Snake Gaiters For Hiking And When You Need Them

Snake Gaiters For Hiking

While we like to think of the great outdoors as our happy place, it is important to recognize that there are a variety of dangers that lurk out there. One of the biggest dangers (aside from bears!) that you may encounter on a hike is a venomous snake. While encounters with snakes are rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why you might want to consider wearing snake gaiters for hiking in certain areas.

These protective leg covers are designed to prevent snake bites and other hazards, so you can explore the wilderness with confidence. Below, we’ll take a closer look at snake gaiters for hiking, what they are, and which brands we trust the most!

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What Are Snake Gaiters

 Snake gaiters are lower leg covers that protect your legs against potential hazards you may encounter in the wild. Specifically, snake bites.

They cover the top of your foot wear and up your leg to either just below your knees or as high as your hips depending on the style. For most models, there is a strap that goes under your foot to keep them in place.

These are made with heavy duty material such as nylon, Kevlar, or Cordura that hold up against a snake’s sharp and tough fangs. This durability also makes them great for protecting against insect bites, prickly plants, and splintered wood. People who do a lot of work and projects outdoors might wear these to protect their lower legs from more than just snakes.

When You Need Snake Gaiters for Hiking

Venomous snakes are everywhere, even in places you may not expect them to be. In fact, all but 3 states in the US have at least one species of venomous snake.

You are at highest risk of getting a snake bite in areas with tall grass or overgrowth. This is partially because it is harder to spot a snake when you don’t have a great view of the ground. Many snakes are not naturally aggressive (though some certainly are), so they typically won’t bite unless they feel threatened or trapped. If you come across a snake on the trail and give it space, it typically won’t feel the need to go anywhere near you.

If you’re hiking on a trail with a lot of growth or you’re hiking off trail in grassy areas, you might want to consider adding this extra layer of protection over your hiking pants.

It is a good idea to wear snake gaiters for hiking in areas with venomous, dangerous snakes. However, you likely won’t find it necessary in areas where venomous snakes are uncommon. If you travel often, familiarize yourself with which areas have high populations of venomous and aggressive snakes. Before you venture into snake territory, do some research to learn about the types of snakes that live in the area. This will help you be more prepared for the potential dangers that lie ahead.

Our Favorite Snake Gaiters for Hiking

TurtleSkin SnakeArmor

TurtleSkin is a well-known brand that produces high-quality snake gaiters made with their patented SnakeArmor material, which is a lightweight and flexible fabric that is also puncture-resistant. Their gaiters are available in several sizes and styles, and are designed to fit comfortably and securely on your legs.

Crackshot

This is another popular brand that produces durable and affordable snake gaiters. Their gaiters are made with a blend of polyester and polypropylene, and are designed to protect your lower legs from snake bites as well as thorns, briars, and other hazards you may encounter while hiking.

Find them here

Rattler Scaletech

RattlerScaleguards produces snake gaiters that are made with their patented Scaletec material, which is a combination of polycarbonate and polyester fibers that provide excellent protection against snake bites. Their gaiters are lightweight and comfortable. They are available in several sizes to fit both men and women.

Find them here!

Where Do Venomous Snakes Live?

Venomous snakes are a lot more common than you might expect. In the United States, nearly every state is home to at least one species of venomous snake, except for Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. While venomous snakes can be found throughout the country, you are most likely to spot them common in the Southeast and Southwest.

Though most snakes prefer warm and tropical climates, a few tough species call Canada their home. The most common is the western or prairie rattlesnake, which is found in parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

The US and Canada do have their fair share of dangerous snakes. However, they have nothing compared to other parts of the world.  The countries with the highest populations of venomous snakes include:

1. India – Home to many venomous snakes including the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper. It is estimated that over 50,000 people in India die from snakebites each year.
2. Brazil –  Brazil has a high number of venomous snake species, including the jararaca, bushmaster, and coral snake. The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is known to be particularly rich in snake species.
3. Australia – Of course the land down under is home to many creatures that want to kill you. This includes the taipan, brown snake, and tiger snake. Approximately 3,000 people in Australia are bitten by snakes each year, with an average of two fatalities.
4. Mexico – Home to several venomous snake species, including the Mexican lancehead and the coral snake. The region of Jalisco is known for having a particularly high concentration of venomous snakes.

Venomous snakes prefer habitats that provide them with shelter and food. This can include forests, deserts, swamps, and grasslands. They may also be found in suburban or urban areas, especially if there are suitable habitats nearby. For example, a venomous snake might take up residence in a backyard with tall grass or a shed that offers shelter

Tips For Avoiding Snakes While Hiking

• Stay on designated trails and clear paths. Snakes may be hiding in areas with long grass, bushes, or overgrowth.
• Watch for snakes when hiking in areas where snakes are common. Keep an eye on the trail ahead of you, they may be tricky to spot!
• Carry a walking stick or trekking poles to poke at bushes, rocks, and bluffs ahead of you to give snakes the chance to move away.
• Be cautious when climbing on rocks, snakes may hide in crevices or under ledges.
• If you spot a snake, give it plenty of space. They can strike quickly and from a far distance away.
• Listen for snakes if in an area where rattlers reside.

What to Do If Bitten By a Snake

If you are bitten by a snake while hiking, it is important to act quickly and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

First try to identify the type of snake, if possible.  This can help you determine whether the snake was venomous and can help medical professionals provide the most effective treatment.

Next, you should immobilize the affected limb and keep it lower than your heart to slow the spread of venom. Avoid moving around as much as possible, as this can increase circulation and spread the venom more quickly. Though some old movies may tell you to, do not attempt to suck out the venom, cut the wound, put the wound in water, or apply a tourniquet. These methods are not effective and can actually do more harm than good.

If you have a cell phone or satellite messenger, call for emergency medical assistance right away. In some cases, you may require antivenom treatment, so it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible. This may be a challenge when out in the wilderness, which is why we stress the importance of prevention when it comes to snake bites. Wearing snake gaiters for hiking can be a life saver, especially if you are in remote areas where it will be hard to get help.

_{Cover photo by David Todd McCarty on Unsplash}