You could be new to the outdoors or a long-time outdoor enthusiast. Either way, you may not have heard of gaiters before or never understood their purpose. Although many hikers find themselves in situations where gaiters could be helpful, gaiters still tend to be overlooked pieces of equipment due to the lack of general awareness around them. 

 Where & why should you use them?

The goal of gaiters is to protect your lower leg from external conditions. Depending on your environment and activity, gaiters help protect you from various aspects. Anytime you need to protect yourself while walking through the unknown, having gaiters on can help minimize risks from the elements.

 Snowy, muddy, or wet terrain

Gaiters can help keep your undergarments dry. They are often used to keep your inside layers protected when trekking in snow, mud, or riversides. Thermoregulation from gaiters is also helpful in these conditions to help maintain your temperature, whether hot or cold.

 Brush and overgrown trails

In the spring/summer months or in a dryer climate, gaiters help protect dangerous flora & fauna, such as poison ivy. More durable gaiters can also help protect you from sharp debris you may run into when bushwacking off-trail.

 Rocks, insects, and snakes

Gaiters help protect rocks and other debris from falling to your shoe. It also protects you from insects like mosquitoes biting your ankle and snakes and other creatures depending on your environment.

 Here are some activities gaiters are commonly used for:

• Hiking

• Mountaineering 

• Backpacking

• Hunting

• Snowshoeing

• Cross-country skiing

• Ice climbing

What are gaiters made of?

Hillsound gaiters are all made of waterproof fabric and offered with different levels of durability. Depending on your activity, you may want something more breathable or perhaps more durable, so it's worth considering the activities you plan to use when purchasing your pair of gaiters. Here's an overview of Hillsound gaiters & the materials we make them with:

The Armadillo LT™ Gaiter

 

 

 Materials:

• The upper fabric is are made of Waterproof & breathable Flexia 3.0, 

• Lower cuff 1000 denier and high-density nylon ( provides further protection from the elements on the lower half)

• YKK waterproof zipper

Recommended activities:

• Backpacking

• Hiking

• Hunting

• Snowshoeing

• Cross-country skiing

 

The Super Armadillo™

 

Materials

• Upper section: Flexia 3.0

• Lower section: SuperFabric

• Waterproof YKK zipper

Recommended activities:

• Mountaineering 

• Ice climbing

• Hunting

• Snowshoeing

• Backpacking

 

The Super Armadillo Nano™

Materials

• Upper section: 3-layer Schoeller fabric and technology - c-change

• Upper section: Schoeller Technology - NanoSphere

• Lower section: SuperFabric

• The waterproof YKK zipper closure brings keeps water out and brings the gaiter close to the leg

Recommended activities:

• Mountaineering 

• Backpacking

• Hunting

• Day-hiking

Think Gaiters are something you might want to try? Here are some tips!