Bushwalk Australia

I am taking on the Overland Track with my two adult sonsi in late November and although I think we have most of our gear organised, my questions revolves around Gaiters. Although I can understand their purpose are they necessary at this time of year, any feedback most welcome.

On the understanding that Tasmanian weather and walking conditions can change at any time of year from beautiful to beastly in about five seconds flat, a track like the Overland in dry conditions isn't one where gaiters are essential. This is assuming you aren't doing any of the sidetrips. Some of the more common sidetracks can be very muddy and sometimes a bit scrubby.
On the other hand, it doesn't hurt to wear them just in case.

I've walked the track three times in the last 7 years.

Much less mud nowadays, but I'd still wear gaiters. Not only for changeable weather, but also potential snake protection. Given its been a very dry start to spring, the Tigers might be becoming active.

I tend to bang my shins on rocks when climbing summits like cradle and Ossa, and gaiters help in that regard. Plus no sunburn!

What nnw said

After doing the track recently I think the gaiters did a really good job of keeping the mud out of my boots, and the bottom of my pants relatively clean/dry. I didn't have to worry about snakes as it was cold, but in November they'll be handy for that too.

You can hire them or have a look on gumtree for cheap second hands.

Thank you for all your replies, that's been a great help, perhaps the only question now is whether we need longer quagmire or the shorter spinafex style.

Definitely Quagmire. I don't know about you but I usually end up with mud splashed up to my knees.

FYI I ripped both of my Wilderness Equipment canvas bush gaiters on the OT recently.

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Hi all my wife and I have bought gaiters for the OLT we have never used them before should we do some training walks with them on. TIA

Ant71 wrote:Hi all my wife and I have bought gaiters for the OLT we have never used them before should we do some training walks with them on. TIA

Yeah go find some muddy puddles and splash about. It's fun and you'll have more cred on day 1 if they look used, but, more seriously just get them(full length) and test them on your boots so you know how to use them.

I think learning to put them on easily and not putting them on the wrong leg,inside out or upside down is more important than learning to walk with them on.
I write on the "inside right bottom" and "inside left bottom" with a paint marker at the appropriate spots and this makes it easy for me.

Thanks for the info we are complete novice to gaiters we didn't even know they could go on the wrong leg much appreciated

heres a shot of our boots from a trip in january. I wore S2S Quagmire. Highly recommended