How to choose travel leggings?

In order for a hiking excursion, a trip or a regular run to be comfortable and safe, you need to properly prepare for it. And the most important thing in preparation is the choice of the necessary equipment. Consider in this article a very important thing for every tourist - tourist leggings.

What it is? What is this attribute for? And how to choose it correctly? We will answer all these questions below.

Tourist gaiters are in some way a "case" that covers the leg. Most often they go from the base of the boot to the middle of the lower leg, depending on the species and their purpose, the length is different.

First of all, they are designed to protect hiking shoes from moisture, stones and dirt. The secondary function is protection from the cold and preservation of the integrity of boots and trousers. In this regard, gaiters are made of durable materials. Here are the main components of this attribute: the leggings themselves are made of wear-resistant raw materials, the fastener along the entire length (zipper or Velcro), the lower and upper straps for fastening and a hook for laces.

Tourist leggings differ in purpose, quality and, of course, price. It is important not to get confused in the parameters and choose exactly the equipment that you need.

In order to choose the right leggings, you need to decide on the type, since different models have different parameters and purpose.

These gaiters are shorter than other models. Made from lightweight and stretchy material for ultimate comfort on trails. Thanks to the thin material, they are not so hot, but at the same time, running gaiters protect against the penetration of dirt and small stones into the sneakers. It is not recommended to use them in more severe conditions, as they are not strong enough.

This type of tourist leggings is significantly different. Shoe covers reach the knee and cover the foot of the boot, and sometimes the upper part, that is, these are kind of “gaiters” that are worn over the shoes. This model is designed for severe weather conditions: deep snowdrifts, mud. Shoe covers are made of waterproof fabric and equipped with insulation.

This type of tourist leggings is in many ways similar to shoe covers, but at the same time more versatile. The model is suitable for overcoming snowdrifts, mountainous terrain, for walking on mud, crust, river. The Overboot model consists of durable waterproof materials, covers the leg completely up to the knee, has a corrugated sole and insulation. These gaiters can be safely used with crampons without fear of damaging equipment (shoes and trousers).

Not very durable model, so it should only be used as a protection against dirt and small stones. The difference between flashlights is comfort. This type of gaiters does not tightly fit the leg, therefore, they are not so hot in them. Can be used for hiking in the forest to protect against debris, insects, dirt and snow. But there are also winter insulated "flashlights": the elastic band fixes the gaiters, which does not allow snow to penetrate.

This type protects trekking boots from small stones and dirt. Also suitable for walking in the forest and overcoming simple mountain areas.

Height - to the knee. Made from very strong and durable fabric. Climbing gaiters are intended for climbing uphill, for moving through deep snowdrifts and screes. Can last for several seasons.

An equally important criterion is the material from which the gaiters are made, because everyone wants the attribute to last as long as possible and not deteriorate after the first use. There are several types of materials.

Serves to protect against moisture. And also due to the high density of the gaiters from the membrane is quite wear-resistant and durable.

Manufacturers use this material to create a budget version of tourist leggings. This fabric is suitable for almost all hiking conditions, but you should refrain from using nylon products in rainy weather and in sleet. Also such gaiters not compatible with catsbecause this material is not strong enough. In addition, it is worth paying attention on the quality of fasteners.

This is a fairly durable fabric with a water-repellent impregnation and a polyurethane coating. Such material is used in the army, which means that special strength and wear resistance. But when buying gaiters from this fabric, you should beware of fakes.

In order for the gaiters to hold properly, you need high-quality clamps.Unfortunately, many manufacturers save on this. Therefore, you need to carefully check their quality.

Most often, Velcro is used as a fastener on gaiters along the entire length. The second option is lightning, a less reliable device. But if you are afraid that the attribute will fail at the most inopportune moment, then choose models with a double fastener - the zipper is closed with Velcro.

There are two more fastenings on tourist gaiters: upper and lower slings.

And of course, gaiters need to be selected only according to their own size. You need to buy equipment for the boots that you are going to use on a hike. remember, that gaiters should fit snugly around your leg for a secure fit. After all, if this attribute is large, then the penetration of dirt and stones into the shoes cannot be avoided, in addition, the leggings will constantly subside.

Consider several popular brands of gaiters from different price categories.

• Travel-Extreme Snow - a popular brand that offers good quality tourist leggings at an average price (from 800 rubles).

Indicators:

1. impermeability;
2. Velcro;
3. hooks for attaching to boots;
4. reinforced rubber heel strap;
5. material is nylon.

• viator - Polish manufacturer. This is a budget option for tourist leggings.The price is up to 500 rubles.

Options:

1. waterproof, water-repellent;
2. there are elastic bands for fastening;
3. double clasp.

• Sea to Summit Quagmire Canvas Gaiters - a company that promises leggings made of very durable material. The price is appropriate - from 3000 rubles.

Characteristics:

1. a strong base that holds the form vertically, providing ventilation, and ultra-durable material on the sole;
2. waterproof;
3. removable wear-resistant sling;
4. hook for laces;
5. top puff;
6. Velcro fastening strap.

How to choose tourist leggings, see the following video.