Taking the rough with the smooth

If you are thinking about walking anywhere except on paved paths, you should think about taking a pair of gaiters. They are especially good for those winter walks or wet conditions. They offer your ankles some protection, keep you drier and warmer, protect your socks and trousers and keep loads of things out of your boots.

What are Gaiters?

For those of you who don’t know what they are, they are basically a sleeve of material that fit over your lower legs and attach on to your boots. These therefore keep mud, rocks, plants, and to some extents water out of your boots.

What is the difference between one gaiter and another?

• Designs - Most people will use standard gaiters that attach to the boot and extend up to just below the knee. This is by far the most common type and the most likely one that you are going to need on any scouting activity. There are other types though. Ankle gaiters just cover the ankle and are not of much use. Yeti gaiters are considered the ultimate as they go right over your boot leaving only the sole visible and attach tightly with a rubber seal. This gives the very best protection and is virtually waterproof. There are a number of problems with this though including an inflated price, only fit certain boots, are difficult to put on, and can be sweaty in the summer.

Hover over the image to see descriptions of the parts.

• Fabrics - As gaiters have to put up with a lot of punishment, tough fabrics are often used. They also are normally made to be breathable (you know how sweaty feet get!) and therefore often have a lighter material at the top or even air vents.
• Fastenings - Gaiters are done up in a number of ways. They are often zipped or more commonly Velcro either at the front or the back. Choose what you feel most comfortable with and see if it is still comfortable when you try walking in it. Make sure that the seams cannot let anything in when done up. This is normally achieved with a flap. Zips do have the disadvantage of offering something to snag on.
• Ties - There is also at the top of the gaiter a cord or buckle to tighten it around your leg to make sure that the gaiter doesn’t fall down.
• Lace Hook - Gaiters normally attach to your boot by a hook that attaches to one of your bootlaces (the furthest lace forward possible). This keeps the gaiter taught and in position. When you go walking, keep an eye on the hook in case it slips off.

• Remember - Put your gaiters on before you enter rough terrain.

  Stirrup - Very similar to in horse-riding! This is a strap that goes round the base of your boot and has adjustment for tightening. Make sure this is made of a strong material for obvious reasons.

Gaiter Maintenance

Look after gaiters just like any other piece of waterproof clothing. They often take quite a battering, so keep a check on stitching and straps for any need of repair.

Final Words

It is always best to get the best you can afford. Remember that the best is not necessarily the most expensive. What is ideal is what suits you and suits the conditions you are going to be in.

As with any equipment look after it and it could serve you a long time. Many people that used to be in the troop 10 years ago are still using some of the same equipment today as they kept it in good condition.