View Full Version : Gaitors
Lead Dog
12-22-2009, 13:13
What's the best lightweight gaitor out there? I found a Mountain Laurel Design eVENT style I like. Wondered if anyone has used them and how they held up? I'm going to Maine to do the 100 mile wilderness in late Aug next year. I'm gonna use my trail runners too.
http://gatorbaitgaiters.blogspot.com/
I've used these for trail running, section hiking, and will be using these during my thru hike next year. If you follow the blog, you'll see a pic of me finishing the Laurel Highlands Ultra wearing my custom fitted pair.
Three pretty extensive reviews of the MLD eVent gaiters here (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Rain%20Gear/Gaiters/Integral%20Designs%20eVENT%20Shortie%20Gaiters/).
By "best" I think it depends on what you want a gaiter for --- keeping debris out of shoe? Keeping shoe and pant legs dry? And/or clean? Keeping you warmer or not? Use in snow, or just for wet brush or neither of the above?
I'd want a pair like these. scarf, hat, gloves, optional. http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=21680&catid=member&imageuser=9361
Lead Dog
12-22-2009, 15:48
Thanks for the input guys. I did read the reviews suggested and these look like the gaiters I shall purchase. I called MLD guy and will check out his product first since he's just down the road from me (Roanoke). Hey TenBeer, how ya been?
Doing well, happy holidays. Still considering the 100 mile wilderness trip. If your not going to the VT game, we are having a small gathering at the University Club. Tell Dan and Carol Anne
Lead Dog
12-22-2009, 15:57
Have plans for a Hokie New Years already but thanks. Will pass party info on to them. Maybe see you at pks soon.
Apologies, I just realized that the link I gave you was to a review of the Integral Designs eVent gaiters, not the similar MLD units. The I.D. gaiters are a bit less expensive, FWIW; I'm sure the MLD gaiters are good too.
My wife and I both wore Integral Designs eVent gaiters (Shorties) (http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=765&CFID=1318274&CFTOKEN=40424761) everyday during our thru hike and were very happy with this choice. As mentioned in some reviews, the cord that loops under the show sole had to be replaced from time to time. We didn't consider that a problem as elastic cord was readily available up the trail and it was easily replaced.
I bought an REI Shuksan eVent jacket. The stuff is possibly more breathable than Gore-tex (may depend upon what incarnation of the Gore stuff it's compared to), but if so, not too much.
To better answer your question, though, I've used the Outdoor Research uncoated low gaiters and found them to be too hot in the summer. I was thinking that a pair of old nylon stockings worn over the back of the shoe and over the sock might be the best alternative, or even a pair of bug gaiters (Campmor sells them, I think) which are no-see-um mesh. They should keep junk out of your shoes without making your feet too hot.
For now, I've given up on gaiters (I must check the spelling) except for winter when I use my OR Crocodiles and, gasp!, boots!
best fair weather gaiters - dirtygirl. 15bux, no ship!