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Gaiters and Overboots

Top Picks

How we choose: The best gaiters and overboots highlighted here were selected based on 180 reviews of 51 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

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Top Gaiter

Hillsound Armadillo LT

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (5 reviews)

The Hillsound Armadillo LT gaiters provide full length protection from the wet and yuck, but are breathable and light enough to wear all year long. A waterproof front zipper makes for easy use. Flexible upper material fits closely for less friction, yet allows freedom of movement for hiking, snowshoeing, or light climbing. Easily replaced foot strap is a bonus.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable fit
  • Breathable
  • Easy to adjust instep and calf straps
  • Easy access to laces

Reasons to Avoid

  • Smallish zipper requires focus to start

                             Close fitting ankle to knee gaiter, but very flexible and light. Manufacturers Specs: 259g/9.25oz (XS) 270g/9.6oz (S) 300g/10.7oz (M) 315g/11.25oz (L) 324g/11.5oz (XL) Waterproof to 20,000mm Breathability rating: 6RET, 15.000 + g MRSP: $49 US Fit & Comfort: Based on the Hillsound size chart I tested the Large size on my boots (Limmer Standards and Limmer Light-Weights) which were both of a size 11.5 USM / 45 EUM. My calf circumference measures roughly 17" which puts me at the top end of their sizing for the Large.

Read more: Hillsound Armadillo LT reviews (5)

Gaiter

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

user rating: 4 of 5 (10 reviews)

Heavy duty gaiters for those times you need more than something to keep out dust. Thick protective panels stand up to sharp rocks and errant snowshoes. Tight fit around boots for keeping mud, snow or whatever you get into out of your boots.

Reasons to Buy

  • Durable construction
  • Sturdy instep strap
  • Easy on and off

Reasons to Avoid

  • Heavy
  • Hot in warm weather

Full coverage from foot to knee keeps out snow and provides some shin protection as well. Fit & Comfort: Based on their sizing chart I originally ordered these in XL as my foot size falls right in the middle of that 10-13 US range. When they arrived and I tried them I found that they were too large and the material was loose around my boots even when the strap was fully tightened. I returned them for a pair in the L size and have found that works better for me though they don't cover the top of my boots as well as I'd like.

Read more: Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters reviews (10)

Gaiter

Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles Gaiters

user rating: 4 of 5 (6 reviews)

I wanted to get a pair of these for Mt. Rainer and also technical ice-climbing IV/V+, inspired by Jeff Lowe's seminal Ice World book. Fortunately I was able to try them out in my local REI store before buying. They simply did not fit me. I have large muscular legs with very large calves and the gaiters simply did not reach around my calf muscles (I also tried the regular Crocs, same problem probably even narrower). Otherwise, the design, construction and quality appeared to be good, esp. the tough construction/reinforcing in the all important inner crampon kick zones.

Read more: Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles Gaiters reviews (6)

Gaiter

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters

user rating: 4 of 5 (3 reviews)

Low in weight, high in performance—an easy-on, easy-off option to prevent rain, snow, or debris from entering your shoes or boots.

Reasons to Buy

  • Quality construction
  • Easy-on, easy-off design
  • Comfortable
  • DWR weather resistant

Reasons to Avoid

  • Bottom strap is not replaceable

Note: A quick check of of the Outdoor Research site lists this item a a current price of $33.50. It appears to have become unavailable on other sites recently. There is a trail in southwestern that rises steeply from Helton Creek on the slope of Elk Garden Ridge toward Deep Gap, west of the summit of Mount Rogers in southwestern Virginia. It is a lovely trail beneath a soaring canopy of trees, a narrow footpath lined with shin-high vegetation. And just as one's eyes lift in exhilaration to admire the lofty boughs above, pain shoots through one's shins: the innocuous stinging nettle that lines the trail claims another victim.

Read more: Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters reviews (3)

Explore more top-rated gaiters and overboots from Outdoor Research:

Gaiter

Black Diamond Apex

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

Well, I was looking for reviews of these gaiters online, and I couldn't find much. So, I wanted to add my findings once I purchased them. They are narrow feeling compared to the Outdoor Research Expedition Crocs I have used in the past, but they do fit snugly over my Scarpa Inverno plastic mountaineering boots. In hindsight, the OR's may have been overly baggy around my boots.  Overall, the quality of materials feels good and I think they could take some abuse. The boot strap, attachments, and gaiter material seem durable.  The only part that seems a bit sketchy is the plastic clip that cinches and clips the top strap around your calf.

Read more: Black Diamond Apex review (1)

Gaiter

Zpacks Challenger Rain Gaiters

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Lightweight, simple, and tough enough.

Reasons to Buy

  • Very lightweight
  • Waterproof as breathable gets
  • No cumbersome straps
  • Easy to take on and off

Reasons to Avoid

  • A little expensive

ZPacks Cuben Fiber eVent Challenger Rain Gaiters are great lightweight insurance against wet, cold, muck and wind. At 2.2 ounces, calf height waterproof gaiters don't come much lighter. They slip on easily over shoes or boots. I carry them with ZPacks Challenger rain mitts in a portion-sized ziploc to reduce abrasion in the pack. Rolled up the mitts and gaiters are about the same size as an average candy bar. Instead of a thick strap holding the gaiters to the bottom of the shoe the Challengers use 2.2 mm Dyneema cord with an adjustable line lock to hold the gaiter snug.

Read more: Zpacks Challenger Rain Gaiters review (1)

Gaiter

REI Desert Gaiters

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

I have used these almost daily for years. I am on my second set, having returned a set about 2 years ago, on exchange, and I love these gaiters. I am waiting for them to be in stock again so I can exchange them one more time (some seams on the velcro have dethreaded, lol, they have been through so much). I have used these on... 2 x 5 10 Ascents, Salomon 3d GTX Fastpacker Mids, some Nike mid/trail boots I cant remember too well, they fell apart so fast, Keen Targhee II mids this early spring, and currently Nike Alvord VII's and a pair of TNF Purgatory, for the summer.

Read more: REI Desert Gaiters review (1)

Top Overboot

NEOS Forerunner

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Really warm and versatile boot that fits over your existing hiking boot or shoe. Compatible with spikes or other traction gear, they perform really well in snow and ice.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Warm
  • Compatible with shoes, liners, or boots
  • High gaiter
  • Really easy on/off
  • Nearly doubles as a snowshoe

Reasons to Avoid

  • Plastic component cracked in -20°F (but they were old)
  • Difficult to drive with (the base is so wide)

I was surprised that there weren't any NEOS outershoe reviews yet on Trailspace. These are everywhere in MN. They are endorsed by the National Snowshoeing org. and fat tire winter cyclists swear by them. They come in many different models from short rainshoe covers to extreme winter gear with built in traction cleats. The model I'm reviewing here is an insulated winter gaiter.  I have really loved my Neos. As one other reviewer from Yukon put it, "I would not buy a winter boot that did not have a removable liner." Cool thing about Neos is that you can choose your liner.

Read more: NEOS Forerunner review (1)

Gaiter

Amundsen Peak Slim Fit Gaiters

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

The Amundsen Peak Slim Fit Gaiters can be connected directly to the Amundsen Peak Knickerbockers or worn separately. Either way they provide protection from just below the knee to the top of the boot. Securely attached yet providing easy access to boot laces if needed. Wind, snow, and water proof to a high degree making them four-season gear.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable fit
  • Highly wind and water resistant
  • Crampon/snowshoe guards on ankles
  • Effective calf seal
  • Easy entry and exit
  • Access to boot laces
  • Inner ankle skirt
  • Snap on to Amundsen Knickerbockers

Reasons to Avoid

  • Postholing is their kryptonite

When you hear the name Amundsen you can't help but think of adventure. Amundsen Sports was started in 2010 by Jørgen Amundsen based on his family heritage. Roald Amundsen had quite a few adventurous accomplishments in his day including leading the first successful expedition to the South Pole. They say the gear they make today tries to live up to that sense of adventure and I've had some fun testing their Amundsen Peak Slim Fit Gaiters over the last year along with the Peak Knickerbockers which feature snap attachment points on their legs to connect the gaiters.

Read more: Amundsen Peak Slim Fit Gaiters review (1)

Gaiter

Sea to Summit Alpine eVent Gaiter

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Solid and easy to use knee height eVent gaiters.

Reasons to Buy

  • Easy to put on/off
  • Keep legs warm and dry in knee-high snow
  • Seem to breathe well enough to not sweat out
  • Solid construction
  • Good price

Fit: I wear these in combination with a size 46/11.5 pair of The North Face Verto S6K Glacier GTX mountaineering boots. The XL fits fine. The main calf area is eVent, with a stronger material on the bottom parts, and an extra 500D fabric reinforced area on the most critical area on the inside around your foot. They're really easy to put on/off thanks to the huge velcro on the front. This is great of course, because I wouldn't want to go through the extra faff of taking my boots off in the cold snow.

Read more: Sea to Summit Alpine eVent Gaiter review (1)

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