Trail Gear Guide 2022

GAITERS
When walking on wet or boggy terrain, this simple but very effective
bit of hillwalking kit will help keep your feet and lower legs dry.
TREKMATES CAIRNGORM
GTX GAITER £35
If you’re looking for a reliably waterproof
and breathable pair of gaiters at a decent
price, the Trekmates Cairngorms are
a good choice. The Gore-Tex fabric
keeps feet dry without getting too
hot and sweaty, and though they
perhaps aren’t quite as tough
as premium rivals, they’ll still
fend off any of the debris
you’re likely to encounter
on mountain tracks and
upland terrain.
VERDICT Lightweight
and reasonably priced
Gore-Tex gaiters that are
great for day hikes
and longer treks.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH CROCODILE GTX £65
Gaiters were the first product that US brand Outdoor Research ever
made, and it is still turning out tough, top-quality models today.
The Crocodiles are a case in point – another candidate for the
‘ultimate gaiter’ award, these offer robust, heavy-duty
protection in mud, snow and almost anything else.
VERDICT Reliably rugged, well-built gaiters made from
heavy-duty Gore-Tex fabric. Available in a wide range
of colours and sizes to ensure a great fit and style.
RAB MUZTAG GORE-TEX PRO
GAITER £60
Described as Rab’s “most technical
protective gaiter”, the Muztag is
made from 40-denier Gore-Tex Pro
for maximum waterproofing. It also
features super-tough 300-denier nylon
ankle reinforcements, an elasticated
ankle, zipless hook-and-loop front
closure, rubberised underfoot strap,
and single-handed drawcord upper
hem adjustment. Or, in other words,
it’s an all-singing, all-dancing,
protective gaiter.
VERDICT A hard-as-nails
waterproof gaiter with
premium features.
BERGHAUS
YETI ATTAK £95
The Yetis first established their
reputation during the 1982 Falklands
War, when they were used by Royal
Marines yomping across the islands’
rugged terrain. Although it requires
a fair bit of muscle to actually fit
them to footwear, once they’re on,
they stay on, offering uber-tough
protection for the boggiest walks
and fully encasing your lower
legs almost up to the knee.
VERDICT A tried and tested,
old school Gore-Tex gaiter best
used with traditional stiff-soled
leather boots, but ideal for
keeping feet dry in the deepest
bogs and stickiest mud.
GEAR GUIDE 2022 TRAIL
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