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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Gaitors
 
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merlyn
03/13/2025 04:16PM
  
I use them in the BW in May and early June. They make wet, sloppy, muddy portages a lot more comfortable. They also offer some tick and sharp stick protection.
I weighed mine just now at 5.4 oz a pair, they were still dirty from todays dog walk along a thawing forest road.
 
sns
03/11/2025 08:39AM
  
I am a huge fan of Gaiters for hikes out west - keeping seeds, grass, twigs, sand/stones out of your shoes or boots is a game-changer.


I tried them on a trip last year in Quetico and quit using them after a day - they were water-resistant & that was enough to hold a large amount of water which came into the boat with me as I would swing my foot into the canoe.
 
Speckled
03/11/2025 10:46AM
  
I'm with you - never understood the point of them.
 
rick00001967
03/11/2025 10:32AM
  
sns:



I tried them on a trip last year in Quetico and quit using them after a day - they were water-resistant & that was enough to hold a large amount of water which came into the boat with me as I would swing my foot into the canoe."


interesting observation. i have that same thing happen if i tuck my pant legs into my socks.
 
brulu
03/11/2025 11:45AM
  
Seems like one of those personal preference things I guess.


I used to use long snow gaiters over my ski boots for winter camping. They seemed like a necessity for that. But when I started using mukluks and universal ski bindings (so no ankle-high ski boots anymore) I no longer needed the gaiters.


I tried some short hiking gaiters for backpacking a few years ago as part of modernizing my backpacking setup (trail runners + light gaiters instead of more traditional hiking boots). I didn't feel like the gaiters were worth it on a typical trail out west, even when using trail runners.


For bushwhacking or for some of the overgrown backpacking trails in the bwca (or something similar) I could see using them (assuming light, low cut shoes).


They are still on my backpacking list, as an optional item. I don't think I would ever use them on a canoe/portage trip.
 
cowdoc
03/10/2025 08:24PM
  
I wear them when I solo trip, mostly in shoulder seasons. Yes, they keep gravel and debris out of my shoes and keep the mud off my pant legs. I wear heavier zip off pants in shoulder season and when I get to camp, I zip them off and hang to dry. They dry quicker without all the mud. Keeps my socks from getting muddy also. I dont mind wet...hate muddy. They are just a pair of heavier nylon type gaitors.
 
NEIowapaddler
03/10/2025 09:11PM
  
Gaiters are great. I wear them whenever I'm likely to encounter wet, muddy conditions or have to navigate deep snow, thick brush, briars, weeds, etc. They save your pant legs from thorns and mud, and prolong the life of your pants. I make most of my own outdoor clothes, and I made my current pair of gaiters from 1200D cordura. They're not 100% waterproof, but very water resistant.
 
rick00001967
03/10/2025 06:57PM
  
Hey all. Please explain the thought behind using gaitors. I have never used them and I don't know anyone who does. I could see wearing them in the snow to keep the lower legs of your pants dry, but i have read people also use them to keep debris out of their shoes or low top hikers?

what would the advantages / disadvantages be to using them canoeing / portaging etc?

I am going through my gear and deciding what to bring on an upcoming spring trip and am looking at my current footwear options. I was wondering if adding gaitors might be something to consider. so far i am not sure i see any reason to. but maybe i am missing something.
thx
rick
 
rick00001967
03/15/2025 02:29PM
  
well i decided to pick up a cheap pair to give them a try. my first trip this season will be in mid may so i am gonna try using my old merrel hike shoes (not waterproof / decent drainage) w/my knee high waterproof socks, and the new gaitors. we will see how that goes.
last year i went on a short early may trip and used my baffin rubber boots with my hip waders. they keep you dry and warm but i wanted something lighter as i will be out for longer and doing more portaging.