These are very helpful to keep ticks and other critters off your legs and out of your boots. In rain and snow, these also help. I like the short gaiters as it is cooler. However, most don't use them. OrangeBug At 08:26 AM 1/22/03 -0800, Jason Howard wrote: >Are gaiters really needed on the AT? > >If so, is there a certain season or section that you'd use them more often?