Gaiters

[roysta]

This is a perennial problem for me.
I have two pairs of gaiters and both are perfect for NSW situations, but I'm going to be in the Arthurs in a few months and neither will do the trick.
I looked at those Sea to Summit Quagmires and saw more than enough minus reviews to give them a miss.
I went for a pair of OR Gore Tex Crocodiles instead.
Time will tell if I made the right decision.

[Azza]

I think you'll probably find that OR / S2S probably not be too much difference.
The problem we're all having with S2S and just about every brand of gaiter out there is that the stitching disintergrates and falls aparts fairly quickly under Tassie off track conditions.
The actual design of these gaiters is reasonably good.. just the build quality doesn't cope with regular off track use in Tassie.

If its a one off trip to the arthurs you shouldn't have to worry much about whether they'll hold up.
The rest of us are getting sick of having to repair / replace gaiters every few months.

[stu]

I have had both the STS Gore Tex Quagmires (4 pairs) & the OR Gore Tex Crocs (1 pair).
Both lasted about the same time i'm afraid, that is a few months of 'intensive' walking, often off track.

As Az mentioned, it is the stitching that is the continuing problem, the OR's not being much better than the STS.
Threre were also a few odd design details I didn't like on the OR's - the latch at the top of the gaiter was pretty useless & kept popping open & the lace toe hook being on the upper piece of the overlapping material was annoying, it should have been on the bottom piece of meterial. Also this toe hook had a little velcro cover over it, this got demolished + full of vegetation in no time & was pretty much useless.

Boulder screes tend to be the worst thing for this style of gaiter - dolerite in particular is very abrasive & once the thread is breached it's all over.
Double / triple stitching would help aleviate this as has been mentioned in numerous other posts on this forum.

Having said all of this, just about any gaiter will last at least 1 trip, even the mighty WA's
Have fun, it's a spectacular walk!

[ollster]

The actual design of these gaiters is reasonably good.. just the build quality doesn't cope with regular off track use in Tassie.

I think the design on S2S Quagmire and many other modern gaiters is flawed. Front opening = front stitching = failure point.

Manufacturers, please listen. We need:
-Rear opening
-Stiff (like the S2S ones) so they stay up when you want to open the top up to ventilate
-Sit just under the knee (the Macpac ones are too short and too plyable, and tend to sit low and ride down. What, are they designed for Hobbits?!)
-Hidden laces loop (like on the Macpac gaiters), not exposed like on S2S, which quickly gets destroyed, and catches on bauera etc (this makes me swear)
-Hidden/covered under-heel loop adjustment (I've bent the buckles on numeous occasions on the Quagmires)
-Tough under-heel strap (the S2S one isn't too bad). Replaceable? Who cares, it tends to out last the rest of the gaiter at the moment
-Tough fabric, although mostly this is taken care of with the few I've tried out
-Minimal stitching areas, but where there is stitching use tough sail stitching or similar and double or triple stitch it
-Forget the scuff pads S2S, they are a waste of time.
-Don't worry about press studs, they suck
-Do not use velcro around the top (gets full of mud), or plastic buckles (they catch on things and constantly open up). There must be a better method. Internal elastic draw cord seems ideal. Or how about a baffle type design, like sleeping bags have?

/end rant... Thank you.

And to address the opening post, most of the gaiters will be fine for the Arthurs, there's little up there to tear at the stitching.

[sthughes]

Yeah I agree with ollster, though I do like the shin protection all that front velcro gives. Maybe up the front have a strip of thin high density foam in a sort of pocket with concealed stitching behind it, then rear opening? Dunno.

[ollster]

Yeah I agree with ollster, though I do like the shin protection all that front velcro gives. Maybe up the front have a strip of thin high density foam in a sort of pocket with concealed stitching behind it, then rear opening? Dunno.

Good point, I had forgotten about that. +1 for this suggestion.

[stu]

I think I may give these a go (again):

http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=WEBG

They have the inbuilt shin protector / stiffener, meaning the top can be left undone for airflow / entry for jack jumpers

They have elastic under the arch whichn is just plain stupid.
Replace this with those wire ones you can get & it might be a good Tassie set-up (n.b. the attachyments for the under arch wire thingy are actually under the fabric, ie. concealed). These gaiters have to be fitted as they are supposed to be very tight ob the boot itself; I usually take a medium in STS but was a small in these. I usually prefer Gore Tex but for the sake of durability I think I'll give these another crack.

[stepbystep]

Just had a look at the new eVent S2S gaiters, look awfully flimsy, wanted to buy them, but couldn't do it. What good is a waterproof layer if it's got a gaping hole in it Went for a pair of the Quagmire Canvas, at least they were on special, IF they last the summer I'll be pretty stoked!

[ollster]

They have elastic under the arch whichn is just plain stupid.

But Stu "Unless you're rock hopping in flat soles, it will be a long while before you use any spares."

[stu]

LOL - yeah, I'm not sure they know how ridiculous that sounds mate.
I used these on the King William walk, I think the elastic lasted until day 2, which was a stretch (s'cuse the pun).
Apart from that & replacing the elastic concept they may still be worth a second try.............maybe.

Still awaiting the grand release of the new STS Tassie gaiter, lets see if they can get this one right!!!

[ILUVSWTAS]

So far so good with the OP RFG's.

True they have only been on 2 walks....

[ollster]

So far so good with the OP RFG's.

True they have only been on 2 walks....

My last S2S lasted 22 before total annihilation. The new Macpacs are going ok, although that is post re-stitch, so not sure if that counts.

[Azza]

My last S2S lasted 22 before total annihilation. The new Macpacs are going ok, although that is post re-stitch, so not sure if that counts.

yea.. My macpacs have done only a couple of walks and both press studs have broken off...
The split rings for the wires pulled apart on the last overnighter and before I notice they're torn a sizable hole through the fabric.
So far I'd rate the S2S as more durable. I'm tempted to give to OP's a go.

Not sure if moving the stitching to the back helps, it just seems that as soon as you nick the thread the whole thing unravels.
I think tougher stitch that isn't exposed is the way to go. Ideally try to avoid unnecessary stitching and extra bits to fail and fall off.
Simple is probably the best.

[Liamy77]

i did see a bloke (yanky tourist) wearing motorcross / hockey shin pads over the top of his... not sure what weight he was carryin all up tho - he had glued his gaiters to his boots too and didnt use the under sole strap at all.... he seemed happy with it...

I use s2s quagmires atm....
the best gaiters i have had were leather and lace up at the back- but they heat up a bit... maybe a lighter material on the back or a strip of leather sewn to the front of the s2s? - dont use em too much here in WA so i am biding my time to see how the manufacturers' dust settles.......

[north-north-west]

I think the design on S2S Quagmire and many other modern gaiters is flawed. Front opening = front stitching = failure point.

Manufacturers, please listen. We need:
-Rear opening
-Stiff (like the S2S ones) so they stay up when you want to open the top up to ventilate
-Sit just under the knee (the Macpac ones are too short and too plyable, and tend to sit low and ride down. What, are they designed for Hobbits?!)
-Hidden laces loop (like on the Macpac gaiters), not exposed like on S2S, which quickly gets destroyed, and catches on bauera etc (this makes me swear)
-Hidden/covered under-heel loop adjustment (I've bent the buckles on numeous occasions on the Quagmires)
-Tough under-heel strap (the S2S one isn't too bad). Replaceable? Who cares, it tends to out last the rest of the gaiter at the moment
-Tough fabric, although mostly this is taken care of with the few I've tried out
-Minimal stitching areas, but where there is stitching use tough sail stitching or similar and double or triple stitch it
-Forget the scuff pads S2S, they are a waste of time.
-Don't worry about press studs, they suck
-Do not use velcro around the top (gets full of mud), or plastic buckles (they catch on things and constantly open up). There must be a better method. Internal elastic draw cord seems ideal. Or how about a baffle type design, like sleeping bags have?

/end rant... Thank you.

It scares me when I agree with you, but I can't fault that little rant. Spot on.

[wellsy]

I've sewn a pair of canvas gaiters using instructions from a book titled "Sew and Repair Your Outdoor Gear" by Louise Lindgren. You can get the book on Amazon. The gaiters address most of the isssues you have mentioned. I've used them in the Wollemi and other sandstone areas and have been very pleased with them. I gave the zipper closures a big miss (too unreliable) and used 25mm velcro instead, along with 3 press studs, but probably could have omitted the press studs. I don't usually bother using the underboot straps but they are easy to replace with this design. I particularly like the stiffness of the canvas as I can leave the tops open for ventilation but have the option to cinch up the top drawcord if necessary. Although these open at the side it would be no big deal to have the opening at the rear. I met a bloke who uses stainless steel bicycle brake cable for boot straps and swears they never wear out; I'm not surprised! Anyway I'd encourage you to have a go at sewing your own using the above mentioned book or similiar. If the stitch thread is the 'achilles heel' of your gaiters you can always use a polyester upholstery thread and/or put in a second row of stitching.

Regards,
Wellsy

[ILUVSWTAS]

I was looking at those Tatonka ones the other day, They look like total rubbish. I could poke a blade of grass through one!! Dont look like they offer any protection at all!!

[dancier]

used 25mm velcro instead, along with 3 press studs, but probably could have omitted the press studs. I don't usually bother using the underboot straps but they are easy to replace with this design.

Sounds like a pair of old Alpsport gaiters I've got. They have rear opening, three press studs and Velcro, front hook, drawcord at top and strap underneath, they'd be easy to make.

[Selig97]

I have recently purchased OR Gore Tex Expedition Crocodile gaiters which so far are ok.

I recently saw this pair on NZ web site. Not sure what they would be like, if I need another pair I might purchase and try. (Unless someone has had them before and they are worse than all the existing gaiters available)

http://www.outdoorsupplies.co.nz/Outdoordesigns.html

[ILUVSWTAS]

They look ok actually, and at that price may be worth checking!!

BTW I love you have your points on your signature at 4.... It must be nice to have the list as your oyster again!! Sooo many options.

[Selig97]

Yes....The list....

Completed a number of walks years ago but then I didn't know there was a list. So, now I have to do them again to score the points. But, it is a good opportunity to do these with my kids.

I have modified the (my) list so that I have the original Peak list, but I add other walks, waterfalls and huts to it as I do them. So the focus is on being out there rather than just tackling the peaks.

Need to check out 'cheaper' gear as it costs a bit to fit out the family. I probably would have tried these gaiters before ordering the OR's out of USA first, but then I got a good price for a couple of pairs.

[Azza]

I had a look at the OR's when I was in Christchurch a couple of weeks ago.

My perceptions at the time where that they are almost a carbon copy of the Sea to Summits Quagmires.
Single stitched, basically I couldn't decern any feature or improvement that would set them apart from the S2S in any meaningful way.

Being that my current pair of Macpac gaiters are almost ruined < 6 months old and ready for the bin (worst pair I've had btw..)
I'm definately in the market for a replacement pair soon. Bu there was nothing that compelled me to want to buy them.

I'm waiting to hear from SWTas how the OnePlanets are going?

[ILUVSWTAS]

I do like the OP's Azz, but have only used them twice. I am saving them for the Mt Seal trip, and while my dodgy STS ones are hanging in there, I might as well kill them good and proper before using the OP ones full time.

[DanH]

Amazed no one has mentioned WE gaiters... canvas so no problems with goretex sweating issues, or the eventual failure of the laminate, also no skin irritation problems from synthetics (my wife has this with S2S shorties), well built, covers your laces as well so not too many prickles/seed heads/mud thru your laces...

[ronin]

I followed the older thread with baited breath hoping that a gaiter would emerge worthy of our terrain, but alas, it would seem that this thread is spiraling into the same conclusion as the original, did Macpac come up with an improved (approved) design?, is StoS (or WE for that matter) now a sturdier product.
Has an enterprising individual with a real understanding of the Tassie scrub come up with a product that resembles the gaiters of past?
Has someone added the the little bit of extra stitching/velcro/etc that might cost a little bit more, but would alleviate some of the design faults that many complained about?
I have to buy some new gaiters, my fingers are crossed.

[vagrom]

Latest Wild mag. gear reviews - Gaiters(6), and Trekking Poles(7) .

Sea to Summit: Quagmire Goretex $80; Quagmire Canvas $70.

Outdoor Research: Croc's Mens and Womens - $100

Macpac: Torlesse -$55 "..simple nylon .. Good for..somewhere muddy but won't be going off-track. .."

Cactus: Instigaiter NZ ($100)- "..easily the toughest gaiters on test. ..The perfect gaiter for those who destroy them at regular intervals. .."

[ollster]

Cactus: Instigaiter NZ ($100)- "..easily the toughest gaiters on test. ..The perfect gaiter for those who destroy them at regular intervals. .."

I think Azza had a pair of those, they were stuffed after only a few months (I'm sure he'll chip in with more details). $100 is also *&%$#! ridiculous for a pair of gaiters.

[Azza]

Cactus: Instigaiter NZ ($100)- "..easily the toughest gaiters on test. ..The perfect gaiter for those who destroy them at regular intervals. .."

I think Azza had a pair of those, they were stuffed after only a few months (I'm sure he'll chip in with more details). $100 is also *&%$#! ridiculous for a pair of gaiters.

100 New Zealand dollars.
I had the dupper gaiter. They weren't too bad.
Still stitching fell apart and I tore a hole in them within 6 months.
I liked the lace hooks. Apart from that there was nothing that set them apart from all the others.

Not as bomb proof as they claim.

The whole gaiter problem is solved by build quality. If they could just get the stitching right 90% of issues would go away.

[photohiker]

The whole gaiter problem is solved by build quality. If they could just get the stitching right 90% of issues would go away.

Has anyone tried doping the stitching with seam sealer or some other adhesive? It occurs to me that the problem is not just that the stitches wear out at critical wear points, but also that when they do, the gaiter starts to fall apart. Most of the doped seam should stay put even if part of the stitching is worn away.

[Azza]

We do all that. It helps.
My latest pair of S2s gaiters have done 4 walks and the lace hook as broken, and press studs have pulled apart.
Stitching is just starting to go. So I've not even had a chance to attack it with the seam seal.
Seriously! Less than 2 months old I expect much better.

They'll be going back to the shop soon.