Outdoor Research Stamina Gaiter

These gaiters are great for day hiking with trail shoes or light boots in the summer season. They are so light you hardly notice that you're wearing them. I would recommend this product for anyone who is tired of picking trail debris from their shoes and socks.

These are the first trail gaiters I've tried, so I can't compare them to others. I've worn full length gaiters for years, and love them for keeping snow and water out of my boots. I never thought of summer gaiters until recently. I was tired of getting debris in my shoes ever time I went for a hike and even tried making my own makeshift gaiters with some cut off athletic socks (didn't work).

Then I heard about trail running gaiters and the search was on. I found the Stamina gaiters at a local retailer and I picked them over several others due to the light weight and simple design. I use them with the included velcro patch that attaches to the back of your shoe. The gaiters come with holes for a strap to go under the shoe, but with the velcro attachment you really don't need the strap.

I've used them on several long hikes in the local mountains and so far I am very pleased. The velcro has come undone a couple of times, but even then the gaiters stayed put. I haven't had to stop once and clean grit out of my shoes. My wife sometimes wears hers without the velcro patch or the bottom strap and they seem to stay in place.

They are not waterproof but they breath very well and they are extremely light. So light I usually forget I'm wearing them. The large/ extra large is the size I bought and they are fine for my size 8.5 trail shoes but I would think they may be a little small for larger feet. Try before you buy.

I can't speak to the long term durability, but at $30 I can afford to replace them if they wear out. If you want to keep the grit out of your shoes and not break the bank, you can't go wrong with the Stamina gaiters from Outdoor Research.