A good pair of gaiters is a key piece of kit when you're rough shooting. Here are some of the best.
Gaiters for shooting are essential, particularly if you’re walked-up shooting on moorland.
Why you need the best gaiters for shooting
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).
Gaiters should be worn with comfortable shooting boots to give your ankles and feet good support and grip.
Gaiters are key for walked-up shooting
Checklist for gaiters for shooting
- Choose hardwearing, breathable and lightweight fabrics. Gaiters need to be able to stand up to daily use throughout the season – reinforced ankle areas are recommended.
- Ease of wearing. Look for pairs that are easy to put on and take off – but which stay in place when you need them to.
- Sizing. If you’re tall you might find some gaiters come up a bit tight. If you’re shorter, make sure they don’t ‘bag’ around the ankle. Best to try a few pairs on at a game fair.
- A sturdy zip in the front covered by a flap is a good idea, with the flap secured by studs.
- They need to ‘hug’ your boots at the bottom, for maximum waterproofing.
- Some are available in men’s and ladies’ options.
- The strap that fits under your boots needs to be sturdy and longlasting.
- The hook that clips the gaiters onto your boot’s laces needs to be up to the job and not slip off.
- Finally, if you’re stalking, you need to consider noise. You don’t want anything that will rustle in the bushes.
Here are some recommendations for gaiters for shooting from ghillies and contributors to Shooting Times and Sporting Gun, who’ve road tested a fair few in their time.
1. Bisley Wax Gaiters Green One Size Green Other Hiking Clothing (27362) £21.14
Best for price
- Colour: Olive green
- Fastening: Zip and clip on laces
- Adjustable: Shoelace draw cord around calves
- Material: Thick wax canvas
- Size: Standard
- Strap under boot: No
+ 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
2. Outdoor Research Men’s Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters £25.53
Best for all-round use
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.
Best for packing
- Colour: Green
- Fastening: Centre back zip with Velcro placket covering
- Adjustable: Calf
- Material: Polyester with check lining and zipped size pockets
- Size: Standard
- Strap under boot: Under boot wire
+ 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.
4. JACK PYKE Waterproof Gaiters Green £25.95
Best for all-round value
- Colour: Green
- Fastening: Zip, velcro and press stud
- Adjustable: Easy adjust buckle and lace cleat
- Material: Breatha-tex 100% polyester laminated Oxford fabric
- Size: Standard
- Strap under boot: Under boot wire
+ 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.
5. Barbour Wax Cotton Gaiters £35.95
Best for gorse and thorns
- Colour: Olive
- Fastening: Stud
- Adjustable: Drawcord
- Material: Heavy wax cotton
- Size: Medium/Large
- Strap under boot: Yes
+ 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.
6. Seeland Buckthorn Gaiters £38.02
Best for heavy rain
- Colour: Shaded olive
- Fastening: Button with Velcro and zip closure
- Adjustable: Yes, elasticated draw cord at top
- Material: Waterproof Seetex
- Size: Standard
- Strap under boot: Yes
+ Strong
+ Lightweight
-One size
Best for all weather and terrain
- Colour: Green
- Fastening: Velcro
- Adjustable: Elasticated ankle and drawstrip at top
- Material: 100% Gore-Tex
- Size: One size
- Strap under boot: Adjustable rubber
+ 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.
8. Le Chameau 2 Basic Gaiter Vert Green £64.94
Best for branding
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.
9. FJÄLLRÄVEN Singi Gaiters – Men’s, Men, Singi Gaiters £71.12
Best for sizing
- Colour: Dark olive
- Fastening: Zip with draw string and poppers
- Adjustable:
- Material: G-1000 and G-1000 Heavy Duty
- Size: Small-medium, large-extra large
- Strap under boot: Yes
+ 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.
10. Laksen Trailtracker Gaiters £79
Best for waterproof qualities
- Colour: Olive
- Fastening: Zip
- Adjustable: Yes
- Material: Micro polyester
- Size: Standard
- Strap under boot: Yes
+ 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.