View Full Version : Gators anyone?
I've never used gators, but I was wondering if they would be effective for keeping sand and rocks out of my trailrunners while hiking. If so, any suggestions on brands or styles?
Thanks
Sickmont
03-11-2011, 17:04
I try to avoid direct run-ins with gators, however i do enjoy eating them. A lot.
I've never used gators, but I was wondering if they would be effective for keeping sand and rocks out of my trailrunners while hiking. If so, any suggestions on brands or styles?
Thanks
Yes, in the Winter anyway - any brand will work. I'm partial to lowcut eVent gaiters similar to these: http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=765
I meant to say "gaiters".
Sickmont
03-11-2011, 17:10
I meant to say "gaiters".
Ah. Gotcha. hee hee
Raul Perez
03-11-2011, 17:13
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=114
I have these. Awesome!
WingedMonkey
03-11-2011, 17:18
Yes, in the Winter anyway - any brand will work. I'm partial to lowcut eVent gaiters similar to these: http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=765
Anything I have to put on before my boots, a knee brace or this kind of gaiters is always good for morning laughs. If I'm lucky I remember after one shoe is on that I forgot, If not....a good chuckle as I take off both and start over again.
:sun
2nd on the Integral Designs eVent Shorties- I wear them on every hike regardless of weather and they keep debris out of my trail runners. I used them last year in two weeks of snow and they did great.
I once used gaiters but haven't for years. The strap under the foot kept wearing out quickly. Stopping to remove a rock now and then wasn't as much of a pain. I do know quite a few folks like them in the winter or in rain. It's a trade off for sure. But yes, the low ones are the easiest to use -- possibly Felix would differ.
fechet- just FYI. I don't use the straps at all any more- the ID gaiters seem to hold fine without them on boots and trailrunners, and I don't have to worry about them wearing out or collecting snow/mud balls.
The Counselor
03-11-2011, 17:40
Only if you like Championships!
UF '87
Two Tents
03-11-2011, 17:57
I like the low ones too, mld eVent shorties. I wear the shorts that the legs zip off and I'll just drop the leg part and store em in the gaiters. Then if I need the full leg pants again they are right there handy. I don't even notice they are in the gaiter top anymore. Adds some padding around the ankle too. Pretty sweet trick I learned from someone on here.
swamp dawg
03-11-2011, 18:21
I tend to, because of a accident, to throw one foot out on the normal gait so gaiters keep all sorts of trail crud out of my boots and off my socks.
hikerhobs
03-11-2011, 18:47
nice to wear when hiking thru sections where stinging nettles can a problem
fechet- just FYI. I don't use the straps at all any more- the ID gaiters seem to hold fine without them on boots and trailrunners, and I don't have to worry about them wearing out or collecting snow/mud balls.
That sounds good DripDry. Yes, I sort of know that but decided to stop using anyway. Thanks.
LoneRidgeRunner
03-11-2011, 19:10
IMO the best use for gaiters is in the Winter for wading snow.
GeneralLee10
03-11-2011, 21:15
I don't like them, just one more thing to maintain. I used umm.... nothing and was just fine.
Folks getting ready to start your hike this year. Do yourself a favor and don't over think things to much. Load your pack to start, you might need like 3 days of food maybe maybe 4; for me that was way to much at the start.
Mountain Mike
03-11-2011, 21:20
I love them yo keep crap out of my boots & pickers & dew. If you get one with a strap on the boot put a piece of tubular webbing over it. Lot easier to replace that when it erars out than the strap itself
Dirty Girl gaiters are the best I've used so far. They are great for rocks and debris but not so much with water/rain. They are strapless and only weigh 1.2 oz / pair.
http://www.simblissity.net/levagaiter.htm
I like gators with my crocs.
The Counselor
03-12-2011, 19:04
If it ain't a Gator, it's a croc.
http://www.simblissity.net/levagaiter.htm
I'm wearing mine now! The perfect gaitor
I once used gaiters but haven't for years. The strap under the foot kept wearing out quickly. Stopping to remove a rock now and then wasn't as much of a pain. I do know quite a few folks like them in the winter or in rain. It's a trade off for sure. But yes, the low ones are the easiest to use -- possibly Felix would differ.
I use gaiters almost any time I hike. Feet stay drier, and there's less dirt and stones in my boots. I used to wear that strap out pretty quick too, until my son taught me a nice little trick. Take some climbing webbing of the appropriate width. Cut it to size of a little more than the width of your shoe/boot. Burn the ends of the webbing to avoid unraveling of the fibers. Basically you have a 4 inch sleeve now that you slide over the straps that eliminates that wear. When the webbing wears out, just replace that for a whole lot cheaper.
fifo
Pedaling Fool
03-13-2011, 09:41
My reason for wearing gaiters: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1069597&postcount=16
From this thread http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1069597#post1069597 (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1069597#post1069597)