The Importance of Outdoor Safety: Anti Snake Gaiters Buying Guide

As one of the most diverse places on Earth when it comes to nature and wildlife, Australia is so exciting to explore! There’s so much to see and so much to take in and enjoy. From forests and deserts to coral reefs and the wide, blue ocean, we have it all. Still, as beautiful as everything is, it’s important to remember that with great biological diversity come great biological dangers and responsibilities! 

When out and about in the wilderness, the most common dangers can be either slithery or crawly. We’re talking snakes and spiders, of course. Most of us are already familiar with these guys and know to expect some encounters with them in our daily lives. However, when we’re talking about camping trips, hunting trips, or any other endeavours that take you deep into the wild, the situation is a bit different and calls for more drastic safety measures to be taken. 

Our slithery friends can be not-so-friendly sometimes, so proper snake protection is imperative when planning a trip. The most effective way to protect yourself from snake bites is by wearing anti snake gaiters. Let’s take a closer look at why you should get gaiters in addition to your outdoor survival supplies and what you should be looking for when buying a pair.

Snake Gaiters: What’s Good?

Conveniently made as a sort of sleeve for your leg, snake proof gaiters allow for free movement and carefree exploration. Because they are such an Australian necessity, though, there are loads of makes and models around. Here’s how to make sure you get high-quality anti snake gaiters that won’t let you down! 

Mind The Material 

Snake gaiters aren’t your typical piece of clothing. In fact, they’re much, much more than that. That’s why, when searching for the perfect gaiters you need to really mind the material they’re made of. Just anything won’t do.

There are three aspects to consider when looking at the material. Durability, quality, waterproofing. Here’s why they’re so important. 

A durable material will offer you peace of mind that your gaiters won’t fall apart after a couple of outings. Try looking for a material that’s been specifically designed for this purpose, as a lot of technology goes into creating the perfect fabric that later turns into the perfect snake gaiter. There should be a declaration specifying the material and guaranteeing its purpose. 

Quality, of course, is tightly connected to durability, but there’s something else as well. A quality snake gaiter material will protect but will also not obstruct your movement. The best quality snake gaiter material is usually made of at least two layers to guarantee protection, but those layers don’t make a heavy gaiter – on the contrary, they’re light, tight, and easy to wear! 

The waterproof aspect is more about convenience than protection, really. The terrain you walk on can change by the minute, so having gaiters that won’t get soaked and heavy the second you come by a creek or a puddle is very important. Water-repelling material will keep your gaiters and legs dry and won’t jeopardize the gaiter’s purpose. 

Pay Attention to The Design 

Once you’ve made sure the material is exactly what you’re looking for, it’s time to really take a close look at the design of your gaiters. 

The optimal snake gaiter will wrap fully around your calf, without leaving any spot uncovered and vulnerable. It will also stay securely on your leg without the need to readjust it as you’re walking. Since they are basically sleeves where sleeves don’t really belong, it can be hard to keep them in place if they’re not designed properly. 

First thing’s first, make sure your gaiters have no zippers, buckles, or any other thing used to adjust and secure them on the outside. Everything should be neatly tucked away out of sight as having it out and about can result in your gaiter accidentally opening up and slipping off your leg. That’s a big no-no.

Next up, make sure they have a buckle, and a good one, that will keep them in place. The buckle is imperative in keeping your gaiters secured and on your legs at all times. 

Finally, see that your gaiters are fully adjustable and contoured in all the right places to offer a secure, snug fit, and full coverage. 

Another thing that’s important when talking about design is their colour. Snakes don’t like flashy things and you really shouldn’t be wearing anything that will really stand out while you’re out in the wild. Camo or colours like dark green, brown, grey, and so on are a perfect choice. 

Make Sure They’re Tested 

Untested snake gaiters are unsafe snake gaiters, and this is a fact. No matter how good the material is and how well they’re made, if the gaiters aren’t tested and proven to protect from Australian snakes, you really shouldn’t even consider them. 

The Australian Death Adder, for example, really lives up to its name. With venom able to kill in around 6 hours, it’s definitely not on the friend list. Aside from the potent venom, this snake also has the longest fangs of any other Australian snake species.

Death Adders are a “sit-and-wait” kind of predator and they’re quite common in many parts of our country. This means that they will not show themselves, but jump you unexpectedly, so if your gaiters aren’t guaranteed to protect you, you’re in for a bumpy, scary ride. 

That’s why you always need to seek proof of the gaiters being tested, and if they check the Death Adder box, you can be sure they’ll have no problem protecting you from any other snake out there. 

To Sum Up 

Snake gaiters made of durable, high-quality, waterproof material, and that have been tested and proven to protect from various Australian snakes are the only gaiters worth your money.  Search around the web for gaiters that check all these boxes and order a pair. We can guarantee that if your gaiters are what we’ve described, you’ll have an absolutely worry-free experience. 

Snake gaiters can be a bit pricey, especially the really good ones, but what’s the price you’d put on your life, anyway?