Just wanted to revisit this thread as String and AT shared some good info about gaiters and hiking boots. Purchased me a pair of Snake Gaurdz back in June and used them extensively through the summer and up until cold weather. Will have to say I have been extremely pleased with them, very lightweight with plenty of protection. Found that they really protect the lower sections of your paints and boot uppers from briers, dust, dirt, and mud. Also feel that they give another layer of protection from ticks when saturated in repellent, something I didn't think about before purchasing, big plus! Several reviews complained about the straps loosening up during use and found this to be true, remedy is to tighten strap and then put several twists in the tail end and tuck down behind itself, problem solved. I really wanted to go with a gaiter/hiking boot combo to save weight and use better boots than what's available in snake boots. They have fit the bill perfectly and would highly suggest Snake Gaurdz, about $66 on Amazon.
Being good to go with snake gaiters, I'm going to start researching regular gaiters for when snakes are not an issue. Last Turkey season I ran the Irish Setter Vaprtreks and really wanted to like this boot, but being 250lbs I found my feet hurting after several hours of walking. That being said, they are extremely comfortable and lightweight, awesome stalking boots as you can feel sticks/rocks underfoot. Probably a good boot for you lean and trim guys or walking shorter distances as into a blind or stand. Not much snake protection from the Vaprtreks though do to the materials used. Wanted a better boot with more support and picked up a pair of Lowa Renegade GTX at REI. They run $230 and REI has them on clearance for $179, applied my dividend and walked out the door for $55. Really wanted to look at better boots than the Renegade but don't want a divorce either. Lol They feel great and alot more protection and support than the Vaprtreks, time will tell.
