Do I Really Need Gaiters?

[JamesMc]

Gaiters make it easier for leeches to hide.

JamesMc

[Mutley]

Just finished the OLT on Friday. Plenty of snakes around, especially past pelion hut. I saw three large tigers in 2 days, mostly crossing the track and within ten metres. They didn't seem in any way aggressive or threatening however. The ranger at Windermere was digging some stump holes for a new tank stand and was wearing gaiters whilst digging! He said it provides good peace of mind. From this point my gaiters only came off at the end of each day. They really do keep the mud out from the top of your boots and help with leeches, ( also give leaches a place to hide and drink). But it's a personal choice. Probably similar to the bike helmet debate. I really detest being told what I have to do to decrease risk, as we need calculated risk in life to make it worth living..but in the end a good pair of gaiters should be quite comfortable to wear, so I personally think its a no brainer.

Saw heaps of young backpackers on the track, no gaiters, some wearing runners only, jeans, cans of food heated up with those big square gas burners, ( the $20 specials from bunnings), a plastic bag as a raincoat and they survived just fine..but had the weather turned nasty they would have potentially putting their own lives at risk.

[Medeea]

So in south America when traveling the bug treatment of choice is Permethrin, on clothes, gaiters bug nets for the hammock etc. doesn't damage gear will last through any trip and a few good washes when you get home. It works great on flies and mosquito which is key in places with Malaria and such. But i haven't seen it mentioned anywhere here. So two questions, is it something you have available in Australia? and has anyone tried it as a deterrent for leeches?

[gayet]

see
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7332&hilit=permethrin

Much discussion on the merits of permethrin there