What are Gaiters, and Do You Need Them?

Whether you’ve been considering a pair of gaiters for a while or have only just heard about them, our guide provides all the information needed to understand their benefits and how they can complement the outdoor gear you already own. Enjoy country walks or shooting trips in complete comfort and have peace of mind that you’ll be protected if you decide to push rambles to the extreme.

So, What Are Gaiters?

Gaiters are a protective layer that covers the gap between your trousers and walking boots, improving comfort and performance during outdoor treks and activities. They wrap around the ankle or calf and are secured under the boot heel with a durable strap and a drawcord to guarantee a snug fit. This fabric guard completes the waterproofing chain for footwear and the lower leg by creating a continuous seal against rain, deep snow, and muddy trails. Gaiters also prevent abrasive debris from entering boots, protecting legs from scratches, thorns, and bites and improve the longevity of outdoor gear they cover.

What Are Gaiters Used for? 

Boot gaiters are a versatile outdoor clothing option that comes in a range of sizes, designs and materials. For optimal comfort and performance, choose gaiters that meet the demands of your outdoor activity and the conditions you are likely to face.

Low-cut gaiters offer lightweight protection around your ankles and the top of your footwear, keeping dust, small debris, and light moisture out. By sacrificing the durability of higher gaiters, low-cut designs improve the user’s mobility during trail running and hiking in warm, dry conditions. By contrast, Scree gaiters offer better coverage, extending further up your calf for protection against mud, rocks, and light rain. They are more robust than ankle gaiters and are a good all-round choice for mid-duty hiking in adverse conditions.

Full-length gaiters become necessary in extreme environments and conditions, creating a weather-resistant layer from footwear to knee. They are essential for deep snow and boggy terrain, providing tough resistance against thorns and branches in tall grass or undergrowth. The Jack Pyke Highline Gaiters are fully waterproof and breathable, designed to protect your lower legs from harsh ground and wet weather. A full-length zip pairs with Velcro and buckle fastenings at the knee for a secure fit that can be conveniently adjusted.

How Do You Wear Gaiters? 

Even gaiters made from quality materials by expert manufacturers will underperform if they are incorrectly sized and fitted. Loose-fitting gaiters compromise the seal around your footwear and lower legs, leaving them exposed to dirt, snow, and water. Walking gaiters should wrap snugly around your legs and ankles without feeling tight for optimal protection and mobility.

There are a few checks that ensure your boot gaiters are the perfect fit. Firstly, refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart, which may require your shoe dimensions and calf circumference (measured from its widest point under the knee). Once you have an estimate of the desired length, try some pairs on with your outdoor shoes; you may need to upsize if you have bulky footwear for mountaineering. Once gaiters are secured via the front lace hook and underfoot strap, take a walk around and see how they feel! Snugness around the boot, comfort around the leg and stabile movements are all big ticks.

What Should Gaiters Be Paired With?

Although gaiters offer standalone protection, they should be paired with appropriate footwear and waterproof trousers in harsher environments. Together, they create a layered clothing system that keeps the avid adventurer dry and comfortable in the most testing conditions.

Waterproof boots are the foundations for practical outdoor protection. The John Norris JSN Pro Boots create a robust barrier against the elements, keeping feet dry and comfortable when you go off the beaten track. However, even the most durable boots have a wide opening where the foot enters, a potential point of vulnerability. That’s where boot gaiters come in! This solution offers far better weight-to-feature performance than traditional wellingtons.

The gaiter-trouser dynamic can make or break an outdoor kit, and many ramblers make a common mistake when connecting the two. For effective water shedding, wear gaiters under your trousers rather than over them to direct rain away from your boots. By correctly pairing gaiters with high-quality boots and trousers, you’ll have a waterproof barrier that improves the lifespan of your underlayers and your overall outdoor experience. 

Are Gaiters Necessary? 

Gaiters are a worthwhile and cost-effective investment for anyone who has a passion for the outdoors. This versatile and invaluable bit of kit merges with other outdoor clothing to boost your wilderness experiences. They are a point of difference for comfort across a wide variety of activities and may become a necessity for safety in certain conditions.

They aren't just limited to outdoor adventure; if you work in agriculture, construction, or forestry, this product will prevent common issues such as blisters, chafing, and general discomfort that arise from wetness or debris inside your footwear. Whatever you have planned, enjoy complete peace of mind that these durable accessories will make all the difference by protecting you and minimising damage to other equipment.

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up any ambiguity surrounding the question, ‘What are gaiters.’ Explore the full John Norris range online or come visit our newly refurbished Penrith store to get sized up for your next expedition. Our expert sales team will be on hand to advise you on your gaiter purchase, and how it will complement your pre-existing outdoor gear.