Ragged Mountain's Intervale Gaiters are designed for winter hiking, snowshoeing or XC skiing. Made with soft supplex nylon pack-cloth, they're super breathable, water-resistant and lightweight, nothing like heavy mountaineering gaiters, Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters for instance, that you need to wear to protect your lower legs and pants from being speared or shredded by full mountaineering crampons.
I rarely wear mountaineering boots and heavy crampons anymore, even on more technical peaks, because there are such lighter weight insulated boots and (safer) winter traction systems available like Kahtoola Microspikes and the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro. I've been searching for a lighter weight and more breathable gaiters for some time, especially ones that won't make my calves sweat and soak my socks, like the heavier weight "Gore-tex" gaiters I currently own.
Sixteen inches in height, the Ragged Mountain Intervale Gaiters have elastic at the cuff and ankle to help with the fit, and there's a drawcord at the top that you tie with a double shoelace knot to keep the gaiter from falling down your calf. A full-length YKK zipper runs up the back, with an under-boot cord (easily replaceable if it ever breaks) and a lace-hook keep the gaiter in place. The zipper has proven durable because there's almost no little tension on it. Very simple and they cost just $23.75, which is a steal.
The under-boot cord fits easily through the lugs of your boots making the Intervale Gaiter compatible with boot or shoes that have flat soles without a pronounced arch, like those found on many lightweight insulated winter hiking boots or XC ski boots. You don't want to wear flat soled winter hiking boots with gaiters that require under-boot webbing straps because you'll be stepping on them all the time and quickly chew them up. If you have gaiter straps the drag on the ground now, you know what I mean.
I've worn the Ragged Mountain Intervale Gaiter for snowshoeing and XC skiing in very deep snow and they've done a marvelous job at keeping snow out of my boots. My calves don't sweat and saturate my socks when I wear them and they're extremely lightweight, weighing just 4.2 ounces for the pair. Compare that to OR Crocodiles which weigh 9.3 ounces a pair. Water resistance is very good and they dry very quickly when they get wet, but the Intervale Gaiters are really intended for use in cold, dry, or crusty snow. For wet snow, Ragged Mountain also sells a 10″ waterproof coated Tourgaiter, with the same construction for just $15.75.
Affordable winter gear. Hand sewn in the USA. I know it's hard to believe.
About Ragged Mountain Equipment
Ragged Mountain Equipment is a cottage ski, climbing, and hiking clothing and gear manufacturer located in Intervale, NH, between Bartlett and North Conway. All of the gear they make is made in a small factory space, located behind their store on Rt 302, next to the old Scarecrow Pub. They also have an outlet in the basement that sells astonishingly low priced technical clothing as well as consignment items. Check out their online catalog or visit their store if you're in the White Mountains. You'll be impressed.
Disclosure: The author purchased this product with his own funds and has no business relationship with Ragged Mountain Equipment.
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