Review: Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters

For winter and shoulder-season hiking, gaiters are a necessity. In addition to keeping out snow, mud, and water, they also extend the lifespan of your boots by protecting the stitching and leather from abrasion. The Crocodile Classic Gaiters from Outdoor Research are a good do-it-all option, with hefty 1,000-denier nylon lowers (thick enough to trudge through deep snow and gobs of mud), but light 70-denier uppers that allow the gaiters to breathe and wick away moisture in the heat of the day. Full-length Velcro-style closures and thick webbing straps with metal buckles round out the features. Overall, the gaiters can take a beating, and are easy to tighten so they don’t slide around on the boots. My only concern is the longevity of the metal buckles. They’re positioned in relatively exposed locations, and I suspect the metal will fatigue long before the rest of the garment—although this seems to be the Achilles tendon of all gaiters, no matter the brand. Overall, the Crocodiles are an excellent gaiter, and will perform year-round, from spring and summer hiking all the way into hunting season and the depths of winter. I wouldn’t hesitate to grab another pair. $89; available at outdoorresearch.com.