Gaiters protect your boots and legs from abrasion and spikey speargrass. They also prevent trail debris from entering your boot 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, 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.

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
Hard wearing leather or plastic bootstraps run beneath the boot to help keep the gaiter in place.

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).

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).

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.

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).

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).