The Best Gaiters I Have Ever Worn!

Technically, this is the longest amount of time I have ever spent researching and testing for a review. I got my first pair of Outdoor Research gaiters 23 years ago. Since that time, I have been on the quest to find the perfect pair of gaiters. In this review, I compare 4 different options and share why I think I have found my new perfect system. Also, if you watch the whole video, you can find out how you can win a pair of gaiters and get entered to win a guided, filmed black bear hunt in BC.
Enter the bear hunt giveaway by going to
forgedinthebackcountry.com/
Every $5 you spend gets you one entry to win a guided, filmed black bear hunt in BC!
Join Mindful Reviews to support unbiased nonsponsored gear reviews and have a chance to win some kick-ass hunting gear.
www.mindful-reviews.com/
Ape Equipment
apeequipment.ca/
/ apeequipment
0:00 - Intro
3:42 - Gaiter Giveaway
4:01 - Price
4:24 - Sitka Rant
7:44 - Weight
8:22 - Materials
18:46 - Sizing
21:05 - Fit
23:06 - Bear Hunt Giveaway
24:56 - Closure & Attachment Systems
29:13 - Origin
29:49 - Final Thoughts and Giveaway Details
Jay Nichol
[e-mail]
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[@estebanespinoza7170]

GREAT video! I love how you connect your opinions with very real and relatable stories/examples to drive the point! I HATE the OR buckle. Don’t know how you never broke one in all your years! Just like that New Mexico mule deer hunt, you got some kind of luck!

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks!

[@Tyler_Mattson]

I just got the crocs, so I’m excited to see how they work out. Love your content. Your honesty and openness is quite refreshing

[@MindfulHunter]

Let me know how you like them! Thank you!

[@davidboyes5548]

I have the same Sitkas and they’ve been great for the past 6 years. On the hunt for gaiters for my wife and sort of disappointed that you didn’t have more brands in the review. Stone Glacier, First Lite, and Kuiu were on my radar. Thanks for the work you do.

[@MindfulHunter]

🙌

[@zachdawe2895]

My first lite gaiters have treated me well. I appreciate the great content!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@125volcom]

For the past 8 years working as a forestry engineer in northern BC I’ve been using OR gaiters and loved them. Looking forward to picking up a pair of ape equipment gaiters and trying them out. I have always had large calves so the custom sizing of the apes is very appealing

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@bartbarham3443]

I have been wearing the Kenetrek gaiters the past few years. However, my son and I are always watching for better performing gear. Thanks for the reviews you provide.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@martinsmith7344]

Another great video and review. I have tried different brands in the past, but never kept them because they never fit well. I have 20 inch calves and narrow ankles. The option of custom fit is great. Thank you for the review. If I don't win I will be ordering a pair!! Keep it up Jay.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@StecherHockey]

Had OR Crocs to start, then to Kuiu Yukon and still using those with no real issues. Nice to have a local product that’s supported and solid.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@fx4fxnytro]

Great review! Thank you. I get 40% off at OR, but my calves are 18 to 19 inches wide, the custom options the route for me.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@bryantbanuet4887]

Just ended up pulling the trigger on some peax stormcastles. Have yet to use them but have heard nothing but good things so far. Loving the reviews. Keep it up Jay.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@CD02]

Completely agree on the deep discounts. It also makes me hesitate to buy anything, because I don’t want to see it listed for half the price a week later.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@Cory5011]

Great review. I have the kenetreks gaiters and they have not failed me.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@09RichardF]

Look forward to trying these out compared to my crocs. I’ve always liked my crocs, they’ve always worked relatively well, but I’ve never loved them.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@CanLionhill]

Perfect timing. It's on my to-do list to get some gaiters pre spring bear season. Time to upgrade my old Cabelas gaiters to something much better!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@built4hunting]

Haven’t tried any gaiters yet, definitely on my list of gear to acquire sooner than later. The APE equipment gaiters are definitely high on the list.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@RockyMountainGearTester]

I’ve put 3 long hard seasons on my peax gaiters with no failures. The biggest draw to the ape equipment for me is the custom sizing. I’ll be ordering a pair whether I win the giveaway or not. Thanks for the reviews.

[@MindfulHunter]

👊🏻

[@jeremypeter4048]

Very interesting comments on discounts, makes ya think for sure. Been running APE Silverback Ultras for a couple years now, they've performed flawlessly. I hear what you're saying about the Lace Loop, it could be an issue in certain vegetation,it's never been an issue for me, I find it stays on better than the "over the top" lace hook. Thanks again for a great review.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@vancejohnson1778]

Great review again man! I have only ran MEC gaiters and they have worked ok, to me they appear very similar the the OR gaiters, buckle does seem iffy but hasn't broken yet lol

[@MindfulHunter]

👊🏻

[@grandmesawild]

We are running the T & K gaiters. Seem well built but are heavy. My only gripe is their calf adjustment buckle, awkward to get buckled.

[@MindfulHunter]

Been looking at their bino harness. They make nice shit.

[@robertzytniak9012]

Only had a pair of First Lite gaters so far but will give the APE ones a try.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@patrickfitz-gibbon5661]

I recently swapped to the Peax equipment gaiters and really like them, they are not custom built but they do have a pretty straightforward measuring setup so you make sure you can ge the sizing correct, having said that I like the idea of entirely custom fitted gaiters

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@eppweld]

I’ve only worn the OR and KUIU thus far. I agree with many of your comments and will be interested to try the APE design

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@jeffreyfoster2804]

I use to use OR but now use Kuiu. Interested in your new ones!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@flathead0666]

Im just getting started and have light use on my SKREs they are ok ñ. Great content 👍

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@nickkolar8183]

I’ve used the sitka, skre, and kenetrek. All good brands - the skre has been my favorite. Trying the peax equipment this year. Best of luck!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@WadeTheWild]

Thanks as always Jay! Would've liked to see the Peax included, since so many rave about them, which is most likely a lot of sponsored marketing. However, they do seem legit in many ways. Would love to hear your opinion on them after some use.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@relentlessraghorn]

Here I am slumming it in Kennetreks. The customization on the Ape’s alone have me very interested.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@stitchotis]

Currently running the OR Expedition Crocs, solves the buckle issue up top with a Velcro strap. The Velcro tab at the bottom as you said is pretty worthless since it barely does it’s job. My wife has the Peax Stormcastle gaiters and likes those. The attachment system up top is easier for her to operate when her hands get cold. Enjoyed the review

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@mattware5713]

I've been using canis gaiters. Haven’t had any issues with them other than the elastic drawstring at the top to keep them up comes loose at times.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@joshuaellingson3905]

Been using the crocs for years. Have had issues with the buckles breaking though. Would definitely try Ape next time and being local is an added bonus!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@avidmongo]

I'm a new consumer to gaiters and was interested in the T&K Hunting gaiters because they're at least made in North America. But if I can get even more local and they're still high quality, that's a huge plus.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@PlumbHappy84]

Love to see a review of the T and k gaiters.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@AlwaysRedHunting]

thanks great job

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@TheZach020]

Personally, always use the peak gators, however, getting a custom pair does sound very unique to get a pair of gators to fit perfectly

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@erictrudel371]

Good video! I’m using a pair from Skre…they were on sale. They’re not long for this world. I like those Ape. Nice it’s Canadian made! Only other brand I would be interested in is T&K but our Canadian dollar makes those really steep. Cheers!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@Stickandstringoutdoors]

I’ve only run the outdoor research crocs. They have been good so far except the top buckle doesn’t have a enough adjustment to secure around my skinny legs lol. I would love a pair of the ape gators!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@user-dp7vl3du9m]

OR Crocs have been great other than the small Velcro tag at the bottom. Like you mentioned they instantly fill up with debris and become useless. That said I’ve never had any issues with the buckle or slippage.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@dereklaub4683]

I’ve run a pair of Kenetrek gaiters for several years and they are now all torn up and leak. Got really soaked last season walking through tall wet grass even with rain pants on. Also, hounds tongue/beggars lice really sticks to their camo fabric. I got a pair of Kuiu Yukon gaiters to replace them but have yet to try them out. The APEs are definitely on my radar now.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@armassassinstrengthshop]

100% agree about the discounts about items and I say the same; if you can offer 30-50% discount then the normal price is 15-20% too high. With my business I generally only offer 10% off as i feel the price for my equipment is a fair price especially since everything is made to order and can be customized.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@clunesadventures]

First day on my first trip out in my OR Crocs and they failed. Had to run them tapped up for the rest of the hunt. OR replaced them without a fuss. I could see grabbing a pair of Ape gaiters in the future just for more piece of mind.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@codydarling854]

I’ve only ever used outdoor research gataiters. Haven’t been super happy with them that’s why I’m watching this video 😆 will probably pick up a pair of these ape equipment gaiters.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@tanneralford7671]

you should review some of the non hunting company puffys from western mountaineering and feathered friends!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@BackCountryMonashee]

I have the same gripe with the APE Silverbacks!! That lower hook is upside down and it’s on the wrong side of the gaiter as well IMO!! I’ve been testing them as well for a couple years, other then that there Top Notch!!!

[@MindfulHunter]

💯 I talked with him and now when you give him your custom sizing you can tell him which way you want the hook

[@tylermitchell3361]

T&K hunting has made the best gaiters and bino harness I have used.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@MountainMke]

I agree with @rockymountaingeartester. Would love to have seen a reviee of the Peaks where you just had Ryan and Brian on the show. I also would have liked to have seen the Kuiu Yukon & Kutana reviewed.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@mikekeretzman4757]

Peax. Rebuildable. My problem with OR were failure of the top tension keepers aka latching piece made of plastic, the tiny hinge holes would break rendering it useless over time.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@MrChiumiento]

The only gaiters I have are kings Camo, so those are my favorite as of right now. But I have definitely been looking for something like the Ape gaiters, something that is made with good quality. Being made in North America is a huge deciding factor for me. So if I do not win from here I will most likely put these on my list of things to buy. especially because I completely trust what jay has to say. At this point my to buy list is years in the making.😂

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@killickfabrication6810]

i run the crocs and they have been bulletproof for me. but, i have seen 3 pairs fail in the field.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@daytonbailey6316]

Great Review! I’ve ran OR for years. Switched to APE. Far superior in design, build construction and durability. I do prefer the toe hook being up as they are on the Ape Gaiters. If my comment happens to be picked to win pick the next guy in line, I’ve got a pair already. Happy hunting!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@mitchg9285]

4:57 spot on with Sitka here though. Not sure if they have tapped the full price market and need to get new people.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@Tredell604]

Stone Glacier Gaiters have been very good for me.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@rennersmith1810]

Why not try peax of stone glacier? Feel like they are two of the top names for gaiters right now. Also are there any private owned hunting brands anymore?

[@MindfulHunter]

Tons. Argali, Exo, Aziak, Wiser, frontiersman, I could go on all day.

[@zachknight5393]

Have you tried the Peax gaiters? I've been seeing a lot of good things on them, just not sure how much of that is bought and paid for endorsements! I've been running the OR for the last 4 years and have been pretty happy with them. Contemplating getting something made of a lighter weight material for the earlier season hunts.

[@MindfulHunter]

Look just like the OR to me. Don’t like that buckle on the bottom. I’ll try to work on a pair though.

[@zachknight5393]

@@MindfulHunter - no worries! Like you, I've never actually had a failure with the buckle on the bottom, so keeping my fingers crossed. I have heard horrible things about the round strap on the Stone Glacier gaiters though.

[@bozste1813]

I use the Hillsound Super Armadillo Nano Gaiter. Also a local company.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@MindfulHunter]

Hey man you won the giveaway, please email me [e-mail] so I can get your info and ship them out! Congrats!

[@bozste1813]

@@MindfulHunter Sweet! Will do Jay.

[@bozste1813]

​​@MindfulHunter Have you received my email? Haven't seen anything back from you yet.

[@christianhardin9937]

I’ve been wearing Stone Glacier’s gaiters the past few seasons. No complaints but I’m also a newer hunter and have nothing to compare them to

[@MindfulHunter]

🙌

[@mrh9635]

I'm only a fledging birdwatcher but already I'm caught in a dilemma of buying either a quality pair of walking Wellington boots or quality hiking boots with gaiters.

[@MindfulHunter]

🙌

[@tonesmith909]

I have the Kings XKG gaiter, theyre ok, nothing special, similar to the Kennetrek gaiters. I would love for you to get a hold of the TK gaiters, made in USA, seem to be pretty heavy duty, check em out. Lets get these reviewed asap😂👍🤝

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@mikerobinson6606]

Great review Jay. I've been using OR gaiters for as long as I can remember. I have used Kenetrek Gaiters but I prefer the fit of OR. Never broken a buckle but they have always been a concern because they seem week. Also I share your sentiment on Sitka discounts. They are definitely going to Increase their customer base but they are going to hurt themselves every time they release new products. Everyone will be holding out for the sale. In turn I see the quality going to hell.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@GlassHalfFullOutdoors]

Stone Glacier has never failed me but they are nearing the end of their life so a new pair would be handy 😊🤙🏽

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@mitchg9285]

Kenetrek give you free gaiters with boot. They’re good enough.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@torreyintahoe]

When I saw the title I thought, whatever brand he says they're not as good as OR. LOL

[@MindfulHunter]

🤣

[@jasonfox8020]

I greatly need assistance from a Behavioral Insights Consultant. Maybe we can chat. Also still very willing to assist field testing some Swaro 10*42 binos

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@laxwyo1]

couldn't agree more. fhf and firstlite being bought by meateater was the worst thing for those companies. now they spend tons of money on "influencers"

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@13hawks32claws]

Always had cheap crap. I’ve never really used them that much.

[@MindfulHunter]

🙌

[@stevemyers2092]

Ali is my choice...always has been. No idea why no one has not used that name.

[@MindfulHunter]

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