When you’re out there in the wild doing some hunting, there is perhaps nothing more irritating than rocks, pebbles, water, and other kinds of foreign objects getting into your hiking boots. When you’re trying to focus on making the most accurate shot, the last thing you want to even think about is how soaked your socks are or how much the dirt in your shoe is annoying you. Getting the right pair of gaiters for hunting can be the solution to those problems. In a nutshell, gaiters are the perfect hunting accessory for unpredictable conditions. They cover the lower parts of your legs and boots and help to keep your feet dry. It also prevents those annoying objects from entering your boots so that you can simply concentrate on the hunt.
There are a number of factors that go into what makes the best hunting gaiters. We’ll focus on a few key characteristics in our review of the best gaiters for hunting. Most notably, we’ll take a look at each gaiter’s size, its color, the material it is composed of, how heavy it is, and its fastening.
In the research, we’ve examined various products and identified ten best leg gaiters for hunting on the market. We’ve spent hours combing through tons of material online from the original manufacturer’s websites to product pages and customer reviews so you could make your pick that fits all your needs. Continue reading and you will find detailed reviews of each product and our buying guide, which can help you to find the answers to any lingering questions you may still have and to determine the right pair of gaiters for you.
More features: waterproof, breathable, abrasion-resistant, windproof, laminated, lightweight
One of the best hunting gaiters is Outdoor Research’s Crocodile Gaiters. Made with 100% Gore-Tex nylon material, these gaiters come in sizes ranging from Small to XXL.
They are great for all kinds of weather conditions, including rain or snow and will help to ensure that your feet stays dry. The fastening on these gaiters are simple boot straps that are sturdy and adjustable and provide proper breathability for your feet.
Since they are made of some high-quality materials, gaiters are completely noiseless as you walk in them. The only thing you should keep in mind is the size. Check it carefully because the gaiters may appear to be a bit larger than you expect. However, that shouldn’t deter you from purchasing these gaiters that are incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and are very affordable.
More features: great metatarsal protection, perfect air circulation, water-repellant coatings, fang venom protection
Another outstanding pair gaiters for hunting is the Crackshot Snake Guardz. They do an excellent job of protecting you from snakes. Highly durable gaiters made of Cordura fabric, they come in sizes ranging from Small to XXXL.
The plastic material helps to cover your shoelaces to prevent them from tangling. It may seem to be a bit stiff and uncomfortable to use at first. But it does help to fend off snakes, and it gets easier to use once you break them in. These gaiters also come in a variety of different colors allowing you to blend in with your terrain when you hunt.
With the weight of 11 ounces, these gaiters are in the middle of the weight scale and aren’t heavy but aren’t light either. There is one primary fastening buckle, and it prevents the gaiter from riding up your leg, keeping your leg protected all the time from snake bites.
More features: all-season gaiter, machine washable, lifetime lasting design, weatherproof, Active Particle technology maintains optimal body temperature
The First Lite Brambler Gaiters are an amazing option for both hot and cold seasons. For elk hunting, these gaiters are perfect because they are made from your standard Cordura nylon and polyester, which provide it with a wonderful design that is not too heavy. The fabric has Active Particle technology that grants these gaiters extra breathability while also maintaining waterproof functions.
They come in five different colors, allowing you to blend in with the terrain, so you will become invisible to elks. They have adjustable straps on the calf area that fit pretty tight.
In terms of length, these gaiters could be a bit longer to cover the shoelaces to prevent tangling and increasing waterproof effectiveness.
More features: ultra-durable & abrasion resistant, anti-tear fabric, protects your lower legs and apparel from mud, snow, rain and brush
The Vinqliq Gaiters are sleek, lightweight, and waterproof, so they can be used during all seasons and for all purposes. First of all, these gaiters are made of three-dimensional nylon material that is fully waterproof. It only comes in black color with the sizes from Small to Large. The nylon fabric is abrasion and tear-resistant and helps to keep your legs protected from rain, snow, and brush.
It sports a dual locking system, one for the front of the gaiter and the other at the top that is secured by a Velcro zipper and strap.
Because of its lightweight and sleek design, it can tend to fit quite tight around the leg, which might be very beneficial for you if you intend on hunting for long hours. However, the nylon can create some noise when you move, so you have to be especially cautious around animals. Despite this, it has a remarkably low price, given its lightweight and high-quality design.
More features: waterproof, breathable Stormblocker membrane, high durability, snow and ice protection
The Kenetrek Hunting Gaiters are noted for their durability and that they are absolutely noiseless when you walk or run in them. You can stay stealthy and protected at the same time, which is why this pair of hunting gaiters is perfect.
These gaiters come in sizes ranging from medium to XL and sport four different colors to help you blend in with the terrain. They feature a Stormblocker membrane, preventing the wet rain and snow from coming in, while also providing breathability. They have a distinct contour design which means they will fit quite comfortably over any type of boots.
There are adjustable top web straps with buckles, which keep the gaiters in place as well as under-boot leather straps secure them. However, they can get worn out if you frequently hunt.
More features: protects your lower legs and apparel from mud, rain, snow and brush, waterproof and durable, water resistant zipper
The Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiters is another solid option for hunting. Made predominantly from Cordura nylon, these gaiters use three layers of materials including tear-resistant materials that are designed and built to protect you from mud, brush, and rain.
Only coming in black color, these gaiters come in sizes ranging from XS to XL. The zipper runs vertically on the gaiter, allowing you to secure them easily. There are a stirrup and hook that attaches the gaiter to your shoelaces, and that are adjustable. There’s also an adjustable buckle that secures each gaiter to your upper calf. Although this provides the snug fit, some people may find it a bit hard to put on.
Lastly, these gaiters are also quite light in weight at 10.6 ounces which is perfect for a long day of hunting.
More features: internal ladder lock strap system, 3-layer GORE-Tex and elastic bottom
The SITKA Gear Men’s Stormfront GTX Gaiter provides over the calf protection for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts when traversing rugged environments. This durable and rugged gaiter is made with a 3-layer GORE-TEX design to keep out the moisture. The cuffs are elasticated and a lock strap system helps to reduce your noise profile when moving across rocks and loose terrain.
These gaiters are primarily made with 100% polyester and are machine washable. They are laced up and a locking buckle at the top keeps them in place when walking. The GORE-TEX layers ensure that the gaiters are breathable which helps to keep your feet dry from internal and external moisture.
The exact length of the gaiter that you need will vary on your size and specialized concealment patterns are available. All STIKA products are manufactured to exacting standards and the Stormfront GTX Gaiter is no exception. This gaiter will perform well under any normal hiking or hunting conditions and the pattern works well to hamper the vision of any game. The low profile ladder really does reduce noise levels which could be dangerous for casual hikers. Those not hunting will need to make noise in other ways if they don’t want to unexpectedly disturb animals.
More features: options with storage bags available, snake protection, flexible, comfortable, and reversible
TurtleSkin is one of the premier companies that produce some of the best snake-proof gaiters, and this option is just that. Unlike some other gaiters, these ones come with a one-size-fits-all for both men and women. These gaiters are water-resistant and ultra-lightweight. This comes in handy when you’re out there hunting for long periods of time, and you don’t want these gaiters to tire you out.
These gaiters are durable, flexible, and made of very strong ballistic fibers and polyester materials. It only comes in a khaki, sage, or khaki-sage hybrid colors.
While it does have a zipper, it, unfortunately, does not have a boot or strap fastener so you will have to weave your laces through on the tongue. You’ll want to tie it down or else this gaiter will ride up your leg and you’ll lose some protection.
More features: abrasion/puncture resistant, waterproof/windproof & breathable, 2mm inner layer
The Kryptek Petra Gaiters are extremely sturdy and lightweight. They are also quite durable and can offer you amazing water and wind resistance. The sizes from S to XL are available with just the one highlander color, which will make you disappear in with the similar-looking landscape.
These gaiters are ultra-light because they are made of 500D Cordura with a polyurethane coating that does a wonderful job from preventing punctures and abrasions. The durable nylon boot straps can withstand anything and keep the gaiters fastened to your legs.
At the top of the gaiters are adjustable cords, which you can tighten it or loosen as you prefer. Nevertheless, some people state that it can get loose after using them a few times.
More features: durable, water resistant and breathable, keep dirt, twigs, scree and snow out of your footwear
If the terrain that you are going hunting in is not very treacherous at all, you might want to consider mid-calf gaiters. The pair of Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters is an astonishing example of lightweight mid-calf gaiters for hunting that can keep dirt and water out of your footwear.
It rides high enough where you’ll need a little protection but won’t help you against large amounts of snow. It has sizes from S to XL and features just the black color. These nylon gaiters have instep hooks which, according to some users, are not very durable.
There are no straps or buckles at the top of the gaiters to secure them in place. Rather, they only have tough elastic bands to close them off. Due to these are only mid-calf gaiters, they are very light, and you will hardly even notice that you’re wearing them.
With the information from this list, you should have an excellent understanding of the core features of hunting gaiters. Still, there are so many options on the market, and it can be really hard to find the best product. Picking the right pair of gaiters for hunting is essential because it can protect your leg from dirt, rocks, water and snow while you are busy tracking down the prey. That is why we wish to discuss all the important factors and nuances below so you could make your final decision.
First of all, if you’re hunting in wet, windy or snowy weather conditions and there is mud on the ground, you’ll definitely want something to help keep your legs dry. This is why you’ll definitely want to find waterproof gaiters. They are able to help you save the temperature balance warding off the potential frostbites. The gaiters should be thick enough to protect your legs from rocks too.
If you’re hunting in more of a drier climate, you’ll want snake-proof gaiters for hunting. Having gaiters that can withstand snake bites and attacks can go a long way to helping you stay out hunting for longer while worrying less about snakes. And finally, buying gaiters is just a great way to keep your legs protected from any other hazards that you may not be aware of. Having that peace of mind can go a long way to being a successful hunter.
So, what should you focus on when you’re looking for the best gaiters for hunting? The answer really depends on your hunting needs. You should think about the size because some gaiters can fit a bit tighter than others, and this can significantly reduce your walking distance. There is a variety of colors to stay invisible to animals. Different materials offer different levels of protection, resistances and breathability. The fastening types influence the comfort and how the gaiters fit. The weight of the gaiters vary as well, and if they are heavy, it is an impediment to your hunting. As you can see, there are many factors that go into choosing the best gaiter for hunting, and it just ultimately depends on your preferences.
As we’ve already mentioned, not every pair of gaiters comes in all shapes and sizes. There really is no standard when it comes to the sizes that each company offers. Thus, you’ll have to check the manufacturers’ descriptions of the products. Another place to learn more about the sizing of gaiters is customer product reviews. More often than not, customers will give a thorough review of the gaiter and will let you know their shoe size and how that particular size of gaiters fit them. Reading customers’ feedback is also a great source of information for how loose or tight the gaiters can be around your calf or leg. Sometimes it is possible to find the perfect size of gaiters, but it’s better to check it before you buy them.
Not all gaiters come in the same color, but many of the colors are more beneficial than others, especially when you are hunting because it requires an element of surprise. As we’ve shown you, many of the gaiters come in camouflaged colors that help you to blend in well with your terrain and landscape and help you stay invisible to animals. This gives your prey a false sense of security because the animals can’t make out the distinct color that some of the other gaiters have (for example, a solid black color).
If you need a decent level of stealth, then you’ll want to find the best gaiter that has a color or mix of colors that will help you stay hidden. If you don’t need gaiters that require this stealth mode, then it’s just a matter of choosing a gaiter that is comfortable for you, irrespective of its color.
Even though each pair of gaiters is made of different materials, we do see some trends among the manufacturers. Many models we reviewed were constructed of strong and tough Cordura nylon fiber that adds water resistance to the gaiters. We also noticed that the materials used in the gaiters tend to be very breathable and allow the sweat to leave them. Lastly, the noise that the materials and fabrics make can vary as well. Some gaiters, like the Kenetrek Hunting Gaiters are completely noiseless compared to many competitors despite the fact that most of them are made of nylon materials.
Finding gaiters that cut down on the noise will greatly improve your chances at hunting down your prey.
Aside from gaiters functionality, it will definitely be more beneficial for you if it can slip into them and take them off rather easily. For the most part, gaiters are quite easy to put on, and most of them are kept in the place usually either by a vertical zipper or Velcro. Aside from that, gaiters like the Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiters and the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters have buckles and straps at the top of the gaiter to secure it in place, while others like the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters use elastic bands to secure the gaiter around your leg. What really matters is that you should find a gaiter that has a fastening that is comfortable for you and your hunting needs because you won’t want to go out there with a gaiter that is going to start riding up your leg or is not very secure.
When it comes to the weight of the gaiter itself, as we saw in the top 10 of the best gaiters for hunting, they are all different. Despite this, what really matters is your level of comfort with the weight of the gaiters. If you want more protection and the weight doesn’t bother you, you should consider a gaiter like the 11-ounce Crackshot Snake Guardz. But, if you know you’ll be out there hunting for many hours, you don’t want to get tired and want to find something a bit lighter like the 7.4-ounce Vinqliq Gaiters.
Whatever gaiter you’re looking, just be mindful and realistic of how long you will be out hunting and whether you think the weight of the gaiter will impede your hunting abilities or not.
The simple name of the game when it comes to finding the best gaiters for hunting is that you’re protected. When you spend most of your hunting day walking and stalking your prey, you want to make sure you’re protected from everything. Things like rain, snow, brush, and mud should not get in your footwear so that your feet can stay dry. Thus, you’ll want the best waterproof gaiters for hunting and ones that have sturdy material to prevent them from any abrasions and punctures. Moreover, you can face many snakes that can try to attack you if you occasionally disturb them so you’ll want to be protected from them too. In finding the best snake-proof gaiters for hunting, you should look for gaiters that use strong materials and plates.
Like any purchase that requires a bit of thought, the price can be a big factor. Most of the gaiters in our list can protect your legs well and are made of durable and sturdy materials that provide water resistance and comfort. Thus, there can be a wide range of prices, starting from as low as $26.99 for the Vinqliq Gaiters to $172.99 for the TurtleSkin Snake Gaiters. While the price difference is significant, it represents how much you can expect to pay for gaiters. If the quality of the gaiter is the most important factor for you, you should be ready that gaiters that will suit your hunting needs will cost more. If price sensitivity is key for you, we recommend you the aforementioned Vinqliq Gaiters as our top budget pick.
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Hopefully, the information and the products shown on our list was helpful. We have shown you many different models. Some of them are perfect for being totally noiseless, while others can offer you incredible protection and comfort. While we’ve picked our top ten of them, we’ll highlight our three favorites.
The first is our editor’s choice pick, the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters. This pair of hunting gaiters is the complete package when it comes to longevity, premium quality composition, lightweight design, a wide variety of sizes, and its overall value demonstrated in its price.
Our second pick is the Crackshot Snake Guardz. Many hunters love this model because of its incredible durability, perfect snake bite protection, and air circulation.
Last but not least is the First Lite Brambler Gaiters. These are the best gaiters for elk hunting due to the variety of colors and its sturdy design.
