[pct-l] Gaiters...

[matt maxon]

Another down side is the trip hazard....
Trail90

Matt Bradley wrote:
> As long as everyone is talking up the benefits of gaiters I figure that
> someone had better give the other side of the issue some air time.  In 2005
> I hiked all of southern California in Trail running shoes (Montrail Vitesse)
> and never used gaiters.  I would definitely use this strategy again.  I did
> have some irritation from the foxtails but it was always through the mesh on
> my shoes and not up at my ankles where the gaiters would be.  One likely
> reason that I didn't have this problem is that I had low ankle socks
> (reducing the amount of exposed sock) and I mostly hiked in long pants for
> protection from the chaparral, UV rays, and to reduce water lost through
> perspiration.  Using loose polyester hiking pants is almost certain to be
> more comfortable than wearing high gaiters because of the breathability.
> OTOH wearing shorts and low gaiters is definitely going to be more
> ventilated but it has the disadvantages of exposing the legs to chaparral,
> UV rays and additional water loss through perspiration.  FWIW
> Peace and Love,
> Matt
>
>