Who all wears them? Any negatives?
Ya....the whole kit(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200210/67f99c05dfb4e1c943c8fa1fbee4d6f6.jpg)
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1) Zippers are a little delicate and sometimes difficult especially if gritty or muddy.
2) They are expensive.
3) Don't make them in bottomland camo.
Still...I like my pair.
- The gaiters do not stay down on your boots. Cutting the clinch strap will eliminate this.
- zipper are light weight.
Same as above. They need some design improvements but seem to still be the best option out there. I've been thankful to have had mine own a few times. Plus they protect your pants from briars and getting wet.
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I like mine, zero complaints after two seasons of hard use so far.
I had a local shoe shop install lace hooks on mine to eliminate them riding up.
Nice! Do you have a photo of that?
Been wearing them over 10 yrs and love them.
To prevent them riding up I took a razor blade and made a small incision on the inside of the bottom where the elastic band is. Take a piece of wire or something go through the incision and pull the elastic cord up and cut it. Did this several years ago and wish I had done it sooner.
Reasons I love them.
1) Piece of mind and insurance of knowing the damage a bite can do.
2) Helps keep bugs(ticks) from coming up pants legs
3) When I get done hunting zip them off and go. If I need to go to the store or whatever I'm not walking around with knee high boots on.
4) Keep lowers legs from being soaked walking through tall grass.
5) Oh and did I say piece of mind.
6) My feet stay dry in my nice leather boots, something they very seldom did with any of the 6 or 8 pair of snake boots I tried.
Pains: As stated above they can be finicky to zip sometimes, keep them clean with some wax or spray lube and not to bad.
They can ride up until you cut the bottom elastic.
They are not Camo no big deal to me. However I took some black and brown spray paint that I had around and just put some squiggly lines on mine to break up the solid color.
Quote from: BBR12 on February 10, 2020, 10:43:34 AM
Been wearing them over 10 yrs and love them.
To prevent them riding up I took a razor blade and made a small incision on the inside of the bottom where the elastic band is. Take a piece of wire or something go through the incision and pull the elastic cord up and cut it. Did this several years ago and wish I had done it sooner.
Reasons I love them.
1) Piece of mind and insurance of knowing the damage a bite can do.
2) Helps keep bugs(ticks) from coming up pants legs
3) When I get done hunting zip them off and go. If I need to go to the store or whatever I'm not walking around with knee high boots on.
4) Keep lowers legs from being soaked walking through tall grass.
5) Oh and did I say piece of mind.
6) My feet stay dry in my nice leather boots, something they very seldom did with any of the 6 or 8 pair of snake boots I tried.
Pains: As stated above they can be finicky to zip sometimes, keep them clean with some wax or spray lube and not to bad.
They can ride up until you cut the bottom elastic.
They are not Camo no big deal to me. However I took some black and brown spray paint that I had around and just put some squiggly lines on mine to break up the solid color.
Thanks for this info!
I had a couple questions.
You can cut them with a razor blade? Do you feel confident they'd stop a bite? Ever jabbed them with a needle?
I made the cut in the material with metal snips. I have tried repeatedly to penetrate the chaps with needles with no success. These chaps stop a needle like my Russell snakeboots do.
Photo of cut in back of chap used to cut clinch strap.
A sharp pair of scissors or a razor blade will cut them otherwise how would they cut the material to make them? They are two layers of the fabric sewed together no snake will penetrate them. I had mine covered in Greenleaf material and the girl sewing them broke several needles trying to sew thru the material. Along the seams there are tiny little holes were the two pieces were sewed she ended up hand sewing thru the existing sewing holes to attach the material. I used hot glue from Walmart to hold the middle part, held up for years no problems. I've waded mud, water and had them covered in sand never had a zipper problem, maybe they have changed the zippers? First thing I did was remove the elastic band. They are a lightweight option to snake boots, I don't think you could wear them out.
Downsides....gaiters snake proof or not have become a fad in Turkey hunting and it makes me not want to be seen with them on in public.
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Orvis snake gaiters are the Turtleskins.
$149 + free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Orvis-Snakeproof-Gaiters-Khaki/dp/B00C2ALZ3C/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=turtleskin+gaiters&qid=1581355519&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sr=8-6
Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 10, 2020, 12:14:47 PM
Downsides....gaiters snake proof or not have become a fad in Turkey hunting and it makes me not want to be seen with them on in public.
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If that's the worst worry you have this season then I think you'll be alright. :TooFunny:
Quote from: dublelung on February 10, 2020, 01:09:14 PM
Quote from: LaLongbeard on February 10, 2020, 12:14:47 PM
Downsides....gaiters snake proof or not have become a fad in Turkey hunting and it makes me not want to be seen with them on in public.
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If that's the worst worry you have this season then I think you'll be alright. :TooFunny:
I don't know I've had to shave my beard and stop wearing baseball caps. I'm still undecided about selling the 4x4. The thought of being mistaken for one of these new age hipster hero's is a constant fear. It might just be easier to take up fishing.
Mine were just delivered and I already have them at a seamstress. Few things I don't like:
1-They ride up bad! I showed her a few pics of Kuiu and Kenetrek...fingers crossed.
2-The top doesn't really clench up with the shock cord. She's going to run a 1/4" strap in its place for better strength.
IMO They seem super tough and give me some piece of mind. I'll post some pics when they are back from the seamstress.
Quote from: Spurs on February 10, 2020, 09:11:08 PM
Mine were just delivered and I already have them at a seamstress. Few things I don't like:
1-They ride up bad! I showed her a few pics of Kuiu and Kenetrek...fingers crossed.
2-The top doesn't really clench up with the shock cord. She's going to run a 1/4" strap in its place for better strength.
IMO They seem super tough and give me some piece of mind. I'll post some pics when they are back from the seamstress.
I ordered a pair last night. Looking forward to seeing how yours turn out.
Seems like we have more copperheads than anything on my farm. You can't see them in the leaves for nothing. I've wore some rubber redhead snake boots for quite a few years during turkey season and early deer season before it gets good and cold. They're pretty awful to walk in. Noisy. Loud. Looking forward to wearing my good hiking boots and the turtleskins this spring.
Curious as well. I'm in deep south AL and wear Danner Pronghorns. Hate walking in them but also hate not having them on. I've been hit by a cottonmouth and a copperhead while wearing some old Muck rubber snake boots. You couldn't pay me to go into the woods without snake protection but I can't stand a snake boot. The Pronghorns aren't what I would deem comfortable. Manageable is what I would say, but I'm look for something I can cut out in and never think "wow my feet hurt".
This will be my third season with them. They aren't perfect but they are the best option available right now. I wear them over lacrosse grange rubber boots and yes a snake could bite me on top of my foot. But you know what, if that is how the good lord calls me home I am ok with it.
I didn't realize so many people are wearing snake protection. Serious question, do y'all actually see a bunch of snakes while hunting or just like the insurance?
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Quote from: Gentry on February 11, 2020, 08:48:58 AM
I didn't realize so many people are wearing snake protection. Serious question, do y'all actually see a bunch of snakes while hunting or just like the insurance?
I've never worn them but started hunting some new ground that does have rattlers and copperheads. I might be getting a pair. Only takes once getting bitten to make a difference.
I probably see less than a dozen in a turkey season. I'm not too worried about the ones I see. I wear snake protection so I dont have think about where I put my feet so much when I'm moving in and my focus is on a gobbler not my feet.
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Quote from: Gentry on February 11, 2020, 08:48:58 AM
I didn't realize so many people are wearing snake protection. Serious question, do y'all actually see a bunch of snakes while hunting or just like the insurance?
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My brothers were in a club in TN that had so many rattlesnakes that they got out of the club. Some of the members wouldn't even hunt certain areas because there were so many timber rattlers.
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I think one of the best things about gaiters versus boots to me is the versatility. If I step in a creek and soak a boot I can where my other pair of boots the next day and still have my gaiters. If my wife goes, she wears the gaiters and I'll take my chances. My eyes are much more adapt at spotting the shapes and patterns on the ground than hers are. I much prefer wearing my hiking boots. Gaiters for the win.
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Some years I see a few in the woods. Other years significant more. I always wear gaiters , Russell or Danner snakeboots. You only need to have one bad encounter.
Quote from: Gentry on February 11, 2020, 08:48:58 AM
I didn't realize so many people are wearing snake protection. Serious question, do y'all actually see a bunch of snakes while hunting or just like the insurance?
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Stepped on a rattle snake in MS one year...my guess is the cool morning had him a little slow or something. I'd say I run across several dozen rattle snakes/cotton mouths every year.
I'm one of those guys that can follow someone in the woods and hit twice as many spider webs, ten times the ticks, and see a snake over every log. Just seems to be my nature. :help:
Quote from: Gentry on February 11, 2020, 08:48:58 AM
I didn't realize so many people are wearing snake protection. Serious question, do y'all actually see a bunch of snakes while hunting or just like the insurance?
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You must not be from or hunt much in the south? I see more Cottonmouths during turkey season than I usually see the rest of the whole year. I see Copperheads and Rattlers on occasion, but Cottonmouths are the debil in South Mississippi.
Don't know much about snake gaitors, never wore them. For those looking, what about these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064REC34/ref=twister_B07VNGQYYZ
They seem to have a pretty good rating, much cheaper, and come in camo, and comes with a one 1,000,000 dollar liability, as they claim?
Quote from: Cutt on February 11, 2020, 04:48:57 PM
Don't know much about snake gaitors, never wore them. For those looking, what about these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064REC34/ref=twister_B07VNGQYYZ
They seem to have a pretty good rating, much cheaper, and come in camo, and comes with a one 1,000,000 dollar liability, as they claim?
Weight, heat, and discomfort.
Quote from: dublelung on February 11, 2020, 02:05:55 PM
Quote from: Gentry on February 11, 2020, 08:48:58 AM
I didn't realize so many people are wearing snake protection. Serious question, do y'all actually see a bunch of snakes while hunting or just like the insurance?
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You must not be from or hunt much in the south? I see more Cottonmouths during turkey season than I usually see the rest of the whole year. I see Copperheads and Rattlers on occasion, but Cottonmouths are the debil in South Mississippi.
I live in Louisiana. My ole pappy said if you look for snakes you will find em.
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Quote from: Cutt on February 11, 2020, 04:48:57 PM
Don't know much about snake gaitors, never wore them. For those looking, what about these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064REC34/ref=twister_B07VNGQYYZ
They seem to have a pretty good rating, much cheaper, and come in camo, and comes with a one 1,000,000 dollar liability, as they claim?
I have these. They work. They are somewhat hot, but most of them are going to be.
It's not about how many snakes you see while turkey hunting- it's the dozens you walk past and DON'T see that are the most dangerous. In the south, there's no telling how many snakes we walk by that we never know about. I'm in the woods quite a bit between running coonhounds, turkey hunting, and deer season. Given my amount of time spent in snake country the odds go up significantly for me to be struck at. In GA we never have a real winter, maybe 2-3 weeks of freezing temps on average. That means our snakes are out at least 90% of the year. It only takes one bite to change your life, physically and financially. And that's if you're lucky enough to be near to your vehicle and close enough to a hospital to get quick treatment. As for boots, Danner Sharptail snake boots are the best money I've ever spent. Lighter than a typical pair of work boots and very comfortable. I've put a ton of miles on them and my feet stay as comfortable as they would be without them. I don't even notice that I'm wearing them. Highly recommend checking them out.
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I"ve used the turtleskins for a season & I like them. I really didn't have an issue with them riding up but there are holes you can use paracord to tie them down if it bothers you. The one thing I don't like is they can be a little noisy but it's tolerable. Used them in several states with browning hunting boots & won't wear my snake boots again. Much more comfortable & keep my feet & legs dryer in tall grass! I do think an under arch strap would be something they should consider as it would make them more secure for those that have the "riding up" issue.
I got mine in today. For anyone wondering what the Camo/khaki pair look like in real life and on some First Lite Fusion.
(https://i.imgur.com/hk5GWNj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/t4c7ZGH.jpg)
I ended up adding a mini bungee cord I've shortened to keep mine down.
A 6+" high boot seems like the minimum. Anything lower and the gaiter pops up over the top of the boot and can let rocks and stuff in.
(https://i.imgur.com/VVawgbN.jpg)
Quote from: Heldo on February 22, 2020, 03:49:11 PM
I ended up adding a mini bungee cord I've shortened to keep mine down.
A 6+" high boot seems like the minimum. Anything lower and the gaiter pops up over the top of the boot and can let rocks and stuff in.
(https://i.imgur.com/VVawgbN.jpg)
That's a great idea
I leave a paracord loop in mine with fixed knots in the ends so they won't slip through the holes. The paracord is kind enough I skip the loop under my boot and tie it in a knot on top of my boot.
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Quote from: aclawrence on February 22, 2020, 11:18:23 PM
I leave a paracord loop in mine with fixed knots in the ends so they won't slip through the holes. The paracord is kind enough I skip the loop under my boot and tie it in a knot on top of my boot.
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post up a pic of this
I used para cord on my pair as well but I went ahead and tied off both ends so it just make a permanent loop that I slip my boot through when putting them on or taking them off.
I used them last year with hiking boots. Way better than any snake boot
I've had. Had not one issue with them riding up. I got them for walking in
the woods in the dark and also because I might be 3-5 miles from the truck
hunting by myself.