What kind of fabric to make my own gaiters?

[SadieKate]

Irulan, you out there to hep?


I'm doing a lot of running in the snow, mostly on snowshoes but sometimes not. My Dirty Girl gaiters are perfect in dry conditions but I can't find gaiters I like for the winter. I want lightweight, waterproof, breathable, non-insulated, stretch fabric. I'm not sure what to look for on all the outdoor fabric sites. Oh, it would sure be nice if I could find some embossed fabric just because it would be way more fun than plain black.

Out of my arsenal, I use these gaiters the most:

Mountain Hardware Seta - cons: only water resistant, hook is too fat for gaiter rings.

Atlas Snowshoe Gaiter - cons are that the fabric is far too warm and heavy, the cord lock is compatible with snowshoe bindings (Atlas used a standard design instead of testing with shoes from other companies), don't really like the stiff velro front for this purpose even though I love that design for knee length gaiters.

I think I'll try making my own, just need some fabric ideas.

[Irulan]

softshells shed snow pretty well.... for your purposes that's what I'd look at.
Rose City has a really nice selection with a lot of "fashion" colors and style. IIRC Rockywoods has some cool stuff too.

Either that, or a coated oxford or pack cloth.

You knew I'd answer this one, right?

[SadieKate]

Why else would I mention you in the very first line?

I love RCT (especially chatty Annette) but I can't seem to find any non-fleecy softshells. Maybe I'll go look harder. They were advertising "melange" which, I think, is an embossed softshell. No? Yes?

I stumbled on Rockywoods but didn't look very long because I decided I should just ask for your opinion first.

Thank you!

[Irulan]

lol missed the page.
Quest outfitters in FL used to have some lighter soft shells that were had a harder/less fleecy finish on the inside.
When looking for something specific, I always suggest a phone call and get some samples.

cheers