Gaiters for shooting are essential, particularly if you’re walked-up shooting on moorland.
Wear gaiters with your breeks and shooting socks to protect your legs from ticks, as well as mud, scratches from rough heather and brambles. You’ll also be able to stride through streams without getting wet feet (and you can’t wear wellies when walked-up shooting, as experienced Guns know. Because it’s a sure fire way to sprain an ankle walking through uneven terrain). (Read our list of the best shooting breeks.)
Gaiters will protect your legs from ticks
Gaiters should be worn with comfortable shooting boots to give your ankles and feet good support and grip. Look around the field and you’ll see all the experienced Guns with a pair of gaiters at the ready. They’re also useful to wear when you’re not out in the field. When you’re training gundogs, walking through long grass or gardening. Lyme disease is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK, and gaiters will help to stop ticks reaching your skin and transmitting the disease. (Read what you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease.)
Shooting Times contributor Graham Downing advises: “Walked-up grouse is for me the best shooting of all, and I have hunted grouse this way in Scotland for nearly 50 years. To my mind the finest sport is to be had in rough country in the Highlands, where the walking is tough and you have to be fit and keep alert to the dogs working in front of you. The scenery that unfolds at every footstep is breathtaking and on a fine day in mid-August there’s absolutely no better place to be.
“Gaiters are an essential piece of kit to protect your lower legs against the rough heather stems and to keep the seeds and debris out of your boots. A well-fitting pair of gaiters will help keep your feet dry and comfortable. The thickest heavy duty waxed cotton works well for me, and I like a zip down the front which is protected by a studded flap. Do make sure the strap which passes under your boot is tough and fits securely – this is usually the part of the gaiter which wears out first. Also, when buying your gaiters make sure they are sized correctly to fit over your boots, remembering that when hunting in hill country, you’ll want to wear ‘high leg’ boots which provide the maximum amount of ankle support.”
Gaiters are key for walked-up shooting
Choose hardwearing, breathable and lightweight fabrics for gaites
Here are some recommendations for gaiters for shooting from gillies and contributors to Shooting Times and Sporting Gun, who’ve road tested a fair few in their time.
+ Strong
+ Lightweight
-Not silent
Tear-resistant gaiters made from a waterproof waxed material, ideal for moving through heavy foliage.
Trainee keeper Fraser is a fan of Outdoor Research gaiters
+ Water resistant and breathable
+ Tough
– No large sizes available
A brand that is being put through its paces, literally, is Outdoor Research. Trainee keeper Fraser has had his a couple of years and definitely rates them.
+ Elasticated top and bottom
+ Comes with fabric carry pouch
The Chorley gaiter packs away into a fabric carry pouch. It is is elasticated for comfort, features a centre back zip with a Velcro secured placket covering, an adjustable calf, a boot lace hook and an under boot wired strap.
+ Tear resistant
+ Elasticated top and bottom
-Bottom popper can pop open
Waterproof and breathable, these make our best gaiters for shooting list because we think they are excellent value. They’re also easy to clean.
+ Replaceable webbing underfoot strap and drawcord
+ Waterproof in damp conditions
-Not 100% waterproof
Created from the famous Barbour heavyweight waxed cotton, these knee-length boot gaiters will keep you dryer and more comfortable when it’s rainy and muddy. They are good for wading through streams or walking amongst thorny bushes.
+ Strong
+ Lightweight
-One size
+ Extra strong Velcro
+ Waterproof
These gaiters work perfect with Harkila Pro GTX walking boots, but in fact they are sufficiently adjustable to work with just about any waterproof walking boots. Made with waterproof technology and a hard exterior material, these gaiters will withstand any weather or terrain. Ideal for walked-up shooting, they will provide a good fit for any lower leg due to a drawstring at the top, an adjustable rubber strap at the bottom and elasticated ankles.
Colour: Green
Fastening: Zip and Velcro flap
Adjustable: Elasticated ankle
Material: 100% nylon
Size: One size
Strap under boot: Steel instep cable
+ Water resistant and breathable
+ Tough
– Price
If you’re a fan of Le Chameau goods then you’ll be pleased to see that the company has done a line in waterproof gaiters.
+ Robust
+ Water resistant and breathable
-Price
This is a brand we keep hearing good things about. The length of these gaiters can be adjusted to suit the length of the boots being worn with the adjustment strap. They are easy to put on, well made and don’t ride up.
+ Fully waterproof
+ Hardwearing
– Price
The CTX lining in these gaiters makes them fully waterproof and windproof, so when you’re out in the worst weather you know that your feet and lower legs will be protected. A full length zip is covered by a flap for protection from the elements and the elasticated ankle gives a good secure fit.