Admittedly: The word "gaiters" sounds a little old-fashioned at first and is probably more reminiscent of sprightly pensioners. But appearances are deceptive. If you value dry feet and legs all year round, ultra-light hiking gaiters are an absolute must-have and a valuable addition to your equipment on all trekking tours. We bet you'll never want to be without them again once you've experienced their benefits.
What do you need gaiters for when hiking?
Just like good hiking boots and functional clothing, gaiters are part of the basic equipment for hiking. They reliably protect your legs from moisture, snow and mud.
Even ticks and other pests no longer have a target to attack. Outdoor leggings give you maximum freedom and protection - even without boots and rain trousers.
In summer, you are protected from moisture and mud without overheating. In winter, you can enjoy cozy warmth thanks to the additional insulation. This means that wet feet and legs are now a thing of the past when hiking and trekking.
Buying gaiters for hiking: What should I look out for?
There are also big differences in gaiters. That's why you should definitely consider the following factors when buying:
1. weather
So-called snow gaiters are gaiters for hiking in winter. They are usually relatively thick and bulky to provide the necessary protection.
Rain gaiters, on the other hand, are more suitable for hiking in summer. Due to the thin material, they do not offer you any additional protection from the cold.
We have developed our Mountain Gaiters so that you don't need the right equipment for every season. They are designed for year-round use and offer you absolute waterproofness with maximum breathability.
This keeps your legs and feet perfectly protected from moisture and mud in any temperature - without overheating!
2. material
The material used determines the quality of the hiking gaiters. We therefore rely on a sustainable and robust material composition with low abrasion for maximum durability. Thanks to the PFC-free ECO impregnation, we can guarantee high breathability (10,000 mm) and a water column (20,000 mm).
3. height
In order to provide you with optimum moisture protection when hiking, gaiters should be high enough and fit snugly around the leg and foot. Our models are the perfect length to provide optimum protection for your legs.
Thanks to our unique system, consisting of an extra wide Velcro fastener, an additional tension fastener and the adjustable TPU straps, our Mountain Gainers are individually adjustable.
4. weight
You should also consider the weight when making your choice. The lighter the gaiters, the better. After all, who needs a bulky item on their leg? That's why hiking gaiters from Alpin Loacker are ultra-light. They weigh just 179 g per pair (!). That's less than 90 g per gaiter!
The right Outdoor clothing can be found in the following categories:
How do I put on the hiking gaiters correctly?
Thanks to the low weight and minimal pack size, you can easily stow the gaiters in your rucksack and put them on in no time at all.
Here's how it works:
- When putting on the hiking gaiters, the Velcro fasteners must be at the front of your leg. The opening should face forwards.
- Adjust the tension fastener on the upper (top) so that the hiking gaiters fit snugly but do not cut in when walking.
- Now you can close the Velcro fastener. Make sure that the fabric inside fits snugly.
- Then place the buckles of the instep strap on the outside of your foot so that you don't accidentally step on them while hiking.
- Finally, adjust the length of the Riestriemen so that the Gailer is flush with your shoe. This is the only way to prevent moisture from penetrating from below.
How do I find the right size?
Finding the right size is not difficult. You can simply use your regular shoe size as a guide for our outdoor gaiters.
Our range comprises two size ranges:
- Size M (shoe size 35-40)
- and size L (shoe size 41-46).
Thanks to the ingenious adjustment system, you can adapt the gaiters to the shape of your legs when hiking.
Can hiking gaiters be washed in the washing machine?
Hiking gaiters have to withstand a lot. Especially when they protect your legs and shoes from mud and sludge, you can see how hard they work.
- You can remove light soiling with a soft cloth.
- The hiking gaiters can also be washed in the washing machine if they are very dirty.
If possible, use the outdoor program or alternatively choose a delicate wash. If you choose a special outdoor detergent with subsequent waterproofing, you will be able to enjoy your hiking gaiters for a long time.