When most people think of waterproof hiking, camping and backpacking gear they think of Gore Tex, but eVent is a very similar fabric that provides very comparable protection from water and breathability. One thing that gives eVent a distinct advantage is that it is also typically quite a bit cheaper than Gore Tex, making eVent gaiters a great choice for those that want to prevent water from getting in to their boots or shoes, but don’t want to pay the premium prices for Gore Tex.
eVent Gaiters
What to look at when looking for eVent gaiters.- Height – Since the point of eVent gaiters is to provide waterproof, most eVent gaiters will be the kind that reach up to the mid-calf muscle or so. The shorter, ankle gaiters are typically used more to keep debris out of the shoes, though that doesn’t mean there are no eVent ankle gaiters.
- Bottom Material – Typically, gaiters will be made with two different sections. In the case of eVent gaiters the top section will be eVent, while the bottom part that covers the boot will be a tougher, abrasion resistant material that will stand up better to use and abuse.
Best eVent Gaiters
There aren't too many eVent gaiters out there, and most of them are made by Rab, but these are some of the better choices.- Rab Latok Alpine Gaiter - The Latok Alpine is best suited for, as the name suggests, alpine and mountaineering environments, where the weather can get ugly and you need gear that will perform. Of course they will do extremely well in less trying environments too. They're a mid-calf length gaiter, and while the top section is 3 layer eVent, the bottom is 500D cordura nylon, which will help the gaiters to boot abrasion, rubbing and everything else that can damage boots and gaiters. The top uses a drawcord to provide a secure fit. So an all-around impressive eVent gaiter.
- Rab Latok Mid Gaiter - If you would prefer something shorter, these are a great ankle gaiter that will still keep you dry. They're much the same gaiter as the Latok Alpines above. They use 3 layer eVent for the upper portion and then 500D cordura nylon for the over the boot section. The top also uses a drawcord enclosure to give you a nice, secure fit around your leg. About the only area where these gaiters are different from the Alpines is the height, which is just up and over the ankle. So a good pair of eVent gaiters if you don't need the full height of a mid-calf gaiter.
