REI Co-op Alpine Gaiters
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Designed to handle plunge-stepping in deep snow and bushwhacking through wet forests, the waterproof REI Alpine gaiters do a good job of keeping snow, rain and debris out of your boots.
Shop similar products- Gaiters feature waterproof, breathable uppers to keep rain and snow out while allowing sweat vapor to escape to the outside of the fabric
- 1,000-denier ballistic nylon scuff guards protect high-wear areas from abrasion
- Heavy-duty 2 in. hook-and-loop front closures provide a secure and adjustable fit
- Shockcord and hooks at the bottoms ensure a snug fit around many types of footwear; shockcords at the tops secure the gaiters around your calves
- Rugged Hypalon® instep straps wrap underneath your shoes; buckle allows strap length adjustment
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
- Small/Medium fits men's sizes 5 - 9 and women's 6.5 - 10
- Large/X-Large fits men's sizes 9.5 - 13 and women's 10.5 and up
| Best Use | Mountaineering |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | Waterproof breathable laminate |
| Gaiter Height | Mid-calf |
| Gaiter Height (in.) | 18.25 inches |
| Lower Material | Cordura nylon |
| Upper Material | Nylon |
| Lace Hooks | Yes |
| Weight | 7 ounces |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
| S | M | L | XL | S/M | L/XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Men's | 5.5-7 | 7.5-9 | 9.5-11 | 11.5-13 | 5 - 9 | 9.5 - 13 |
| U.S. Women's | 7-8 | 8.5-9.5 | 10-11.5 | 12+ | 6.5 -10 | 10.5+ |
Sizing Notes
Sizing represents US shoe size
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Most Helpful Critical Review
Very high quality and easy to put on.
This is the first pair of gaiters I have used. I've always used snow pants or rain pants which never fully keep you dry when they ride up exposing your boot. These gaiters are super easy to put on and are very comfortable. I couldn't tell that I was even wearing them while snowshoeing for 2 hours today. They stayed in place and required no adjustments once put on. My fleece lined pants that I was wearing underneath were bone dry when I took off the gaiters. Unlike my snow pants the snow did not stick to them at all. The scuff guard is a nice touch especially when wearing snowshoes; just be sure to make sure you put them on with the scuff guard on the inside of the leg. All in all a great product that I wish I had purchased many years ago.
Great Value
Sometimes I forget that REI brand products offer great quality for way better prices. I was about to buy gaiters made by OR (Outdoor Research). Then a member of the staff showed me the REI gaiters. Nearly identical in appearance, reviews and materials. Only way cheaper. Every once and a while I want something very specific that I see, like my Arc'tyrex hard shell or my Patagonia nano-puff jacket. But in most cases, I can find a great and cheaper product like this great gaiters. They have really helped me during this brutal winter we are having.
Reasonable calf size!
I recently bought the OR Crocodiles since they were on sale and had good reviews. Didn't try them on in store, which turned out to be a mistake. My wife's OR Crocs did not fit around her boots (way too big) and the calf size was giant. For me, they fit the boots, but the calf opening was just incredibly large. Had to cinch them down really far and then they were all bunched up with excess material. Unless I planned on always wearing insulated winter pants, the OR Crocs wouldn't work. The REI Alpines - Can't comment on durability yet. Aside from the abrasion guards on the lower insides, the uppers seem like a thick raincoat material. They are seemingly not as bulletproof as the uppers on the OR Crocs, but they are certainly more flexible and comfortable to move in. The calves are also a reasonable size for normal legs and the shock-cord adjustment is nice - offers a bit of give when you move but stays wrapped around your calf. The OR Crocs had a static calf cinch which did not flex/move. The bottom of the REI Alpines don't reach as far around the boot as the OR Crocs. Instead of hooking to your typical metal ring at the toe of your snow boots, they hook to the laces higher up. I don't see this as a problem - in fact, I think I will have greater range of movement and comfort. The Alpines also have a shock cord around the bottom, keeping the gaiters tight to your boots. The OR Crocks had no around-the-boot adjustment aside from the main velcro. Bottom line - you may sacrifice a bit of durability for a much better fit and more comfort when it comes to the REI Alpines vs the OR Crocodiles.
Performance Review
Purchased December 2015 Very durable, simple design, and functional in line with expectations (which for me are always high)... All straps and buckles appear solid, and durable... not to mention easy to work with on cold winter outings. Sizing seems true to form... some reviewers commented about the upper not being able to fit over their calves. Honestly, they must be huge, because I don't have chicken legs at all and there's plenty of room for a comfortable and functional fit. I would recommend these...
The Best Gaiters
Used these while climbing Mount Adams (NH) and Mount Madison in winter. Kept me completely dry in four foot snow drifts, ice, water, and 40mph winds. Fantastic product. Highly recommend getting water proof over water resistant especially if winter hiking on unpredictable trails.
Worth it if you want dry feet in the PNW
I bought these for an October trip to the Scottish highlands. Bog factor is a major concern that time of year and they performed excellent. I stepped well past my knee into some deceptive muck and invented several new curse words as I crawled my way out. I was covered in mud and not happy. However, I checked under my gaiters and my pants and boots were dry. I have large calves and the XL was very tight, that is the only downside.
Keeps out bad stuff
I bought these for a trip to the New Mexico mountains - tons of snow, snow melt, mud, pebbles, ticks, biting flies, creek crossings, and scat. My shoes, feet, and legs were warm, clean and dry. My son wore the shorter ones and his legs got muddy, but still well worth it. Only negative is that they are a bit warm to start with, but I got used to it quickly.
Pleasantly surprised
I wasn't convinced that these would stay in place but after several xc skiing outings I am quite happy with their performance. The bottom hook doesn't correspond to any place on my ski boots but since the gaiter stays in place, it is not a concern. Velcro is very strong. I look forward to trying them cutting wood.
Too small for actual alpine boots
I agree with all the other reviews that say that L/XL doesn't nearly fit around my Koflac plastic boots (size 12). They look decent but they don't appear to be sized for actual alpine boots.
L/XL is NOT L/XL...
The product looks quite solid and well made, but apparently I have the calves of a Greek god (probably not). I'm 5'11'' with a stocky build, they simply do not fit. I ordered online given I've had excellent luck with the REI brand, should have tested them locally first. I'll need to take these in to our local REI and test fit other options. Glad REI has an awesome exchange policy!