A gaiters is a fabric guard that covers the gap between your trousers and your boots.
That would have been the shortest explanation of what a gaiter is but it’s actually just that. But what is the use of it in airsoft and why do I use. I’m actually surprised how few people I see using gaiters. I almost never go to an outdoor game without them.
Gaiters are SEXY AS F…
Why Gaiters
Gaiters are used to protect your feet and lower leg from moisture or debris while playing.
Moisture, that can be rain, wet grass, snow or a stream you need to cross. So the things that make your feet wet and also preventing dust, small rocks, thorns or branches from entering your boots.
And think about it, that’s all what we do. We play airsoft and stuff will get in our boots. Rainy weather, Your pants get wet and water is dripping in your shoes. Awesome when you just bought an expensive pair of waterproof boots or when the small rocks get in to your shoe and you’re annoyed and have to take off your shoe. An easy fix for that are gaiters.
Oh and bugs, the goddamn bugs. Mosquitos, ticks, snakes, spiders, ants, … you don’t want anything crawling up your leg or when you’re holding position and your pants are a bit higher and mosquitos are feasting on your uncovered leg.
So why are people not using it more, I have no idea. It’s a perfect piece of gear for us.
Now there are a few different types of gaiters but for airsoft the best is the full length gaiter. It goes from just under the knee till your ankle. You also have the ankle gaiters, mid length and snow gaiters. All 3 gaiters I wouldn’t use during airsoft so the full length is the best choice.
Features
The features of a gaiter are pretty straight forward.
You have something that goes underneath the boot which is mostly adjustable. This can be anything from paracord, leather or even a metal string. You have your lace hook at the front. That hooks on your laces. Most of them have an elastic ankle to have a snug fit on the ankle. There is a storm flap or waterproof zippers, or both or buttons or something else. Sometimes that is at the front, sometimes on the side, depending on the model. Sometimes there is an adjustable pull cord to create that snug fit on the top it can also be just an elastic band.
Everything is designed to keep the things out of your boot, so try a gaiter with your boot so it fits as snug as possible.
The material can also change depending on the model.
Most of them are made out of cordura, this is also the one I would advice for us. It’s a tough and waterproof material but the waterproof coating will wear off after time so it need some waterproofing again. It’s not breathable so it can get hot and sweaty in warm conditions.
The other materials are canvas which is even more durable but lacks in the waterproof part and swells when wet. Besides that there is also Gore-Tex which does an amazing job on breathability and waterproofing but it’s not very durable and we gaiters get quite the beating.
How to get them on
Open them up completely, hook the bottom part under your boot. Make sure the adjusting part is on the outside. The lace hook should be at the front. Don’t hook it on your laces yet. The tension could be to much to close the zipper.
Zip or button up the gaiters halfway and then hook the lace hook on your laces and make sure everything is snug on your boot. Continue to zip or button up the gaiter.
Adjust the bottom stirrup strap until you have a tight and secure fit. Adjust the elastic band or cord at the top for a comfortable fit and make sure it’s not too tight.
Than repeat for the other leg.
I have used different gaiters different sizes and fabrics and they all worked great. I destroyed a few of them on branches because I always play so carefully. I now use a pair I bought at Decathlon. I always wait until it’s hunting season, than you can always do some good deals on gaiters.
It’s important that you find a pair that works for you. Every leg and boot is different so be sure to try them out before you take them on a game.
Gear doesn’t have to be difficult and this small piece of kit can save you from a lot of misery.