Definition: "Ghette" (gaiters) are protective garments that cover the lower part of the legs, generally worn by hikers, mountaineers and anyone doing outdoor activities. Gaiters are designed to protect the legs from mud, snow, debris and moisture during hikes in mountain or wild environments. They are usually worn over the shoes and legs, reaching to just below the knee or higher, depending on the model.
Etymology: The term "ghette" comes from the Old French "guêtre", which means "leg covering". This term was adopted in Italian to indicate the protective garment we know today as ghette.
Hiking notions: Gaiters are useful for keeping the legs dry and clean during hikes over wet, muddy or snowy ground. They also protect against insects, such as ticks or flies, that may be present in certain environments. Gaiters are generally made of tough, waterproof materials, such as nylon or Gore-Tex, to offer an effective barrier against the weather.
Practical information: Gaiters are available in different lengths and styles, from short ones that cover only the ankle to long ones that reach up to the thigh. They can be fastened to the shoe with a strap under the sole or with an elastic band around the foot, ensuring a close fit that stops debris getting in. Gaiters are an essential part of the technical clothing of hikers and mountaineers tackling variable terrain and changeable weather conditions.
Fact sheet
- Definition
A protective cover, often in water-repellent material, worn over the shoes and the calf to stop snow getting inside the boot. There are three types of gaiters: full gaiters, standard gaiters and short gaiters. The first completely cover the boots or are sewn onto them. The second are the most common model and cover the calf and the cuff of the boot down to the laces. The last cover only the calf, up to halfway.
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