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Snake protection is essential for fieldwork or any activity that takes you into wild terrain–whether it be hunting, hiking, or other outdoor activities. When it comes to snake-proof garments, the most effective are gaiters, chaps, and leggings. They cover the leg area vulnerable to snakes, preventing the snakes’ fangs from penetrating the skin.
Nevertheless, remember that though snake gaiters and chaps are important garments for safety practices and can save lives, they are not 100% guaranteed to protect from snake bites since some serpents bite harder than others and might still pierce the material.
Our Best Snake Gaiters & Chaps Picks
These are our best picks available in the market.
1. TurtleSkin® SnakeArmor Total Protection Snake Chaps
These snake chaps provide snake and thorn protection from the ankle up to the thigh. They are breathable, flexible, and comfortable for hunting, hiking, landscaping, or any other activity.
When determining the right size for you, measure the thigh and choose the option that will give extra room to have maximum mobility, so they don’t feel tight when worn on top of pants.
Material
Constructed from 100% woven textiles, these chaps have a patented super-tight weave of high-strength ballistic fibers and polyester to keep you safe in snake country, no matter the conditions.
Comfort
These flexible chaps are one of the lightest and softest in the market. They are easy to put on and take off when you have your boots on, thanks to the side zippers. The design makes stepping up easy and not restricting at all.
- Waterproof and windproof
- Full-leg protection
- Breathable
- Easy-wear
- Side zippers
- Non-restricting
- N/A
2. Crackshot Men’s Snake Bite Proof Guardz Gaiters
These are the original heavy-duty but lightweight snake gaiters. The unique design offers protection from the foot area to just below the knee joint. The gaiters allow for air circulation, and the lower part that covers the shoestring area protects you from a snake bite.
To determine the right size of the gaiter for you, measure the calf’s largest part while wearing pants you would while in the field.
Material
The fabric features a water-repellent coating so venom cannot soak into the material, making the gaiters quick-drying. The material is surprisingly thin, which helps the gaiters breathe pretty well even on hot days.
Comfort
Since these gaiters are relaxed and lightweight, chances are you’ll forget you have them on. The best thing when it comes to comfort is that the dimensions of these gaiters do not interfere with movement. They can get warm over pants in hot weather but not to the point they are unbearable. overall , they are easy to put on, sturdy and snug, yet light and not overheating.
- Variations of color and sizes
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- N/A
3. Razer Snake Gaiters for Hiking, Hunting
If you’re looking for snake gaiters to protect you from snake bites while you’re out exploring, then the Razer Snake Gaiters for Hiking and Hunting might be the perfect fit for you. They feature 13 polycarbonate panels that wrap effortlessly around your calves and lower legs to offer extra protection. They have buckle and strap closure, so you can adjust them to your needs. And the best part is that they are multi-purpose, so they are not only designed to protect you from snake bites but other nature hazards too.
Material
The Razer Snake Gaiters for Hiking and Hunting are made of nylon and polycarbonate. They feature 13 individual panels made out of polycarbonate that wrap comfortably around your ankles, lower legs, and calves. You can tighten or loosen them with the straps and buckles to your preferences. Also, they are constructed with 1000-denier cordura nylon, which makes them highly durable.
Comfort
These snake gaiters are not only safe, but they’re also extremely comfortable to wear. They are lightweight, weighing only 13 oz. each. They are built to withstand and keep you comfortable in extreme conditions. In addition, they come with a convenient little travel bag for storage and portability.
- Lightweight
- Lab tested and rated ASTM F1342-05 for puncture-resistance
- Rated ASTM D5420-16 for impact-resistance
- Multi-purpose
- Ideal for forest rangers, ranchers, landscapers, outdoor, camping, mountaineering, walking, fishermen, surveyors, treasure hunters, and more
- Not waterproof and you tend to sweat if they fit snugly
4. ForEverlast Snake Guard Chaps
These chaps offer lower-led protection from snake bites and upper and lower leg protection from bushes and briars. Due to the adjustable straps, they fit easily over hunting gear like boots and pants.
The chaps feature two buckles and a strap, which can be adjustable to various lengths to accommodate your height. Note that a belt must be worn in order to use this product.
Material
The rugged nylon construction and tough Cordura-like upper material offer waterproof and full protection. This material can withstand harsh elements and proves to be durable over time.
Comfort
What makes these chaps manageable is that they are neither heavy nor bulky. They can be stiff; however, they become more relaxed with wear.
- Durable
- Adjustable straps
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
.
5. Gonex Snake Gaiters, Waterproof Snake Guards
The Gonex Snake Gaiters, Waterproof Snake Guards will keep your lower legs safe from any snake bite that might appear in your adventure. They have a buckle and strap closure that you can easily adjust to your preference, either to fit snugly or a little looser. And, if your trip is taking you to some wet environments, no worries, these snake guards are completely waterproof.
Material
The Gonex Snake Gaiters, Waterproof Snake Guards are made from 1000D Oxford fabric that covers 12 individual PP boards. You can rest assured that they are tough enough to endure the intensity of a snake bite. The special design of the 12 individual PP boards wraps comfortably around your lower leg area with their buckles, elastic straps, and two extra loops that you can easily tighten to fit snugly around your legs.
Comfort
The Gonex Snake Gaiters, Waterproof Snake Guards are also extremely comfortable to wear. They feature a premium quality waterproof coating that keeps your legs dry all day long. These amazing snake gaiters are also super lightweight, weighing only 13 oz each, so they’re not too bulky. They are also portable as you can fold them to fit into the storage bag that comes with the gaiters. They are comfortable and appropriate for hiking, camping, hunting, and many more activities.
- They wrap smoothly around your calves, lower legs, and ankles, offering you protection all day long
- Lightweight and portable
- They feature waterproof coating
- If you have skinny ankles, wear thick boots because the guards aren’t small enough to fit comfortably
6. ForEverlast Snake Guard Gaiter
These snake guards are lightweight and form-fitting to fit easily over any type of pants but still tough enough to protect against snake bites and venom-penetration. They feature adjustable velcro straps. They are available in a one-size-fits-all to be used by everyone, and they are comfortable wearing over boots and pants. The elastic strip goes around the leg for more support.
Material
The gaiters are made of 900-denier nylon-composite shell and high-density polycarbonate inserts inside. The material makes them flexible but reliable enough that a snakes’ fangs could not penetrate it.
Comfort
Since these are adjustable, they can go over any pair of boots. They have thin metal plates in them, and still, you can’t feel anything as they do not restrict movement.
- Easy to wear
- Heavy-duty, reliable design
- Real tree APG camouflage
- The buckles are a bit weak
- Not that breathable
What to Look For in Snake Gaiters & Chaps?
It’s important to know what to look for when buying chaps or gaiters. A high-quality, protective product will give you the confidence to work in snake countries and/or to enjoy hiking and adventures with no worries.
Gaiters are like a piece of new armor, designed to prevent snakes from piercing flesh and injecting venom when someone is out there in nature. They are constructed from durable materials to ensure maximum safety from the foot to the knee joint.
Snake leggings are kind of the same; however, they tend to be more form-fitting.
Chaps are constructed to stop snake bites up to the knee and so-so protection throughout the remainder of the leg. They also tend to be more expensive.
Now, let’s see what is important to consider when deciding on the perfect pair for you.
Material
The best snake-proof protection items are made from nylon, though other materials like canvas, heavy-duty, ballistic fibers, and polyester are also good options. These materials maximize the protection level against snake biting, venom penetration and other hazards likely to be encountered in the wild.
For casual use, lightweight materials like soft-shell fabrics and coated nylon work best. For the maximum degree of protection, look for something waterproof and windproof that is still breathable and comfortable.
Comfort
Both gaiters and chaps are made for use in the wild terrain and mostly in hot weather, so they need to be comfortable enough for all-day wear. There are stiff options that might hinder movement, require adjusting regularly, or are too thick. While they are great for protection, they can become unbearable and loud. Thanks to the latest technology, manufacturers are able to create thin and flexible fabrics that are just as resistant to snake bites.
Coverage
It is widely common for a snake to bite from the knee down. That’s why most snake-proof gear have a length up to the knee joints. Depending on how you’d feel most comfortable and safe, consider how much what you choose covers your legs.
Chaps offer topmost protection since they cover the entire leg. Gaiters shield the tops of your foot and offer an added layer of protection against biting insects, water, and weather, too. While leggings also cover only the top of the boots, they are closer to your skin than the other options.
Fit
The fit of these items is often overlooked; however, they must fit properly to provide adequate protection and comfort. Too loose-fitting options create vulnerable spots for snakes to bite, and on the other hand, overly tight options can be restricting.
As mentioned, gaiters are the classic choice because they fit over your footwear with a strap that runs underneath to keep them in place. Leggings wrap around the lower leg and can be tightened or have a simple snap-wear function.
Look for contour-designs that wrap securely around the leg and provide no wiggle room for snakes to get into, but you can move in them.
For those who enjoy exploring and hiking on wild terrains, for obvious safety measures, snake-bite protection gear is necessary. You can choose between gaiters, chaps, or gaiters, depending on your preference. We hope this list and guide have helped you find something that provides comfort and peace of mind!
