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Lightweight Gear Review:
From: Charles Lindsey, 3/14/99
Name of Gear: Rocky Mtn. Low Gaitors
Manufacturer: Outdoor Research
Usage: Alpine Scrambling, Hiking, Backpacking
Season: All Seasons
I've tried several pair of lightweight, low gaitors and the Rocky Mtn. Low are the ones that have been in my personal inventory for quite a few years now.
Due to the elastic band at the top and bottom of the gaitors you always have a snug fit and moisture does not get in. Also, the material is uncoated packcloth, so breathability is maximized. I have used other gaitors made of nylon or coated nylon and breathability is not nearly as good, such that the gaitors get hot and moist on the inside. Not so with the Rocky Mtn. Lows.
Another feature that I like is that they have a full length (and wide) velcro closure, in the front! I don't like zippers and I don't like closures in the back where they are difficult to reach.
They weigh only 4 ounces! I have found them useful in many situations where full-length gaitors were overkill -- like hiking in mud with lower-cut boots or shoes and traversing a Spring/Summer snow field. I even use them in Spring when Alpine Snow Scrambling in place of my full-length gaitors. They also come in handy when wearing raingear and low-cut shoes. Put the gaitors on first, then the water running off your rainpants won't find its way into your shoes.
On the downside, they don't have a permanent boot strap but just have a grommet on each side where you must tie a shoe lace to one side, run under the boot and then tie to the other side. This, essentially, keeps the gaitors from riding up your leg and off the shoe or boot. I've used regular shoelaces, woven nylon boot laces, and whatever I can get ahold of. You must periodically replace the laces. I carry an extra pair with me.
Another thing that I do that has worked out well is to periodically spray the outside of the gaitors with silicone, Techron DWR, or throw them into the washer when applying Nikwax to my raingear. This gives them a nice waterproofing without affecting their breathability.
