[at-l] To gaiter, or not to gaiter...

[jbullar1 at twcny.rr.com (Jim Bullard)]

> I'd never even heard of gaitors until I started researching the AT.  I
kept
> seeing them in photos and was wondering why people were wearing 80's
> legwarmers.  lol
>
> Gaiters are used to keep rain and rocks out of your shoes, I take it.  Do
> you really need them for thru-hiking the AT?  Pros, cons?
>
> Kelly Whitman

Need them? No! It's a matter of preference. I wear them when it's wet to
keep my calves from getting too muddy as well as keeping junk out of my
boots. I seem to have a habit of hitting my feet against my calves without
even noticing. They can be hot in summer. They make an ankle height style
for warmer weather. The short ones will keep stones out of your boots but
(obviously) do nothing for your legs.

Saunterer