Which gaiters?

[Snowcrest 6]

looking to buy a new pair of gaiters this year....  looking at Kuiu, Kennetrek, and Outdoor Research....


If you have a pair, whatcha got?  Like them?  Pros & cons?




Thanks - B

 

[KBar70]

Good post; I am in the market for a new pair of gaiters as well...I wear trail running shoes a lot and so any gaiter that comes down low on the heel would be ideal

 

[idelkslayer]

I got a pair of kennetreks and used them this last season and was very pleased, no complaints.  I've never owned any other pair of gaiters so I have no idea if there is anything better, I just know the pair I got has been great.  No holes despite several times bumping into fallen timber and walking through heavy brush.

 

[Elkfever4]

I have been wearing Kenetreks for two seasons now and have put them through the ringer.  I consider them an essential piece of gear.  Extremely lightweight, durable, waterproof and considerably quiet.  I wear them during bow season in NE OR ,when needed, all the way to rifle hunting in the rainy Cascades.  If I had to be really picky, the area along where the velcro closure is, can make a slight crinkling noise when dry and the bottom leather boot buckle is beginning to show signs of distress (replacements are foundon the website for cheap).  On my list of highly recommended equipment.   

 

[sumnerhorses]

I have had my Kuiu gaiters for two winters now and love them. They fit great and are very durable. I have not gotten wet at all during long days following hounds in a foot of snow.

 

[ElkQuest]

I've had a pair of Kenetrek's for about 3 years. They have worked great. As mentioned in a previous post, the Velcro closure can make some noise if not hooked "flat" . I did manage to rip the outer layer (no fault of the gaiter) with a misstep of a snowshoe spike- looking at the Kuiu for a possible replacement, but hey seem a bit $$$.

 

[Big Country]

I have two pairs of gaiters.  I own the OR crocodiles and a pair of Kenetreks.  I've only worn the Kenetreks while hunting but have always been annoyed by them.  I wear them with my Kenetrek boots and they've never fit right.  The buckle digs into the side of my boot and the toe hook is has flattened on both feet.  Its at least a 5 minute process to get each gaiter and boot to work together every morning.  Also, the plastic buckle that tightens the top of the gaiter and holds it closed is garbage.  Works on one side and has to be super loose on the other to grip the strap.  The one plus of these is the fact that they have a soft shell outer layer.  They do a pretty good job of staying silent, except for when the jacked up buckle snags something as I hike.

On the other hand, my OR crocodiles are super solid.  I've only worn them while snowshoeing and cross country skiing but they seem pretty bomber.  Solid buckles, fit all my boots, and keep me dry.  If they were a soft shell fabric and camo (not a deal breaker) they would be my go to gaiters.

I hunt in NW Montana and wear them almost every day (often joke that my Sitka cloudburst jacket should be called my 90% because i'm always in rain gear).  Strongly considering biting the bullet and going with the Sitka gaiters, they seem pretty burly.  Hope this helps.

 

[Jeremiah Johnson]

I used the kenetreks for several seasons but did shred several pairs so went to the kuiu. They stay upright/ buckled better than the kenes, keep me drier, go on much easier and may be more durable used them one season so far and shed hunting,I'm also in this neck of woods of nwest mt nidaho so do live in these things.it also seems to rain

 

[cowboystl1]

i have had mine so long i dont remember the name of them they are goretex with an old mossy oak pattern i only paid about 50 bucks in the summer for them and man they are tough as nails they may have bn made by goretex them selves ill dig them out and have a look

 

[AWHunt CDAID]

KENETREK all day. I have had a pair for at least 6 years and they are finally ready to give up the ghost.I will be getting another pair for sure, well worth the $50-$60.

 

[cowboystl1]

fieldline was the kind i got they have lasted for 8 seasons

 

[hank4elk]

Cabellas Gore-tex, 12 yrs and still waterproof. Rarely used now that I'm in NM. Micro-fleece would be less noisy but maybe not as waterproof.

 

[mark]

sitkas, I like the zipper over the Velcro. Call me paranoid but when it's time to adjust the boot and you have to listen to the Velcro separate.......I just hate that. Sitka are expensive but I won't have to buy another pair for a long time. Another advantage to gaiters is it add to the warmth factor to your boot!