Gear Review
Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiter - Men's
Strap attachment is the weak link
By mve
Ranked #148 - Women's Trail Running Footwear
February 9, 2010
The strap is sewn to the gator's outside walls using patches of thick material -- it looks very strong but doesn't stand up to crampon snags which are inevitable on a snow slope while doing French technique. Otherwise a great gator, but like they say the chain is as strong as it's weakest link ... mine failed/ripped off only after 3 climbs.Sending mine back and getting the same one but this time I'll personally reinforce this area prior to using it -- shouldn't have to do that with the top of the line gator. This needs to be redesigned.
View Details: Outdoor Research Crocodiles Gaiter - Men's
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- Taslan Gore-Tex®, 1000d cordura, 8oz packcloth
- Front Closure:
- 2in hook-and-loop
- Top Closure:
- strap-and-cam buckle
- Bottom Attachment:
- lace hooks and urethane-coated nylon instep strap
- Venting:
- none
- Recommended Use:
- mountaineering, backcountry skiing, heavy backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- infinite
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: June 2, 2011 By: rya4610377
I had the same thing happen after just a few climbs. The strap attachments are actually quite snag-prone while traversing a steep slope. It only took a couple quick snags to rip the stitching on the strap attachment.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Exactly right Don -- they should sew it on the inside or cover it with a glued-on patch of slick material which will allow the crampon point to slide right over it instead of getting caught on it and ripping it off. The gator is super strong but there is no way to avoid hitting that strap-patch when you are wasted from hours of climbing at high altitude doing flat footing. One, two hits and it's ripped off. They already put excellent Cordura protection on the gator where it's likely to be hit by crampons they just need to fix this connection point and it'll be a super strong product that will easily stand up to crampons.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
MVE- I just reviewed the Croc saying the strap was the strong point in my opinion. I think that most materials will fail if snagged with a crampon- but I see your point. If OR would sew the strap anchor onto the inside of the gaiter, it would be far less vulnerable to snags. Might be worth a design suggestion to OR.
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes