How to Choose the Best Gaiters

Overview

When you’re trekking through New Zealand’s rugged backcountry or navigating wet and muddy paddocks, a good pair of gaiters can make all the difference. Gaiters act as the ultimate barrier between you and the elements—helping to keep out mud, water, stones, snow, and anything else that might interfere with your adventure. With so many styles and features, picking the right gaiters can be trickier than it sounds. While gaiters aren’t quite as technical as waterproof jackets or tents, for example, there are a few important things to consider. Let’s break down the essentials, so you know exactly what to look for before investing in a pair of gaiters.

Types of Gaiters

Not all gaiters are built the same. While they all essentially do the same thing, the design and durability you require will vary depending on what you’re using them for. Here’s a quick look at the main types of gaiters and how they stack up for different activities.

Hiking Gaiters

Hiking gaiters are designed for the all-around adventurer. They’re lightweight, flexible, durable, generally water-resistant, and made for all-day comfort when you’re putting in miles outdoors. These gaiters will stop sand, stones, grit and mud from creeping into your boots while keeping your lower legs dry. They also protect your legs from thorny scrub and sharp rocks.

Hunting Gaiters

Hunting gaiters are built for punishment and need to handle the toughest terrain and scrub. They tend to be built thicker and more abrasion-resistant, often with a higher cut for added protection from gorse, rocks, and debris. Hunting gaiters may also be made from a “silent” fabric for more stealth movement. They might not be as breathable as a lightweight hiking gaiter, but they’re well worth it if you’re a certified bush basher.

Farming Gaiters

Gaiters for farm use (also known as puttees) are typically water-resistant and designed to keep mud, water, and grass seeds out of your boots. These gaiters are built to last through constant movement in wet paddocks and work just as well in the backcountry. Farm gaiters are typically shorter in length as they’re designed for use in less rugged terrain. However, farmers can get away with using any style or length of gaiter—it really comes down to personal preference.

Snake Gaiters

Snake gaiters are the most durable gaiters you can get, designed to reduce the risk of snake bites. These gaiters are made from thick, tough materials that prevent snake fang penetration. While they’re probably overkill for most other scenarios, some hikers and hunters like snake gaiters for their durability and longevity. Read our Snake Gaiters Buyer’s Guide here.

Ultimately, while gaiters are designed with specific uses in mind, a good pair will be versatile enough for almost any scenario. Find the right type for your primary needs, and they’ll likely hold up across the board.

Check out Bushbuck's range of gaiters here

What to Look for in a Pair of Gaiters

When choosing gaiters, the devil’s in the details. Here are the top considerations to ensure you’re picking the right pair for your needs.

Best Fabrics and Materials for Gaiters

When considering fabrics and materials, make sure to check the thickness, usually given as denier (D) such as 300D, 500D etc. The higher the number, the thicker and more durable the material. Gaiters take a lot of punishment, so we recommend looking for fabrics that are 500D and up. There will be slight variances in durability between fabrics. Here are some of the most common fabrics for hiking gaiters and puttees:

Nylon: A lightweight, durable synthetic material often treated for water resistance. It's flexible, abrasion-resistant, and widely used in hiking gaiters for general-purpose protection and mobility.
Canvas: Known for its heavy-duty, rugged nature, canvas is a natural fabric that’s highly durable and breathable. It’s ideal for hunting and farming gaiters, where toughness against thorns, rocks, and mud is essential.
Cordura®: A specially engineered type of nylon that’s extremely durable and resistant to tearing and scuffing. Cordura® is frequently used in performance gaiters built for harsh, rugged terrains and heavy outdoor use.
Ripstop Fabric: This lightweight material is reinforced with a woven pattern to prevent tears and rips. Ripstop is often found in general-purpose gaiters, providing durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Gore-Tex: A waterproof, breathable membrane that keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape. Gore-Tex is ideal for gaiters in wet or variable conditions, offering complete waterproofing and breathability for all-weather use.
Tricot: A soft, quiet fabric often used as an outer layer in hunting gaiters. Tricot is prized for its “silent” properties, helping hunters move undetected by reducing rustling noise while maintaining durability and comfort.

Hiking Gaiter Features and Design

On the surface, hiking gaiters may look like a simple bit of kit. But there’s more than meets the eye. Here are the features to look out for when choosing a quality pair of gaiters for hiking, hunting, or working outdoors.

Height: Gaiters come in different lengths. Knee-high options provide the most protection, but ankle-high gaiters or puttees can be a good option for easier trails, warmer weather, or improved mobility. Our Canvas Farm Puttees, for example, are really popular with farmers.
Lightweight Design: Bulky gaiters can feel restrictive. You want gaiters to be lightweight, comfortable and tough so you can wear them all day without feeling hot and heavy.
Secure Fit: Look for zippers, buckles, Velcro, lace hooks, and snap closures that are easy to adjust but won’t come undone halfway up a hill.
Adjustability: Some gaiters have an adjustable strap at the top, allowing you to customise the fit around your calf for better protection and comfort.
Breathability: When you're hiking or working in warm weather, breathable gaiters make a real difference. Canvas and nylon generally offer decent breathability compared to other gaiter fabrics.
Underfoot Straps: Make sure the gaiters have durable, replaceable underfoot straps. These keep the gaiters in place and stop them from riding up your boots.
Water Resistance: Whether you’re crossing creeks or hiking through morning dew, water-resistant gaiters help keep your legs dry and comfortable. Look for gaiters that have water-resistance and are treated with a DWR for water-repellency.
Bash Pads: Bash pads around the ankle area help provide extra protection in high-wear areas and extend the life of your snake gaiters.
Silence: Some gaiters use a silent outer fabric to minimise noise when you’re out hunting.

How to Fit Your Gaiters

There’s no “one way” to put on your gaiters and it will depend on the type of gaiters you choose. However, most gaiters will be similar enough. These instructions are based on full-length gaiters similar to the Bushbuck Kayahan X Silent Gaiters. But you should be able to use these as a general guide for most hiking gaiters.

Open the Gaiters Fully Start by undoing the Velcro strip and any other closures, such as snaps or buckles, so the gaiters are fully open. This will allow you to wrap them around your legs instead of sliding them over your boots.
Position the Gaiter Around Your Boot and Leg Place the gaiter around your lower leg and boot, ensuring that the bottom edge aligns with the top of your boot. The hook (if there is one) should be positioned near the laces.
Attach the Hook to Your Boot Laces Secure the front hook to your boot laces, anchoring the gaiter in place. This step keeps the gaiter from shifting as you move.
Close the Velcro Strip Starting from the bottom, press the Velcro strip together, working your way up to the top of the gaiter. Ensure the closure is secure and even, with no gaps for debris or water to sneak in.
Fasten the Underfoot Strap Pass the underfoot strap beneath your boot and fasten it on the opposite side. Adjust the strap so it’s tight enough to keep the gaiter in place but not so tight that it digs into your foot.
Tighten the Top Cinch (if applicable) If the gaiters have a strap or cinch at the top, adjust it around your calf for a snug fit that will keep out dirt and water without being restrictive.
Test for Comfort and Security Take a few steps to make sure the gaiters are comfortable and staying securely in place. Check that they move naturally with your legs, with no pinching or shifting as you walk.

Can you wear gaiters over pants or trousers?

Yes, gaiters can be worn over the top of hiking pants to provide extra protection from scrub, rocks, mud, and dirt, especially if your trousers aren’t very heavy-duty. However, if you’re wearing waterproof pants in the rain, it’s best to wear your gaiters underneath. This prevents rain from running down your pants, under your gaiters, and into your boots. We find most people tend to use gaiters with shorts, but they absolutely can come in handy with pants as well. It really depends on how much protection you’re after.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, gaiters are a simple but effective piece of kit that can significantly enhance your outdoors experience. They’re one of those things that you can go without for years, but then as soon as you try them you wonder how you lived without them for so long. Choosing the best gaiters for you doesn’t need to be another exercise in overthinking and, hopefully, this guide has made the process easier for you. For hikers, hunters, and farmers—and from beginners to old hands— a good pair of gaiters are worth their weight in salt, as they say. You won’t regret strapping up for your next adventure.

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