Gaiters
If you're looking for running gaiters, they are in the Fell Running section. Here you'll find gaiters for general walking, bogs, snow and altitude.
Gaiters are becoming more and more popular with British walkers, however, their use has long been valued by experienced mountaineers. They are designed to perform a number of functions:
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keeping water from splashing and seeping over the top of the boot to soak trouser bottoms, socks and the inside of boots of the general walker,
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stopping snow from going over the tops of boots, which has the same result as water but also means that if the snow solidifies it can abrade the foot and ankle causing injury to the winter walker and alpinist,
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stopping water soaking the leather of the boot and thus allowing the ingress of water through the boot and the deterioration of the leather, when bog trotting,
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stopping snow from abrading the surface of the boot, which will destroy the leather, when walking in snow, and
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in some cases providing extra insulation above that provided by socks and lined boots, at high altitudes and latitudes.
The simplest walking gaiters are made from nylon which will keep out water, but is not breathable, zips will be placed at the rear (awkward), may not be covered and they may be held under the boot with laces. See the Trailwise Ranger for an example. Improvements from this are made by using a breathable upper combined with a durable lower cordura section. The zip will be located at the front and will have an external covering flap and the under-foot retainer will be made from nylon coated in neoprene and will incorporate a buckle fastening. Our most popular gaiters for walkers are the Rab Hispar and Ultar for men and women, and the Outdoor Designs Alpine Gaiter.
Black Diamond's Frontpoint Gaiter is designed for climbers, and is designed to be compatible with mountain boots.
The other form of gaiter is commonly known as a yeti and actually covers the entire upper of the boot as well as the lower leg. These are aimed at bogtrotting walkers and those that deal regularly with snow. They are held in place by gripping the rand of the boot.