Outdoor Research  Rocky Mountain High Gaiters

I have used these hiking in the summer, including a week on the West Coast Trail BC, and many winter snowshoeing hikes, some in very heavy snow. The gaiters worked flawlessly. I find them very easy to put on and take off. And unlike other reviewers, I have never had them slip down. The clamp thing that holds the top strap holds very tight. I do have to move some of the fabric away from it to get it tight to begin with when I clamp it. These gaiters have been very comfortable against my bare legs and fit over my insulated winter hiking tights plus wind pants with no trouble. They might not fit well over heavy snow pants. I have never tried that, but anything that big would be baggy for summer use.

For my first pair of gaiters, I have no complaints with these. I used them both over pants and on my bare leg and they worked great. They stayed up and did so comfortably. We had some pretty muddy conditions on our 4 day trek as well as a few areas where the trail narrowed and we went through some thick brush. They worked as advertised keeping out the muck and protecting my legs. Several on the trek with me said "nice call" on the gaiters. I'm very pleased.

My first pair of gaiters, so I might be a little naive.... But I love these! I wore them backpacking in the Olympics (Mtn range in WA) last weekend and they were awesome. I wore them with shorts on and they were really comfortable against my bare skin. They stay in place excellently. I hate to wear pants when backpacking because I get too hot, especially when hitting extending switchbacks. These are the perfect solution. Shorts to keep you cool but these full length gaiters to protect the lower legs and boots from rain, dirt, rocks, etc. It POURED rain on us and these still prevented the water from pouring down my leg and into my boots. My feet were completely dry after a 4 hour slog to the campsite.

The OR Rocky Mountain High Gaiters worked very well for me in snow that was about a foot deep. I used these for a couple of weeks and then the snow melted, so I haven't used them extensively. I never got any snow inside of them while I was hiking or skiing off trail. I made sure to try them on with the desired shoes/boots I would be wearing, and they fit snug, which is necessary for gaiters (I bought large and wear a size 11 shoe/boot). I haven't had any problems with them, but have really only tested them four times.

My girlfriend and I both purchased these before going to New Zealand, mainly because of the affordable price, respectable company, and good reviews. Almost instantly after using them on a trail, I noticed that the strap that fits under my Merell boots would not stay under the arch, but kept slipping to the back underneath the heel. I was annoyed at first, but after trying to adjust them multiple times, nothing helped. They didn't seem to bother the way I hiked, so I left them that way. After only using them for about 4 days total, the strap underneath completely broke. Also, during a really rainy hike, they still got my socks wet due to the lack of breathability. I have never owned any other gaiters before, so I don't know how good they actually work, but I was hoping they would be better than this!

The top adjustable strap, when drawn tight, has no "keeper" to hold the extra length, which subsequently tends to flap around. The extra velcro tab at the ankle which keeps the velcro fastener closed is an excellent addition. These gaiters are excellent for use in the long wet grass and bush so abundant in the rainy season in the tropics. In addition they prevent grass seeds, mud, etc from getting into ones boots. which is a problem with the usual high wellington boots.

I purchased these in size XL as replacement for my existing O/R Gaitors, which are also XL. They did not fit around my calves to allow me to close the velcro - but my old ones fit fine. I compared the new ones to the old ones and found that they were not as large by ~.75 inches. I had to return them for a refund and will need to consider another brand because that is as large as they are made from O/R.

these gaiters worked perfectly during a winter backpacking trip that saw 2 ft of snow fall my first night out. spent the trip snowshoeing through knee deep powder and could not be more satisfied with the performance of this product. was considering buying the crocs or verglas but my budget forced me to buy the rockies. i am so glad i ran short of cash and got these. would buy them again.

The only drawback to this product was the cinch strap at the top. It seems as though it wasn't enough of a choke on the leg to keep it from falling down. Would have rather seen a draw string. Otherwise in four feet of snow they proved to be a life saver for my feet and legs. Very compact and easy to put on when out in the woods. Over time the strap on the bottom begins to fray.

Have had these for several years and used them for climbing, backpacking, hiking, and winter outdoor activities (hunting, skiing, etc.). They are great for hiking/backpacking. I would highly recommend spending the extra cash on the OR Crocodile gaiters for heavy mountain use, especially with crampons!