Are Gaiters Worth it? Why I Wear Them.

Gaiters look ridiculous but improve comfort, safety, and performance on and off the trail.

After arriving recently at a trailhead to teach a class, the first thing I did — as usual — was swap my street shoes for the hiking boots I keep in the back of my Jeep. Then I reached for my gaiters, clipped them to my laces, and wrapped them around my lower legs.

There’s nothing glamorous about gaiters. They’re easy to overlook. But they quietly perform an important function, which is why I rarely head into the woods without them.

If you spend any real time outdoors — especially off-trail or on poorly maintained routes — they’re worth considering.

What Are Gaiters?

Gaiters are simply fabric — usually water-resistant and breathable — that wrap around your lower leg. They seal with hook-and-loop closures, attach to your boot laces, and close around your ankle, usually just above the ankle or just below the knee.

That’s it.

I’ll admit, I didn’t think much of gaiters for years. I thought they looked silly. Worse, I suspected they were just another item the outdoor industry had convinced people they “needed.”

After all, I am generally inclined to believe that the outdoor industry works hard to convince us to buy more gear and clothing that we don’t really need. Too much equipment can intimidate beginners and, worse, discourage people on tight budgets from getting outside.

But over time, gaiters proved their value.

Why I Wear Them

Here’s what changed my mind:

1. They keep debris out of my boots.

Dirt, gravel, and small stones have a way of slipping behind your heel and into your boots — especially off-trail. Gaiters dramatically reduce that irritation, which in turn reduces hot spots and blisters.

2. They prevent lace snags.

This sounds minor — until you’re wearing a heavy pack and catch a lace on brush or deadfall. Beyond convenience, fewer snags mean fewer tripping hazards. And frankly, it’s just a nuisance to keep stopping to retie your boots.

3. They add meaningful moisture protection.

Even “waterproof” boots eventually let moisture in. Gaiters add another barrier during wet brush, stream crossings, snow travel, or long days in steady rain.

4. They help retain warmth.

They aren’t insulated — but by keeping water and snow off the tops of your boots and lower pant legs, they help your feet stay warmer in cold conditions.

None of this is flashy. It’s simply practical.

A Brand I Trust

To be clear — neither True North nor I receive compensation for gear recommendations. We avoid even the appearance of bias. We recommend only what we use and trust.

The pair I’ve been wearing for the past four years is the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters. They’re on the higher end of the price spectrum — mine were about $89 — but this is only my second pair in 12 years. Considering I spend more than 200 days a year in the woods, that’s a solid return on investment.

That said, you don’t need to spend that much. Depending on your needs, many good options fall in the $25–$45 range.

A Backhanded Compliment

A year ago, I was providing land navigation training through our Mil-Nav Program to an Army SOF unit that included several Green Berets with decades of operational experience — and a low tolerance for anything impractical.

On the first morning, one of them noticed my gaiters and came over to poke fun at them. His wording was salty — I’ll spare you — but the message was clear: he thought they looked ridiculous. I agreed.

We laughed.

I explained why I wear them.

The next morning, he approached me again — this time quietly and almost apologetically. He admitted he had purchased a pair the night before after spending the day frustrated by underbrush snagging his laces.

We laughed again.

Final Thought

You may still look a little ridiculous wearing gaiters. Heck, I do.

But the outdoors doesn’t reward looking sharp — it rewards preparation, awareness, and practical decisions.

Often, it’s the small, unglamorous habits that make the biggest difference over time.

If you’re serious about spending more time off-trail and on — whether hiking, hunting, or developing land navigation skills — small details like this matter. They compound.

And if you want to build that kind of judgment — the ability to move confidently through unfamiliar terrain with the right equipment and mindset — take a look at our training programs at True North. Developing real outdoor competence isn’t about buying more gear. It’s about learning what actually works.

Consider giving gaiters a try.

Meet the Author

Erik Kulick, Founder & Chief Instructor

Erik is a Pennsylvania-certified EMS Instructor, Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine, and served in law enforcement. He works with individuals and groups across all skill levels -- from beginners to members of the SOF community. He's been featured in national and international media, including CNN, The Associated Press, Backpacker, and The Guardian.

To learn more about Erik, visit him on LinkedIn and be sure to follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.