Outdoor Research Crocodiles

What you get If only all gaiters were armored with no-nonsense Gore-Tex and tough, 1,000-denier Cordura. The Crocodiles triangulate perfectly between durability, weight, and breathability, while the lower sections deflect all but direct hits with sharp front points. The hook-and-loop closure is easier than zippers, and a nylon flap keeps snow and slush out. Slim fit prevents crampon snags.

Trail cred “On late-summer climbs of Mt. Rainier, your brain is busy scanning for weak snow bridges over crevasses,” says Deputy Editor Casey Lyons. “The last thing you want to think about is snagging a crampon on your gaiter and tripping.”