Finding the perfect hiking gaiters for your favourite outdoor activity from mountaineering to trail running is easy with our guide to the best gaiters.
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Gaiters can be incredibly useful on scrambles, and in muddy, wet and snowy conditions. I’ve even used them on extremely windy days for extra warmth. I always have my gaiters in my day pack since you never know what the conditions will be like on the mountain.
They’re also useful for trail runners and I even use mine on some snowshoeing trips.
Check out our guide to the best gaiters for hiking, mountaineering and trail running:
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Are Gaiters worth it?
Come snow, mud or rain; hiking gaiters will protect your boots from the worst of it. They help you keep sharp branches, stones and mud out of your shoes, making your outdoor experience much more comfortable. If you are a hiker or trail runner, you’ll need to make sure that there isn’t any gunk seeping into your shoes that could potentially ruin the entire experience, not to mention seriously injure you.
Long gaiters also serve the purpose of protecting your legs from sharp branches, bugs, protruding rocks and, of course, snake bites. And if you are a winter enthusiast, then waterproof hiking gaiters are just what you need to keep out those chills.
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Hiking Gaiters
These low hiking gaiters are made of 100% nylon and are durable and waterproof. They’ll keep everything out from mud to scree while you enjoy the perfect hike. The buckle closure on the underfoot strap will ensure that these hiking gaiters won’t come loose.
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The Black Diamond Talus is a hardshell/softshell hybrid gaiter designed to be highly durable yet breathable. These are short hiking gaiters perfect for trekking in rugged terrain. The heel strap is easy to adjust and removable for your ease.
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Made with three-layer Goretex, the LEVA GTX is durable and immensely waterproof. The instep strap is rounded to fit any hiking boot comfortably. This hiking gaiter has an asymmetrical zipper closure that ensures that you stay dry and comfortable.
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These hiking gaiters can be used for every type of trekking and especially excel in wet weather conditions. They have a tough exterior that will protect you against almost anything. These are some of the best waterproof gaiters and come highly recommended for ice climbing and mountaineering.
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Trail Running Gaiters
The Kahtoola Instagaiter doesn’t just have a cool name. It offers you excellent protection for a low hiking gaiter. Kahtoola has added a rounded instep strap for comfort and a drawcord with a toggle lock at the ankle to keep out even the smallest rock and thorns.
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These trail running gaiters are perfect for keeping scree out of your shoes while trail running. The simple hook and loop system makes it easy to adjust on any trail running shoe. They can also be used as hiking gaiters but aren’t recommended for boots.
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These hiking gaiters are made with lightweight fabric that is breathable but not highly durable. They won’t shield you from thorns and large stones but are great to keep dust and sand out of your shoes. These are perfect for the occasional hiker who enjoys wide and well-travelled paths.
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Mountaineering Gaiters
These gaiters are waterproof and windproof, perfect for hiking. They come with an excellent buckle instep strap and a hook and loop front closure. They are great for moderate hiking trails and mountaineering.
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The Rab Latok is an excellent hiking gaiter for snowy and wet conditions. It is waterproof and breathable, perfect for longer treks. The underfoot strap is rubberized, which makes it more durable.
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These calf-high gaiters have a great design. They include a hook and loop front closure and a webbed closure at the top with a side release buckle for added protection. These are one of the best hiking gaiters for every climate, and their hardshell exterior will keep you dry.
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The Extreme GTX will keep you warm and dry while mountaineering. Made with three-layer Goretex, these hiking gaiters are durable ad extremely waterproof. They come with a hook and loop closure system and a rubberized underfoot strap for ultimate protection.
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These gaiters are larger to fit mountaineering boots comfortably. They are made with Goretex, which makes them extremely waterproof. The Expedition Crocodile is abrasion-resistant, making it one of the best gaiters on the market for extreme terrain.
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The calf-high gaiters are made with a two-layer Goretex. Besides being waterproof, they also have a durable instep strap that secures the gaiter to your foot with buckles.
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Which hiking gaiter will you be adding to your wishlist?
