For those lightweight backpackers and anyone else concerned about the weight of their gear, there are plenty of lightweight gaiters out there to choose from. Even if you want or need is a big, tough pair of mountaineering gaiters that will keep you dry while trekking through fields of snow, there are still some excellent lightweight options. As with all lightweight gear, it comes down to knowing the piece of gear, and knowing what options are available to you.
Lightweight Gaiters
What to look for when you're looking for lightweight gaiters.- Material – If your goal is lightweight gaiters then you will likely want to stay away from the thicker, tougher fabric options. Thick Gore Tex, for instance, will definitely keep you dry, but there are other, more lightweight options like eVent that will do the same job, but for less weight.
- Height – If your goal is lightweight gaiters then you may want to forgo the bigger, taller mountaineering gaiters and opt for something shorter, like ankle gaiters. This will depend, obviously, on what you intend to do with your gaiters, but it is at least an option to be aware of.
Best Lightweight Gaiters
Some of the very best choices when it comes to lightweight gaiters.- REI Desert Gaiters - If you would prefer just a pair of lightweight gaiters that will keep rocks, dirt and maybe a touch of water out of your boots, the the REI Desert Gaiters a good choice. They're definitely a smaller ankle gaiter that is actually built for shoes and smaller boots. They're nylon, which is a fabric that breathes well, and they have a UPF 30 rating, so that you wont get burned. They weigh a total of 3.9 ounces, or 110 grams.
- Rab Latok Mid Gaiter - If you want just an ankle gaiter, but a pair that will be waterproof, then the Latok Mid is a fantastic choice. They're made with eVent, which is similar to Gore Tex but, crucially, lighter and more breathable. The boot portion is also made of slightly lighter 500D cordura nylon, rather than the 1000D that is often seen on heavier, bulkier gaiters. There's no weight given, but it's likely to be only a bit more than the Desert Gaiters above.
- Rab Latok Alpine Gaiter - Another pair of gaiters designed with lightweight backpackers and hikers in mind. This is a mid-calf gaiter, though it's an inch or two shorter than most other mid-calf gaiters, which helps to save a bit of weight. And like the Latok Mid gaiters above, these Alpine gaiters use eVent for the top section, which is a lightweight but waterproof material. They also use the lighter, 500D cordura nylon for the bottom, which is another weight saving feature. Rab does not, unfortunately, give weights for their gaiters, but judging by the materials and design, these would be a fair bit lighter than most other alpine and mountaineering gaiters.
