Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Gaiter

For summer time hiking I used to think that a pair of gaiters was over the top. Now I usually don't  go out without them. As fast as easy as they are to put on makes it well worth the effort and saves all kinds of time having to stop and remove the stones from my shoes and try and pull the stickers from my socks. If you go off trail at all they are worthwhile to have and of course completely appropriate as well for hiking in wet & muddy conditions or snowshoeing in winter.

I use a pair of Outdoor Research Flex-Tex gaiters and have owned a couple pairs. The stretchy fabric fits to your footwear easily and they close up with Velcro, have a front hook and nylon lace that runs underneath to hold them down. If you cover a lot of ground the lace will start to wear out but is replaceable and there is a good trick to extend it's life which we will touch on in a later post.

Outdoor Research also makes their Rocky Mountain Low gaiter which seem to be about the same size but not made out of stretchable fabric.

Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Low Gaiter Excellent for day hikes on damp days and cross-country ski shoes during snowy dumps, these Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Low Gaiters feature a Spandura fabric that stretches to mold over your boot and shoe contours. A 1-in. wide Velcro closure in front helps keep everything attached although you can use the boot lace hook to minimize tight-fit tension. The included nylon instep laces withstand plenty of wear through several seasons.

	Outdoor Research Men's Rocky Mtn Low Gaiters List Price: $27.00

	Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Low Gaiter List Price: $29.95