HikeArizona.COM

Anyone ever try Snake Gaiters like these, and if so, are they worth the trouble?

https://www.farmandlandaccessories.com/ ... e-gaiters/

Personally I've almost stepped on a rattler a couple times now, so I'm wondering.

Here's where I got mine, since Bezos is rich enough already:
https://www.farmandlandaccessories.com/ ... t-harness/

They have more elaborate ones here:
https://www.farmandlandaccessories.com/ ... rotection/

The things feel bulletproof. I wear them loose and gravity keeps them over my high hiking boots.
I'm assuming rattlers can't bite through thick leather so I won't need that shoe-top protection the more expensive ones have.

ANOTHER one along the Elephant Mountain trail yesterday –coiled, rattler buzzing (you can see it behind it's 'neck'), and ready to strike.

These things are everywhere lately!

Just fyi for this Forum Topic's file: More reference info regarding Hiking Gaiters-
[ photo ]

@Grasshopper
I don't buy them for snake gaiters. I buy them for the foxtails, so I don't need them very high since I'm wearing shorts. The REI low gaiters work pretty well for that. Looks like they've changed the style since I've bought them, but I'm sure they still work as well. https://www.rei.com/product/148018/rei- ... il-gaiters

@outdoor_lover
do you have any issues with the strap underneath the shoe breaking?

outdoor_lover wrote:but I'm sure they still work as well.

That under shoe cord tie is going to bust after a few rocky AZ hikes. With this design, there appears to be "no grommets" to replace the tie cords. The 5 pairs I own all have "grommets".

Don't throw out those broken strap ones. It's incredibly easy to add a couple grommets and connect a new strap.

dirty girl gaiters attach via a hook over your shoe lace in the front, and via velcro on the heel of your shoe

https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/flaunt-it

@DixieFlyer
they're not particularly helpful when it comes to snakes though.

chumley wrote: ↑Apr 23 2020 4:03 pm @DixieFlyer
they're not particularly helpful when it comes to snakes though.

I'd go a step further and say that they would be almost useless wrt snakes...but they would likely do OK for scree, fox grass, and such

The REI OTT gaiters use velcro like D.G.. The nylon/plastic bungee fastener on the REI ones is (sort of) sewn into the gaiter. The shock cord can be replaced.

@DixieFlyer
Looking at the new version, I probably wouldn't get those. The old version that I have has grommets. When the cord breaks, I just replace it with paracord. Although the original "cord" was more like a shoe lace as it's flat. I haven't had them break yet, but I don't wear them that much to begin with. About the time the Foxtails get bad is about the time I go up into higher elevations where they aren't that bad anyway.

outdoor_lover wrote:outdoor_lover

I generally use braided wire (picture hanging wire) in lieu of the cord/laces.

If your just looking for debris gaiters trail runners swear by this brand. https://dirtygirlgaiters.com/
As far as snakes just be vigilant your in their home.

Since I mostly hike alone, I wear them (from forestry supplies). During my career as a firefighter I participated in lugging some one out (one of those surplus wire basket types that spent most of its time hanging on the forecastle of a WW II destroyer) on several occasions. Those litters were about as wide as a trail so those lugging the litter were actually off trail. Never could get our cadence in step tripping over rocks, brushing up against teddy bear cholla and having a lizard dart out and up underneath your trousers (the small fast ones have the sharpest toenails).

I can no longer remain silent: I've joined the tin-foil gaiters-wearing community. After multiple rattler encounters and typically hiking solo, hours (or more) away from medical help, I really don't care what the statistics say. My Turtleskin Snakearmors are lightweight, flexible and comfortable. Crummy zippers are my only complaint. Added bonus: they are virtually impenetrable, shrugging off catclaw, cholla, agave, etc.

I have & wear a pair of Turtleskin gaiters in warm weather in the middle of summer when I know I'm going to be bushwhacking for geocaches. Yes, my legs feel like they're in a sauna & my pant leg is usually soaking wet, however, I prefer the protection to discomfort & possible snake bite on my lower ankle/leg.

I'm thinking about getting them, but not just for snake bites. I am allergic to a plant in the desert that makes my calves itch and swell when my skin gets in contact with it. It only happened in the spring after a wet winter. I don't know what plant it is. It's not scorpion weed or buffelgrass.

I have worn a pair of Everlast kevlar gaiters for years. My first pair became completely shredded (not from snake bites, thankfully) so about a year ago I looked for them again only to discover that they weren't sold anymore. So I called the company and they had one pair left and sold them to me. I like that they are pliable. But they worked best with boots. Now that I hike in a pair of trail runners, they kind of drag on the ground. I would also consider the Turtleskin pliable gaiters. But they are super expensive in comparison.

With all the bushwhacking I do, it provides me with an extra sense of safety. And last summer I came VERY close to stepping on a black tail rattlesnake as I was moving my way up a thickly weeded wash. That wasn't the first time I have gotten that close. In short, I don't think it is completely ridiculous... though whether it LOOKS completely ridiculous is an arguable point.

@gummo
A couple of years ago, I purchased a pair of Kevlar weed-gators to protect my ankles form the Foxweeds. They work great at keeping the seeds out of my sox and boot lining. They're only high enough to cover the tops of the boots so maybe you would prefer something a bit higher. Mine only cost $35 and have been standing up quite well.