Joan rocks the tall gaiters as part of her sun protection strategy here in Utah and in the high Alpine areas of Colorado. Besides providing sun protection, they help with brush and give better ventilation than pants. After many requests from others, along with her loving, subtle, quiet, and never-vocal husband (OK, perhaps the first word only applies), Joan made a new pair and agreed to share the instructions. -PM
Lightweight, tall gaiters have been part of my regular hiking “uniform” since about 2010.
Paired with a skirt, they provide superior protection while still allowing ample airflow and sun protection.
Advantages of lightweight tall gaiters
- Prevent chafe and upper thigh heat rash because they are breezy compared to pants. I also find it quicker and easier to pee with a hiking skirt.
- Sun protection for the legs. This is especially important because melanoma occurs frequently on the legs in women.
- Protection from thick undergrowth, biting and stinging insects, and bushwhacking.
They do look bizarre, I admit. I’ve gotten comments like “WHAT ARE YOU WEARING!”
Which was said more of a snarl than a question. But I want hiking clothes that are functional and comfortable rather than stylish. So, I made my own custom hiking clothes that suit me.
I’ve had several requests over the years for instructions on how to make these tall, lightweight hiking gaiters.
I just sewed a few replacement pairs this week and took some photos as I sewed. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Materials
- 1/4 yard of 4-way stretch fabric (lycra, etc.) for the ankle gaiter part
- 1/2 yard of lightweight pants material. I used ripstop supplex nylon from rockywoods.com; that’s no longer made. This option from RipstopByTheRoll may make a suitable substitute.
- 2 feet of 1/2-inch wide elastic
- 3/4″ Velcro
- 2 tiny or mini cord locks (Zpacks)
- 2 feet of 1/16 inch shock cord from Zpacks.
- sewing machine and Serger
Considerations in choosing fabrics
- Lightweight for hot temperatures
- Abrasion-resistant for bushwhacking and overgrown trail
Basic Pattern
I modified this short gaiter pattern and used a pair of pants to get the size for the calf part. I sewed the calf part and ankle gaiter together to prevent insects and sand from getting in, but I have friends who keep the two separate so the top can be removed.
I wear size 10 1/2 men’s shoes and am 5 foot 10 inches tall, so adjust the pattern accordingly.
Cutting out the materials
I made the pattern to allow for 5/8 inch seams on the sides and bottom. The top drawstring channel used about 1 1/2 inch.
- Cut two on a fold of the 4-way stretch material.
- Cut two on a fold of the lightweight pants material. I tapered the bottom part that attaches around the ankles (shown at the top of the photo).
Extra material was added to the top part (shown at the bottom of the photo) to make the drawstring top.
Constructing the ankle gaiters
Hem the bottom edge of the ankle gaiter. I used a wide cover stitch on the Serger and sewed it twice for added durability.
- Hemming the bottom edge with a Serger.
Fold the gaiters in half, right sides together, and join the sides on the diagonal.
- I used an overlock stitch on my Serger.
Sew a 1-inch piece of velcro to the back of the gaiter. This will attach to the heel of your shoe. I use the fluffy piece of velcro on the gaiter and glue the hooked side to my shoe.
Make a velcro tab to attach the gaiter top to your shoelaces (like in step 7 of these instructions). Sew a small piece of hooked-sided velcro to the top of the gaiter. Then, cut a 2 or 3-inch flap of fluffy velcro and attach it off the end of the gaiter like a beak. This will fasten the gaiter to your lace when you wrap it around the lace. You could also use a hook like Dirty Girl Gaiters, but I find this works well.
Constructing the calf coverage part
Hem the top a few inches on both sides to start to create the drawstring channel on top.
Create a casing on the top by folding down about an inch of material, tucking under another 1/4 inch of fabric under and pinning it in place. Stitch along the lower edge to create the channel.
Fold the material in half, right sides together, and stitch the sides together.
Cut an 11-inch long piece of elastic and sew it into a circle. This will fit around your ankle, so adjust the size to fit you as needed.
Pin the elastic to the bottom of the calf part. Attach the elastic by stretching as you sew to gather the material. I used the Serger for this part.
Finish the top by threading elastic through the channel and adding a small cord lock from Zpacks.
Putting the pieces together
I used a Serger to attach the pieces together using a wide overlock stitch to allow stretch.
Ahead of your time! Wait for the UV index to climb a little higher and folks will come around en masse. You should market these as “Modest Girl Gaiters”, opposed to a popular brand’s scandalously revealing length.