Best Hiking Gaiters For Outdoor Adventures [2024 Edition]

When it comes to keeping your hiking boots clean and dry in the mountains, the Outdoor Research Verglas is hard to beat.

Picking up our editor’s choice award in this review, these hiking boot gaiters are made with abrasion-resistant ripstop nylon fabric for extra durability on the trail. Moreover, they come with reinforced Cordura panels around high-wear areas to withstand frequent use in rugged terrain.

As far as keeping your feet dry in muddy locales, this knee-high gaiter doesn’t disappoint. The Outdoor Research Verglas is engineered with a 3L Pertex Shield waterproof-breathable membrane to help keep you dry in deep snow and heavy rain.

Additionally, these waterproof gaiters come with a reliable front hook-and-loop (velcro) closure system and a buckle top cinch strap to seal out snow and debris as you hike. They also come with reinforced boot lace hooks and a Hypalon instep strap for a seamless connection between your shoes and gaiters on the trail.

That being said, the Outdoor Research Verglas is a bit heavy and pricey when compared to the competition. But, when it comes to durability and performance on the trail, this model is a sure bet.

If summer hiking is more your style, the highly breathable Outdoor Research Thru Gaiter should be toward the top of your list.

Featuring a blended ripstop nylon and recycled polyester construction, this ultralight gaiter is designed to provide maximum breathability on hot days in the mountains. It even boasts UPF 50 protection to help shield you from the sun’s harmful rays.

Thanks to their over-the-ankle design and velcro closure system, this model is quick and easy to put on. As a result, they’re perfect for light and fast hiking trips where time is of the essence.

Additionally, this pair of gaiters is made with Outdoor Research’s proprietary ActiveIce cooling technology. This technology allows for enhanced thermoregulation on hot days by wicking away sweat to keep you cool and dry.

While the Thru’s low height and lack of waterproofing means that they don’t offer a lot of protection against snow and rain, they are a solid option for hot weather summer hiking.

When low-top hiking boots and shoes are your go-to footwear, the water-resistant Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Mid might be just what you need.

Crafted out of a stretch-woven nylon and polyester fabric, this model puts breathability at the forefront of its design. At the same time, as some of the best hiking gaiters on the market, they come with a DWR finish to help keep your feet dry in light rain and wet conditions.

The INSTAgaiters also boast a VISLON zipper entry system, which makes it easier to quickly put them on before you leave camp for the day. There’s even a built-in flap behind the gaiter to prevent rain from seeping in during a storm.

Like other low gaiters, one of the primary drawbacks of the INSTAgaiter is their limited protection from debris on the trail. 

However, Kahtoola did design this model with an extra-rugged TPU instep strap underfoot and an elastic drawcord closure system at the ankle. As a result, these gaiters help keep sand and rocks out of your shoes as you hike, which is always a concern with low-top shoes.

A fan-favorite for day hikes and trail running, the Salomon Trail Low excel when it comes to ease of use and comfort on the trail.

This innovative low gaiter is made from a unique blend of polyester, polyamide, and elastane fabric. This allows them to stretch and fit the contours of your boot or trail runners for an improved fit as you hike.

Moreover, they have integrated padding around the sides of the ankle for improved protection as you cruise through rugged terrain. For added versatility, the Trail Low also have a reflective logo for enhanced visibility during nighttime runs and other adventures.

One of the more unique features of this gaiter is the hook-and-loop closure system. Unlike many other models that have a single piece of velcro running down the front of the gaiter, these hiking gaiters have an innovative strap that wraps nearly completely around your foot for improved comfort.

Finally, although we can’t recommend this ankle gaiter for the snow, its unique closure system and oversized instep strap mean it fits exceptionally well over low-top boots and trail runners on day hiking excursions.

A mid-calf gaiter specifically designed for backpacking and other more remote excursions, the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low is an affordable and water-resistant option that’s ideal for alpine locales.

Featuring a classic mid-calf gaiter design and an abrasion-resistant 420D nylon fabric shell, these gaiters are rugged enough to withstand frequent use. They also come with a set of reinforced boot lace hooks for improved durability in the mountains.

If that wasn’t enough, the Rocky Mountain Low boast a Hypalon instep strop, which sheds snow to stop annoying (and potentially dangerous!) underfoot clumping as you hike. 

Also, each gaiter has a fully elasticized bottom edge which allows it to stretch over boots of nearly any size. Meanwhile, its elasticized upper closure system helps to seal out moisture and debris as you hike through mud and snow.

Even though the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters are technically water resistant rather than fully waterproof, their mid-calf design and lightweight construction make them suitable for backpacking and other warm-weather pursuits in the mountains.

Whether you’re looking for a set of gaiters for winter day hikes or summer backpacking trips, the knee-high REI Co-op Backpacker Gaiter is a reliable choice.

A popular option for all-season use, this model is made with thick nylon fabric for improved durability. It also comes with reinforced fabric around the ankles to prevent rips and tears from crampons, rocks, or sticks.

These rain gaiters also come with a 3-layer waterproof membrane that helps to keep water out when hiking in mucky conditions. For added waterproofing, REI even designed this model with lace hooks that help to ensure a snug fit on nearly any type of footwear.

Unlike many other alternatives, these gaiters also come with an adjustable webbing strap that helps to secure them around your calves. As a result, they are less likely to slip down as you hike for improved comfort on the go.

While the thick waterproof nylon fabric of the REI Co-op Backpacker Gaiters might not be the most breathable option, they’re a great choice when weather-resistance is your chief concern.

Backpackers and hikers on a budget can rejoice with the Pine Trail Leg Gaiter, which offers quality trail performance at a budget-friendly price.

Despite being one of the most affordable options available, each Pine Trail Leg Gaiter is constructed out of a durable polyester, which can hold up throughout years of use and abuse. 

They also boast a fully adjustable design, so you can use them with various types of footwear with relative ease. Furthermore, this model has all stainless-steel hardware, which is better able to withstand rugged terrain than plastic alternatives.

Thanks to their knee-high design, these gaiters are also an ideal choice for use in very wet and muddy terrain. They even come with a stuff sack for easier storage when you’re not on the trail.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the Pine Trail Leg Gaiter’s polyester fabric is heavy and it isn’t the most breathable option. However, for the price, they’re still a great value.

Whether it’s a snowshoeing day hike or a full-fledged winter camping expedition, the Black Diamond GTX FrontPoint is an incredible candidate for your winter outdoor escapades.

Thanks to their ripstop nylon construction, the FrontPoint are abrasion resistant enough to handle frequent outings in tricky terrain. Moreover, as the only model in our review with 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric for waterproofing, they’re a solid bet for use in winter environments.

For added convenience, Black Diamond crafted this model with a hook-and-loop closure (velcro) that allows for quick on/off in cold temperatures. They also have a snap closure at the top to prevent them from coming undone in deep snowpacks.

Additionally, with the FrontPoint, you get a neoprene-coated instep strap, which prevents debris from balling up under your foot as you hike. Each gaiter’s streamlined design also helps to prevent rips and tears that come from crampons and other sharp pieces of gear.

However, since the Black Diamond GTX FrontPoint are designed for use with a wide range of different footwear, from trail running shoes to mountaineering boots, they don’t come with lace hooks. Therefore, they can sometimes slide around on your feet as you hike, especially with low-volume boots and shoes.

Decidedly rugged, the Kenetrek Waterproof Breathable Hunting Gaiters are a pair of snow gaiters that are perfect for wintertime excursions.

As some of the best gaiters for snowshoeing on the market, the Kenetrek feature a polyester shell fabric to help keep you warm and dry while outside. They even have a built-in Stormblocker waterproof membrane that’s similar to Gore-Tex for improved weather protection in the winter months.

Furthermore, they have a set of Hypalon rubber instep straps that are rip-resistant and debris-repellent to prevent snow buildup as you hike.

Each gaiter also comes with a single large hook-and-loop (velcro) closure system that runs up and down the front of your leg for easy on/off. They also come with an adjustable upper strap so you can secure the gaiters above your calf for a more secure fit.

That being said, it’s worth pointing out that the Kenetrek didn’t include lace hooks on this model. This means they can slide around on your feet if you’re sporting low-volume footwear.