It's inevitable. If I am hiking or backpacking and a stone gets into my boots, I won't immediately stop to remove the stone. I am too focused on my next objective, and will only remove the stone at my next rest break. On the other hand, during the time until the next break, that stone is irritating me, and all I can think about is that stone irritating me, which, in effect, ruins the good feeling I have about being outside. So why don't I just stop and get rid of the rock? I don't know. Perhaps I need to talk to an analyst.

But I have found the perfect solution to this dilemma (which is a lot cheaper than an analyst), and that was getting a pair of Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters from Outdoor Research. Since getting them, those rascally stones no longer have any opportunity to annoy me any more. On top of that, they do a great job of keeping out light rain, light snow, dust, and other icky stuff that always seems to find its way into your boots.

So here is why these gaiters are world class:

• They are made out of an 8 ounce, uncoated, packcloth fabric. This makes them tough, breathable (because they are not coated), and water resistant (because the fabric is tightly knit and includes a DWR).
  
   
• These gaiters are designed as low tops, which means they are cooler than full-size gaiters. Even though they are low tops, they still provide a great amount of protection and can be used for all four seasons.
  
   
• They are easy to put on. At the top and the bottom of the gaiter are snaps, and Velcro is used in the middle. At the bottom is a boot hook you use put around one of the shoe laces of your boot. Although you will probably not find this necessary, you can also secure the gaiters around your boot with an instep lace that ties to a metal grommet on the left and right side of each gaiter.
  
   
• The top and bottom of the gaiter (where the snaps are) have elastic, which provides a seal around your pants and boot, preventing most moisture and other stuff from entering under the gaiter.
  
   
• They weigh about 5 ounces.

The Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters are an ideal all-around gaiter. If you don't own any gaiters yet, give these inexpensive gaiters a try. Later, if you find circumstances where you need heavier duty gaiters, then get them once the need develops.

Using the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters in the Real World

I keep my gaiters next to my boots, because I almost always wear them together, just as I always wear Merino wool socks whenever I wear my boots.

One of the best things about the Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters is that they can be worn in virtually any temperature, hot to cold. Sure, on hot days, they may make your boots a little hotter than by not wearing them, but you probably won't notice the difference. In cold weather, they provide a little extra insulation (not much) and they keep light snow out of your boots, especially if you are wearing shell pants and they go over the gaiters and your boots. Of course, in extreme cold weather or snowy conditions, then you will need heavier-duty gaiters.

Even though the gaiters are not waterproof, they are very water resistant. They easily shed light rain. Under heavy rain conditions, you will probably be wearing shell pants (as in heavy snow conditions), and as long as you pull the shell cuffs over your gaiters and boots, rain will not get into your boots.

I also wear them when wearing shorts. The gaiters fit over my boots and socks to provide good protection against flying objects looking for a way to get into my boots. They may look a little funny, but your feet will thank you.

I have found that in most cases, the book hook is all you need to secure the gaiters to your boots. The nylon instep cord is only really needed if you are in a lot of snow.

The Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters will fit over most any boot (except most mountaineering boots), and are easy to put on. The construction is rock solid and they should last you many years.

Recommendation

Basically, I feel gaiters are required equipment for most outdoor adventures, such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, trekking, skiing, and mountaineering. If you do any of the above in hot, warm, or even cold weather, you should consider the Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters. If you need gaiters for more extreme weather, check out Outdoor Research's Crocodile Gaiters.

Product Notes

Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters are available in two colors and several sizes. The suggested manufacturer's retail price is $30.00.