Leggings for Wingshooters
When bird hunting, leg coverings may not be high up on the list of essentials to pack or wear. However, that is far from the truth. Let’s start with what gaiters are. Gaiters are garments that cover the lower portion of the legs, reaching from the instep to above the ankles or up to the mid-calf, or knee. Their purpose is simple, protection.
BUILT FOR PROTECTION AND TO KEEP THINGS OUT
Typically, gaiters are made of tough, abrasion resistant fabrics. These materials may offer additional features such as being windproof and waterproof. Full-length gaiters cover your boots and are held in place with an adjustable strap that runs underneath the boot at the base of the heel and shank/arch, and then secured by a hook or button closure that attaches to the boot lacing. The leg covering is then closed by either a zipper or Velcro closure that runs up the lower portion of the leg just below the knee to seal everything off from the debris and elements. At the top of the gaiters, there typically is a Velcro strap or pull cord that can be used to increase the tension or tightness around your leg.
When wearing gaiters, it’s important to put them on correctly. It’s a common mistake to have them on the wrong leg. Typically, one can determine right from left by the logo. The logo should go on the outside of your leg. If the gaiter doesn’t have a logo, the buckle or tightening system should be on the outside edge of your boot.
THE BENEFITS OF WEARING GAITERS
It’s the fall and winter seasons when gaiters show their worth to bird hunters. They can be worn across a diverse landscape. From the arid southwest, chasing desert quail, to the rocky highlands, cursing chukars, to forested mountains for grouse, and across the Midwest plains for prairie birds, gaiters have a set place in the uplands.
Protection from Debris and Moisture
Gaiters effectively shield the legs and boots from dirt, rocks, sticks, and other debris that can accumulate while walking through various terrains.
Wearing gaiters makes walking heavy dew laden grasslands comfortable and stream crossings doable. The waterproof membrane also prevents water and snow from soaking into your boots and keeping the lower section of your pants dry.
Donning full-length gaiters also add a level of heat retention to the lower portion of your legs during those frigid stalks for gamebirds. When using gaiters in the snow, remember that your legs will be warm from hiking, which will cause snow to melt on your pant legs. That little amount of snowmelt on the pants will get transferred to your boots. And…this will cause your boots to get wet, thus the importance of pairing gaiters with an excellent quality pair of waterproof boots.
Protection from Vegetation
Properly worn and fitted gaiters offer a barrier against briars, thorns, and other vegetation that can scratch or puncture your pants and skin. This is particularly important in areas with dense brush or thorny plants.
Improved Comfort and Performance
By keeping your feet and legs dry and protected from wetness and debris, gaiters contribute to the overall comfort and performance during bird hunting trips. Wingshooters will be less likely to experience fatigue, blisters, or frostbite, allowing them to focus on hunting.
Versatility
Gaiters can be worn in a variety of bird hunting scenarios, from flat open prairies chasing roosters to dense forests for woodland grouse, and mountains for devil birds and ptarmigan. They can be adjusted to fit different boot types and fit over most pants.
INVEST IN A PAIR OF GAITERS
In summary, gaiters are valuable pieces of gear for bird hunters to maintain in their kits. These high-tech leg coverings provide protection, keep the lower legs and feet dry, keep debris and water out, and shielding from the elements. They improve comfort and field performance. Gaiters are so light that you will barely notice them wrapped around your legs but miss them when you get into situations where you wish you had them on. Gaiters seem to be underappreciated and often overlooked and should be an automatic add-on to your boots when traipsing around after gamebirds.
I’ve worn gaiters hunting woodcock, trudging through snow for bobwhite quail, and even during turkey season. A pair of gaiters are an investment and see what you have been missing out by not wearing them.
SUGGETED GAITER MANUFACTURERS
Gaiters range in price, material, and features. Here are a few suggested manufacturers that have gaiters.
KUIU; Yukon HD Hunting Boot Gaiter and Kutana Storm Gaiter
CRISPI: Alto and Cordo Gaiters & Accessories
OUTDOOR RESEARCH
KENETREK
About the Author : Edgar Castillo
Visit authors website | View more articlesEdgar Castillo is a recently retired law enforcement officer for a large Kansas City metropolitan agency. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.
Born in Guatemala, hunting was a new concept when Edgar came to the U.S. His passion lies in the uplands as he travels across public lands throughout Kansas or wherever the dirt road takes him…to hunt open fields, walk treelines, & bust through plum thickets in search of wild birds in wild places.
This fervid emotion for the uplands has since blossomed into a SIGNIFICANT social media presence. It has allowed Edgar to share his experiences and connect with other bird hunters through writing.
Follow Edgar’s upland escapades on Instagram at @hunt_birdz
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