Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Gaiters – What Are They and Why You Should Wear Them
Credit viewer Curt Arnsdorf
amazon.ca/INSTAgaiter-Mid-Graphite-S-M/dp/B09XSYCDT8/ref
mec.ca/en/product/6013-345/mec-kokanee-gore-tex-gaiters-unisex?colour=Black%2FObsidian
amazon.ca/dp/B01IQ5T114/?coliid=I357PLZ914KZWZ&colid=2FII1TBAOBNWE&psc=1&ref
amazon.ca/Adhesive-Bandage-Athletic-Sports-Animals/dp/B0BQ6KVPV4/ref
Why Gaiters
Protection against the elements
Snow, wet brush, keep stuff out of boots, warmth
Sand in dry regions
Tick protection
Types of Gaiters
Waterproof knee-high
Breathable (MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters $90.00)
Non-breathable (PVC coated nylon, waxed canvas, leather)
Waterproof ankle-high
Breathable ankle-high (Kahtula INSTAgaiter $35.00CAD)
Closures - Velcro, zippers, snaps, buckles, laces, elastic/shock cord
Lower Leg wraps
Cotton puttees (The Blue Puttees)
Viking leg wraps (winingas) (wool, linen)
Pants with inner cuff and/or ankle cinches
Snake gaiters
Pros & Cons of Gaiters
Protection from snow, wet, debris, scraps and pokes
Provide warmth
Price (manufactured VS DIY)
They can get hot and damp underneath
NOTES
British and Canadian soldiers in World War I wore wraps, called puttees, around their lower legs for several practical reasons: to provide ankle support, keep dirt and debris out of their boots, and to keep their legs warm.
Vikings wore wraps around their lower legs, also known as winingas or puttees, for a combination of practical reasons. These wraps, made of long, narrow strips of cloth, provided warmth, protection, and compression. They were a useful alternative to boots, especially in colder weather, and helped to keep mud and debris out of shoes. Winingas also helped support the legs during long journeys and battles.
Gaiters – What Are They and Why You Should Wear Them
Credit viewer Curt Arnsdorf
amazon.ca/INSTAgaiter-Mid-Graphite-S-M/dp/B09XSYCDT8/ref
mec.ca/en/product/6013-345/mec-kokanee-gore-tex-gaiters-unisex?colour=Black%2FObsidian
amazon.ca/dp/B01IQ5T114/?coliid=I357PLZ914KZWZ&colid=2FII1TBAOBNWE&psc=1&ref
amazon.ca/Adhesive-Bandage-Athletic-Sports-Animals/dp/B0BQ6KVPV4/ref
Why Gaiters
Protection against the elements
Snow, wet brush, keep stuff out of boots, warmth
Sand in dry regions
Tick protection
Types of Gaiters
Waterproof knee-high
Breathable (MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters $90.00)
Non-breathable (PVC coated nylon, waxed canvas, leather)
Waterproof ankle-high
Breathable ankle-high (Kahtula INSTAgaiter $35.00CAD)
Closures - Velcro, zippers, snaps, buckles, laces, elastic/shock cord
Lower Leg wraps
Cotton puttees (The Blue Puttees)
Viking leg wraps (winingas) (wool, linen)
Pants with inner cuff and/or ankle cinches
Snake gaiters
Pros & Cons of Gaiters
Protection from snow, wet, debris, scraps and pokes
Provide warmth
Price (manufactured VS DIY)
They can get hot and damp underneath
NOTES
British and Canadian soldiers in World War I wore wraps, called puttees, around their lower legs for several practical reasons: to provide ankle support, keep dirt and debris out of their boots, and to keep their legs warm.
Vikings wore wraps around their lower legs, also known as winingas or puttees, for a combination of practical reasons. These wraps, made of long, narrow strips of cloth, provided warmth, protection, and compression. They were a useful alternative to boots, especially in colder weather, and helped to keep mud and debris out of shoes. Winingas also helped support the legs during long journeys and battles.
