Considering investing in a pair of gaiters, are they worth it?

[pre6422hornet]

I have been religiously wearing gaiters anytime outside in the woods, regardless of weather or seasons since 1998. They are an extra barrier for ticks in the spring/summer on top of the obvious keeping your pants dry. They protect your laces, etc..

Unfortunately mine are on their last leg. They are the Gore Tex brand purchased at Cabelas. The elastic is worn out on top. They have been repaired ( unseen barbwire fence ripped a hole in one years ago) with seam sealer 4 or 5 times. Looking forward to a new set here real quick and thanks everyone for honest feedback cause it helps when deciding.

 

[hank4elk]

Sticklegs, toothpick, kenya, were among some of the many nicknames I had from teammates in sports growing up.

Flaco,Wilk the stilt, stix...LOL, I've heard them all.
I actually had to pull mine out this year. Old Cabella's gore. They still work and are noisy. But they work in monsoons too.
I too have a close stride and I hem draw strings into my hunt pants usually, to keep the noise down and crap out.
No noise in the new skre pants.
Following recommendations. Maybe we will get some more snow....

 

[AlaskaHunter]

I am a minimalist and old geezer.
I've not used gaiters in 30+ years.
(No ticks up here in Alaska)
I used to use them backcountry skiing, but eventually stopped using them and did not miss them.
For hunting, I wear rain pants when its wet,
Filson tin chaps pheasant hunting in MT where there is lots of hounds tongue about the closest thing I have to gaiters.

 

[RyGuy]

Not sure if this thread is still being watched by anyone, but just my 2 cents:
I love my gaiters. I have a cheap pair of kings camo ones and they’re pretty nice. They’re a cheaper alternative to rain pants and they let you wear more breathable layers on your upper legs and groin area. Which is good on warmer hunts. Nobody wants to be drowning in sweat in THOSE areas

 

[Hockaday2017]

Yes. I wear them every trip out wet or not. Keeps sticks and dirt out of the tops of your boots.

 

[millerkiller77]

Another Kenetrek user. 3 years and still work great.

 

[CowboyLeroy]

Somebody humor me and tell me what gaiters a man with 18 inch calves would look to buy

 

[Straight Arrow]

Somebody humor me and tell me what gaiters a man with 18 inch calves would look to buy

Those fabricated at Dixie Tent & Awning.

 

[millerkiller77]

Somebody humor me and tell me what gaiters a man with 18 inch calves would look to buy

My calves measure at 17 and the Large Kenetrek are a good fit. Snug with multiple pant layers, not baggy with just a single layer. You shouldn't be focusing on your calf diameter, the gaiters cinch above the calves, just below the knee. As long as the boot strap is adjusted correctly, most large gaiters will have ample room for your calves . I tried going up in size on the gators and the extra material made too much noise and were excessively baggy when only wearing a single layer.

 

[manitou1]

Like already stated they are great in wet or muddy conditions and snow.
I get a laugh at those tv personalities that wear them to get from their atv/truck to their hide/blind 200 yds away in hot, dry conditions. They are an OVEN in warm weather.
That being said, once you use them in wet grass/brush or snow you will believe in them.

 

[kansasdad]

I will wear my OR crocs when the temps drop, as I don’t like cold toes.

 

[HowieNH]

I have never worn gaiters and yes I have suffered from wet pant legs from wet morning grass that end up getting water into boots, along with other debris from weed seeds etc. Would want them to be quiet, durable, and of course water proof. Any recommendations?

Yes I have Sitka's and Kenetrek Green ones even after hunting season I get to wear my Kenetrek's more and packs less. Well worth the money to get good ones!