Gaiters for Frenchman's Cap walk (the Loddens)

[Spygirl]

Hi there,

I will doing the Frenchman's Cap walk in a weeks time and was wondering.. will gaiters assist at all through the muddy sections?

I'm a fairly short person (149 cm) and am imagining that the mud will reach past my thigh so even if I were wearing gaiters, the mud will find its way seep in from the top of the gaiter.

Seeking your opinions about this..

[ollster]

YES!

a) They will provide leg protection from sticks under the mud - you never know what's under there.
b) They *may* stop mud/water from seeping into your boots (height of mud/water dependent).
c) they'll keep your socks/overpants clean(ish/er).

I just tend to wear mine all the time these days - it feels wrong without them.

[Spygirl]

Thanks for that- think I will invest in a pair. I didn't think about sticks being in the mud (well I guess that may be where the expression comes from!)

[stu]

I'd agree with ollster, they are a MUST for most Tassie walks, the Loddens especially.
Sinch the top of them a little tighter when entering the mud & you should be safe from leakage.
I was at Frenchmans earlier in the year & had a very, very close call with a large Tiger snake on the way out -
it struck at my calf & missed by a whisker; I heard it hiss loudly at me. Gaiters aren't just for mud!
I use the Sea to Summit Gore-tex variety & find them great, very burly & breathe well.
Hope the weather gods shine on you, it's a fantastic slice of Tassie out there

Stuart.

[ollster]

I was at Frenchmans earlier in the year & had a very, very close call with a large Tiger snake on the way out -
it struck at my calf & missed by a whisker; I heard it hiss loudly at me.

I came within about a meter of a pretty big one at about waist level on that flat bit as you come over Mt Mullens. It was loosely coiled up about the size of a "family" pizza on the top side of the track. I've seen a mate of mine chased along the Huon track by a big one too, flaring itself like a cobra.

I really, really hate snakes. Another very good reason for gaiters and overpants (or walking in Winter).

[craigw]

149cm! You might want to take a snorkle as well. Gotta love that mud - and it don't get no thicker than on the Lodden Pls. Awesome walk regardless.

C