While gaiters have been around for many, many years, they really didn't become popular until the company Outdoor Research designed their very first gaiters a little over 20 years ago, called the X-Gaiter. And soon afterwards, Outdoor Research introduced the Crocodile Gaiter, which is considered by many to be the best gaiter made in the world, proving to be of world class quality.

Probably the biggest reason the Crocodiles became so popular, and remain so popular, is because they are tough. As you might imagine, any material that is located near the ground is going to get rough treatment. Whether it is water, mud, snow, rock, brush, or crampons, gaiters are susceptible to damage. A tear in a pair of gaiters really goofs up its ability to protect your feet from the elements.

Another key factor in the Crocodiles' popularity is their ease of putting them on and off, and their great fit. Previously, gaiters often weren't very adjustable, making for a poor fit, and poor protection.

Here are some of the key features of the Crocodile:

• The upper portion of the Crocodile is made of 3-layer Taslan Gore-Tex. The Gore-Text provides waterproof protection and some breathability, while the Taslan provides high durability.
  
   
• The lower section of the Crocodile, which is subject to the most abuse, is made with 1000d Cordura for toughness, and lined with packcloth to reduce abrasion between your leg covering and the Cordura.
  
   
• Each gaiter (there is one for each foot) is closed around your leg using a two-inch wide Velcro front closure. This large allowance makes it easy to adjust the gaiter for the best fit, no matter if you are wearing thin pants, thick pile pants, lightweight hiking boots, or plastic mountaineering boots.
  
   
• Besides the Velcro front closure, at the top of each gaiter is a 3/4-inch cam buckle and Nylon webbing. This is used to seal the top of the gaiter, helping to prevent anything from slipping in.
  
   
• To prevent the gaiters from riding up on your leg, a nylon-supported rubber instep strap wraps around the bottom of your boots, and attaches with a buckle. While this instep strap doesn't necessarily look to be that tough, it is.
  
   
• For even more support, each gaiter has a heavy-duty, double-riveted lace hook, which attaches to the laces of your boots, preventing them from slipping from their current position.
  
   
• Each gaiter is shaped like an hourglass and has an asymmetrically cut bottom edge in order to provide the best possible fit.
  
   
• The Crocodiles are fairly tall, extending from near the bottom of your boot up to just under your knee, for most people. The large size Crocodiles weigh about 11 ounces a pair.

If you have never worn gaiters before, it will take a little bit of practice to get them fitted properly. But once you get the hang if it, you will have them on in minutes.

Using the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters in the Real World

When I was growing up in Alaska, I never owned a pair of gaiters, and spent many a day with wet feet because snow got inside my insulated boots. And even though my boots were insulated, the dampness saw that my feet were cold, cold, cold. Only if I had a pair of Crocodiles at that time.

But now I do, and my feet never get wet now. I started wearing them this past winter and there was plenty of snow for me to try them out, and not once did I get wet feet.

When I am out in the snow, I will wear my waterproof hiking boots and either a pair of Gore-Tex pants or a pair of soft shell pants. Under the pants will be a base layer. Generally, what I do is to put on the pants and boots first, and be sure that the pants go over my boots. Then I will put the Crocodiles on over the boots and my pants. This virtually guarantees that your feet will never get wet. In addition, the Crocodiles will help protect your boots, helping them to last longer and look better longer.

So far, all my testing has been in weather 30 degrees and below, and in most cases, you probably won't want to wear the Crocodiles when it gets 50 degrees or more, as they can get a little too warm, especially if you wear heavy pants. For warmer weather, you may want to try out some of Outdoor Research's other types of gaiters.

One of the things I was worried about when first getting the Crocodiles is that I have very wide calves and wide feet. But once I tried them on, I had no problems, as the two inches of Velcro made it easy for me to adjust the Crocodiles to fit my legs.

Recommendation

If you spend any time out in the mud or snow, including hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, snow machining, trekking, or mountaineering, you will find the Crocodiles a worthwhile piece of gear that will last you many years. If you do most of your outdoor activity out of the snow, and in warmer weather, then you may want to consider one of Outdoor Research's other gaiters.

Product Notes

Crocodiles are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The suggested manufacturer's retail price is $66.00. If the Crocodiles are not big enough for you, Outdoor Research offers some gaiters they call the Big Crocs. If you need gaiters for even colder and more inclement weather, then give their HD (Heavy Duty) Crocodiles or their Expedition Crocodiles a look. But if you need a lighter duty gaiter, then check out their Terra, Alti, Flex-Tex, or Rocky Mountain Low gaiters.