Open main menu

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.

How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.

If you've used a gaiter/overboot that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.

Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.

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

Dirty Girl Gaiter

user rating: 4 of 5 (6 reviews)

Dirty Girl gaiters are a lightweight, simple, and affordable accessory designed to be worn with trail runners and low-top hiking shoes. They serve one basic function and that is to keep dirt and debris from getting inside your shoes. They are great for a variety of activities, from trail running to long-distance hiking. And how could you not like a product with a name like “Dirty Girl”!

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight (1 oz)
  • Functional
  • Small business/made in USA
  • Durable
  • Many fun colors
  • Patterns and sizes to choose from

Reasons to Avoid

  • A little loose around my ankles
  • No customizable sizing
  • Lead to some embarrassing tan lines when worn for four months straight

Description: These gaiters are a simple accessory designed to keep dirt and debris from getting inside a shoe while hiking or running along a trail. Unlike traditional mountaineering gaiters, they are NOT meant to protect from snow, streams, sharp rocks, branches, sticks, and all the other perils possibly encountered when doing intense bushwhacking and/or mountaineering. As entertainingly stated on the website: Dirty Girl Gaiters are made in America by goddesses from their empire of dirt in Green Valley, Arizona.

Read more: Dirty Girl Gaiter reviews (6)

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)

Gaiter

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters

user rating: 3.5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Study gaiters for all of your trudging needs! They keep snow and mud out, stay in place, and repel water. Only drawback, sweaty calves.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Rugged
  • Durable
  • Keep the elements at bay
  • Strong Velcro
  • Adjustable

Reasons to Avoid

  • They trap sweat

Fit/Comfort/Adjustability: These gaiters are surprisingly comfortable for how sturdy they are—they're sturdy, not stiff! They work with trail runners or mountaineering boots. The adjustable straps under your foot and below the knee allow these gaiters to be used with a wide variety of footwear and pant options. And they stay in place when you fall off your bike.... Water Resistance: These gaiters will keep you legs dry as you hike through deep snow, or hop over small streams. The front Velcro seam is water tight.

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

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)

More Reviews of Gaiters and Overboots

Trailspace reviewers have shared 180 reviews of 51 different gaiters and overboots.

Show All »

or add yours

Other Types of Clothing and Accessories

Find more clothing and accessories reviewed in these related categories:

Jackets

Vests

Shirts

+10 more types

Review Your Outdoor Gear

If you've found this site helpful — or if we've missed something important — please consider paying it forward by some of your favorite outdoor gear.

Why? From professional gearheads to outdoor novices, everyone has an important point of view to contribute. will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear.

Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. Learn more about Trailspace