Outdoor Research Helium Gaiters Review

OR’s Helium Gaiters are excessive mountain climbing gaiters which can be appropriate for four-season use with any footwear that has an arched sole. They’re a lot thinner, cooler, and lighter weight than heavier-duty mountaineering gaiters (reminiscent of OR’s Crocodile Gaiters) however nonetheless completely appropriate for winter mountain climbing with non-technical traction aids reminiscent of Hillsound Trail Crampons or Kahtoola Microspikes.

Specs at a Glance

• Type: High Gaiter
• Weight: 4.9 oz/pr
• Gender: males’s (women’s mannequin additionally accessible)
• Waterproof/Breathable: Pertex Shield 2.5L
• Upper: 30D Ripstop Nylon
• Lower: 420D Nylon Packcloth With PU Coating
• Closure: Snap, Velcro, Drawstring

The OR Helium Gaiter is a light-weight excessive gaiter that reaches to only under the knee. It has a replaceable Hypalon (artificial rubber) strap that runs via the arch of your footwear to maintain the gaiter from driving up and closes within the entrance with a full-length velcro strip and a prime and backside snap. An elastic drawstring cinches the gaiter on the prime and prevents it from falling down under your calf whereas worn.

I bought these gaiters as a result of I needed a pair for winter mountain climbing that was cooler with thinner cloth than the mountaineering gaiters I usually put on for winter mountain climbing and snowshoeing. Heavier mountaineering gaiters make my calves sweat profusely in winter, dampening my socks and decrease pant legs. While there are occasions once I want the added decrease leg safety {that a} mountaineering gaiter gives, reminiscent of when utilizing full crampons, most of my winter hikes contain should much less aggressive traction aids like Hillsound Trail Crampons the place the hazard of self-inflicted wounds is nearly non-existent.

I’m fairly happy with these Helium Gaiters as a result of they’re a lot cooler than the mountaineering gaiters I personal. They’re additionally very breathable and the outside feels noticeably damp once I’m mountain climbing or snowshoeing in them. They’re absolutely waterproof with a gaiter hook on the base to connect to your laces or a gaiter ring in your boots. I’m additionally a fan of the elastic drawstring on the prime as a result of it prevents the gaiters from dropping under the calf and bunching across the ankles which tends to happen once I use mountaineering gaiters that shut with a webbing strap and buckle. (see additionally Winter Hiking Gaiters: Benefits and Pitfalls.)

If there’s one concern I’ve about these gaiters it’s the standard of the development. The first time I took them off, the highest snap on the prime of the entrance velcro closure tore off and flew throughout the room. I think about that prime snap to be redundant with the entrance velcro closure for the reason that gaiters don’t depend on it to remain shut. Still, it was disconcerting to have the snap tear out that simply and I plan to contact OR for a guaranty substitute.

Otherwise, these OR Helium Gaiters are straightforward to love. They’re snug to put on, they shed snow effectively, and so they keep up once you cinch the drawstring wire. I think they’ll additionally show worthwhile within the spring throughout the mud season when my soiled lady gaiters are inadequate to maintain splashback off my decrease legs.

Disclosure: The creator bought this product.

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