Whether you hike in the mountains, through fields or in the woods, you may encounter dust, dirt and insects. These things can work their way into your boots, through your socks and to your skin. When you wear a pair of hiking gaiters, you can protect your lower legs and feet from rain, wet grass, burrs, thorns, dirt, dust and bugs. Your clothing will stay cleaner and you will feel more comfortable. Lightweight hiking gaiters can be worn during any season of the year, and they are designed to be breathable and wick away moisture from your body. Use this list of the top 10 best lightweight hiking gaiters when shopping.
1. Outdoor Research Men’s Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
Made from black woven nylon fabric, these Outdoor Research men’s gaiters offer wind and moisture resistance as well as air circulation. They feature a Hypalon strap to fit under the instep of any type of footwear. The metal buckle ensures durability and a secure fit. Another woven nylon strap tightens the gaiters on the top, and a third tightens the gaiters at the ankle. Hook and loop tape runs down the length of the gaiters for a custom fit.
2. Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters
This pair of Outdoor Research men’s gaiters extends partly up the calf. Made of durable nylon fabric, they tighten in three places for an optimal fit. A strong Hypalon strap secures them underneath your hiking shoes or boots. Hook and loop tape creates a snug fit down your leg to the ankle. These gaiters are wind-proof and water-resistant, making them ideal for use in any type of weather or soil conditions.
3. WINOMO Adjustable Outdoor Waterproof Ankle Walking Gaiters Hiking
These waterproof gaiters extend a few inches past your ankle. The waterproof and tear-resistant material protects you against rain, ice, snow, mud, dust, dirt, wind and bugs. A snap fastener on the bottom and a strong elastic cord around the top keep these gaiters in place. They are a one-size-fits all for men and women with any shoe size. The vertical strip of hook and loop tape ensures a comfortable fit around your leg.
4. Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiter
This pair of Hillsound gaiters is constructed from durable black nylon fabric. It is waterproof and wind-proof for keeping you comfortable in rainy, muddy, windy, snowy or slushy conditions. A YKK zipper runs the length of the gaiter. Two woven nylon straps keep the gaiter secure on your leg. A third strap keeps the bottom in place underneath your shoes or boots. These gaiters are available in five sizes in order to fit youth, men and women.
5. Triwonder Gaiters, Low Fit
Made out of nylon coated in silicon, this pair of Triwonder gaiters offers excellent waterproofing and moisture resistance. These gaiters have a long strip of hook and loop tape extending from the top to the bottom, allowing you to get a customized fit. An elastic cord maintains a snug fit at the top, and a nylon strap with metal hooks secures them underneath your instep. You can wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
6. Outdoor Research Women’s Verglas Gaiters
These gaiters are designed to fit the smaller calves of women. They feature a woven nylon strap with buckle to secure them at the top and a reinforced boot lace hook to keep them in place under the instep. A strip of hook and loop tape runs from the top to the bottom of the gaiters in order to provide you with a snug fit. The molded boot section ensures that nothing can get underneath the bottom of the gaiters. They are available in orchid and black.
7. Nuolux Pair of Outdoor Waterproof Ankle Walking Gaiters
This set of lightweight gaiters has an elastic cord for a snug fit just above the ankle. The bottom features a snap fastener hook for maintaining a tight fit at the bottom and securing them to your boots. These gaiters pair well with waterproof hiking or snow pants. Velcro and a zipper create a tight fit around your legs. These gaiters are available in four colors and measure 22 centimeters long by 20 centimeters wide.
8. Altra Trail Gaiter Protective Shoe Covers
Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, these gaiters for men and women offer a convenient strapless design. This allows you to change your shoes and socks without having to remove the gaiter. The slip-on design means that you do not have to fumble with any hooks, snaps, buckles or zippers. This stretchy material resists abrasions. They are designed to be worn with Altra’s brand of trail shoes.
9. Pike Trail Leg Gaiters
When you need tall gaiters for walking through brush, high grass or deep snow, this pair is an ideal choice. These Pike Trail gaiters feature anti-tear polyester construction for durability, wind-resistance and water-resistance. A metal buckle secures them to your instep. Two strips of elastic keep them in place around your legs. They are adjustable for all sizes and fit men and women. Choose the bright blue or vivid green colors.
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10. Sobike Wear-resistant Outdoor Hiking Leg Gaiter
These gaiters by Sobike run from just underneath the knee to just past the ankle. A top-to-bottom strip of hook and loop tape allows you to fit them snugly around your calves. An adjustable elastic strip allows you to customize their height, and a durable buckle secures them under your boots or shoes. In addition their waterproof and wind-resistant features, they also resist punctures from thorns and plant burrs.