Reference: 2 Gulfs, 2 Ravines, 1 Garden, a Camel and 1 Crowded Mtn 7/27I

Noticed the use of boot gaiters in JustJoe's "Great Gulf" picture. I've made good use of them cross-country skiing but I'm uncertain on their functional advantage in fair weather trail hiking. I was wondering what others thought. I'm all in for quality of experience improvements... so what advantages will the use of gaiters gain?

They serve 2 purposes for me, this time of year.

One, if you are rock hopping a stream and you slip and your boot becomes fully submerged they will keep water from going down into your boot. No matter how waterproof a boot is if it's all the way under the water will get in. They've saved me from wet feet a couple of times.

Two, they keep small rocks, pebbles, and other debris from getting down inside your boot.

I use them to keep pebbles and other debris out of my boots.

I almost always carry knee-high gaiters on the optimistic chance that a stellar bushwhack will present itself.

Although I need a new pair. NOTE: Never scratch your leg with an ankle adorned in crampons. You'll shred those gaiters every time.

I wear full gaiters year round, though my summer gaiters are lighter than my expedition weight gaiters I wear in the winter. I wear them primarily for the reasons JustJoe mentioned. Also, I am a full contact hiker. I do not tip toe across streams or daintily sidestep muddy trails, I hike with reckless abandon and the condition of my gaiters bears that out.

P.S. I prefer black because it matches my kilt.

I also wear them year round. Shorter ankle ones in the summer because I always seem to find ankle deep boot sucking mud.
And the knee high ones in winter to keep my legs warm but always because I stab myself in the calf with crampons regularly.

@ P/B "P.S. I prefer black because it matches my kilt"

I've enjoyed the unrestricted freedom of a couple hikes in my utilikilt (see link). An inseam is a useless impedance for a mountain loving highlander spirit. I did break the rules & made the rock scrabble/high wind concession of red jockey sport boxers. They're dual use, if I'm ever in trouble... I got a flag.

http://www.utilikilts.com/

I too wear boxer/briefs, black of course, to protect the innocent. I prefer the Sport Kilt because it is lighter.

I have never had a need to use them. Most folk I know use them for tick prevention. I just stay out of the grass.

Keeps my damn boot laces tied and out of trouble !

your checl seven differ color kilts its impress you
https://scottishkiltshop.com/utility-kilts-for-sale

Apart from Scottish kilt, you can also check https://kiltguide.com/directory/kilts-for-men section of kilt guide to choose best utility kilt collection

What about wearing https://fashionkilt.com instead of scottish kilt?

It's a little cold out there for a kilt.