The 5 Best Gaiters of 2025

Our Picks of Gaiters

Best Overall Full-Length Gaiters

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High

When it comes to full-length protection from mud, snow, brush, and more, the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High are our favorite gaiters because they balance overall quality with cost. In truth, they aren't quite as rugged as the Black Diamond Frontpoint or the Outdoor Research Crocodile, but if you're looking for a solid pair of gaiters that covers the basics, you'll be happy with the way the Rocky Mountain High pair fits, moves, protects, and breathes. “I've strapped mine on for high altitude climbs in Nepal and for muddy Spring hiking in Utah's Rocky Mountains, and I was never disappointed,” said lead tester Jason Wanlass. We love these because they are sturdy, reliable, and we feel they will appeal to the broadest spectrum of everyday users.

Measured Weight (each)	4.0 oz
Measured Length	19.0 in
Materials (Body)	100% nylon, 420D packcloth with PU coating
Water Resistant	Yes
Attachment	Hypalon instep strap with metal buckle, boot lace hook

In addition to mud and snow, we also tested the Rocky Mountain High gaiters in alpine deserts, where sagebrush and thorny bushes are aplenty, and they protected our legs well. “Their fabric is all one thickness, so they aren't super reinforced, but I still found them rugged enough to handle adversity on the trail,” said another tester. “They are thick enough to protect, but basic enough to be flexible and comfortable.” Both the upper and lower fabrics are 420D nylon, so the Rocky Mountain Highs are not as robust when it comes to brushing against a jagged outcropping or the sharp spikes of a crampon. We never had any serious problems with wear and tear, but they simply may not hold up as well over time or if they're consistently pushed to extremes. We also think their Velcro stripping is too narrow and the Hypalon boot strap isn't as tough as the straps on other models. However, when we quantify price, protection, great fit, and overall durability, the Rocky Mountain Highs take the cake. The Outdoor Research Helium Tall gaiters are another full-length option that we love. They're lighter and more breathable, and they have an updated design that includes better upper and lower fabrics that make them more water-resistant, tougher, and more comfortable.

Best Mid-Length Option

REI Co-op Sahara

If knee-high protection isn't your thing, we think you'll like the comfort, ruggedness, and protection the REI Co-op Sahara gaiters offer. We trudged ours through tons of sand to test their ability to keep debris at bay — and they won. They are our favorite low-top gaiter because they're easy to put on, built like a brick house, and they protect like a mother bear. The Saharas are engineered very well and are super tough. “I never worried about rocks, logs, or crampon spikes,” said one tester. “The bottom fabric on these beauties is 1000-denier nylon, so they are super resistant to any abrasions.” Additionally, the Saharas are reasonably waterproof, breathable, and quite comfortable. Their upper fabric consists of a nylon-spandex blend, which allows them to be comfortable and flexible.

Measured Weight (each)	3.2 oz
Measured Length	10.0 in
Materials (Body)	93% bluesign-approved ripstop nylon/7% spandex (upper), 1,000D bluesign-approved nylon (lower); 420D bluesign-approved nylon (lining)
Water Resistant	Yes
Attachment	Nylon-webbing instep straps with metal buckle, boot lace hook

The Sahara gaiters have one of the best Velcro closure strips of the bunch, and the same can be said of its dense nylon-webbing boot strap. The only real drawbacks we noted were that, for their size, they are a little heavy and expensive; however, that is simply a result of their higher-quality construction — a justifiable tradeoff. Their other obvious potential drawback is that they're not full-length, but that simply isn't their niche. “For warm-weather hiking in sand, mud, and water, these are my go-to gaiters,” said our lead tester. “I like to wear hiking shoes or trail runners, so these are perfect. They protect well from the snow, but I had to endure the cold on my calves and shins.” REI knocked it out of the park with these mid-length gaiters. They're built to last, and every detail was considered, right down to this model's reinforced lace hook. We think the Outdoor Research Crocodile compares very well to the Saharas if you're looking for a tough full-length option. If you need something more basic for trail running, we love the Dirty Girl Gaiter and the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Mid.

Best Value for Trail Running and Thru-Hiking

Dirty Girl Gaiter

The Dirty Girl Gaiter is a long-distance hiker's dream. They are super lightweight but also have thicker, more durable fabric than other similar models we tested, so they stand up to use and abuse on the trail. The shoelace hook is very secure, and we noticed they don't ride up nearly as easily or often as similar trail running models. “They aren't waterproof, but I liked that they will keep the mist and fog off of my socks, and they are dynamite comfortable,” said one of our trail-running testers. “I barely even noticed them during testing or when wearing them for hours on the trail.”

Measured Weight (each)	0.7 oz
Measured Length	7.0 in
Materials (Body)	Polyester
Water Resistant	No
Attachment	Hook and loop, Velcro heel

After all our testing, our only gripe with the Dirty Girl is that they require some installation on your footwear before use. If your sneakers lack a trap at the heel, you'll have to make one with the included velcro. This process isn't long, but the Velcro can be challenging to adhere, depending on the sneakers and how old and/or dirty they are. Also, they're built from thin material, meaning they can't match the durability of the heftier options we tested. Still, the tradeoff is that they offer great comfort and breathability for high-output use in warm weather. If you need a pair for trail running or long-distance backpacking, this model is, without a doubt, a total steal. Another option to consider for trail running and backpacking is the Altra Trail Gaiter. Although they're slightly less durable, they're super lightweight, comfortable, and easier to attach.

Our Fave Full-Length Gaiters on a Budget

Pike Trail Adjustable

They didn't crush it when it came to testing scores, but the Pike Trail Adjustable gaiters will get the job done. Their appealing price is what initially drew us in, but we were also pleasantly surprised by their decent performance. “They certainly aren't the best product on the market, but I think they protect well and can withstand the basic rigors that gaiters should guard against,” said one of our testing experts. The Pike Trail's upper fabric is made from fairly strong rip-stop nylon, and the lower end consists of 900-denier polyester. We slogged through mud, water, and high brush during our testing hikes, and feel that they are adequately protective. In particular, we liked that the bottom of the gaiters are reinforced with two separate bands of elastic, which kept debris at bay.

Measured Weight (each)	4.9 oz
Measured Length	17.0 in
Materials (Body)	Rip-stop nylon (upper), 900D polyester (lower)
Water Resistant	Yes
Attachment	Rubberized instep strap with metal buckle, boot lace hook

As for durability, we weren't as impressed with how the Pike Trail gaiters handled repeated contact with abrasive surfaces. During one of our rub tests (against rock), we were surprised to see this gaiter's fabrics fray and erode at a much quicker pace than those on other models in our lineup. We also had a difficult time determining the construction of its boot strap. Our best guess is that it may be built from basic rubber, so it might not be as durable. Additionally, this model didn't cover our boots or shoes very well. Its bottom section tends to hug the ankle, but doesn't extend across the top of the foot very well, which limits its protective qualities. Lastly, our water tests did prove the Pike Trail gaiters to be water-resistant, but not as effective as all of the other full-length options on our list. If you need something that offers a bit more protection and durability, we recommend paying a little more for OR's Rocky Mountain High. If you would rather go all-in, the Black Diamond Frontpoint is an excellent option.

Our Most Waterproof Option

Black Diamond Frontpoint

The Black Diamond Frontpoint is a full-length gaiter consisting of top-tier fabrics and a BD.dry waterproof membrane. After months of testing in the snow-capped Himalayas and Utah's Rocky Mountains, we feel this model guards against moisture better than any full-length model in our lineup. Although there certainly are tougher gaiters out there, we feel the Frontpoint's 840-denier nylon uppers and ballistic nylon lowers are well-suited for stubborn terrain, and something you'd definitely want on hand for sloppy shoulder seasons when the weather is warm but snow and mud are plentiful. “I never worried when wearing them,” said one of our Himalayan trekkers. “I knew they would stay put, handle the abuses of the trail, and most importantly, keep me dry and protected.” In addition to its easy-to-use drawstring top, the Frontpoint boasts an exceptionally tough, high-density neoprene-coated nylon boot strap that can withstand direct contact with rock and ice very well. We also love its dense Velcro closure that stays gripped all day.

Measured Weight (each)	4.6 oz
Measured Length	17.0 in
Materials (Body)	BD.dry, 840D nylon
Water Resistant	Yes
Attachment	Hook and loop with snap, Velcro, instep adjustement buckle, high-density neoprene-coated nylon instep strap

We didn't like the lace hook on the Frontpoint. It's very undersized, which makes it difficult to attach to thicker laces. We also noticed a fair amount of constriction around the upper calf after fully cinching the drawstring top. This wasn't a deal-breaker, but it was noticeable and sometimes uncomfortable after hours of wear. However, we loved the Frontpoint's waterproof properties. In fact, when wearing Gore-Tex or other types of waterproof footwear, we could even wade streams and shallow rivers without getting our feet or lower legs wet (if we moved quickly). If you're more interested in comfort, flexibility, and weight, you should check out the Outdoor Research Helium Tall, which are less waterproof but perform great for their price point and weight.

How We Tested

We have been testing gaiters for nearly a decade. In that time, we have researched dozens of options and had our team of experienced hikers, runners, and mountaineers put them to the test. In addition to water and dirt immersion testing, we take to the trails to really put each model through its paces. It becomes much easier to determine which ones are up to the task and which ones fall short by taking these accessories on trip after trip, run after run. We perform leg-by-leg comparisons, simultaneously wearing a different (but comparable) model on each foot, allowing us to control environmental conditions. The strategy here is to rack up the miles and let those miles tease out the differences between models. We paid particular attention to the comfort level, degree of protection, the amount of effort of attachment, and how well each pair held up to our rigorous use.

Our gaiter testing is divided across six rating metrics:

• Comfort and Breathability (25% of overall score weighting)

• Debris Protection (25% weighting)

• Durability (15% weighting)

• Ease of Attachment (15% weighting)

• Water Resistance (10% weighting)

• Weight (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Lead reviewer Jason Wanlasshas been an avid hiker and backpacker for well over two decades. His home is located on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, so he's in the hills year-round, including weekly hikes in the dead of winter with gaiters. Jason has also hiked countless miles on some of the most well-known routes in the world — just name a country — he's probably hiked there.

Ben Applebaum-Bauch is no stranger to backpacking through wet, cold, muddy trails. He has guided trips along the most rugged portions of the Appalachian Trail, including the 100-Mile Wilderness, and bagged countless peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains in all seasons. He is an avid distance hiker, splashing through thousands of miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, Colorado Trail, and Oregon Coast Trail. His adventures have equipped him to appreciate the value of warm, dry feet and to know the ins and outs of gaiters that claim to offer that protection.

Analysis and Test Results

Because there are so few moving parts, the differences between similar gaiters are more slight than with, say, the footwear they are covering. Different models are designed for various conditions and hiking styles, but the elegant simplicity of this piece of equipment is largely the same across the board. After aggressive field testing, we observed which survived with the least damage and which performed best in various conditions. They protect the wearer from debris, moisture, snow, and ice when designed well. They keep feet drier, warmer, and, as a result, healthier than they would be in boots alone.

What's the Best Value?

Though not part of a product's overall numerical score, we recognize that value is an important component of most purchasing decisions. To quantify the old maxim price is what you pay, value is what you get, we find it worthwhile to compare the overall score of each product relative to its price. Models that score highly and are priced reasonably offer great value, but it is also possible that less expensive products still score highly enough to have good value as well. Those that balance price and quality the best are the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High and REI Co-op Sahara. The Dirty Girl Gaiter and Pike Trail Adjustable are some lower-priced models we tested that offer higher value than we initially anticipated.

Comfort and Breathability

These products are meant to keep junk and gunk out, but that doesn't mean they need to trap the sweat in. Ideally, you don't even know a pair is there until you realize you haven't had to stop to dump out sand or pine needles from your shoes all day. We assessed comfort by noting how each pair felt on our body and fit over footwear and clothing.

Breathability is an important complement to comfort because sweaty feet can also be a source of discomfort, as is the chafing that comes along from rough or tight material rubbing against bare skin. In assessing this aspect, we considered the little things: how long it took for us to notice we had gaiters on (or to forget) and whether or not the buckle, snaps, hooks, and elastic pulls were in the right place or cutting off our circulation.

We are impressed with the lightweight breathability of the Dirty Girl. This trail running gaiter is made with super-stretchy nylon, allowing ankles to air out easily. Another top performer is the Altra Trail, which is even thinner and also highly breathable. With either of these pairs, it is easy to forget that you are wearing them. Taking top honors for this metric in the full-length models, the Outdoor Research Helium Tall offers ample comfort while maintaining knee-high protection. The Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High and the Black Diamond Frontpoint also caught our attention. Both performed quite well despite being two of the thicker and longer pairs we tested.

Debris Protection

This piece of equipment aims to keep debris out of your shoes and boots, protect your feet, and protect your clothing from snags, tears, and abrasions. Most manufacturers have this concept pretty dialed, but there are some differences in fabrics and closure styles to look out for.

On alpine and expedition models, debris mostly means snow and ice. Having a snug fit and secure attachment on your boots and your legs ensures a dry interior. Outdoor Research's Rocky Mountain High does this quite well, with a glove-like fit and added length. The upper closure is a ribbon strap that buckles. It's easy to tug closed, even with gloves, and it stays securely fastened. The full-length Black Diamond Frontpoint gaiters also turned in a strong performance when it came to keeping out the gunk. The same can be said for the Outdoor Research Crocodile. And, for the price, the Pike Trail Adjustable did a reasonable job with debris protection, offering a secure fit around the bottom of your footwear and a tight seal around the ankle.

On the light, ankle-height side of the spectrum, the Dirty Girl offers solid protection against sand, dirt, and dust on trail runs. The ankle opening starts relatively narrow and can stretch to accommodate larger legs. We also loved the performance of the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Mid and the REI Co-op Sahara models.

Durability

Watching a new piece of gear fall to pieces like a poorly knit sweater is a real bummer. Durability refers to a model's ability to stand up to repeated use and abuse. The tradeoff for durability is typically weight, and in our pursuit of lighter gear that empowers us to move faster, we sacrifice a little durability. However, some models offer a balance between the two. When checking out any new pair that you plan to buy, the instep strap should be the main area that you look at to assess a model's durability. This is the part that will contact the ground with almost every footfall. The material of the main body is important as well. Smooth-faced fabric is less likely to snag on bushes or other vegetation than a heavier-duty model.

We were impressed with the durability of the Outdoor Research Crocodile. This model held up during repeated testing and even longer. In fact, one of our testers has owned his pair for several years and they are still rock solid. The lower foot panel is super thick and resists abrasion from rocks and ice. The Crocodile can withstand years of glacier travel and all the spiky tools that go along with it. We also found the REI Co-op Sahara to be equally as stout, and we were very impressed with the workmanship of the OR Rocky Mountain High and Black Diamond Frontpoint models.

Of course, thin nylon trail runners will not stand up to rocks and thorns nearly the same way as other models, but we found that the Dirty Girl was the heartiest of the lightweight models. Likewise, the Outdoor Research Helium Tall is one of the lightest of our full-length options, but we still found its thinner fabrics to be reasonably durable.

Ease of Attachment

Having a gaiter that goes on easily is a really nice complement to good comfort. For this metric, we considered how long and how much effort it took to put on each pair because there is some variation in how different models connect to footwear. Most go on after you lace up your footwear, but some are meant to go on before. We considered whether a pair was easy to put on with gloves, cold hands, or in the dark on an alpine start. The cut and geometry of the fabric also played into this metric. Many models take advantage of a lace hook and instep strap, but some also include a combination of velcro, snaps, and elastic cord, all of which contribute to how easy it is to get the things on in the first place.

The Altra Trail Gaiter is a top option for this metric. This classic mid-height gaiter has a straightforward design that makes it easy to attach; the large lace hook is foolproof, and the Velcro heel attachment (when combined with some Altra shoes) is brilliant. We found the Dirty Girl Gaiter nearly as easy to put on, and they offer a similar heel attachment.

The Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High, Black Diamond Frontpoint, and Outdoor Research Helium Tall also scored equally well for their ease of attachment. We particularly liked the function of the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High model. Despite being very long, they are easy to put on, even while wearing gloves.

The Outdoor Research Crocodile is another high performer for a full-length model. Its Velcro closures and top buckle don't require too much fine motor manipulation, making it possible to get on and off in colder weather. All of the low-ankle models we tested, including the Altra Trail, Dirty Girl, and even the REI Co-op Sahara, are all comparatively simple to attach, especially the first two, which do not have an instep strap to contend with and leverage a lace hook at the front and velcro at the heel. We also really appreciate the zipper on the Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Mid, which we found easier to use than the velcro typical of its higher counterparts.

Water Resistance

Rain, melting snow, and river crossings can all wreak havoc on your feet. For backpackers, trail runners, and mountaineers, a fundamental practice that keeps people happy, healthy, and on the move is good foot care. However, with that in mind, it is important to remember that not all gaiters are designed to be waterproof or even water-resistant in the first place. Though it is crucial for mountaineering and expedition models, it is much less so for trail running pairs. Each product is ranked relative to other similar styles.

One model we tested stood out from the rest in terms of balancing water resistance and breathability. The waterproof fabric used in the Black Diamond Frontpoint is meant for high performance. Like a mini hardshell jacket for your feet, this model sheds water like a champ. The Outdoor Research Crocodile is as equally waterproof with the help of a three-layer Gore-Tex upper and a super thick foot panel. Lastly, the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High is no slouch at protecting your lower legs and feet from rain, snow, streams, or morning dew. These full-length beauties really keep unwanted moisture at bay.

Of the lighter hiking models, the REI Co-op Sahara absolutely slayed when it came to shooing away water. And, although the Dirty Girl gaiters aren't necessarily meant for wet weather, they can still keep your socks dry during a wet bushwhack and dry quickly too — a splendid combination.

Weight

As with any other piece of gear, weight counts (though admittedly, not as much here as with other equipment). Lighter-weight materials typically suggest a tradeoff with durability, but experience also tells us that there is a middle ground.

For full-length models, the Outdoor Research Helium Tall lives up to its name. The waterproof nylon shell is super lightweight, making it great for shoulder seasons where the ground is sloppy from snowmelt or rain but the air temperatures might be warmer, meaning you need less insulation.

We tested some sub-one-ounce products as well: the Dirty Girl performs really well, with the Altra Trail weighing even less at a scant one-half ounce per foot — an addition that is barely noticeable whether you are wearing them or carrying them in a pocket or backpack.

How to Choose the Best Gaiters for You

Luckily, buying a pair of gaiters is fairly straightforward. Most have the same basic design and are easy to use. So if you're worried about how to pick the perfect model, relax. Here are the first few things you should consider:

Conclusion

Regardless of what you use them for, a good pair of gaiters will keep your feet comfortable and keep things out of your footwear, allowing you to stay on course, no matter the terrain. There are various options out there, from mountaineering highs to trail running lows and a lot in between. We hope our tests and ratings help you choose the best pair for your next adventure.