I have some low gaiters that I use all the time. I hike mainly AR & TN area, so dirt, ticks, rocks, and general grime are what I like to keep out. They come up just above my ankles. Anything higher and I'd get too hot. I haven't had them on in the pouring rain, but I don't expect them to be useful then anyway -- I wear New Balance Trail shoes, so the water would come right through the mesh in them anyway. My favorite benefit of gaitors is that they keep my socks and the inside of my shoes clean(er). I hate putting funky socks on to sleep in. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />