REI Co-op  Flash Gaiters

Recently had the opportunity to put the REI Flash Gaiters to the test over a five day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range. Covering 60 miles, I didn’t get any mud or scree in my boots. Not one bit. The gaiters worked as advertised. They are lightweight, easy to put on, and once on, comfortable to the point I didn’t even remember I was wearing them. My one and only complaint is they can be tough to get off (specifically the piece that hooks onto the shoe lace - of course, the other side of the coin is that this helps keep them secure and in place while using them). Since I’ve only used them on one trip, I can’t speak to their durability at this point. Overall, I would recommend them to others.

This is a relatively light duty pair of gaiters, good for trail running. These are not expedition gators. I've used my pair for two years and found them satisfactory. They keep forrest duff, dirt and insects (eg chiggers) out of my boots. The hook which goes over the shoelace, fits very snugly, but with careful attention, CAN be removed from the shoelace. The elastic shock cord strap which goes under the boot arch, wears out and requires periodic replacement, at least weekly with heavy use. I've replaced mine twice, the 2nd time using shock cord from a fabric store. Of note, the velcro material tears out from the nylon cloth, requiring that it be resowed, which a tailor did for me (on each gator).

These worked well for keeping out little pieces of plants, rocks, etc. I like how adjustable they are. The bottom string is easy to tighten and holds them in place well. The top adjuster also helps keep them up but I did find they sagged a little after a few miles. The lace hook is also a great feature to keep them aligned. The only challenge with fit was lining up the buttons under the velcro. Will definitely be using these throughout the dry CA summer!

Poorly designed hook which attaches to the shoe/boot laces. Once attached it's impossible to disconnect. I modified the hook so that it still functions but is easily detached from the laces.

So far I've used these on a 3 day trip in the porkies and a few day hikes on ice age trail. They are easy to put on and take off and offer easy adjustments. I do worry about the straps under the sole in rockier areas like the winds where they may receive more punishment and break. An added bonus is they keep out ticks as well!

I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. I've been using REI Co-op Flash Gaiters and their previous versions for over 5 years with trail runners on sandy, rocky, and muddy trails. 1) Debris Protection: The low-profile design seals the gap between your shoe and ankle, keeping out rocks, sand, pine needles, and trail debris. The fabric extends about 4 inches up the ankle, providing good coverage without feeling bulky. On hotter days, I leave the top open for increased breathability. 2) Improved Durability: The underfoot cord has been improved since previous versions and is a more robust material that withstands abrasive contact with rocks and roots. Previous versions would wear out more quickly for me. 3) User-Friendly Design: The front velcro closure is a nice addition - you can put these on and remove them without taking off your shoes, which is incredibly convenient when getting ready, or when needing to make an adjustment. The gaiters stay securely positioned throughout long hikes without sliding down or bunching up. They're particularly effective for trail running where you need protection without weight or bulk. Do note: they are designed for low-cut shoes (running shoes, trail runners), and wont work with boots. Overall, I highly recommend them for trail runners and hikers who want reliable debris protection without unnecessary weight.

Nice and easy set of gaiters. I like the simplicity of them and the fact they they easily fit in your pocket. I'm not really a fan of the buttons on the Velcro closure. They're difficult to line up due to the surrounding Velcro. Other than that great product

What I appreciated most about these gaiters is the level of customization they allow. It's great that the cords that fit under the shoe can be tightened, as well as the part that fits around the leg/above the ankle. It's also nice that they're extremely easy to get on and off, due to the velcro closure. The not-so-great feature is that the cords that go under your shoes aren't super durable, so, with regular use or use around especially rocky terrain, I could see them fraying or snapping. The fabric of the gaiters isn't particularly thick or durable, either, but these are great for easy hikes where you're just trying to keep the scree out!

We got them to keep the grass seeds out of our socks. They work great! But I'm glad we actually tried them on in the store because we both ended up getting a size larger than the size chart recommend so they would fit over "ankle covering high" hiking boots. The size chart might work fine for tennis shoe style trail runners though.

Relatively easy to put on. They seem to do a decent job keeping out sand. However they need something to hold them over the back of the boot.