The 8 Best Gaiters for Mountaineering and Hiking in 2023

Mountaineering exposes you to the elements more than any other sport. If you spend enough time in snowy conditions without gaiters, your feet are bound to get wet. The Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiter is the top candidate for heavy-duty use in the deep snow. 

The Crocodile is a knee-high gaiter made of a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane under a Cordura nylon shell. This construction makes for a very durable and waterproof gaiter. It features a sturdy lower and upper closure with quick-release buckles to help you dial the fit.

But, like most high-performance gear, it’s very expensive. It’s also not very breathable, as it’s intended for use in snowy conditions.

The RAB Muztag is a great companion for any trek into the unknown. It uses a Gore-Tex fabric like the Outdoor Research Crocodile for superior water resistance. But it’s made of thinner nylon material, making it less bulky and more breathable than the Crocodile.

This gives the Muztag better marks as a do-it-all gaiter. It would be right at home on a backpacking trip, or for spring mountaineering on wet snow. Its cuff comes to the knee, giving you ample coverage from debris.

The main downside is, again, cost. Having thinner material also makes it less durable than the OR Crocodile. For multi-day mountaineering, you may want something sturdier.

The Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiter finds a good balance between cost and quality. They’re similar to the REI Backpacker Low, but with knee-high cuffs.

The Rocky Mountain High gaiters are made of a durable 420 denier nylon, which is waterproof enough for snowshoeing. Nylon breathes more than a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex, so you won’t be sweating bullets under them after a few miles.

But, being both somewhat waterproof and breathable means the Rocky Mountain High gaiters don't excel at being either. They’re also bulkier than other knee-high gaiters. However, for the low price point, these are a solid deal.

When you’re in snake country, it’s a good idea to give yourself an extra layer of protection. Gaiters can help reduce the likelihood of snakebites and their severity by adding an extra loose layer over your leg.

But snake gaiters take this principle a step further by using thick, high denier nylon material. The Razer Snake Gaiter is made of 1000d Cordura nylon.

Cordura will stop not only thorns and cactus spines, but has been lab tested to stop a needle under 25 pounds of force. Razer also tests their gaiters with live rattlesnakes. If that’s not a selling point, I don’t know what is.

But, snake gaiters don’t do as good of a job at keeping out debris, and they’re definitely not waterproof. They’re thick, which means extra hot. But if you want the extra peace of mind, it might be worth it.

If your main concern is dirt and debris, go with the Altra Trail Gaiter. These gaiters are incredibly light, breathable, very comfortable, and easy to move in. They’re designed for runners and ultralight fiends. 

The Trail Gaiters feature easy-to-use velcro attachments and form a tight seal around your trail shoes. They provide enough protection to keep rocks and dirt out of your hiking shoes while you cruise up the trail.

But, they’re not very water resistant. These gaiters are primarily for dry use in the summer. They’re not technical gear and won’t stand up to lots of water or abrasion.

If you’re a trail runner or a speed freak in the mountains, you want an ultralight hiking gaiter that won’t get in your way. At 100 grams per pair, the Black Diamond Talus is just that.

The Talus uses a minimalist design that focuses on providing protection where you need it most: your ankles. If you’re all about going fast and far, this is the right amount of protection to keep you from digging rocks out of your shoes every ten minutes.

What it lacks is pretty much everything else. It doesn’t have a strap that goes under your boot. It’s made of standard nylon - no reinforcement or membrane. The Talus is for the swift, but it won’t do much against a whole day on a glacier.

If keeping water out of your boots is a must, double up on Gore-Tex. The Black Diamond Apex GTX uses three layers of Gore-Tex, the best waterproofing on this list. The construction is burly, intended for extended technical use in the backcountry. 

The Apex GTX features full calf coverage and an adjustable instep strap for great coverage and performance in rugged terrain. They win out over the OR Crocodile in comfort, with a slightly thinner lightweight material.

But lighter material means a shorter lifespan on average. For water resistance, the Apex is the winner, but for rocks and abrasion, it falls behind the Outdoor Research Crocodile.

Hiking gets a lot more complicated in wet weather. Especially if you’re bushwacking off trail. Having a short hiking gaiter to keep mud and rain out of your boots is a solid move. 

The REI Backpacker Low gaiter is perfect for hikers that like to go out no matter what the weather is like. As the name suggests, it’s a good lightweight option to bring backpacking, too.

The Backpacker Low provides just enough extra protection to keep the rain and mud off, without being too uncomfortable. It also has good airflow, which is a plus for long trail days.

However, the Backpacker’s ankle-high cuff reduces its appeal for technical use. The membrane isn’t spectacularly waterproof, either.