TREK 500 Trekking Gaiters - Black

Not used them a lot, but seem ok.

Do what they are made to do well and good quality

I've had these for a while but bought on price as I didn't know what features I required for occasional use. With lockdown, I've walked through a British winter for the first time so they've been more seriously tested. It's been a very wet winter so far and I've spent many of my walks hiking along paths that were essentially shallow streams. There have also been deep patches of mud with puddles that often turned out to be far deeper that I initially assumed. The gaiters have acquitted themselves well and kept water and mud out of my boots and the bottom of my trousers emerge clean when I take them off. They are completely waterproof and don't feel too warm in winter.

They fit over boots well. The front zip makes them easy to use and once zipped up, they are comfortable and the top elastic holds them well without being too tight. The middle elastic sits above the boot and makes for a slightly better fit. I wondered whether the bottom strap would become damaged but despite encountering many rocks and stones, there is no noticeable wear and tear. I usually hose off the worst of the mud from both boots and gaiters and that is usually sufficient.

The only wear I can see is that the material around the bottom lace hook is separating into layers. This is the part that gets the most water and mud splashes, but it still looks strong and works just fine. I have also had a few issues getting one or other of the zips to engage possibly because there is a slight, almost invisible residue of mud in the teeth. I've resolved it by scrubbing the bottom of the zip and applying a small amount of Vaseline.

This is my first pair of gaiters so I've got nothing to compare them with, but they have functioned well and have already earned their keep. For the price I paid, I couldn't complain if they broke on the next walk.

The S/M are far too big for my legs. I am a female size 8. The seams are not taped, so they are not waterproof.

My partner hates velcro; the sound the fluff the need to be exact in lining it up (I just smile politely)

It is so hard to find decent gaiters without velcro. She was so happy with them... so happy that the first time she put them on, she didn't notice she had put them on back-to-front :) I have added 'Front' and 'back' stickers

When or if it ever arrives

Does what it says.