[pct-l] When will I need gators?

[Amanda L Silvestri]

Gators are good in the desert to protect you from thorns and other sticky, prickly things.  They also help to keep pebbles and dirt out of your footwear.  These small insignificant little intruders can become the bedrock of blisters or ankle sores and you don't need that.
 
Further along the trail there are tall grasses with spears that like to gang-up in your socks.  They aren't any fun and gators can shield you from them.
 
In the mountains the dust and little pebbles return again so...  not to mention rain, mud and snow.  I think gators  are always a good idea but that's just me.  On the other hand, not wearing them can get you more zero days.  :)
 
Shepherd