Review: MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters – Unisex

Product: MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters – Unisex

Price: $79.95

Store: MEC

The MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters synch at the top to prevent snow from entering the top. The affordable gaiters add an additional layer of warmth and with Velcro along the front side of the calf, it prevents snow, water and mud from reaching your pants while keeping your legs and feet dry when encountering unexpected conditions backpacking in the snow, climbing on ice, or cross-country skiing. Different boot sizes can be accommodated with various loopholes along an adjustable strap situated underneath the boot when worn. A sturdy hiking boot with a solid shoelace helps hook the gaiter onto the footwear. Gaiters help prevent sticks, stones or sand from entering a boot when walking on a trail, on a scree slope or along a beach. The gaiters are available in different sizes. They used to come in red but the new version comes in a combination of black and green.

How They Were Tested

Our tester used the MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters while crossing a large flowing creek while Backpacking Poboktan Trail Successfully. The water hit the boot rapidly and with lots of force. The gaiters prevented water from entering the hiking boots by repelling the water away with the Gore-Tex fabric. In turn, the water only splattered on the fabric and kept the boot dry. Moving along slippery rocks to gain traction and stability before crossing, the hook at the end of the gaiter stayed in place on the shoelace and averted it from moving around.

Our tester also used them in deep snow and while walking on a trail in the woods. The adjustable clip to synch it up and loosen on the calf was useful to prevent snow from entering from the top part. The gaiter on top of the pants added an additional layer of warmth in the snow. Velcro along the front of the entire leg from the knee down discouraged the snow from entering the gaiters.

Backpacking

When backpacking the West Coast Trail, the gaiters helped prevent the mud from entering underneath the pant leg and getting inside the boots. Mud and sticks would often intertwine themselves into the Velcro encouraging our testers to rinse out their gaiters in the water at the end of each day. Otherwise, it would be hard to have dirty Velcro adhere the next morning. The adjustable holes in the straps under the hiking boots get extremely muddy by the end of the day. At times, the strap will drag on the ground and get super dirty. Our tester ended up with dirty hands when taking them off and readjusting the strap in the middle of the trail.

Tip #1: When taking off dirty gaiters, loosen the top cord around the calf first, take apart the Velcro and then finally move down to the muddy portion and unlatch the adjustable strap. Wash your hands afterwards and rinse your gaiters as soon as possible for a fresh start the next morning, ideally with dry gaiters.

Tip #2: When putting on gaiters, ensure that both sides of the Velcro are perfectly lined up to prevent uninvited dirt, mud or snow from becoming entangled in the Velcro.

Our tester also used the gaiters walking along a sandy and pebbly beach. The gaiters helped prevent sand or stones from entering boots. They could also be useful when hiking on a scree slope.

Overview of MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters – Unisex

Pros

• They synch at the top to prevent snow from entering the gaiter.
• They are affordable.
• They can be used for various activities such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, and cross-country skiing.
• The gaiters come in different sizes.
• They add an additional layer of warmth when hiking, backpacking, or cross-country skiing in the snow.
• They help keep out unwanted sand and stones from sneaking into boots.

Cons

• If the strap underneath a foot ends up loose, it can drag in the mud and eventually break.
• It’s a messy ordeal when removing the gaiters at the end of a muddy day.
• Small sticks and dirt tend to get embedded in the Velcro making it hard for the two sides to adhere together.

MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters – Unisex are Best for:

• Encountering unexpected conditions like water, snow, and mud when backpacking.
• Cross-country skiing in deep snow.
• Keeping your legs and feet dry.
• Preventing items such as sticks and stones from entering boots.
• Use with a sturdy boot to hook the gaiter onto the shoelace.
• Various-sized boots as the strap underneath the boot has several holes available to adjust as needed.