I got these for winter hiking and I really think they work great. They keep me dry though I do end up with a lot of frost on the inside of them.

The sizing is a little odd though. I ordered a large (size 11 non plastic boots)and the bottom didn't fit around my boots but the calf fit nicely. I got an XL and they fit nicely around my boots but I've got the tops pulled as tight as they go. It works though.

The reason I'm worried is the reinforced section is only glued on and its already starting to peel away from the rest of the gaiter. I've used them maybe 6 times so far. Durability may be an issue.

I have used these to climb Mt Timpanogos and am pleased with them. The construction, materials, are top notch. I think you might want to size up a bit I ordered the Medium and had to trade them for the large. I am a fan of BD equipment.

I wanted to get a very tuff water proof alpine gator after last year cutting my old shit Ems pair with my crampons on Mount Washington . I tried the Or expedition gator that is around the same price and has a shit load of great feedback, But truth be told they suck ! if anyone says they are easy to get on your a meathead who just likes giving false reviews! They are stiff and fit like crap!!! and come it 2 sizes to big! and are very loose and impossible to get a seal around the boot! These black diamonds kick ass! they fit perfect! miles ahead of OR shit boxes! trust me im very picky maybe to picky on how these fit, and that is over LA Sportiva Evo mountaineering boots! These are better made all they way material ease of use etc etc , they also look nicer! give these a shot they are the best in the class! I will use these this winter on a night climb on mw.