waterproof: No
Height (low/mid/high): low, mid
Attachment method: Zipper, lace hook
Price: $40
What we liked: Lightweight, water resistant, replaceable instep strap, zipper for easy on and off
What we didn’t like: The hard plastic instep strap, the elastic at the top of the gaiter can pinch, zippers let water in
The Kahtoola INSTAgaiters are very similar to the Kahtoola RENAgaiters, but are low-rise rather than mid, and are made with a lighter-weight fabric. They’re constructed of quick-dry nylon with a DWR coat for water resistance and they also breathe fairly well compared to gaiters made of elastane.
They held up to unbrushed trails and underbrush. The top of the gaiter is adjustable and closed with an elastic cord, which is tight and can pinch. The INSTAgaiters feature a YKK zipper for easy on/off, and the zipper can withstand the wear and tear of trails. However, water can seep in through the zipper. They’re also a snug fit, best for trail runners and more narrow or streamlined hiking shoes.
Kahtoola INSTAgaiters
The Kahtoola INSTAgaiters in action. Photo courtesy Aubri Drake.
The gaiter is available in four different colors and the hard plastic instep strap is adjustable, removable, and replaceable. Like with the RENAgaiters (see review above), the instep straps can be a challenge. The hard plastic of the instep strap was especially difficult to use with trail runners, since they’re all flat soled and the strap created a slick spot. These gaiters could be a good fit for someone looking for a zippered low gaiter, or a low gaiter that isn’t spandex.
Material: nylon, spandex
Waterproof: No
Height (low/mid/high): mid
Attachment method: Shoelace hook
Price: $45
What we liked: Replaceable underfoot strap/buckle
What we didn’t like: Velcro heel attachment required
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters are similar to the Ferrosi Hybrid Gaiters (see review above), but they’re longer. They’re oddly in the middle between a mid and a full-length gaiter, satisfying neither category. They use the same lightweight, quick-dry nylon and can be used with trail runners, hiking shoes, or boots.
Like the Ferrosi Hybrid, they’re flexible, breathe very well, and have a looser fit around the ankle and lower leg. There’s a removable rubberized instep strap, which is a thin version of Outdoor Research’s winter gaiter strap. These could be a good option if you’re looking for a longer version of the Ferrosi Hybrid gaiters.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru Gaiters
Best use: trail running; backpacking
Material: polyester, spandex
Waterproof: No
Height (low/mid/high): low
Attachment method: Lace hook; heel hook-and-loop (optional)
Price: $30
What we liked: Lightweight, replaceable underfoot strap
What we didn’t like: Anti-slip grip pulled on ankle hair and skin, thick spandex didn’t breath well, Velcro heel attachment needed, fragile instep cord
The REI Swiftland Running Gaiters are underwhelming. They’re only available in black, and are constructed of a remarkably thick spandex that lacks breathability. They’re tight on the ankle, with no adjustment possible.
They’re intended primarily to be used with trail runners, though streamlined hiking shoes could work. The anti-slip grip on the ankle also pulled painfully on leg hair. The shoelace hook is larger than expected and sticks out at an odd angle, causing it to collect underbrush (particularly ferns) along unbrushed trails. The 2mm elastic instep cord is removable and replaceable, but it’s fragile, and the adjustment toggle is difficult to tuck away and can catch. The gaiter offers a Velcro heel attachment if desired, and would likely be required if the instep cord is removed. These could be an option if you’re swinging by REI seeking lightweight gaiters, and other options aren’t available.
REI Swiftland Running Gaiters
Outdoor Research Helium Gaiter
Material: bluesign-approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L 100% Nylon 30D Ripstop Upper Leg Panel; Nylon 420D Packcloth With PU Coating Foot Panel
Waterproof: yes
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front hook-and-loop closure, instep strap buckle, snap top closure
Price: $79
What we liked: Lightweight, breathability, comfortable, removable and replaceable underfoot strap and buckle
What we didn’t like: Expensive, can sag when wet
The Helium Gaiter is almost double the price of the Rocky Mountain High Gaiter and only 1.9 oz lighter (6 oz vs 7.9 oz). This is because the Helium is waterproof rather than water resistant. The Helium gaiter also has a softer top closure than the Rocky Mountain High Gaiter (the packcloth is a little rough) and could be worn directly on skin. The Helium also breathes the best of all full-length gaiters we tried, making it more comfortable than others in warm weather.
Outdoor Research Helium Gaiter
Men's
Women's
Outdoor Research Helium Gaiters are great for warm winter or shoulder season hiking or running. Photo by Cryptic.
The upper leg panel is fairly thin, doesn’t add a lot of warmth, and could be vulnerable to tears. Because of its intended use (warmer temps), the sizing is a bit smaller than the OR gaiters noted above, so you will want to size up if you intend to wear insulated pants or footwear underneath. Outdoor Research offers the Helium in five sizes, and this model was the lightest full-length gaiter we tested.
Overall, this gaiter is more niche in design than our two winners. It’s a flexible full-length gaiter that can be used comfortably over long miles in warmer temperatures, providing soft tissue protection from ice and snow as well as some thermoregulation. However, it will not hold up well to underbrush, overgrown trails, or bushwhacks. The collective features of lightweight, waterproof, comfortable, breathable, and replaceable and removable underfoot straps will likely make these most interesting to thru-hikers in high snow years.
Rab Trek Gaiter
Material: 70D 2L nylon ripstop with DWR, 200D nylon reinforced ankle panel
Waterproof: No, water-resistant
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front hook-and-loop closure, removable instep strap, snap top closure
Price: $60
What we liked: Replaceable underfoot strap/buckle
What we didn’t like: Tight fit, sizing runs very small, thin material, lace hook was difficult to attach and remove, only two sizes per gender
Based on testing, these size very tightly and do not expect you to be wearing insulated pants or boots. Officially per their sizing chart, the women’s model only covers women’s shoe sizes 6-10 and the men’s only covers men’s shoe sizes 8-13.
Rab Trek Gaiter
Men's
Women's
Testing the Rab Trek Gaiter on a snowy hike. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Because of the gaiters’ narrowing at the Achilles, they can only be worn in one position on the leg, severely limiting the user’s range of use for different pants, boots, or conditions. Our reviewer has larger than average calves and could barely close the Velcro over the calf. Given the restrictive sizing, many people will be unable to even wear these gaiters. Additionally, the material felt thin and chintzy; combined with the tight fit, they provided very little thermoregulation support. Given the risk of a poor fit, the very limited range of sizing, and the price compared with other available gaiters, we would not recommend these.
Material: Flexia 3.0 upper, 1000D nylon lower
Waterproof: Yes
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front zipper closure, hook-and-eye tab by laces, plastic buckle top closure
Price: $80
What we liked: Waterproof
What we didn’t like: Weight, lace hook was difficult to attach and remove, tight sizing, zipper closure prevented any size adjustment
These gaiters were the heaviest and most expensive non GORE-TEX gaiters we tested. The gaiters attach with a zipper closure that runs the length of the shin. This made sizing and adjustment challenging. The zipper was difficult to get started, and was hard to remove and reattach in the field.
Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiter
Despite purchasing the size indicated by their sizing chart for our tester (medium), the gaiter did not fit over a hiking boot and could only be zipped closed if worn over a thin legging. The diameter of the gaiter itself is the measurement provided by the size chart (16” for a medium), which means the largest size offered will only provide 18” of space for insulated pants and boots. This is not sufficient lower leg circumference for most winter hikers. The gaiters were long enough to interfere with the tester’s knee’s range of motion, even when the bottom edge was touching the ground. These gaiters could work for long and thin hikers seeking a waterproof non GORE-TEX gaiter option, though we would recommend checking that the diameters available meet your needs.
Material: 40D GORE-TEX Pro, 300D nylon reinforced ankle panel
Waterproof: Yes
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front hook-and-loop closure, removable instep strap, snap top closure
Price: $90
What we liked: Replaceable underfoot strap/buckle
What we didn’t like: Tight fit, sizing runs very small, lace hook was difficult to attach and remove, only two sizes per gender
Identical in design to the Rab Trek Gaiter above, these gaiters offer a very limited range of sizes and do not provide adequate space for insulated pants or boots. The gaiter shape is the same, narrowing around the ankle in a way that requires the gaiter be worn in the same place every time. With the limitations on sizing and fit, these gaiters won’t work for many winter hikers. However, for those with smaller lower legs who anticipate wearing gaiters with thinner, more tapered pants and boots (such as ski touring, snowshoe running, or nordic skiing), the form-fitting nature of these might be a good option.
Rab Muztag GTX Pro Gaiter
Material: GORE-TEX hard-shell upper, 600D abrasion guard
Waterproof: Yes
Height (low/mid/high): High
Attachment method: Lace hook, front hook-and-loop closure, instep strap buckle, snap bottom closure, plastic buckle top closure
Price: $100
What we liked: Durable instep strap, high quality material
What we didn’t like: Expensive, did not fit over a hiking boot, very rigid lower, sized very small, plastic buckles can be difficult to open in the field without removing gloves
We had high hopes for this gaiter, but were disappointed due to sizing issues. We found sizing to run small, not allowing us to wear gaiters with insulated pants or ankle high boots.
Despite the sizing guide being based on boot sizes, our medium gaiter (men’s 8.5-10 leather boots, men’s 7.5-8.5 plastic boots) could not accommodate a men’s size 9 boot. The abrasion guard material was stiff and there was no stretch. While the closure was Velcro, our tester could only fully close the gaiter when wearing thin leggings and hiking shoes, not more winter-worthy mountaineering or hiking gear.
These gaiters did have a durable instep strap and were made out of high quality materials, but the smaller sizing meant we were unable to use them on many winter hikes. Given that they were the most expensive gaiter we tested, and our Best Winter Sports winner is more affordable and a better fit, we think you're better off choosing a different model for winter hiking.
Dirty Girl gaiters after a 100-mile race. Photo courtesy Aubri Drake.
Why you need hiking gaiters
Protection from debris and snow in shoes
The most salient reason to wear gaiters is this one. Snow inside shoes can be painful, rubbing until it finally melts, leaving your socks soaking wet and your skin raw or shredded. In good conditions, it’s annoying to stop to remove debris from your shoes to prevent blisters and damage to socks. In poor conditions, it can be impossible to stop, forcing you to push forward while actively feeling your feet blister.
Water and mud resistance
Gaiters protect shoes and boots from mud and water that reaches higher than their waterproofing. This can allow hikers to rock hop across water crossings with dry feet. Even when the low leg must be submerged during a water crossing or flooded trails, gaiters can help keep water out of footwear and keep the lower leg warmer.
Protection from vegetation
Full gaiters can help protect the lower leg from prickers, vines, stinging nettle, poodle-dog bush, sharp tree branches, and poisonous plants. They’re especially useful for bushwhacking, areas recovering after fire, and overgrown or narrow trails.
Insect and snake protection
Low and mid-length gaiters can protect the ankles from insect bites, while full knee-high gaiters provide a more robust coverage. While the true effectiveness is debatable, some places recommend GORE-TEX knee-high gaiters when bushwhacking in rattlesnake or other venomous snake habitat.
Thermal insulation
Mid and full-length gaiters help keep the lower leg warm and then the toes by extension. For people who run cold or have circulation troubles (like Raynaud's Disease), full-length gaiters are an excellent piece of gear for extra warmth when paired with GORE-TEX or insulated boots. In cold rain, wet snow, flooded spring trails, melting snowpack, and fresh snowfall, knee-high GORE-TEX gaiters are essential safety equipment helping keep hikers and backpackers warm.
Minimize environmental impact
In shoulder conditions when there can be excessive mud, flooded trails, or melting snowpack, gaiters allow hikers to walk directly through the obstacle without getting their dry footwear wet. This protects fragile vegetation and the surrounding area from soil erosion and trail widening.
Protects lower leg and extends boot lifespan
When worn in winter or shoulder season, full gaiters can protect the lower leg and boots from damage due to sharp rocks or winter traction devices (e.g., microspikes, crampons, snowshoes). Gaiters can also protect shoe and boot uppers from trail wear and tear.
What to look for in hiking gaiters
Material
Gaiters come in a variety of synthetic materials — most often, nylon and GORE-TEX. Nylon has a bit of stretch, while GORE-TEX has none. Lightweight gaiters are made of polyester or elastane (spandex), and they’re very flexible.
Waterproofing
Gaiters made of GORE-TEX are waterproof and some (though not all) nylon gaiters add a waterproof finish. It is worthwhile to note that the tradeoff for a higher level of waterproofing is a reduction in breathability, which can lead to sweat accumulating inside the gaiter.
Breathability
The more breathable a gaiter is, the less waterproof it will be. The gaiters with the greatest degree of breathability are polyester or elastane and GORE-TEX has the least, with nylon in the middle.
Durability
While lightweight gaiters are more breathable, they are less durable. I’ve punctured elastane gaiters on sharp roots and tree branches. Nylon lasts fairly well, though it is not as robust as GORE-TEX in withstanding tough conditions and rough treatment, like exposure to sharp tree branches, snowshoes, microspikes, and crampons. GORE-TEX is the most long-lasting of the three options for gaiter material.
Size and fit
Gaiter sizes are based on shoe sizes, with some brands also incorporating calf size. The more flexible the material, the easier it is to size properly because there’s more room for variation in shoe vs. boot and in a person’s lower leg circumference.
If the gaiter is too small, it won’t enclose the shoe or lower leg properly and can be very uncomfortable, as well as defeating any possible waterproofing. If the gaiter is too large, it will sag or fall down altogether, leaving many gaps between the gaiter and the shoe and lower leg, allowing water and debris into the shoe.
Closure systems
Most gaiters use a combination of front lace hooks and an instep strap to secure them to the shoe or boot. Some lightweight gaiters utilize a piece of Velcro on the heel to secure the back of the gaiter rather than an instep strap. Some trail running shoes have a Velcro “gaiter trap” built in, like Altra and Merrell. Instep straps need to be flush to the shoe or they are a substantial tripping hazard, catching on sticks, trees, and roots.
Height
Gaiters come in three heights: low, mid, and full. Low, ankle-high gaiters are typically meant for wearing with trail runners or hiking shoes. Mid, shin-high gaiters can be worn with trail runners, hiking shoes, or boots. Full, knee-high gaiters typically assume they will be worn with hiking or mountaineering boots; be sure to read the sizing directions carefully and consider sizing down if you intend to use them with trail runners or hiking shoes.
Weight
Gaiters can vary in weight from 2 oz up to 8 oz, with most low gaiters at 1.5-3 oz, mid gaiters at 3-6 oz, and full gaiters at 6-8 oz.
Ease of use
Lightweight gaiters are often pulled on over the foot prior to putting on the shoe, while most 3 or 4-season gaiters utilize a full-length Velcro or zipper. This allows the gaiter to fully encase the lower leg, keeping snow and water away from pants, socks, and boots. In either case, it can be irritating to have to unhook or adjust the gaiter to change socks or tie shoelaces. However, it is substantially more annoying to be forced to stop and remove debris from shoes. When wearing full length gaiters, one method for venting heat (like during uphill climbing) can be to undo the Velcro or zipper to allow for more airflow around the lower leg.
Compatibility with footwear
As mentioned above, different styles of gaiters assume different types of footwear (e.g., trail runners and hiking shoes vs. hiking boots). Additionally, some gaiters require a Velcro piece on the heel of the shoe in order to function. If a shoe does not already have this feature, you must stick or glue a Velcro piece yourself. I’ve had a gaiter fail to function after a Velcro piece fell off mid thru-hike and it was troublesome enough that I now carry extra Velcro pieces and glue in my repair kit.
Intended use
Lightweight, low gaiters are typically intended for trail runners, thru-hikers, and other people moving across the landscape in a quick-and-light fashion in summer. Mid gaiters can straddle the line between summer and winter seasons, valley weather and summit weather. Full gaiters are most often intended for bushwhacking, foul weather, cold temperatures, and winter conditions.
Two testers on a winter Great Range Traverse in the Adirondacks. Wearing gaiters in the winter is essential. Photo courtesy Aubri Drake.
How to choose hiking gaiters
The gaiter will perform best if used for its intended purpose. Consider the conditions where you’ll be looking to use gaiters. Most people will be looking for a light, breathable, 3-season gaiter to keep dirt and rocks out of their shoes while hiking on established trails, but if you're headed out in cooler conditions or thicker brush, go with taller gaiters.
In warmer conditions, knee-high gaiters can increase sweat rate and make it much harder to cool down. While knee-high nylon gaiters can be appropriate in specific summer conditions (like late season snowpack or cold water crossings), they’re overkill for most people. GORE-TEX gaiters are almost never used in summer except for bushwhacking in rattlesnake habitat.
For shoulder season, with cool temperatures, newly fallen or newly melting snow, higher water crossings, and overall wet and muddy conditions, knee-high nylon gaiters are a great match. For people who run cold or who are further from the front country, GORE-TEX gaiters may be appropriate.
For winter hiking, gaiters are imperative. They keep snow out of hiking boots, further waterproof the boot and lower leg when wet feet can be dangerous, and help keep toes warm by further insulating the entire lower leg. Depending on winter temperatures and personal preference, knee-high nylon or GORE-TEX gaiters can be a good fit.
How to size and fit gaiters
Most gaiters are sized based on shoe size; a few include calf circumference as an additional measurement.
It’s important to consider the type of gaiter (e.g., winter vs. 3-season) and what footwear you'll be wearing. Many models of gaiters are designed assuming you’ll be wearing it with high hiking boots or winter boots. If you're wearing hiking shoes or trail running shoes, look for gaiters designed specifically for use with those kinds of shoes.
Another tip on sizing: If you want to wear gaiters with low hiking boots or trail runners, you’ll need to size down. If you’ll be wearing thicker insulated pants, multiple layers, knee high socks, or anything else that will increase the circumference of your lower leg, consider sizing up. Also know that GORE-TEX is less stretchy than nylon gaiters, so be sure to dial in the sizing before spending the extra cash on GORE-TEX.
Hiking gaiters care and maintenance tips
Gaiters should be washed by hand and line dried to prevent damage and to ensure the longest life possible. While gaiters can be put through the dryer if absolutely necessary, it’s not typically recommended; if you have to, I’d use the “air only”/”tumble dry no heat” setting. Kahtoola is the only brand we reviewed that recommends machine washing and drying their gaiters.
Additionally, GORE-TEX or waterproof nylon gaiters can lose waterproofing when washed with standard laundry detergent. It is recommended that these gaiters are washed with a tech wash. Check out this Treeline Review article for more information on how to clean and care for GORE-TEX products. And as part of regular maintenance, consider using a zipper cleaner and lubricant to keep gaiter zippers healthy and happy.
Gaiters do break down over time and with hard use. In my experience, the instep strap and the strap’s corresponding buckle are the most frequent source of failure. Some brands have enhanced the lifespan of their products by allowing for repairability, offering gaiters with replaceable parts. This feature is important to cut down on the gear that ends up in landfills.
One of the best cheap and easy tips I found for winter hiking was to pack zip ties — these can be used to do a quick field repair on gear that has come apart. I’ve used small zip ties to secure my gaiters when the buckles broke and I tripped myself by stepping on the other boot’s instep strap.
How we researched and tested
Our reviewed gaiters, with 3 mid up top and 3 low on the bottom. Photo courtesy Aubri Drake.
We tested gaiters on a wide variety of terrain, from day-long adventures in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to a 100-mile race on the Oregon Pacific Crest Trail, from smooth dirt roads to technical mountain terrain, from 100 degrees down to 0 degrees.
We tested our full length gaiters in winter and spring conditions, from trail breaking in the White Mountains through waist-deep snow to ascending North Brother in Baxter State Park (home to Katahdin) in 40-degree rain while navigating waist-deep rotted snow and knee-deep flooded trails. We narrowed down the many gaiters out there to 13 of the most popular gaiters.
Author celebrating their winter Northeast 111 4000 Footers finish (in Columbia Fairbanks)! Photo by Katie Rhodes
About the author / Why you should trust us
Aubri ('Data') Drake is a queer and transgender hiker, ultrarunner, writer, researcher, and LGBTQ+ activist. Aubri discovered long-distance backpacking in 2013 and has been running away to the woods ever since.
They’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail, Europe’s Tour du Mont Blanc, Vermont's Long Trail, John Muir Trail x2, Tahoe Rim Trail, New England Trail, New Hampshire's Cohos Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, and Colorado Trail.
Aubri has also completed numerous Northeast peakbagging lists in both winter and summer seasons including the Northeast 111 4000 Footers and the New England Hundred Highest. They’ve run ultramarathon distances up to 100 miles, completed the Northeast Ultra 8, and set 21 Fastest Known Times. Aubri has logged more than 9,000 miles on their feet (in gaiters) in the last three years, and their writing has been featured in Trail Runner Magazine and Long Trail News magazine.
You can read more on their Instagram, website or author page.