How important are Gaiters on a Winter camino

[Waka]

Never worn gaiters before but I'm interested to know how important they are during a Feb - Mar camino.

 

[mspath]

Never worn gaiters before but I'm interested to know how important they are during a Feb - Mar camino.

In a winter storm gaiters can be very useful to keep snow out of the top of your boots. However in an emergency plastic bags over your socks work almost as well. Yak-traxs can also be very useful. See more here. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/yak-trax.44591/

 

[Deleted member 29041]

How useful Gaiters will be, depends on the weather gods.

If the snow/sludge isn't deeper than the top of your boots, gaiters aren't needed. If it is, then you'll really appreciate wearing them - especially in melting snow.

Like with any other insurance, you don't need them, until you need them

 

[Jill81]

In colder weather I think they’re a useful addition to my gear. They keep the mud and dirt off my boots and pants, the grit and dust out of my boots, and my lower legs warm. Combined with a knee length poncho, everything stays dry.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Never worn gaiters before but I'm interested to know how important they are during a Feb - Mar camino.

In January and February, I carried gaiters for five weeks, and used them once...

 

[mla1]

Sometimes they have stayed in the pack the whole time and sometimes I have used them quite a bit - mostly for mud. I've used tall ones in winter and the short ones in warmer seasons. If you do decide to take some, make sure to try them first. Some of the shorter ones don't stay put. Also, they really can keep you a bit warmer in winter.

 

[Waka]

Thank you all for the response to my gaiter question.

 

[Tia Valeria]

I made 2 lightweight sets from cut down rain trousers. Much less weight than bought ones and cheaper too ☺

 

[Deleted member 29041]

A quick and dirty way to make very light and quite effective gaiters, is to take two plastic bags and four wide rubber bands. Open the bags in the bottom and slide one over each shin. Keep the bags in place with the rubber bands - one at the top and one at the bottom of each bag.

Another way, is using cling wrap to make puttees and tug the ends in. Too loose, and it will fall off. Too tight and it will be restrictive.

 

[KariC]

I always wear Dirty Girl gaiters - extremely lightweight and compact - and for extra protection spray them with a water repellent (tho they already come with that). Keep out dust, pebbles, thorns, etc., when it's dry out and will keep most wet stuff out of your boots/shoes when it's raining - probably not a complete deluge, but most. They're slightly pricey (about $30 US) but you don't have to weigh having extra weight along vs. having the water protection, because they truly don't add weight.

 

[Deleted member 29041]

Dirty Girl gaiters

are OK for keeping dry snow out of low boots. Wouldn't really trust them for wet snow.

 

[josephmcclain]

Never worn gaiters before but I'm interested to know how important they are during a Feb - Mar camino.

I had never worn them either. BUT in my Camino Frances, September, October 2017 I came to love them. And if you get the kind that come up to the knees they keep your calves warm and that is wonderful. They allowed me to use wonderful HOKA shoes which are not water proof and NOT get my feet wet.

 

[Ballari]

I'm currently in Mansilla, halfway from SJPP to Santiago. I walk in a skirt with leggins. I have worn them for snow and rain protection. I am also wearing them without the strap underneath for an extra warm layer when it is cold and/or windy. I chose a ladies Rab pair that sits just under the knee. I'd say that I've worn them for periods of time on 80% of the days so far. I have not had any issues with wet boots.
They were one of the more expensive items in my pack, however they have been invaluable! Especially a few days ago when it was minus 10 degrees!