By Dylan Murphy
Best Gaiters for Snowshoeing
When you go out snowshoeing, you want to make sure that your feet are well protected from water and snow, and sometimes having a good pair of snowshoeing boots isn’t enough to completely cover you. Fortunately, gaiters can help provide that needed protection.
Gaiters cover the top of your boots and keep snow from entering them when you go snowshoeing. Gaiters also shield your legs when they brush against rough terrain features, such as bushes and rocks.
Furthermore, gaiters also provide waterproofing and protection from the elements, so your feet don’t get wet and cold.
A pair of excellent gaiters are indeed good to have.
In this guide, we present seven of the best gaiters for snowshoeing available on the market. We also answer some frequently asked questions, and at the end of the article, we provide our recommendations for the best snowshoeing gaiters from our list.
Comparison Table
| Gaiter | Material | Height | Waterproofing | Closure Type | Foot Straps | Weight (per pair) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outdoor Research Crocodile GORE-TEX Gaiters | 70D 3-layer Gore-Tex nylon upper; 1000D Cordura nylon lower w/ packcloth nylon lining | Knee-height (17 in.) | Gore-Tex waterproof breathable laminate | Hook-and-loop at the bottom; nylon webbing straps at the top w/ cam buckles | BioThane webbing instep straps w/ buckles | 10.2 oz | $$$$ |
Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiters | 3-layer Pertex Shield 70D nylon ripstop upper; 500D Cordura nylon lower | Knee-height (16 in.) | Pertex Shield waterproof breathable laminate | Hook-and-loop at the bottom; nylon webbing straps at the top w/ cam buckles | Hypalon instep straps w/ buckles and loops | 7.3 oz | $$ |
RAB Muztag GTX Gaiter | 40D Gore-Tex Pro upper; 300D nylon lower w/ PU coating | Knee-height (16.5 in.) | Gore-Tex Pro | zipless hook-and-loop front closure; single-handed drawcord upper hem adjustment | TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) underfoot straps w/ internal adjustment system | 7.3 oz | $$$ |
Black Diamond Apex GTX Gaiter | Gore-Tex membrane upper; 2-layer 600D abrasion guard | Over-the-calf | 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane | Hook-and-loop Velcro clasp; webbed closure at the top w/ slide-release buckle | Neoprene-coated instep strap w/ adjustment buckle dials | 8.1 oz | $$$ |
| REI Co-op Backpacker Low Gaiters | Nylon upper; nylon lower | Mid-calf (9.25 in.) | 3-layer waterproof and breathable fabric | Hook-and-loop; adjustable webbing straps w/ quick-release buckles | Rugged nylon webbing instep straps w/ ladder lock and loops | 6.5 oz. | $$ |
Kahtoola LEVAgaiter Tall GTX | 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric upper; 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric | Mid-calf (13.5 in.) | 3-layer Gore-Tex | Asymmetrical Aquaguard zippers; elasticized drawcord w/ toggle lock at the top | TPU instep strap | 4.6 oz. | $$$$ |
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters | 420D nylon packcloth upper; 420D nylon packcloth lower | Mid-calf (9.5 in.) | Nylon | Hook-and-loop front closure w/ hook-and-loop tabs at the top and bottom | Hypalon instep straps w/ buckles and loops | 4.8 oz. | $ |
Product Reviews
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
If you are looking for gaiters that offer excellent durability, waterproofing, and breathability, then look no further than the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters, as it is one of the best ones available on the market. The Outdoor Crocodile has an upper made of 70D 3-layer Gore-Tex nylon. The Gore-Tex material provides waterproofing, protects you from rain and snow, keeps you dry, is made to be highly durable to last a long time, and has high breathability.
The lower part of the gaiters, on the other hand, is made of very tough 1000D Cordura nylon lined with packcloth nylon. The Cordura material is highly resistant to abrasions and tears for when the gaiters rub against rocks, low bushes, or your snowshoe crampons. These hiking gaiters are also tapered at the ankle to minimize the amount of fabric your snowshoe crampons may scruff against.
The Outdoor Crocodile gaiters have a hook-and-loop closure that is two inches wide and is found at the bottom part; this type of closure system allows you to easily adjust for varying boot sizes. Nylon webbing straps 0.75 inches wide with low-profile cam buckles are used to secure the top part.
These snowshoeing gaiters use rugged triple-bartacked BioThane webbing straps with buckles to secure the instep; an extra tab holds down the front opening, and the webbing straps are replaceable, which can be convenient in the case that they get damaged. These gaiters also provide excellent coverage, having a height of 17 inches – the highest on our list.
A downside to the Outdoor Crocodile is that they are relatively heavy, weighing 10.2 ounces per pair. Also, this pair of gaiters come at a somewhat higher price range, but for the excellent features offered, these snowshoeing gaiters should be well worth it.
Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiters
Another excellent choice for well-rounded best snowshoeing gaiters is the Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiters. A 3-layer Pertex Shield 70D nylon ripstop makes up the upper part of these gaiters and has a lightweight construction, is waterproof and windproof, and is breathable. These hiking gaiters also have excellent coverage, having a height of 16 inches, so you can be sure you’re protected from both debris and the elements.
The lower part of the Outdoor Verglas is made of 500D Cordura nylon and is very durable, and is highly resistant to abrasions, tears, and scruffs. The lower has a higher rise on the ankle portion to better protect from water, snow, and other debris entering your snowshoeing boots. A low-profile leg shape also helps to reduce snagging when hiking in the backcountry.
This pair of gaiters have a hook-and-loop closure type that accommodates different snow boot sizes, with a front part easily opens so users can quickly take them off or put them on. 0.75-inch-wide nylon webbing straps secure the top portion with low-profile cam buckles; they prevent snow and other debris from entering your snowshoeing boots while keeping the gaiters from slipping down your legs.
Double-riveted boot lace hooks also help to keep the gaiters in place by grabbing onto the laces of your snowshoe boots. For securing the instep part, Hypalon instep straps are employed, which are durable and easily adjustable. A plus side to these hiking gaiters is that they are easily packable, convenient for when you plan to go snowshoeing.
A downside to the Outdoor Verglas is that they have a relatively more oversized fit than your actual foot size, so you might want to get a pair that is one size down for a better fit.
RAB Muztag GTX Gaiter
The RAB Muztag GTX Gaiter has one of the best materials to provide excellent rain and snow protection These gaiters have an upper made of 40D Gore-Tex Pro, which gives a higher performance than regular Gore-Tex used by other gaiters; Gore-Tex Pro is made to have more outstanding durability and provide better protection than Gore-Tex while still being breathable enough.
The RAB Muztag has a tough 300D nylon lower that protects abrasion and impacts from rough terrain, rocks, ice, and crampon spikes. The lower also has a polyurethane (PU) coating for waterproofing. These hiking gaiters have a tall height of 16.5 inches, giving you great coverage.
A zipless hook-and-loop front closure is employed to keep the gaiters’ bottom secure; an elasticized ankle feature also helps keep the gaiters from snagging. On the other hand, a drawcord with a single-handed adjustment is conveniently used to secure the top part.
An abrasion-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane underfoot strap is used to secure the gaiter to the foot portion; an internal adjustment system makes it possible to attach to different boot sizes. Also, a minimized seam construction helps to make these snowshoe gaiters more lightweight and feel more comfortable; the gaiters weigh 7.3 ounces per pair.
A downside to the RAB Muztag is that they might still not fit larger-footed people with the available sizes. Also, the drawcord might not be taut enough to secure the top portion of the gaiters.
Black Diamond Apex GTX Gaiter
The Black Diamond Apex GTX Gaiter has one of the most durable material compositions for the lower on our list. Its double-layer 600D abrasion guard provides excellent protection when the gaiters rub against rocks, crampon spikes, ice, and other rough terrain features.
The Black Diamond Apex makes use of a durable 3-layer Gore-Tex membrane for its upper, providing waterproofing and breathability while preventing snow, rocks, and other debris from entering your boots. These snowshoeing gaiters have an over-the-calf height, providing suitable coverage, while it weighs 8.1 ounces per pair.
This pair of gaiters make use of a hook-and-loop Velcro front closure for an easier time taking off or putting on the gaiters. For the top, a webbed closure type is used with slide-release buckles for convenience. As for the instep, a high-density neoprene-coated instep strap is used with nickel-plated adjustment buckle dials – both features are made to be highly durable, so your gaiters last long and never slip off.
A plus to the Black Diamond Apex is that it has a manufacturer’s warranty of one year. A downside to it is that the available sizes might not be able to fit larger-footed people.
REI Co-op Backpacker Low Gaiters
If you’re looking to go snowshoeing in a more relaxed manner and don’t plan on venturing into areas with deep snow, then the REI Co-op Backpacker Low Gaiters will fit you well. These gaiters have a mid-calf height of 9.25 inches, so they’re not too short that snow and other debris might get into your snowshoe boots, but not too unnecessarily high so that they are relatively lighter and comfortable. Also, this pair of snowshoe gaiters have a mid-weight of 6.5 ounces.
The REI Co-op Backpacker Gaiters comprises waterproof, breathable stretch nylon fabric that keeps out rain, snow, mud, rocks, and other debris from your boots when you go out snowshoeing in the backcountry. While both the upper and lower make use of the same nylon fabric, an extra-rugged material is used for the ankle area to protect against abrasions and tears caused by brushing against rocks, ice, and crampon spikes. Also, a 3-layer waterproof and breathable fabric helps to keep out moisture.
A hook-and-loop closure type is used to secure the top part of these snowshoeing gaiters; adjustable webbing straps with quick-release buckles make it easier to put the gaiters on or take them off. Hooks are used for the bottom and allow for different types of footwear. And, for the instep closure, rugged nylon webbing instep straps are used; an accompanying ladder lock and loops allow for easy adjustment of the strap length.
A downside to the REI Co-op Backpacker Gaiters is that the adjustment features of the instep straps might work properly and can result in the instep straps being rigid instead.
Kahtoola LEVAgaiter Tall GTX
One of the most lightweight snowshoeing gaiters available on the market is the Kahtoola LEVAgaiter Tall GTX, which weighs only 4.6 ounces. Not only do you have an easier time moving around in the snow, but these hiking gaiters are also highly packable, are easy to carry around, and make it convenient to put them away when not in use.
The Kahtoola LEVAgaiter uses a 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric for both the upper and lower, providing excellent protection from rain and snow and is very durable, breathable, and packable. This pair of gaiters have a mid-calf height of 13.5 inches, providing modest coverage from the elements and preventing snow, mud pebbles, and other debris from entering your snowshoeing boots.
For securing these snowshoe gaiters, asymmetrical Aquaguard zippers are used; the asymmetrical configuration makes sure that the zippers don’t rub against your ankle bones when you move but provides increased comfort instead. The zipper slider also folds down and locks to prevent unzipping. And, at the top, an elasticized drawcord with a toggle lock keeps the elements from entering.
Durable thermoplastic polyurethane material is used for the instep straps, so the belts last long. They are also adjustable and fit a variety of snowshoe boot sizes.
A downside to the Kahtoola LEVAgaiter is that it has a relatively higher price range. Also, the zippers might be a bit difficult to pull up, which can cause some inconvenience.
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters
If you are on a budget and are looking for an affordable pair of quality snowshoe gaiters, then look no further than the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters. These gaiters not only have a relatively low price point but are also very lightweight, weighing only 4.8 ounces.
Both the upper and lower of the Outdoor Rocky Mountain are made of 420D nylon packcloth, which is water-resistant, has very high abrasion resistance, and is breathable and lightweight. These gaiters have a mid-calf height of 9.5 inches, making them more suitable for lighter hiking than deeper snow.
A one-inch-wide hook-and-loop closure system is employed to secure the gaiters, making them easy to wear and take off. The top and bottom have snug-fitting elastic edges with hook-and-loop tabs that keep debris such as sticks, snow, mud, and rocks out of these gaiters. A durable Hypalon instep strap along with reinforced boot lace hooks are used to secure the foot part.
A downside to the Outdoor Rocky Mountain is that the nylon packcloth is not fully waterproof, so you might not want to have prolonged exposure to wet conditions to make sure you stay dry. Still, at the price these gaiters are at, they are well worth considering.
FAQs
Are gaiters good for snowshoeing?
Gaiters are good for snowshoeing, especially when you go into areas with deeper snow. Without gaiters, water and snow can enter your snowshoe boots, resulting in your feet getting wet and feeling cold, which can be an uncomfortable experience. Gaiters help to prevent such situations from happening.
What are gaiters used for when snowshoeing?
Gaiters are a type of gear used to keep snow, rocks, mud, twigs, and other kinds of debris from entering your boots when you go snowshoeing. Gaiters also help prevent moisture from entering your boots, get to your feet, and shield your legs from rough terrain features.
Do snow gaiters work?
The most important factors to consider when determining whether a pair of snow gaiters do their job are material, height, and closure system. The gaiters should be made of durable and waterproof material, have a suitable size for proper coverage, and have a secure closure system so that snow and other debris cannot readily enter them.
What are the best gaiters?
The best gaiters have excellent waterproofing, such as Gore-Tex, which is comprised of highly durable material and provides high resistance to abrasion and tears, offers a secure closure type that is also easy to use, and has durable instep straps, and are relatively lightweight.
What size gaiters should I get?
What size gaiters you should get will depend on where you plan to go hiking and in what conditions. If you plan to go snowshoeing in relatively mid to deep snow, then your gaiters should be at least calf-height or taller. High gaiters are best suited to rough conditions or where snow and the elements are a concern.
If you plan to snowshoe in shallower snow or even go backpacking or trail running, then ankle-height gaiters should be suitable for you. Low gaiters are best used in less extreme environments and where weather conditions are fairer.
How do I put on gaiters?
The following are three simple steps you can follow to put on a pair of gaiters:
- Step into your gaiter with your heel first. Make sure you position the gaiters such that the closure system is facing the front.
- Wrap your gaiter around your leg and fasten the front closure. If your gaiter has a bootlace hook present, loop the laces of your snowshoe boot through it. Then secure the top and bottom closures.
- Adjust the length of your instep straps, so they fit your snowshoe boots. Then secure the straps tightly, but not too tight, so your feet don’t feel too constricted.
Conclusion
The best snowshoeing gaiters when it comes to well-roundedness are the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters. These hiking gaiters are composed of a 3-layer Gore-Tex material that provides excellent durability, waterproofing, and breathability. Also, their tall height of 17 inches provides broad coverage against the elements. Cordura material gives high resistance to abrasions and tears while securing the gaiters is made easy with a convenient hook-and-loop closure and durable BioThane webbing instep straps.
The best snowshoeing gaiters for those on a budget are the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters. Besides having a relatively low price point, this pair of gaiters is also very lightweight, weighing only 4.8 ounces. Snug-fitting elastic edges and hook-and-loop tabs at the top and bottom offer tight security. At the same time, durable Hypalon instep straps and reinforced boot lace hooks keep the gaiters latched well. Although the nylon packcloth material is not entirely waterproof, the price makes these gaiters worth considering.
For snowshoeing gaiters that offer the best waterproofing and protection from the elements, look no further than the RAB Muztag GTX Gaiter. The RAB Muztag uses Gore-Tex Pro material which has much higher performance than regular Gore-Tex, providing excellent protection from rain, wind, and snow. The RAB Muztag has a tough 300D nylon lower that protects abrasion and impacts and has a polyurethane (PU) coating for waterproofing. Having a tall height of 16.5 inches also help with providing excellent coverage.
Choosing your own pair of gaiters will come down to what features you prefer more than others. You might prioritize durability, height, budget, or something else. All of the gaiters on our list are excellent choices for snowshoeing, so you won’t go wrong with whichever one you choose from it.