Boot gaiters should be an integral part of your footwear if you want to make the most of your outdoor adventures while going on a hike. No wonder that hiking experts’ advice paying close attention to the type of boot and hiking gaiters you need before hitting the trail. In the market, you will get a wide variety of gaiters to choose from such as leg gaiters, running gaiters, boot gaiters, etc. However, the key is to select the right pair depending on the kind of trails you want to explore and the conditions you expect to encounter. If you are still in a dilemma about why you should invest in boot gaiters, here’s a brief account of why they are the best for your hiking adventures:
- Keep you safe overall terrains: When exploring rocky trails, you tend to pick up a lot of particles inside your hiking boot, which can lead to scrapes, scratches and nicks. Despite being minor ones, they can be a major annoyance during and after the hike. Boot gaiters will prevent such particles from getting inside, thus protecting your feet. When hiking in snow or severe cold weather, they will keep moisture and snow out of your boot and help your feet to stay comfortable and warm. In the wild, you may often encounter leeches and ticks. Boot gaiters would provide an additional layer of clothing, which can prove to be very useful in such conditions.
- Are comfortable and easy to use: Imagine wearing a heavy pair of waterproof pants while crossing a wet bush or snowfield. It would surely slow you down and make the hike uncomfortable. You can opt for a lightweight, easy to use option instead. Simply slip on your waterproof boot gaiters and you won’t have to worry about keeping your ankles and feet dry. Since they are light and packable, and can be put on within a few seconds, you can use them as and when you like.
- Heavy-duty protection: When you are eying a hitherto unexplored trail or one that is known to throw surprises and harsh conditions to beat, you will need heavy-duty protection. When hiking in harsh conditions, you would also do well to look for added insulation. Boot gaiters that feature a waterproof, breathable fabric for superior protection and comfort can be your ideal partner in such hikes.
While choosing boot gaiters, you should emphasize on getting one with a waterproof fabric and a well-constructed instep strap. You should consider the size of your boots too as most gaiters come in a small, medium, and large size.
To make your hike a comfortable and enjoyable experience, you can also consider using a waist pack. You can pack essentials like snacks, water, and extra layers of clothing in it easily. If you need one with a comfortable fit, you can look for fanny packs with compression straps. In case you need to pack and carry more than 2-3 items, you can buy one with a larger pouch.