Vapro Orienteering Gaiters

Don't let your shins get bloody or bruised! Lightweight orienteering gaiters to protect your shins from thorns and nettles!
These are shin guards to protect you from scratches and bruises when running in the forest.

After running an orienteering course at a national meet last year, I browsed the wares of a vendor who had set up shop. He had several different types of gaiters. These were the lightest and least expensive. They have about a 4mm thick piece of foam that's about 6cm wide and sewn in place. He was also selling Treklite ThornGaiters, with a thick removable piece of foam that provides coverage for the entire front of your shins inside heavy nylon. I decided to go with the lighter style. 

Fit & Comfort: The vendor suggested getting a small based off of the distance between my ankle and knee. He was afraid I might have trouble with them due to my large calf muscles, but they did fit. They are snug and take a little effort to get on and off, but they're comfortable. They feel similar to socks, maybe compression socks, when I'm running.

Adjustability: There is an adjustable cord at the top of these. I never use it because they're snug on me and no adjustment is needed. The back panel is stretchy. 

Water Resistance: N/A

Breathability: I've used them in hot weather comfortably. 

Moisture: I wear them over knee-high orienteering socks, they handle moisture similar to other polyester garments. 

Warmth: N/A

Layering: I wear them over knee-high socks with 3/4 length pants. You could wear them under pants or over tights.

Abrasion: This is what they're made for, but they'll eventually get torn up. 

Function: The foam pad in the front provides most of the protection, and the tightly woven polyester provides some protection against thorns brushing along the side. 

Ease of Use: Just pull them over your legs before putting your shoes on. Tighten the drawcords, if necessary. 

Features: I find that the stirrups don't do much for me and they occasionally just slip up the backs of my ankles. The snug fit keeps them in place for me, though. They provide lightweight, flexible protection. 

Construction & Durability: It's held up well so far. A couple of small tears from larger thorns, though they're not noticeable.

Conditions: I've used these for a year on orienteering training runs, or at meets when the notes specify thorny conditions. I frequently run through thorns when they're light enough to not hold me in place. I think I've used them about 20 times so far.

I just ran at a meet where I should have worn these, the vegetation was light enough to run through, but as the race continued, I could feel bruises forming on my shin. Though I didn't notice it too much until I finished, my shins and socks were bloody by the end. I'll always wear the gaiters when the conditions are worse than this.

Background

I compete in orienteering races 10+ times a year and instruct Scouts and newcomers to the sport. I try to run off-trail several times each month where these are particularly useful.