Often forgotten, gaiters are a fantastic piece of hiking kit for keeping your boots free of rain, snow, and debris while protecting you from sharp rock, scrub, and bites. From knee-length heavy duty gaiters, to ankle gaiters, to ultralight gaiters designed for runners, there are plenty of options out there. Choose between a range of fabrics like durable canvas, eVent waterproof gaiters, budget-friendly nylon gaiters, or ultralight synthetic Dirty Girl Gaiters.
FAQs
What Brands of Gaiters Does Paddy Pallin Stock?
We stock a wide range of gaiter brands for all your outdoor needs. From Dirty Girl Gaiters for ultralight hikers and trail runners, to Sea to Summit gaiters and Wilderness Equipment gaiters which are designed for tough Australian conditions. At Paddy Pallin we also stock a range of trail gaiters from Altra and Salomon which are designed to shield your shoes from dirt, sand, rocks and snow. We also stock Fjallraven gaiters which are a rugged knee high gaiter designed to also keep your lower leg warm perfect for snowy conditions.
What are Gaiters For?
Gaiters fasten around your legs and cover the tops of your hiking boots or shoes. This keeps rain, snow, sand, and scrub out of your shoes. Waterproof gaiters are invaluable when it is raining as they are a useful tool at keeping you dry. Tough gaiters and knee high gaiters will also provide protection from sharp scrub and bites while bush bashing. Some gaiters like the Fjallraven Singi Gaiters are great in alpine conditions as they provide warmth and keep the snow out.
What are the Different Styles of Gaiters?
Gaiters come in a range of different styles depending on your needs and the environment you will be using them in. Long gaiters such as knee high gaiters provide the most coverage and leg protection. Knee length canvas gaiters are usually the most durable gaiters and are excellent for harsh conditions. Waterproof gaiter and snow gaiters are also available and are a great option for alpine trips or in wet conditions. Short gaiters and ankle gaiters are a great lightweight gaiter option. Ultralight gaiters such as the Dirty Girl Gaiter stretch gaiters are the lightest, most packable option. These trail gaiters simply slip over your shoe and effectively keeps rocks and sticks from entering your shoe while on the trail. These gaiters are great for trail running or for fast and light hiking.
What Kind of Gaiters Should I Buy?
The gaiters you choose should be based on your activity and the environment you will be in. If you’re looking for hiking gaiters for bush bashing or tough, changeable conditions like on the Overland Track in Tasmania, then knee-high gaiters like the Sea to Summit Quagmire Canvas Gaiters can be an excellent option. On the other hand, if you’re trail running or fast and light hiking on well-maintained trails, then ultralight gaiters like the Dirty Girls can be an excellent option. If you’re alpine hiking or in snowy or rainy conditions, waterproof gaiters like the Sea to Summit Quagmire eVent Gaiters may be your best bet. If you’re in hot or humid conditions hiking through Queensland, the Northern Territory, or Western Australia, canvas gaiters will stay the most breathable.
Are Gaiters Waterproof?
There are some waterproof gaiters available on the market such as the Sea to Summit Quagmire eVent Gaiters. Most gaiters such as our canvas gaiters are water-resistant. Ultralight gaiters don’t provide much water-resistance, but these quick-drying gaiters can be wrung out to dry in a flash after heavy rains or river crossings.
What are Gaiters Made From?
Gaiters are available in a range of materials for different uses. Canvas gaiters are incredibly durable and breathable which makes them the perfect protection for harsh conditions. Nylon gaiters are lightweight and tend to be a more affordable, budget friendly gaiter choice. Similar to Gore-Tex gaiters, eVent gaiters are built with a waterproof membrane to create breathable, waterproof gaiters. Polyester stretch gaiters are ultralight soft cloth gaiters that pack up small and do a great job of keeping sand and rocks out of your shoes.
Do You Sell Snake Bite Proof Gaiters?
There are no 100% snake-proof gaiters and it’s always important to consider bringing a snake bite kit. Knee-high canvas gaiters such as the Sea to Summit Quagmire Canvas Gaiters provide the best snake bite protection. These tough, durable gaiters cover you from boot to knee and stay breathable in hot conditions when snakes are more likely to be present.
Who Should Wear Gaiters?
Anyone who's hiking should consider bringing gaiters. Gaiters come in handy when bush bashing or hiking through sharp scrub. Gaiters are often essential when hiking in Australia, as some gaiters can greatly decrease the chance of a snake successfully biting you. While gaiters can never 100% guarantee protection against snake bites, they provide a much needed barrier of protection in Australian conditions. Gaiters are also fantastic in warm conditions where snakes might be active. When hiking or running along sandy or dusty trails, gaiters will help keep your feet free of debris - especially if you wear trail runners or hiking shoes rather than high cut boots. Rainy, snowy, or alpine conditions are another great occasion for gaiters as water-resistant or waterproof gaiters will help stop your boots getting filled with rain or snow. While we don't sell specific children’s gaiters, many of our brands make extra-small gaiters that will work as gaiters for kids. Similarly, large and extra-large gaiters are available for a comfortable fit. Canvas gaiters are a fantastic choice of durable gaiters for guides. Often overlooked, gaiters make fantastic gifts for hikers. Ultralight trail running gaiters like the fun patterned Dirty Girl Gaiters also make great gifts for runners.
