Rain Gaitors

[fudgie]

Where did you get yours and do you like them? My feet seem to get wet nowadays. Boots are 12 yrs old and have done alot to try and keep water out so thats not a answer. Sometimes we ride in the rain and not put gear on and these seem to be a good idea to cover the lower legs and boots. I do have a set of rubber boots but they are a little bulky to pack.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Good question as I've been considering some of these as well. I'll be watching for replies too. 

[fudgie]

Well I found these. Seems like the best so far.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?Category_ID=129&manufacturer_ID=437&product_ID=20116&sblid_name=Wing_Gear_Rain_Booties&model_id=0

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Well I found these. Seems like the best so far.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?Category_ID=129&manufacturer_ID=437&product_ID=20116&sblid_name=Wing_Gear_Rain_Booties&model_id=0

They're nice, but I'm not sure I want ones with the completely closed foot or ones that have the boots heel exposed. Perhaps some who have had both and can give a comparison.

[Jeff K]

We use these and LOVE them.



http://www.exigentbikecovers.com/accessories.htm

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

Hmm boots 12 years old? Have you considered new boots? Waterproof ones?    I have Harley boots Stirrup style and used water proof polish on them twice in the two years I have had them. I have actually waded in them to the ankle a few times and my feet have stayed nice and dry? I don't think I have ever had a pair of shoes or boots last 12 years LOL

[98valk]

I use these

http://www.motoport.com/_product_35444/Nylon_Overboot

to waterproof your boots nothing works better then sno-seal

http://www.atsko.com/products/waterproofing/sno-seal.html

I have used it on leather boots and been out in the snow for hrs and no leakage.  Also on one pair of my riding boots completely dry feet.
It will wear off after a couple yrs so then u just re-coat. works on leather gloves also.

[Big IV]

I'm fairly simple. I don't like packing anything extra. It seems if I were going to use a rain gaitor I would need something I could pull on in the morning with my pants and wear all day. I think I wouldn't want leather gaitors because they would be the same as slapping on chaps in the morning and I already have those. The non-leather options might work, but I'm just not sure I would really use it. I tried frogg toggs once and burnt them onto my pipes accidentally, so I would suggest any non-leather gaitor be non-meltable.

I'm surprised you're getting 12 years on a pair of boots? I can't keep the rubber on my boots that long, although they are my daily wearers.

[fudgie]

Yep got them in 98 when I started riding. $40 Wal-Mart Survivors. I bet they have over 60k bike miles and a boat load of walking miles, since I wore nothing else. They seen alot of stuff that I can't remember.    Even nights where that was the only thing I wore!  Heels are a little wore from peg dragging but walk fine. I used mink oil, waterproof spray and chaulked around the soles but after riding in the rain for 7 hours my socks were soaked. Started noticing it last year. Definitly not getting new boots! 

[sugerbear]

fudgie, your cheap!!!! buy some new boots.

thought about some of those also

[Big Rig]

I have a pair of Harley boots for 15+ years...most comfortable boots/shoes I own. I bought those instread of a springer...divorce...the ex took the bike money...

I am in the market for a new pair just because...I had mine resouled just once and the cobbler I used is now out of business...The were water proof until mid way thru last season...Polish with leather sealant spray.

[Warlock]

Where did you get yours and do you like them? My feet seem to get wet nowadays. Boots are 12 yrs old and have done alot to try and keep water out so thats not a answer. Sometimes we ride in the rain and not put gear on and these seem to be a good idea to cover the lower legs and boots. I do have a set of rubber boots but they are a little bulky to pack.

I just got some Bates boots from Bass Pro shop. They are lace up with side zipper and are Gortex water proof. Very light also. These are the brands that a lot of law enforcement use. So far I love them. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_97347_500005000_500000000_500005000_500-5-0
David

[fudgie]

Where did you get yours and do you like them? My feet seem to get wet nowadays. Boots are 12 yrs old and have done alot to try and keep water out so thats not a answer. Sometimes we ride in the rain and not put gear on and these seem to be a good idea to cover the lower legs and boots. I do have a set of rubber boots but they are a little bulky to pack.

I just got some Bates boots from Bass Pro shop. They are lace up with side zipper and are Gortex water proof. Very light also. These are the brands that a lot of law enforcement use. So far I love them. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_97347_500005000_500000000_500005000_500-5-0
David

I gotta pair of Bates for my EMS work. Your right, they are the lightest boot on the market. I hardly ever zip mine, just velcro at the top. I like boot type boots. Give'm a kick and they are off. If I bend over I might fall over! 

[Jess from VA]

Yep got them in 98 when I started riding. $40 Wal-Mart Survivors. I bet they have over 60k bike miles and a boat load of walking miles, since I wore nothing else. They seen alot of stuff that I can't remember.    Even nights where that was the only thing I wore!   Heels are a little wore from peg dragging but walk fine. I used mink oil, waterproof spray and chaulked around the soles but after riding in the rain for 7 hours my socks were soaked. Started noticing it last year. Definitly not getting new boots!  

Dude, I have old favorite boots too, but if yours are taking on water despite treatment, it really is time to spend at least another $40 at Walmart for another pair.  Think about it, $40 every 12 years for riding boots is not a bad deal.  

And waterproof gaitors aren't going to keep your feet dry if your boots leak.

What I do is have waterproof boots and a rain suit (with pants) if it rains.   If I need gaitors, I figure I need the pants (which I can probably get on quicker than gaitors).  Granted your lower legs get the wettest the fastest (and may be the only thing that gets wet in a short shower), but if the rain continues, I am even less happy to ride for hours with a soggy azz than with wet feet.  

I wear comfortable non-waterproof (but pretty dang water resistant) boots on local rides with little chance of rain all the time, but I wear waterproofs on trips.  

You can still wear your old dogs, but get some waterproofs for distance (like your duty boots).  

If you still want a gaitor look at these:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor-research-men-s-rocky-mountain-high-gaiters.shtml?source=CI&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=23-86048915-2

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/ODR/ODR0024/VGBL.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Outdoor-Research-Verglas-Gaiter-Mens/ODR0024M.html&usg=__6FWlmlROCM-2rotMBp_hHsuSS3s=&h=300&w=300&sz=9&hl=en&start=34&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=97Be2Z6hjKC6aM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgarbage%2Bbag%2Bgaiters%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Ds%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1

[roboto65]

12 year old boots but what he is not telling us is how much Ducttape is holding them together 

[larryh0841]

To get back to the question.....I have used both styles of gaiters and can tell you that no matter how careful your are the bottoms of the enclosed ones will get torn up when you put your feet down.  I agree with the guys that suggest duty boots.  I bought mine at Cabelas and have had no problems with wet feet for several years now.  I have never sealed them and no longer use the rain gaiters.

[Farther]

I wear Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters:  http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/271/b100000248/Outdoor-Research-Gaiters.html?CMP_ID=PD_GOO001&CP=Google&CMP=KNC-Google&mv_pc=r101&gcid=S2000x136&keyword=&s_kwcid=TC|5485|rocky%20mountain%20high%20gaiters||S|b|3998326814

[Garland]

I bought some of these rubber boot covers
http://www.treds.com/products/waterproof-motorcycle-rain-boot/
and so far l like them. I agree that waterproof boots are best but I am commuting to work and it is far more convenient to cover what I am wearing than to change boots.