Gaiters

Bushwalking gear and paraphernalia. Electronic gadget topics (inc. GPS, PLB, chargers) belong in the 'Techno Babble' sub-forum.
Forum rules
TIP: The online Bushwalk Inventory System can help bushwalkers with a variety of bushwalk planning tasks, including: Manage which items they take bushwalking so that they do not forget anything they might need, plan meals for their walks, and automatically compile food/fuel shopping lists (lists of consumables) required to make and cook the meals for each walk. It is particularly useful for planning for groups who share food or other items, but is also useful for individual walkers.

Gaiters

Postby roysta » Sat 04 Sep, 2010 10:40 pm

This is a perennial problem for me.
I have two pairs of gaiters and both are perfect for NSW situations, but I'm going to be in the Arthurs in a few months and neither will do the trick.
I looked at those Sea to Summit Quagmires and saw more than enough minus reviews to give them a miss.
I went for a pair of OR Gore Tex Crocodiles instead.
Time will tell if I made the right decision.
User avatar
roysta
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 674
Joined: Mon 22 Dec, 2008 8:14 am
Location: New South Wales
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby Azza » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 12:12 pm

I think you'll probably find that OR / S2S probably not be too much difference.
The problem we're all having with S2S and just about every brand of gaiter out there is that the stitching disintergrates and falls aparts fairly quickly under Tassie off track conditions.
The actual design of these gaiters is reasonably good.. just the build quality doesn't cope with regular off track use in Tassie.

If its a one off trip to the arthurs you shouldn't have to worry much about whether they'll hold up.
The rest of us are getting sick of having to repair / replace gaiters every few months.
User avatar
Azza
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 979
Joined: Thu 06 Mar, 2008 11:26 am

Re: Gaiters

Postby stu » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 1:22 pm

I have had both the STS Gore Tex Quagmires (4 pairs) & the OR Gore Tex Crocs (1 pair).
Both lasted about the same time i'm afraid, that is a few months of 'intensive' walking, often off track.

As Az mentioned, it is the stitching that is the continuing problem, the OR's not being much better than the STS.
Threre were also a few odd design details I didn't like on the OR's - the latch at the top of the gaiter was pretty useless & kept popping open & the lace toe hook being on the upper piece of the overlapping material was annoying, it should have been on the bottom piece of meterial. Also this toe hook had a little velcro cover over it, this got demolished + full of vegetation in no time & was pretty much useless.

Boulder screes tend to be the worst thing for this style of gaiter - dolerite in particular is very abrasive & once the thread is breached it's all over.
Double / triple stitching would help aleviate this as has been mentioned in numerous other posts on this forum.

Having said all of this, just about any gaiter will last at least 1 trip, even the mighty WA's :D
Have fun, it's a spectacular walk!
User avatar
stu
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2168
Joined: Fri 02 May, 2008 8:31 am
Region: Tasmania

Re: Gaiters

Postby ollster » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 1:58 pm

aljscott wrote:The actual design of these gaiters is reasonably good.. just the build quality doesn't cope with regular off track use in Tassie.


I think the design on S2S Quagmire and many other modern gaiters is flawed. Front opening = front stitching = failure point.

Manufacturers, please listen. We need:
-Rear opening
-Stiff (like the S2S ones) so they stay up when you want to open the top up to ventilate
-Sit just under the knee (the Macpac ones are too short and too plyable, and tend to sit low and ride down. What, are they designed for Hobbits?!)
-Hidden laces loop (like on the Macpac gaiters), not exposed like on S2S, which quickly gets destroyed, and catches on bauera etc (this makes me swear)
-Hidden/covered under-heel loop adjustment (I've bent the buckles on numeous occasions on the Quagmires)
-Tough under-heel strap (the S2S one isn't too bad). Replaceable? Who cares, it tends to out last the rest of the gaiter at the moment
-Tough fabric, although mostly this is taken care of with the few I've tried out
-Minimal stitching areas, but where there is stitching use tough sail stitching or similar and double or triple stitch it
-Forget the scuff pads S2S, they are a waste of time.
-Don't worry about press studs, they suck
-Do not use velcro around the top (gets full of mud), or plastic buckles (they catch on things and constantly open up). There must be a better method. Internal elastic draw cord seems ideal. Or how about a baffle type design, like sleeping bags have?

/end rant... Thank you.

And to address the opening post, most of the gaiters will be fine for the Arthurs, there's little up there to tear at the stitching.
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
User avatar
ollster
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 4:14 pm
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: LoveMyGoat.com
Region: Australia

Re: Gaiters

Postby sthughes » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 2:38 pm

Yeah I agree with ollster, though I do like the shin protection all that front velcro gives. Maybe up the front have a strip of thin high density foam in a sort of pocket with concealed stitching behind it, then rear opening? Dunno.
"Don't do today what you can put off 'till tomorrow." (Work that is!)
User avatar
sthughes
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2414
Joined: Wed 05 Mar, 2008 12:53 pm
Location: Ulverstone
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby ollster » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 2:57 pm

sthughes wrote:Yeah I agree with ollster, though I do like the shin protection all that front velcro gives. Maybe up the front have a strip of thin high density foam in a sort of pocket with concealed stitching behind it, then rear opening? Dunno.


Good point, I had forgotten about that. +1 for this suggestion.
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
User avatar
ollster
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 4:14 pm
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: LoveMyGoat.com
Region: Australia

Re: Gaiters

Postby stu » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 3:09 pm

I think I may give these a go (again):

http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=WEBG

They have the inbuilt shin protector / stiffener, meaning the top can be left undone for airflow / entry for jack jumpers :D

They have elastic under the arch whichn is just plain stupid.
Replace this with those wire ones you can get & it might be a good Tassie set-up (n.b. the attachyments for the under arch wire thingy are actually under the fabric, ie. concealed). These gaiters have to be fitted as they are supposed to be very tight ob the boot itself; I usually take a medium in STS but was a small in these. I usually prefer Gore Tex but for the sake of durability I think I'll give these another crack.
User avatar
stu
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2168
Joined: Fri 02 May, 2008 8:31 am
Region: Tasmania

Re: Gaiters

Postby stepbystep » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 3:31 pm

Just had a look at the new eVent S2S gaiters, look awfully flimsy, wanted to buy them, but couldn't do it. What good is a waterproof layer if it's got a gaping hole in it :? Went for a pair of the Quagmire Canvas, at least they were on special, IF they last the summer I'll be pretty stoked!
The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders ~ Edward Abbey
User avatar
stepbystep
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 7625
Joined: Tue 19 May, 2009 10:19 am
Location: Street urchin
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby ollster » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 3:37 pm

stubowling wrote:They have elastic under the arch whichn is just plain stupid.


But Stu "Unless you're rock hopping in flat soles, it will be a long while before you use any spares."
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
User avatar
ollster
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 4:14 pm
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: LoveMyGoat.com
Region: Australia

Re: Gaiters

Postby stu » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 3:43 pm

LOL - yeah, I'm not sure they know how ridiculous that sounds mate.
I used these on the King William walk, I think the elastic lasted until day 2, which was a stretch (s'cuse the pun).
Apart from that & replacing the elastic concept they may still be worth a second try.............maybe.

Still awaiting the grand release of the new STS Tassie gaiter, lets see if they can get this one right!!!
User avatar
stu
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 2168
Joined: Fri 02 May, 2008 8:31 am
Region: Tasmania

Re: Gaiters

Postby ILUVSWTAS » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 3:47 pm

So far so good with the OP RFG's.

True they have only been on 2 walks....
Nothing to see here.
User avatar
ILUVSWTAS
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 11027
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 9:53 am
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby ollster » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 4:00 pm

ILUVSWTAS wrote:So far so good with the OP RFG's.

True they have only been on 2 walks....


My last S2S lasted 22 before total annihilation. The new Macpacs are going ok, although that is post re-stitch, so not sure if that counts. :wink:
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
User avatar
ollster
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 4:14 pm
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: LoveMyGoat.com
Region: Australia

Re: Gaiters

Postby Azza » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 4:33 pm

ollster wrote:My last S2S lasted 22 before total annihilation. The new Macpacs are going ok, although that is post re-stitch, so not sure if that counts. :wink:


yea.. My macpacs have done only a couple of walks and both press studs have broken off...
The split rings for the wires pulled apart on the last overnighter and before I notice they're torn a sizable hole through the fabric.
So far I'd rate the S2S as more durable. I'm tempted to give to OP's a go.

Not sure if moving the stitching to the back helps, it just seems that as soon as you nick the thread the whole thing unravels.
I think tougher stitch that isn't exposed is the way to go. Ideally try to avoid unnecessary stitching and extra bits to fail and fall off.
Simple is probably the best.
User avatar
Azza
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 979
Joined: Thu 06 Mar, 2008 11:26 am

Re: Gaiters

Postby Liamy77 » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 7:13 pm

i did see a bloke (yanky tourist) wearing motorcross / hockey shin pads over the top of his... not sure what weight he was carryin all up tho - he had glued his gaiters to his boots too and didnt use the under sole strap at all.... he seemed happy with it...

I use s2s quagmires atm....
the best gaiters i have had were leather and lace up at the back- but they heat up a bit... maybe a lighter material on the back or a strip of leather sewn to the front of the s2s? - dont use em too much here in WA so i am biding my time to see how the manufacturers' dust settles.......
Taggunnah
GRAVITY... IS A HARSH MISTRESS!
knowledge's lighter than gadgets..but gadgets can be fun!
User avatar
Liamy77
Auctorita modica
Auctorita modica
 
Posts: 1552
Joined: Tue 20 Apr, 2010 4:36 pm
Location: Southern Channel, Tas.... but sometimes i leave n walk around elsewhere!
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: Woodbridge Organics
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby north-north-west » Mon 06 Sep, 2010 8:07 pm

ollster wrote:I think the design on S2S Quagmire and many other modern gaiters is flawed. Front opening = front stitching = failure point.

Manufacturers, please listen. We need:
-Rear opening
-Stiff (like the S2S ones) so they stay up when you want to open the top up to ventilate
-Sit just under the knee (the Macpac ones are too short and too plyable, and tend to sit low and ride down. What, are they designed for Hobbits?!)
-Hidden laces loop (like on the Macpac gaiters), not exposed like on S2S, which quickly gets destroyed, and catches on bauera etc (this makes me swear)
-Hidden/covered under-heel loop adjustment (I've bent the buckles on numeous occasions on the Quagmires)
-Tough under-heel strap (the S2S one isn't too bad). Replaceable? Who cares, it tends to out last the rest of the gaiter at the moment
-Tough fabric, although mostly this is taken care of with the few I've tried out
-Minimal stitching areas, but where there is stitching use tough sail stitching or similar and double or triple stitch it
-Forget the scuff pads S2S, they are a waste of time.
-Don't worry about press studs, they suck
-Do not use velcro around the top (gets full of mud), or plastic buckles (they catch on things and constantly open up). There must be a better method. Internal elastic draw cord seems ideal. Or how about a baffle type design, like sleeping bags have?

/end rant... Thank you.


It scares me when I agree with you, but I can't fault that little rant. Spot on.
"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."
User avatar
north-north-west
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 15493
Joined: Thu 14 May, 2009 7:36 pm
Location: The Asylum
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: Social Misfits Anonymous
Region: Tasmania

Re: Gaiters

Postby wellsy » Fri 17 Sep, 2010 10:08 pm

I've sewn a pair of canvas gaiters using instructions from a book titled "Sew and Repair Your Outdoor Gear" by Louise Lindgren. You can get the book on Amazon. The gaiters address most of the isssues you have mentioned. I've used them in the Wollemi and other sandstone areas and have been very pleased with them. I gave the zipper closures a big miss (too unreliable) and used 25mm velcro instead, along with 3 press studs, but probably could have omitted the press studs. I don't usually bother using the underboot straps but they are easy to replace with this design. I particularly like the stiffness of the canvas as I can leave the tops open for ventilation but have the option to cinch up the top drawcord if necessary. Although these open at the side it would be no big deal to have the opening at the rear. I met a bloke who uses stainless steel bicycle brake cable for boot straps and swears they never wear out; I'm not surprised! Anyway I'd encourage you to have a go at sewing your own using the above mentioned book or similiar. If the stitch thread is the 'achilles heel' of your gaiters you can always use a polyester upholstery thread and/or put in a second row of stitching.

Regards,
Wellsy
wellsy
Nothofagus gunnii
Nothofagus gunnii
 
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon 31 May, 2010 11:12 am
Region: New South Wales
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby ILUVSWTAS » Sat 18 Sep, 2010 5:26 am

I was looking at those Tatonka ones the other day, They look like total rubbish. I could poke a blade of grass through one!! Dont look like they offer any protection at all!!
Nothing to see here.
User avatar
ILUVSWTAS
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 11027
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 9:53 am
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby dancier » Mon 20 Sep, 2010 8:47 am

wellsy wrote: used 25mm velcro instead, along with 3 press studs, but probably could have omitted the press studs. I don't usually bother using the underboot straps but they are easy to replace with this design.


Sounds like a pair of old Alpsport gaiters I've got. They have rear opening, three press studs and Velcro, front hook, drawcord at top and strap underneath, they'd be easy to make.
User avatar
dancier
Athrotaxis cupressoides
Athrotaxis cupressoides
 
Posts: 144
Joined: Sat 16 Jan, 2010 7:19 am
Region: Victoria
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby Selig97 » Mon 20 Sep, 2010 6:45 pm

I have recently purchased OR Gore Tex Expedition Crocodile gaiters which so far are ok.

I recently saw this pair on NZ web site. Not sure what they would be like, if I need another pair I might purchase and try. (Unless someone has had them before and they are worse than all the existing gaiters available)

http://www.outdoorsupplies.co.nz/Outdoordesigns.html
Recent walks: Mt Fortescue, Mt Arthur, Aluminium Cliffs

Peak bagging points: 4
Selig97
Nothofagus cunninghamii
Nothofagus cunninghamii
 
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat 29 Aug, 2009 11:16 am
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby ILUVSWTAS » Mon 20 Sep, 2010 6:48 pm

They look ok actually, and at that price may be worth checking!!

BTW I love you have your points on your signature at 4.... It must be nice to have the list as your oyster again!! Sooo many options.
Nothing to see here.
User avatar
ILUVSWTAS
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 11027
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 9:53 am
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby Selig97 » Mon 20 Sep, 2010 6:55 pm

Yes....The list....

Completed a number of walks years ago but then I didn't know there was a list. So, now I have to do them again to score the points. But, it is a good opportunity to do these with my kids.

I have modified the (my) list so that I have the original Peak list, but I add other walks, waterfalls and huts to it as I do them. So the focus is on being out there rather than just tackling the peaks.

Need to check out 'cheaper' gear as it costs a bit to fit out the family. I probably would have tried these gaiters before ordering the OR's out of USA first, but then I got a good price for a couple of pairs.
Recent walks: Mt Fortescue, Mt Arthur, Aluminium Cliffs

Peak bagging points: 4
Selig97
Nothofagus cunninghamii
Nothofagus cunninghamii
 
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat 29 Aug, 2009 11:16 am
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby Azza » Tue 21 Sep, 2010 5:53 pm

I had a look at the OR's when I was in Christchurch a couple of weeks ago.

My perceptions at the time where that they are almost a carbon copy of the Sea to Summits Quagmires.
Single stitched, basically I couldn't decern any feature or improvement that would set them apart from the S2S in any meaningful way.

Being that my current pair of Macpac gaiters are almost ruined < 6 months old and ready for the bin (worst pair I've had btw..)
I'm definately in the market for a replacement pair soon. Bu there was nothing that compelled me to want to buy them.

I'm waiting to hear from SWTas how the OnePlanets are going?
User avatar
Azza
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 979
Joined: Thu 06 Mar, 2008 11:26 am

Re: Gaiters

Postby ILUVSWTAS » Tue 21 Sep, 2010 6:25 pm

I do like the OP's Azz, but have only used them twice. I am saving them for the Mt Seal trip, and while my dodgy STS ones are hanging in there, I might as well kill them good and proper before using the OP ones full time.
Nothing to see here.
User avatar
ILUVSWTAS
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 11027
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 9:53 am
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby DanH » Wed 22 Sep, 2010 10:54 am

Amazed no one has mentioned WE gaiters... canvas so no problems with goretex sweating issues, or the eventual failure of the laminate, also no skin irritation problems from synthetics (my wife has this with S2S shorties), well built, covers your laces as well so not too many prickles/seed heads/mud thru your laces...
experience comes after stuffing up - stuffing up comes after having a go - having a go comes after I get off the computer!
User avatar
DanH
Nothofagus gunnii
Nothofagus gunnii
 
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue 21 Sep, 2010 4:18 pm
Region: Queensland
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby ronin » Sun 17 Oct, 2010 4:56 pm

I followed the older thread with baited breath hoping that a gaiter would emerge worthy of our terrain, but alas, it would seem that this thread is spiraling into the same conclusion as the original, did Macpac come up with an improved (approved) design?, is StoS (or WE for that matter) now a sturdier product.
Has an enterprising individual with a real understanding of the Tassie scrub come up with a product that resembles the gaiters of past?
Has someone added the the little bit of extra stitching/velcro/etc that might cost a little bit more, but would alleviate some of the design faults that many complained about?
I have to buy some new gaiters, my fingers are crossed.
ronin
Nothofagus gunnii
Nothofagus gunnii
 
Posts: 35
Joined: Mon 23 Nov, 2009 4:39 pm
Region: Tasmania
Gender: Male

Re: Gaiters

Postby vagrom » Sat 13 Nov, 2010 9:42 pm

Latest Wild mag. gear reviews - Gaiters(6), and Trekking Poles(7) .

Sea to Summit: Quagmire Goretex $80; Quagmire Canvas $70.

Outdoor Research: Croc's Mens and Womens - $100

Macpac: Torlesse -$55 "..simple nylon .. Good for..somewhere muddy but won't be going off-track. .."

Cactus: Instigaiter NZ ($100)- "..easily the toughest gaiters on test. ..The perfect gaiter for those who destroy them at regular intervals. .."
Surgite et .. andiamo!
User avatar
vagrom
Athrotaxis selaginoides
Athrotaxis selaginoides
 
Posts: 1004
Joined: Thu 25 Mar, 2010 10:27 pm
Location: Adelaide
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: WalkingSA, Frnd Cleland/Bushcare, Alltrails
Region: South Australia

Re: Gaiters

Postby ollster » Sat 13 Nov, 2010 10:06 pm

vagrom wrote:Cactus: Instigaiter NZ ($100)- "..easily the toughest gaiters on test. ..The perfect gaiter for those who destroy them at regular intervals. .."


I think Azza had a pair of those, they were stuffed after only a few months (I'm sure he'll chip in with more details). $100 is also *&%$#! ridiculous for a pair of gaiters. :?
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member."
User avatar
ollster
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue 02 Sep, 2008 4:14 pm
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS: LoveMyGoat.com
Region: Australia

Re: Gaiters

Postby Azza » Sun 14 Nov, 2010 10:56 am

ollster wrote:
vagrom wrote:Cactus: Instigaiter NZ ($100)- "..easily the toughest gaiters on test. ..The perfect gaiter for those who destroy them at regular intervals. .."


I think Azza had a pair of those, they were stuffed after only a few months (I'm sure he'll chip in with more details). $100 is also *&%$#! ridiculous for a pair of gaiters. :?


100 New Zealand dollars.
I had the dupper gaiter. They weren't too bad.
Still stitching fell apart and I tore a hole in them within 6 months.
I liked the lace hooks. Apart from that there was nothing that set them apart from all the others.

Not as bomb proof as they claim.

The whole gaiter problem is solved by build quality. If they could just get the stitching right 90% of issues would go away.
User avatar
Azza
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 979
Joined: Thu 06 Mar, 2008 11:26 am

Re: Gaiters

Postby photohiker » Sun 14 Nov, 2010 12:26 pm

Azza wrote:The whole gaiter problem is solved by build quality. If they could just get the stitching right 90% of issues would go away.


Has anyone tried doping the stitching with seam sealer or some other adhesive? It occurs to me that the problem is not just that the stitches wear out at critical wear points, but also that when they do, the gaiter starts to fall apart. Most of the doped seam should stay put even if part of the stitching is worn away.
Michael
User avatar
photohiker
Lagarostrobos franklinii
Lagarostrobos franklinii
 
Posts: 3097
Joined: Sun 17 May, 2009 12:31 pm
Location: Adelaide, dreaming up where to go next.

Re: Gaiters

Postby Azza » Sun 14 Nov, 2010 12:42 pm

We do all that. It helps.
My latest pair of S2s gaiters have done 4 walks and the lace hook as broken, and press studs have pulled apart.
Stitching is just starting to go. So I've not even had a chance to attack it with the seam seal.
Seriously! Less than 2 months old I expect much better.

They'll be going back to the shop soon.
User avatar
Azza
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
Phyllocladus aspleniifolius
 
Posts: 979
Joined: Thu 06 Mar, 2008 11:26 am

Next

Return to Equipment

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 42 guests