10 Best Hiking Gaiters In 2021

Lightweight and breathable yet high and tough enough to protect against rain, snow, mud, dirt, and debris, the Outdoor Research Men’s Rocky Mountain high gaiters are the best hiking gaiters for all conditions. They have what it takes to keep you protected when trudging through deep snow and rugged terrain but are still comfortable when the weather is warm.

The leg panel is made of 420D packcloth nylon fabric that's incredibly resistant to abrasion. As for compatibility, the Rocky Mountain high gaiters fit over all shoe types and even feel comfortable against bare skin when hiking in shorts. For a secure fit and easy on and off, these gaiters feature a Hypalon instep cord, reinforced lace hooks, and a buckle and hook and loop closure.

The mid-calf version of the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain gaiters is the best hiking gaiter for low to mid-weight hiking through talus, sand, wet brush, and light snow. With an elastic top and bottom, they fit snug to keep out dirt, twigs, scree, and snow out of your hiking boots. 

Like the high gaiters version above, they are made of a 420D packcloth that's lightweight and breathable yet very durable in abrasive conditions. For a pleasant user experience, the gaiters are finished with a reinforced bootlace hook, a Hypalon instep strap, easy-access hook-and-loop, and tabs.

Affordable yet offering excellent protection and abrasion resistance, the Unigear top rated gaiters for hiking provide unbeatable value for money. Featuring a 1000mm waterproof membrane, they are ideal for cold and wet weather hikes as they provide top-notch protection against water, rain, snow, mud, wind, sand, and insects.

The lower legs of the Unigear are made of a rugged 600D polyester with superior abrasion and tear resistance, and the TPU instep straps can withstand temperatures as low as (-35℃/-31℉). The finishing touches include an adjustable buckle strap on top and bottom and an adjustable instep strap. Finally, the gaiters fold down flat for portability.

The best waterproof gaiters for tromping through extremely wet or snowy conditions are the REI Co-op Mountaineer GTX trekking gaiters. The breathable/waterproof GORE-TEX fabric they are constructed with does a superb job of deflecting rain, snow, scree, dirt,  and debris.  

Furthermore, the 3-layer Gore Tex fabric is rugged enough to handle any terrain and is reinforced at the ankles to protect you from sticks, rocks, and crampons. And, with a feature set composed of a full-length hook-and-loop opening, adjustable webbing straps, lace hooks, and nylon webbing instep straps, you can rest assured the GTX is user-friendly on the trails.

With their ultralight and low-profile design, the Salomon Trail low backpacking gaiters are perfect for hiking in dry conditions. The tough fabric wraps around the ankle and protects your ankles from abrasive elements. 

The fit is comfortably snug. Thanks to an elastic jersey fabric, a hook and loop closure, and a Hypalon under-strap, these ankle gaiters create a tight seal against dirt, dust, and gravel.

Featuring three layers of a water repellent polyurethane coating with a 5000mm waterproof rating, the Qshare high gaiter is one of the best waterproof gaiters. Where you will be hiking in the rain or through snow, mud, or puddles, you can count on it to keep your feet bone dry. Made of 420D nylon, these are ultralight gaiters yet tough enough to protect your legs from bushes, thorns, rocks, and insect bites.  

As for features, the gaiters come with Velcro hook and loop tabs at the bottom, an adjustable top strap and instep straps, and a bootlace hook. Other things you will love about the Qshare gaiters is that they are noise-free and fold down nicely.

Made of a sturdy and thick 600D oxford cloth, the Hpory backpacking gaiters grant excellent protection against mud, ticks, thorns, and sand. This fabric is waterproof so it blocks water, snow, rain, mud, and wind while still being breathable and comfortable when it gets warm.

With a front opening velcro, hook and loop tabs, adjustable buckles, and an elastic string at the top, the Hpory gaiters are very convenient to use. Furthermore, they fold up easily into the carrying case they come in.

Designed for alpine ascents, the Hillsound's Super Armadillo Nano mountaineering gaiter is one of the most technical gaiters you will come across. This means it can handle any terrain you throw at it.

It features an abrasion and puncture-resistant SuperFabric to protect against crampons, scree, and brush, dirt and water-resistant NanoSphere coating, and a windproof and waterproof Schoeller C_Change upper material. Unlike most other hiking gaiters, the Super Armadillo has a waterproof YKK zipper closure in addition to a lace hoop.

Made of 1000D nylon and featuring a waterproof membrane and a DWR coating, the Hillsound Armadillo LT waterproof gaiters are also technical gaiters of exceptional quality and suitable for extreme conditions.

However, the best thing about this pair is how lightweight it is. It will protect you from snow, mud, moisture, and debris without weighing you down even on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. The closure is via a YKK waterproof zipper and a bootlace hook.

Thanks to an 18% spandex composition, the Altra hiking, and backpacking gaiters will fit snugly over your hiking shoes or boots and keep out dust, sand, and small pebbles.

The material also has an excellent lightweight and breathable properties, which guarantee a comfortable experience on the trails. As for features, the Altra trail running gaiters have a Velcro closure and hooks for laces.