TurtleSkinSnakeArmor Reversible Snake Gaiters

I purchased a pair of TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Snake Gaiters after encountering three rattlesnakes in one hour while hiking in the Sonoran desert. I had seen a lot of snakes in the past, but those snake encounters were on groomed trails or in open washes. Recent hikes have been through grass and brush where it's harder to see snakes.I'm about 5'10" in height. The size "Regular" fits me well with the gaiters reaching up to just below my knee.On my early hikes while using them, I fastened the front grommets to the gaiter loops on my Altra shoes / boots, but found that this was not sufficient for holding the gaiters firmly against my footwear. On these hikes, I got lots of foxtail grass seeds in my socks. Clearly enough of my ankle was exposed to likely allow a snake to strike at that location as well. I've found that a short bungee cord under my boots to the side grommets works to hold the gaiters in place. For the price, it would have been nice for a suitable strap / bungee to be included with the gaiters.They're warm, but not as hot as I expected. I tend to notice them when starting out, but once I've been hiking for a while, I forget about them.I haven't yet had any snake encounters with them, but I'm confident that they'd protect me if that should happen.These gaiters work great for bushwhacking through brushy / thorny areas. Also, once the sides of the gaiters are pulled down snugly against the boot/shoe, they work well to keep foxtail grass and other vegetation out of socks and shoes.

I bought these after being bitten on the ankle by a copperhead snake in Virginia. I have a pair of snake gaiters but they are very rigid and uncomfortable, I wanted something Lighter weight I could wear all day and travel with; these we expensive but deemed worth it. They fit the bill, however, they have one annoying flaw, they ride up over the top of the back of my boots. I am using the tongue securing grommet, securing it to the front lave of my boot with a tie, but the gaiter continues to ride up after a few minutes of walking. If a snake strikes at this gap, I'm in trouble. Is anyone else having this problem?Update, I contacted the manufacturer and here's what they said, "Yes, the gaiters do have a tendency to ride up. The grommets are meant for your laces to go through to tie them down. The top grommets should also have laces through them to keep the gaiter from riding up. You want to lace the boots through the bottom grommet and then again through the top grommets near the top of your boot before you tie them. Other users have figured other ways to secure them down with ties, straps, and cords. "I asked for a photo of this suggested arrangement, one that is not mentioned in any of their literature, or shown in any ad photos. No response thus far. Regardless, having to completely unlace a boot every time I wear these is completely impractical, and I don't expect to have to modify a new product with ties, straps and cords, especially one whose performance is this critical, and one that isn't inexpensive, to get it to work properly. I like the concept and the construction, but remain disappointed in the execution.IMO, these should be equipped with a shank strap like common leggings, one that goes under the sole of the boot, I have a set that uses this arrangement and it works very well.

Feels good. It will be nice having peace of mind. I had the misfortune of being zapped by a copperhead 10 years ago above the ankle. It’s not fun.The zipper works fine for me. Take your time and pay attention to lining it up. If it becomes a problem I’ll upgrade with a heavier zipper. So far so good and they are light and do feel comfortable. I like them.(Update) November 4 2020Still going strong!!! Snakes haven’t tried it out yet but I’m still impressed. Built to last. 👍 Proven longevity with active use.(2nd Update) March 2 2021Yes I still use them!!!(Just had my first save of the day experience.)It finally happened! I was zapped by a silent assassin. Traces of venom were clearly visible on the outer legging where it zapped. Thank you God! (and) Thank you Turtle skins! The great news is; the only damage I suffered was my ego due to my friend who told everyone I screamed like a little girl.(He is totally lying)As for Mr. Mojave? “live and let live” but next time,,, can please give a little warning?

I used the gaiters today at work. They are light weight and more airy than others however they ride up and expose my ankles. I think the company should give you some type of cinch or hook for the grommets on the ankle flap to secure them from riding up considering the price. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find a clasp that will fit to my boot laces but to no avail.

My husband bought a set of these for quail hunting in South Texas. Following the online instructions for measuring his leg for proper fit led him to order the Regular size. Upon receipt, however, they were not even close to being sufficiently large enough to fit over his calf. Close to an inch too small and not possible to zip up. The instructions have you measure the circumference of your calf 16" above the bottom of the gaiter, but that part of the leg is smaller than the calf muscle itself in most people, so while it does fit at the top, it does not fit in the middle. Bear this in mind when considering the Regular versus the Husky size.Since none of the Turtleskin gaiters for sale on Amazon in the Husky size are returnable, he opted to buy a set of Husky gaiters from Midway USA. There he can return them if even the Husky size proves to be too small.

Useful product and excellent protection

I regularly hike in the desert, often on less traveled trails where all kinds of pointy things are in the way , amazing protection against thorns, worth every penny. And they also protect against snakes.