There comes a time in one’s apprenticeship with the mountains when someone, usually more experienced, mentions gaiters. “Have you considered gaiters?” they ask. It might take a moment to realise they’re not actually talking about aggressive, snappy reptiles – after all, the region’s rivers aren’t home to alligators, or crocodiles for that matter. No, they’re talking about fabric tubes that strap under hiking boots and fasten around the lower leg.
We get it. You’ve already forked out on expensive Gore-Tex hiking boots and invested in waterproof rain pants to compliment your standard hiking pants. Surely this is enough. Do you really need gaiters?
