Snake Gaiters

[Nighthiker]

Anyone wear snake gaiters, I am looking for suggestions as to type (knee, hip) and brand. I have had several close calls and thought a little prevention may help, though I could perhaps wear my glasses full time.

[evenstarx3]

A couple, friends of my uncle that joined us at Salton Sea, live near my uncle at California Hot Springs, NE of Bakersfield. Lots of rattlers in that area; one got their dog three years ago. Rattler's dead, unhappily so is dog. Basenjis, I've read, will not go near a snake; something about instincts from African bush. Don't want to test it so pups don't go out with me. I tell people Bo's the Wonder Doofus. Figure he'd be anxious to prove the article I read wrong.

[montezumawell]

We just finished reading all of the posts on this topic for the SECOND time. It's THAT good! What's that old saying about the total being greater than the sum of the parts. Anyway, we sure hope you all don't stop posting to this one. It's GREAT! If any of you all have a snake encounter, benigh or otherwise, it sure would be great fun to read about it. All we can say is that some of you all have a real 'way' with words! THANKS!
J&S in RR

PS--Is this topic the current 'record holder' in terms of numbers of posts?

[joebartels]

[quote='montezumawell']
PS--Is this topic the current 'record holder' in terms of numbers of posts?[/quote]

I believe so for the new forum. The all time record holder was Fritzski's 'Question about packing... Iron that is'

Now back to Nighthikers 'SNAKE GAITERS!'

[Donald]

Now back to Nighthikers 'SNAKE GAITERS!'

I guess no one has anything else to say about gaiters....being from Florida, I have to make sure to put the "i" in, etc.

I did read a book called something like 27 real life adventures by Outdoor Life. It is out of print but libraries often have such things, that is where I borrowed it. Read that book and you don't want to even step outside on your porch, after all there might be a snake under it! 8O

If anyone really wants to read it, and can't find it, I can find the title, but now I have to go pick up my daughter from a party....

[jhende2]

I've really enjoyed reading all the posts to this topic! Enjoyed also the reminiscing about Marlin Perkins and Wild Kingdom:

'Let's watch as Jim gets too close to a black bear and nearly gets his butt bit off"

"Let's watch while a crocodile kicks the crap out of Jim"

That stuff was priceless!

Anyway, at the risk of being called an alarmist, I must admit to being the only hiker I know or have seen who actually wears leggings into the desert. The reason for this is that I do a lot of solo hiking (usually the first of the 'Don't Do's' in hiking how-to articles) and have nearly stepped on three of God's little darlings. One of which was on a cool March the third morning, which likewise does not give me a great deal of faith in the 'snakes hibernate all winter' school of thought. Of the three, I know for sure that at least two did strike at me. Luckily, both missed and were possibly awestruck with astonishment at the incredible vertical leap I then displayed. Who says white men can't jump? They just need to be properly motivated! The leggings are relatively stiff but have not interfered with the hiking that I have done thusfar and I must admit that I feel much more comfortable with them on while hiking alone. Everyone else on this posting has made legitimate points and arguments, but if I have a choice, I'll wear the leggings!

[mttgilbert]

The only people who have been bitten or have had close calls are antagonizing the snakes! I have walked within feet snakes. If you don't stop to check them out they won't even acknowledge your presence. If you need gators, then your harassing the snakes. iI which case, I would suggest you not wear the gators, for the good of any future snakes you may encounter.

[Nighthiker]

I don't bother the snakes, I do a lot of off trail hiking.

[Wiz]

Four pages, and only one reply to the original question about gaiters!

I also wear gaiters, and I also do a lot of solo cross-country hiking. Mine are made by Flint River out of a very dense, heavy canvass, and are supposed to be guaranteed against the bite of all North American snakes. I like them. They're not at all uncomfortable, and they are also great for when you brush a cactus that's hidden in a bush. Mine are about worn out now; I need to find some more.

Matt, don't you think that saying anyone who wears gaiters is harassing the snakes is a little over the edge? I've never harassed a snake in my life, and I'm completely non-hostile toward them. But they don't necessarily know that, hence the gaiters.

Protecting your legs is underrated. Everyone who wears shorts to hike in the Superstitions (like I used to do) knows about having their legs shredded. I got sick of that and started wearing the baggy camo pants. After several close encounters with snakes I got the gaiters.

Then came the time (1998) I was at the top of a mountain it took me 61/2 hours to climb: I was barely going to have time to get back to my jeep before dark. I started down the steep slope, and hadn't been underway for 60 seconds when a rock rolled out from under me, and I did a dive-and-roll maneuver, coming to rest with my knee firmly impaled by the biggest, nastiest cactus you ever saw. I spent the next 1/2 hour pulling spines out of my knee with my Leatherman pliers. Gah! Since that time, I have also worn construction kneepads when doing extremely rough bushwhacking. These, too, are not at all uncomfortable, and have proven their worth dozens of times. (Cactus spines continued to work their way out of my knee for the next six months).

So there it is: you'll all know me when you meet me on the trail. I'll be the scruffy one in the baggy camo pants, gaiters, and knee pads, toting the gun. I must be quite a sight - Robohiker!