Note: I have been morphing from backpacking to canoeing.
I have super gaitors for winter and they do the trick for
keeping snow out of boots. Maybe this is preposterous, but
has anyone tried using gaitors canoeing to keep water out
of your boots? I really like using my backpacking boots
but I frequently get wet feet and/or beat-up on my canoe.
I know that one time I had rain pants over my boots and they
survived 1 foot water for a duration of 15 seconds which was suprising. That is where I got the hare-brained idea about
using short gaitors instead of 12" boots. Also, gaiters are
cheaper than good 12" boots. Cliff Jacobson uses the Bean boot,
I am just not sure how good the ankle support is relative to
backpacking boots (my ankles have been weakened in sports).

Please Help, the holidays are coming.

MTM

I personally use Chotas or LL Bean Hunting boots for travel which have almost knee high coverage. I have seen gaitors on some I pass so it is done.

I'm with bogwalker. I use my Chota boots 100% of my travels. Great comfort and footing. Plenty of ankle support for my many times sprained in the past ankles. Never thought of trying gators. Food for thought. I would think given the physics of liquids trying to equalize levels, that sooner or later the water would work it's way up the inside of the gators.

I bought a pair of LL Bean boots for my trips, then I learned about the Chota Caney Fork socks so when my wife finally agreed to go with me on her 1st BWCA trip I got her the Chotas.

We just tried them out tonight for our trip next week, so far I like the Chotas better.

never used gaiters for canoeing. They did not keep my feet dry when I overtopped them when I broke through ice into knee deep water so I would think they would fail for canoeing. We always hike with them though..

NEOS overshoes may work.

If you are going to try the gaiters then go with the tall ones not short ones. Also get something like the Outdoor Research Crocodile gaiters.

Chota hippies or the knee height chotas have neoprene socks that fit in wading boots. I have both and they work well with my OTB Odhin boots.

Gaiters won't work with hiking/hunting boots if you are wetfooting.

Muck boots when cold weather, Keens and wool socks when warm.

I use gaitors when wetfooting, but not to keep water out. I know I'm not going to stay dry but I use them to keep the dirt, rocks, and debris out of my hiking boots plus they keep the bottom of my pants clean.....wet, but clean. I just zip off the legs in camp and hang to dry and when dry, zip back on clean pants legs. If you want to stay dry, go with the Chota suggestions.

quote cowdoc: "I use gaitors when wetfooting, but not to keep water out. I know I'm not going to stay dry but I use them to keep the dirt, rocks, and debris out of my hiking boots plus they keep the bottom of my pants clean.....wet, but clean. I just zip off the legs in camp and hang to dry and when dry, zip back on clean pants legs. If you want to stay dry, go with the Chota suggestions."

My thoughts exactly.........during hot weather I have tripped in shorts before and in really hot weather I have removed those as well (My indian name is "He who trips in underwear") and at the time I remember thinking how nice it would of been to have some gaiters for protection against mud, branches etc.

quote mastertangler: "

quote cowdoc: "I use gaitors when wetfooting, but not to keep water out. I know I'm not going to stay dry but I use them to keep the dirt, rocks, and debris out of my hiking boots plus they keep the bottom of my pants clean.....wet, but clean. I just zip off the legs in camp and hang to dry and when dry, zip back on clean pants legs. If you want to stay dry, go with the Chota suggestions."

My thoughts exactly.........during hot weather I have tripped in shorts before and in really hot weather I have removed those as well (My indian name is "He who trips in underwear") and at the time I remember thinking how nice it would of been to have some gaiters for protection against mud, branches etc. "

I believe that is called "Pooh bearing" MT.

quote OldFingers57: "If you are going to try the gaiters then go with the tall ones not short ones. Also get something like the Outdoor Research Crocodile gaiters. "

+1 on the OR gaiters.

IMO staying clean(ish) is one of the most important things you can do for your general welfare while out in the bush. gaitors will keep the majority of the dirt off the areas of your pants that get dirty. Cleaner pants are warmer/cooler/dryer than dirty ones, and will also last longer.

being able to take the dirty gaitors off before getting into the tent keeps a lot of dirt out which translates to a cleaner floor, that abrades less. Also keeps sleeping bags/pads clean.

The energy I spend using them is less than the energy I would spend trying to keep clean, so they are worth it for me.

I love my Xtratuf 16' insulated rubber boots. Went to Alaska in 2012 and didnt see a native without a pair, that inspired me to get some. Maybe the best $100 ive spent in my life, I use them for almost everything outdoors.

IMO they work perfectly for in and out of the boat, but fair warning they leave some to be desired when it comes to ankle support.