Light Gaiters: OR FlexTex, REI Mistral or Other

I compared the Mistral and Flex-Tex gaiters at REI recently. The Flex-Tex felt like a slightly thicker material, so it would probably be a little heavier and more durable, but the difference wasn’t that great. Another difference, IIRC, is that the new Mistral gaiters are 100% nylon, while the Flex-Tex are a nylon-spandex blend. That would probably make the Flex-Tex more stretchy, but also more absorbent and slower drying.

You might also want to check out the Montbell stretch gaiters, which seem similar to the Mistral and Flex-Tex gaiters.

Thanks Joseph. Which do you use? Have you used the Montbell? The look similar to the REI but less material (hence the weight savings).

I thought the same as regards drying times. Very good point.

NM

Thanks David, totally forgot about those. I’ll check them out asap and hope they are available. How are they for durability?

Do you mean these:

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=765&CFID=7861168&CFTOKEN=3603&mainproducttypeid=1

That’s them! I’ve used mine for years and haven’t touched my REI stretch gaiters- these are so breathable and waterproof. eVent is a magic fabric! And they are also quite durable, but within reason.

I’ve used them in everything from icy crusty snow to desert scrub.

Highly recommended!
Doug Johnson

NM

I haven’t used any of the three that I mentioned. I like the idea of a short, breathable, stretch gaiter, but I haven’t had enough need to actually buy one yet. One thing to note is that the Montbell gaiters don’t appear to have a velcro opening, so they, like the eVent gaiters, need to be put on before your shoes. I’d guess that’s where the weight savings comes from. The lack of velcro would probably also make them more comfortable to wear, and closer fitting.

Has anyone tried the ones from SimBLISSity (click “Gaitors” on the left nav bar under
“Designs”)?

>Has anyone tried the ones from SimBLISSity?

LevaGaiters. Yup, love ’em. Weight is 1.9 oz for the pair. They’re very breathable, but don’t seem to soak through in the rain. They haven’t ever slipped up on the back of my shoes, even without an under-shoe cord. No signs of wear after more than 100 miles. Highly recommended.

I recently ordered the Mistral Gaiters from REI and could not believe how small the sizing is. I’m about 6 ft 1 and 180lbs, with a build on the slim side, and do not have large calves – in fact I’d say my calves are on the slender side – and the L/XL size, which I believe is their largest, is tight without even a layer of pants underneath. There is some stretch, but very very little. Has anyone had this experience with the sizing?

I’m afraid I’ll have to go with the OR Flex-Tex, if anything, just for what I hope is better sizing around the calves. The OR Flex Tex is a bit heavier because of the snaps and more durable material, but a poster had suggested they might take a little longer to dry – however, BPL had great things to say about them for winter use in their review. Anyone had a problem with them taking too long to dry?

I’ve used the OR Flex-Tex for a couple of seasons (winter-spring) and like them a good deal. They don’t seem to take an excessive time to dry, at least they seem representative of typical softshell fabrics in that regard. However, I’ve never A/B’d them against other gaiters.

They do shed snow well and I don’t overheat in them, which I suppose is why I like them so much. (I have a pair of Crocodiles in case I’m anticipating deeper stuff.)

Hum … seems to me we should define what we mean by ‘light gaiters’.

My light gaiters are made from 500 and 1000 denier Cordura, and they still get damaged in the scrub and rocks. They were slashed open by sharp rock in July. My thick socks protected my legs.

My ‘heavy’ Gaiters are made from 1000 denier Cordura over 12 oz polycotton canvas – and they wear out too. takes a couple of years for this to happen.

But then, have you seen our (Australian) scub? :-0

Cheers

Thanks Rick, really apprecaite the quick post. Getting my winter gear together as I’m not going to get a lot of fall hiking time, growing a tech startup fast and spending long long hours in front of monitors. So looking forward to making up a little time with some winter hiking, snowshoeing and X-country skiing.

Are they true to size?

Hi Roger,

Actually I do know your scrub. Been to Australia twice, Syndney, Blue Mountains and outback area around Uluru and King’s Canyon. You live in a truly amazing place. Looking forward to many more explorations there. Seen enough to want to see a lot more.

My reader review sings the praises of these light, cheap, durable, breathable tools. I’ve even climbed snowy couloirs with them. The outrageous colors are a bonus.

Mont-Bell stretch gaiters.
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=2705&hinban=2329169

Do the simBLISSity gaiters slip over your foot or do they have a velcro strip and open up?

>Do the simBLISSity gaiters slip over your foot or do they have a velcro strip and open up?

They have velcro in the front. You wrap them around your foot and they just stay in place. Actual procedure is to adjust the velcro patch at the top to the desired tightness, then wrap the velcro strip as tightly as possible from the bottom. Works for me. There are eyelets for an under-foot cord if you need it (I haven’t).