Hiking in the mud isn't fun. And when it rains on a trail - it pours. At least it always feels like it does. So, it's really silly to splash out on some fancy hiking boots and then get them utterly destroyed by the perfectly natural occurrence in nature - wet weather.
So, have a look at adding some good gaiters to your trekking pack. They might save you a pretty penny in the long run. I've made this list really simple - only 5 top choices.
Best Hiking Gaiters (Top Picks)
Best Overall
Check Latest Prices
Best Value
Check Latest Prices
Best Waterproof
Check Latest Prices
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy something through the links on this page, we might get a small commission. It will not affect your price but helps keep our site alive!
Top Gaiters For Hiking (Detailed Reviews)
We reviewed over 12 hiking gaiters for this article. Below are the best hiking gaiters that made our short list.
- Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High - Best Overall
- Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiters
- Salomon Unisex High Trail Gaiter - Best Lightweight
- Black Diamond Apex - Best Waterproof
- Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiters - Best Value
Read our complete buyers guide for hiking gaiters.
Best Overall Hiking Gaiters
1. Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiters
Canadian company, Hillsound, is made up of outdoor enthusiasts, so you can rest assured, they’ve thought about this product and its function thoroughly.
The Armadillo gaiter range consists of three options, but Hillsound Armadillo LT is my first choice.
The LT features a waterproof and breathable upper made from Flexia, which is 2–way stretch fabric. This stretch ensures a comfortable and snug fit with no unwanted movement or slippage.
The lowers are made of 1,000-denier high-density nylon, offering exceptional protection from trail debris and the elements.
A fully waterproof zipper makes for ease of putting the gaiter on and off.
The Armadillo LT is unisex and is available in XS through to XL.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
While the Armadillo LT is at the bottom end of the Armadillo range, it is by no means inferior. This is a very well-constructed, high-performance yet affordable option, so when looking for a gaiter for your year-round outdoor adventures, this will be a solid choice.
2. Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High
The durable and lightweight Rocky Mountain High gaiters from Outdoor Research are my second best gaiters.
Reasonably priced, and backed by the Outdoor Research Infinite Guarantee, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re buying a quality product.
Weighing in at under 200g (in the large), the Rocky Mountain folds up small, and is easy to pull on and off. They are unisex and they reach mid-calf, though we recommend sizing by calf size rather than shoe size.
Take note that the Rocky Mountain gaiters are also available in a low option but we prefer this knee-high option as a more versatile hiking gaiter.
Check Prices
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeway
The Rocky Mountain High gaiter is solidly constructed, with a sleek and well-fitted silhouette. It is well priced and features all the requirements for an all-purpose, all season gaiter. It stands up well to daily use, keeping trail debris out of your shoe, and is sufficiently water resistant for stream crossings and damp surroundings.
3. Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
4.6/5 Overall Rating
These women’s specific gaiters from industry leader, Outdoor Research, are excellent.
Made with GORE-TEX 3L fabric, Crocodile gaiters are waterproof, windproof and durable, while still being extremely breathable.
These gaiters will serve as a reliable companion on all any type of hiking adventure, no matter the terrain or weather.
Check Prices
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
With the award-winning technology that Outdoor Research invests into their products, these gaiters warrant their higher price tag. The fabrics used are all treated to ensure highest quality and function. The Crocodile is tough as nails and up for pretty much anything you want to throw at it. While they are branded as women’s specific, men with slimmer calves may find Crocodile gaiters suitable as well.
4. Salomon Unisex High Trail Gaiter
The Salomon Trail Gaiter is available in High and Low varieties, though the ‘High’ is still the shortest of all the gaiters we reviewed.
The Salomon High is not recommended for extreme conditions, but as a lightweight trail accessory, these fit the bill perfectly.
They form a simple wrap around the ankle and the top of your trail shoe, preventing debris from entering the top. They are however not waterproof, but for damp conditions, they will hold up just fine.
With the simple Velcro fastening, these are the easiest to strap on and off, though if your boots and socks are quite bulky you may struggle to line up the Velcro fastening sufficiently.
They are unisex, and available in black with red or blue trim, and only available in Small, Medium and Large.
Check Prices
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
This Salomon gaiter is a great choice for an easy trail run or hike. It folds up really small, making it easy to tuck into your pack or even a pocket. Weighing in at only around 125g, you won’t even know it’s there.
5. Black Diamond Apex
If you’re heading out into the mountains for some skiing, or mountaineering, look no further than the Black Diamond Apex.
We like these rugged, bombproof gaiters as they’re built with the extreme outdoor in mind.
This full-height gaiter is recommended for cold, wet weather adventures like skiing, mountaineering and ice climbing.
It includes a welded abrasion guard to protect against crampons and ski edges, and the Black Diamond Apex has proved to be extremely well designed and solid.
Check Prices
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Black Diamond Apex gaiters are bomb proof. Designed to be used in extreme conditions, with crampons or skis they stand up well to snow and other cold conditions. As to be expected, they are heavier than other gaiters, approximately 230g for a Medium, but they offer the protection you need, keeping your feet and shoes warm, dry and protected.
Hiking Gaiters - Buyer's Guide (Key Features)
The most important consideration when buying gaiters is where, and how you intend to use them. The type of activity will dictate the features that will be non-negotiable.
Activity
If you’re planning a light hike or trail running adventure, you’ll probably want something lightweight and compact. Look for something breathable and quick to dry.
For mountaineering or ice climbing, you will require gaiters with more protection. Choose something with additional reinforcements to protect your shins against crampons spikes, and look for a heavy-duty waterproof fabric that will keep the snow out of your shoes and keep the bottoms of your pants dry.
Height
Gaiters generally come in three height options:
- Low: The shortest, over the ankle option is ideal for trail runs or light hikes. Their function primarily to keep trail debris out.
- Mid calf: A mid-calf option offers the best of both worlds, providing additional protection in denser foliage or shallow river crossings.
- Knee High: The tall gaiter is designed for rugged terrain, deep snow and wet brush.
Ease of Use
You want something that is easy to slip on and off. Look at the type of fastening system that is used. A simple hook and loop fastener is easier to manipulate than a buckle, especially if you’re wearing gloves.Fit
Try the gaiters on if possible or refer to the manufacturer’s size chart and read reviews like ours to see if there are any particular sizing concerns. With the higher gaiters, you need to consider the size of your calves as well, and not just shoe size. A gaiter that keep slipping or moving around will be frustrating and defeat the purpose.
Durability
Gaiters are not use once and throw away items. All the fabrics used in modern day gaiters are treated for durability and abrasion resistance to various degrees. Pay attention also to the care instructions of your gaiters to ensure that the fabrics last as long as they possibly can.
Waterproofness
You want some degree of protection from water even if it’s just a case of getting caught in the rain and having to jump in puddles. Different fabrics will provide different levels of protection from water.
Continue browsing
See more equipment reviews and our detailed outdoor footwear guide. Or check out these reviews:
