Gaiters protect your boots and lower legs and prevent trail debris from entering your footwear and rubbing your feet up the wrong way.

Closure

Gaiters close at the front and use either zippers or Velcro. Zippers are more secure and tidy whereas Velcro is simpler to remove.

Fabric

Most gaiters are made from a waterproof and breathable ripstop nylon or canvas. Alpine models will have reinforced patches at the ankle to protect against crampon strike.

Adjustment

The gaiter is tightened at the top by a buckle or drawcord. It should fit snugly and not fall down while moving.

Lace hook

A hook at the base of the gaiters can be attached to the boot’s laces to ensure it doesn’t ride up.

Bootstrap

A hard wearing leather or plastic bootstrap runs beneath the boot to help keep the gaiter in place.

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a gaiter…

Hillsound Super Armadillo Gaiter $179.99 Puncture-resistant Superfabric lower, Flexia stretch-fabric upper, YKK zipper, waterproof, buckle closure, Velcro zipper garage, lace hook. 362g. www.ampro.co.nz

Rab Latok Alpine Gaiter $159.95 Waterproof and breathable eVent fabric, stretch rear panel, ripstop nylon ankle, Velcro front closure, articulated secure lace hook, rubberised bootstrap, single hand drawcord top closure. 260g (m); 240g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz

Cactus Outdoor Instigaiters $149 For bush or alpine conditions made with 1000D C-Canvas fabric, Velcro front closure, replaceable under-boot instep straps, adjustable front lace hook. 365g. www.cactusoutdoor.co.nz

Rab Hispar Gaiter $139.95 Hiking gaiter with waterproof and breathable eVent fabric, full front zip closure, 600D Ballistic polyester ankle, rubberised abrasion-resistant underboot strap, drawcord top closure, lace hook, reflective piping. 250g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Hillsound Armadillo Gaiter $129.99 Winter hiking gaiter to keep snow and rain out of boots. Breathable and waterproof stretch Flexia upper fabric and Cordura lower, YKK zipper, lace hook, aterproof. 322g. www.ampro.co.nz

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters $119.90 Heavy-duty tramping and alpine gaiter with Velcro closure, three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, abrasion-resistant 1000D Cordura on inner leg and boot section, webbing and cam buckle top closure, reinforced boot lace hook, triple bartacked webbing instep straps. 289g (m); 252g (w). www.bivouac.co.nz

Rab Trek Gaiter $89.95 Waterproof and breathable ripstop fabric with 600D polyester elasticated ankle, front zip opening with velcro storm flap, webbing bootstrap, drawcord top closure. 220g (m); 200g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High $59.90 Offers protection from light snow and debris, packcloth fabric, strap and cam buckle top closure, lace hook, elastic bottom edge, Velcro closure. 193g (m/w). www.bivouac.co.nz