big legged gaiter

[jeremesh]

Can anybody recommend a gaiter for big calves (19"). went to REI and LLBean today trying some on and couldnt find anything that fit. Most wouldnt even close on my leg and the ones that did closer were very tight and I fear would become uncomfortable very quickly.

[johnnyblisters]

I have large calves as well, almost cows, my veal could feed a small village. Only ankle gaiters have worked for me (plus I only use them in winter), they seem silly to have that much of your body covered unless your bushwacking through some thicket/kitten fields.

[jeremesh]

I have large calves as well, almost cows, my veal could feed a small village. Only ankle gaiters have worked for me (plus I only use them in winter), they seem silly to have that much of your body covered unless your bushwacking through some thicket/kitten fields.

I tried a couple of ankle gaiters too and same problem.

DARN those years of bike riding :)

[Roland]

I don't wear gaiters in the summer, but in the winter I use OR Crocs (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/m_s_crocodiles.html). They are roomy and available in different sizes, corresponding to boot size. So, if you wear large boots, you may be in luck.

These would be overkill for summer use, but I have seen plenty of folks using them.

[jeremesh]

I don't wear gaiters in the summer, but in the winter I use OR Crocs (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/m_s_crocodiles.html). They are roomy and available in different sizes, corresponding to boot size. So, if you wear large boots, you may be in luck.

These would be overkill for summer use, but I have seen plenty of folks using them.

Yeah, my intent was to just have them available for winter in case I have to do any post holing. I dont think there is much snow on the ground out in Shenandoah right now but after reading some of the recent trip reports along the AT of the MD section, it got me a bit concerned.

Worst case scenario I just tie some paracord around my ankles to hold my pants down :)

[Toolshed]

Same problem as OP. You will need OR Crocs (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___17267)in XXL or Theshold XXL (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___11607).

I've worn both for about 18 years. They both hold up well, Crocs are a little sturdier, buit Threshold costs less.

[jeremesh]

Same problem as OP. You will need OR Crocs (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___17267)in XXL or Theshold XXL (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___11607).

I've worn both for about 18 years. They both hold up well, Crocs are a little sturdier, buit Threshold costs less.

Do you find that with the XXL gaiters that they fit too loose over the boot itself and would allow snow to push up from the bottom?

[sheepdog]

Can anybody recommend a gaiter for big calves (19"). went to REI and LLBean today trying some on and couldnt find anything that fit. Most wouldnt even close on my leg and the ones that did closer were very tight and I fear would become uncomfortable very quickly.
might wanna ask minnasota smiff ;)

[Hikerhead]

I've heard that they don't have no soul. :)

[Toolshed]

Do you find that with the XXL gaiters that they fit too loose over the boot itself and would allow snow to push up from the bottom?
I just measured - My calves are about 18 7/8 (pretty damn close to 19") at their widest spot at 15.5 inches up from the ground.
The gaiters are almost 20 inches high. The XL's fit very tightly around my calves. The velcro just barely fits together at the widest part. The XXL's fit very well and afford some room around the calf.

I wear them in winter with Sorels or with Merrell 3 pin teleboots or my Columbia Titanium Bugaboots and I do not have a problem whatsoever (size 11) with snow pushing up.

In 3 season I wear them with my old Italian FGL hiking boots or Asolo powermatics and I do have to close the velcro down to the ends of each side of the strips, where they overlap off each other about a 1/4 inch, but they hold well - Never, ever been a problem

I do have a couple of older pairs of XL Crocs and ther is about a 1 inch difference around the size of the bottom rand, but easily several inches wider around the top near your calf.

[jeremesh]

I've heard that they don't have no soul. :)

I thought that was only the women ;)

[Hikerhead]

I thought that was only the women ;)

Oh shirt... you're going to catch it now. :eek::)

[jeremesh]

Oh shirt... you're going to catch it now. :eek::)

Hey... you set the bait... how could I resist Zepplin lyrics??

[Zeno Marx]

another vote for OR gaiters. and mine have lasted for years. I hear some problems with the Hypalon straps tearing out from the Cordura, but mine have been tough as nails. If they do tear out, I understand OR, and its retailers, are very quick to remedy the situation. Not a lot of questions. Offer options with good service. A lost business art.