How to wear hiking gaiters properly to get the most out of them? Hiking gaiters protect you from water and debris making their way into the inside of your shoe. Since that tends to be a regular occurrence, especially when hiking or camping in the rain, you’ll want to secure your gaiters properly. You do that by putting them on your boots and trousers. Keep the adjusting mechanism off to the outside. Slide the instep strap below your boot, then close the front closure and attach the hook to your shoelaces tightly. Secure the bottom and top closures – they should feel tight but not overly stiff to not limit movement or circulation. For the full guide, read the whole article below.
What Are Hiking Gaiters?
Hiking gaiters are waterproof “sleeves” worn around the lower part of your leg and over the top of your hiking boots. Their primary task is to limit debris, such as rocks, dirt, and snow, as well as water entering the inside of your shoes. This keeps your feet comfortable, dry, and stable at every stage of your trip.
There are a couple of kinds of hiking gaiters available on the market today, which differ based on their intended purpose:
- Hiking gaiters are typically lightweight and breathable, as the activity rarely has you brave the most taxing conditions. As a result, the degree of protection offered is just enough to enhance your convenience while on the hike.
- Mountaineering gaiters are your heavy-duty option for steep ascents and traversing rocky terrain. They provide superior protection against harsh elements including ice and sharp rocks to guarantee optimal performance.
Differentiating between the two types of gaiters is a crucial overall consideration in the context of mountaineering and hiking footwear. Inadequate protection could either slow you down or not guard well enough against the hazards you’re likely to encounter.
On top of that, hiking gaiters come in a few different lengths. As you probably expect, the higher the gaiter, the more protection it offers. Ankle gaiters are best suited for lower-effort activities, followed by mid-calf gaiters for enhanced protection. Finally, wearing knee-high gaiters is best when the situation calls for robust protection in harsh conditions, such as deep snow.
The gaiters plug any possible leaks into your shoe by wrapping them in protective fabric. Fastening them securely at several points, including the top, front, and bottom closures as well as the instep strap, you ensure a snug fit and can easily prevent moisture and debris from entering. This makes them particularly important when hiking or camping in the rain or in chilly winter conditions.
Why Wear Gaiters When Hiking?
As we alluded to already, gaiters are an invaluable addition to your assortment of hiking gear because they keep things from getting into your shoes. That way, you can keep going for longer without any inconveniences. Preventing moisture from getting in means your feet stay as dry as possible, and blocking the way for pesky little rocks means you don’t have to stop to remove or shake out any debris.
How to Wear Gaiters Correctly?
Even though hiking gaiters aren’t the most complicated invention ever, many find them puzzling enough and aren’t exactly sure how to put on walking gaiters properly. Below, we break down the “technique” for most hiking gaiter models. Just be mindful of any deviations in your specific pair that may somewhat change the procedure.
Step-by-Step Guide for Wearing Hiking Gaiters:
- Position the Gaiters:
Once you’re already wearing your shoes and hiking pants, align the gaiters around both of your legs with all the fastenings in the open position, facing toward the front. The cinches for adjusting the tightness of the gaiter should be on the outer side of your leg – that way, you know if you didn’t mix up right and left.
- Secure the Bottom Strap:
Wrap the instep strap under your shoe securely. A snug fit works best, so tighten it if necessary.
- Fasten the Lace Strap & Front Closure
Attach the strap at the bottom of the gaiter to your laces by pulling it down. Then, fasten the front closure all the way to the top of the gaiter. Again, you want it closed up tightly, but don’t go too tight so as to not limit mobility or circulation.
- Adjust the Top Closure:
Secure the top closure. Make sure it’s snug but comfortable.
- Check for Gaps:
Ensure there are no gaps through which debris or moisture can enter. Adjust the gaiter if necessary to achieve a tight enough fit all around.
The Takeaway
If you followed the steps above, you now know how to wear hiking gaiters correctly. This handy piece of equipment can save you from plenty of trouble and annoyance on the trail – do not discount its usefulness!
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