Whether you’re hiking, camping, or even cleaning your backyard in the countryside, you never know when you might stumble upon a snake. Having the best snake gaiters on you is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself.
Top 3 - Snake Gaiters
Given that most snake bites occur below the knees, gaiters are essential if you’re in an area where a run-in is more than just a possibility.
6 Best Snake Gaiters for All Year Use
Crackshot makes its men’s snake gaiters or Guardz in sizes small through XXXL. No matter how short or tall you are, there’s a Crackshot size that will give you the coverage you need without restricting blood flow to your legs.
These snake gaiters are comfortable to wear, whether you’re walking or taking part in some physically demanding activities like hiking, mountaineering, hunting, etc. That’s because even though they’re thick, they’re also lightweight.
I also like that the gaiters are well-ventilated. If you need snake gaiters during the summer, few come with the same level of breathability and comfort as the Guardz.
In terms of aesthetics, there are some options available, but nothing too out there. The majority of available designs border on camouflage, except for the orange blaze model. Also, not a bad color scheme in case the rescue team needs to spot you.
What these gaiters lack in size availability, they sure make up for in thickness and stopping power. The combination of high-strength ballistic fibers, polyester, and a very tight (also patented) type of weave makes for a strong piece of protective equipment.
I like that the SnakeArmor snake gaiters are also reversible. One side features a simple khaki color scheme, great for use in the desert, while the other side has a forest camo pattern. You can also pair these snake gaiters with your hunting outfit, without ruining your camouflage.
With each gaiter weighing about six ounces, you’ll still be light on your feet. The regular size provides 20” of coverage, while the husky size adds another three inches, including a bit more give around the leg.
I will say that the boot protection is not the best, as neither size lets the gaiter fall enough over the shoe to protect beyond the laces. But as long as you have a good pair of boots on, this shouldn’t be an issue.
A storage bag is not a necessity, but it’s still a nice perk to have, especially when you consider how affordable these Razer Snake Gaiters are. These gaiters are highly adjustable and feature a polycarbonate panel structure.
The same size can accommodate calf sizes between 13 and 20 inches. That makes them unisex and very versatile. They’re not too light, either. At 13oz each, they feel comfortable and ergonomic.
I like that the gaiters extend far enough down the boot, too, and should be able to cover the entire upper section for most boot sizes. The 13-panel polycarbonate structure also features a 1000-denier nylon cover, for even more stoppage power and superior weatherproofing.
There aren’t many activities you can’t do while wearing these gaiters, and considering the unisex design, they’re a bargain. Now, when it comes to fit, the straps and buckles make things easy. But, there’s a chance that these won’t fit sizes close to the extremes, such as small or XXXL.
The Foreverlast snake gaiters may not look like, but they’re very good at keeping you bite-free. They feature a simple yet effective tree APG camouflage design and have Velcro straps for easy adjustments.
I will say that once you get used to them, you may think twice about getting fancier snake gaiters. The fit is pretty much how you make it, since you wrap the gaiters around, as tight as you need to retain good blood flow and a non-slip fit.
When it comes to ventilation, there is some, but it’s not ideal really. There will be well-ventilated areas as well as some hot spots, depending on how big your calves are. You can think of these more like shields than traditional gaiters, which is still really good.
A rubberized patch is also featured right in the center of the gaiters. It will provide additional stoppage power along your tibia.
These U.S. Solid Snake Gaiters are probably going to be the most comfortable snake gaiters you’ll ever wear, as long as the size fits you. The top is 16” in circumference while the bottom offers 20” to accommodate part of the boot too.
However, the gaiters are just 16.5” tall, which may not be enough for some people. That said, the circumference is, of course, adjustable to a certain degree, so that the gaiters can fit people of different sizes as well as different styles of clothing.
I like that the gaiters feature a zipper. It makes them much easier to put on and a lot more secure. The zipper is also covered for complete weatherproofing.
These gaiters don’t feature plastic panels or anything like that. Mixed with the flexible and sturdy fabric, they’re still not the best-ventilated snake gaiters out there. I believe that the extra thickness will cause some overheating during the summer or physically demanding activities.
The Knight & Hale snake gaiters were designed for maximum flexibility, breathability, and a comfortable fit on all types of legs. I like the combination of thornproof ballistic nylon and the internal polycarbonate shield.
This combination offers 360 degrees protection from bites, even from larger snakes. The weatherproofing is not great, but you also don’t have to worry about wearing soaking wet gaiters if the rain catches you.
The level of adjustability should be OK for anyone looking for medium to XXL gaiters. I can’t say much about the looks since the gaiters look simplistic, reflective of their budget-friendly pricing. However, I do like the extra patch at the top, which for some people, should provide knee protection too, at least from frontal attacks.
Always Snake Gaiters and Not Regular Gaiters
There are many regular gaiters for hiking, camping, trekking, and all sorts of other activities. But only snake gaiters genuinely have the means to protect you from bites.
The main difference is that snake gaiters are made from harder materials, even reinforced ballistic fabrics that have the stopping power required to keep you safe. Just because some gaiters will protect you from bushes and thorns, it doesn’t mean they’re good enough to stop a snake from biting you.
What to Look for in Snake Gaiters
Size is not as important in snake gaiters as you may think. Some manufacturers will provide plenty of size options. There are also tons of snake gaiters that come in one or two adjustable sizes that should fit most people.
It’s probably more important to look for good adjustability to make sure that a snake won’t have room to strike between the gaiter and your leg. Breathability is important but not mandatory unless you’re going to use the gaiters in warm climates or seasons.
I would also advise getting very tough materials. Ballistic nylon or at least multiple polycarbonate layers are mandatory. Also, don’t stress too much if you test the gaiters with hypodermic needles. Just because those may get through, doesn’t mean a snake bite will too.
Do Patterns Matter?
Don’t think that you’ll camouflage yourself from a snake. You may want camo gaiters to match your entire camo attire. The camo pattern will surely look great, but other than that, the color of your gaiters shouldn’t matter.
Keep in mind that most snakes will leave you alone anyway. They only tend to attack if they feel threatened, which rarely happens if you’re walking by.
Keeping Your Legs Bite-Free Is One Part of the Battle
Do keep in mind that not even having the snake gaiters around your legs will make you immune to snake attacks. They are just the most critical piece of equipment, at least for the part of the body with the highest chance of getting attacked.
Whether you’re traveling, working, camping, or hunting in snake country, don’t forget your snake gaiters at home. Even those non-venomous bites can put you out of commission for a while.