Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter - Men's

This gaiter is markedly similar to OR's flagship gaiter (the Crocodiles), although with a non Gore-Tex (although still waterproof) upper, non-replaceable instep strap, and slightly less beefy lower section (500 denier for Verglas vs. 1000d lined w/ 8 oz packcloth). However, I found the OR Verglas to be more than adequate for backpacking & light mountaineering, with the uppers letting no water in and the lowers providing sufficient durability to only display 2 small scratches from crampons. Also, as for the replaceable instep strap of the OR Crocodiles, I've had my Verglas for nearly 2 years of weekly hiking or backpacking trips of ~10 miles and my instep strap still looks great.

Outdoor Research has a PHD when it comes to making tough, long lasting gaiters. My Verglas survived an early season AT thru-hike, despite all the deep snow, rocks, and blow-downs. I wear my gaiters under my pants and this seems to allow my legs to breath better. The Verglas work equally well with trail runners or boots, however a smaller size is needed for trail runners. I did wear through a set of straps , but after a quick phone call I had a replacement pair in my hands..!! Lifetime warrenty + great customer service = a great product..!!

You all know it's a more than decent gaiter for the bucks; but what happens when you don't wear 'em when the snow is only a foot deep?
Well, you find post holes is what happens.
And with that snow in the boot.
And the resultant wet socks.
And cold feet.
And numb toes.
I learned my lesson.

Sure they're not Gore Tex but they're still excellent water proof protection. And the price is right, especially if you can catch them on sale. They add some warmth but aren't as breathable as I'd like. The upper strap can be a bit of a pain with gloves on, make sure it's closed tight.

After owning OR Croc's for five years, I was able to use my brother's Verglas gaiters last weekend. All in all, not much of a different between the two while hiking. So the Verglas doesn't use Gore-Tex, but for hiking, light mountaineering, snowshoeing and backcountry sledding these will do the job they intend to do. The strap that secures under the boot seems "flimsy" when compared to the croc's, but OR makes top notch gear and it has shown no wear or tear. Only caveat, the strap would not stay tucked away, and stuck out to the side as I hiked. Minor annoyance, but did not alter performance. Priced lower than the croc's, you are not sacrificing much.
As I have come to experience, OR has made another quality product.

Just got back from snow shoeing with them. They are solid/waterproof and give you that snug feeling. The lace clip in front was a bit of a chore to get into my boots, and they are a bit tight to close, but once they are on, nothing is getting through them. I did not realize how much snow would have been in my boots, until i made a "nature call" in the middle of the night..

I went with these over the Gor-Tex ones more for price than anything else. They do a great job of keeping the snow out for snowshoeing, but they do build up moisture on the inside of them from sweating. Not so much that you're drenched, but there definitely wet when you take them off. Overall, awesome for winter hiking, but I would probably drop the extra money and get the more breathable Got-Tex if you're planning on using them in the summer.

These may be lighter weight than the Crocs but they're still bomb proof. Keeps the water (& snow, debris, etc.) out and heat in for winter treks but are still breathable enough for warmer outings. The Ventia waterproofing seems just as effective as the Gore-tex on other gaiters. Fit and adjustment seems good too, they were fairly easy to get on and stayed where I put 'em. Great buy too since the price is lower than their older sibling. Hard to beat OR.

Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter
Material: Combination of Breathable 3-layer Ventia and rugged unlined 500-denier Cordura
Average weight: 7.4 ounces per pair

Used: for winter hiking.
The Verglas Gaiter fit boots and snowshoes evenly with no gaps and sleek fit, keeping dirt, twigs, scree and snow out. The ultra-light, waterproof and breathable material resists snow well. Slight aggravation was the secure strap and buckle top closures occasionally loosening and sliding down leg but overall a nice pair of durable gaiters for many backcountry activities.

These Gaiters are an affordable substitute to the higher prices expedition style. I have used these pups hard for over a year now, and except for me punching a hole in them with my crampons they have held up well. They keep my boots free of snow, dirt, and rock... Even on a 30 mile hike in WY when we post holed the entire way in waist deep sloppy snow. Outdoor Research is known for making solid gear, and these gaiter are no exception... You won't be dissapointed.

I typically wear anywhere from 10.5 to 12 in shoes, but there was no way the XL gaiters were going to stay around my calf. I returned the XL's (very simple with Backcountry). With Larges in short supply for pretty much all gaiters, I went with a Medium Crocodiles. They'll stay on my calf and fit around my winter hiking boots without a problem.

I didn't try these out, but the design and durability looked solid, hence the 4 stars.

This gaiter employs a very classic design and fit. They work quite well for lighter-weight alpine (or any other) applications. I am looking forward to using them on Mount Adams tomorrow. On first use with crampons i put two small little scuffs in them, however, because the cordura bottom section isn't anywhere near as heavy-duty as that of a classic Crocodile gaiter.

These gaiters are idiot-proof (if I can put 'em on, anyone can). They've survived spring and summer seasons over and under rain pants. I've taken them in the snow and had NO problems. The height is ideal over pants, though they look a little goofy when you're wearing shorts, but I'll take goofy over being eaten alive by mosquitoes. The color is nice, too.

These gaiters are durable, comfortable, and lightweight. I would recommend spending the money for them - you'll save even more than I did when I bought them last year. You won't be sorry.

Got the gaiters for a basic mountaineering trip around Mount Cook in New Zealand. I put them through their paces with everything from aggressive plants to rock scree faces to knee deep snow to crampons.
Construction isn't as thick and bomb-proof as other designs out there (crocodiles) but that also keeps the weight down. They didn't show any signs of wear and tear, and kept all of the snow and rocks out of my boots. Upper did get wet after extended snow exposure, but socks and boots stayed dry. They were not soaked uppers, but just some patches where snow got stuck in wrinkles (not a big deal).

Seem to be pretty durable and water proof so far, I am liking them. My two complaints: 1)The strap securing system at the top of the calf isn't the easiest thing to fasten, especially if you are wearing gloves. It's a little hard to tell if you have the little latch all the way down or not. That being said, I haven't had any issues with it loosening up. 2)I am a little leery of the strap that goes under the boot; I feel like if something gives out, it will either be the strap itself or the buckle.

So far, so good. They keep the snow, water, and mud out and keep my feet much dryer (and thus warmer).

I wear a size 8.5 Vasque EEEE boot, the size medium gaiters fit perfectly over them and meet the arch well. I forget that I have them on, which should speak volumes. The quite unexpected bonus of these particular gaiters is how warm and comfortable my feet and legs stay, they moderate as close to perfectly as I've every experienced. They don't move or pinch at any point. I am a runner and have smaller calves, I would recommend anyone with large calves try on several sizes prior to purchase.

My wife got them for me as a Christmas present. Never had a pair before, but I love them now. Fairly easy to size and then they go on in moments, now. I have no problems with drooping and they help keep my legs and feet warmer and dryer. Two thumbs up!

sizing was true, the material is light and strong. The Velcro goes up the front of your shin but is really strong velcro. I have worn these 20 times so far in Fernie, hiking through powder, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing, and they have done exactly what they should. Never dropped, never wet, never come open. Great cheap product

I stepped thru deepest snow at Mt St. Helens and these kept my feet dry. I'm totally happy with this product and can strongly recommend it. Thanks

These are real nice for the price. Can't wait to get them in the snow also!

This is a great product. The terrain that I work and play in ranges from really steep areas with cacti and rocks to higher area with pine and lots of undergrowth. They are tough. If you do happen nick them either with your crampons or on something else, the material makes them very easy to repair.

These are the sweetest gaitors and a great price. The Ventia membrane repels all water, is very durable and lightweight. They fit great and breath pretty descent. The strap underneath the foot is very strong to, as it has never ripped on my. I wear size 10 boots, but have skinny legs and use a medium.

Easy to put on. Good fit. Quality seems as good as my girlfriend's goretex.

I'm usually a stickler for Gore-Tex when I need 'waterproofness', but I gotta admit - these things held up pretty well. I kind of expected the snow to get through these non Gore-Tex gaiters, but I stayed completely dry. As long as you can keep the snow from getting up through the bottom of the gaiter, you should be golden. They're nothing fancy or flashy, but they got the job done. I'd recommend them.

These are a very light and effective way to keep snow and muck out of your shoes. The waterproof design is essential and the leather strap keeps them very secure.

Very effective way to keep the snow and slush out of the boots. I have hiked through brush in the snow and the gaiters didn't even receive a mark.