Overall View
Short gaiters provide all the essentials of a pair of gaiters but without the weight and bulk, by using the Analogy fabric the Paramo Short Gaiters provide breathability and flexibility membranes just can't match. Cheap, durable and easily repairable
Real World Test
If you've never used Paramo Analogy before you have to be prepared for something a bit different, and the same applies to your first experience with short gaiters. Once you get over the shock of just how short short appears and your attention turns to how they're made you can't help noticing that these don't feel the same as "normal" gaiters. Paramo Short Gaiters don't rely on membrane technology for keeping the water out but use a directional fabric with a renewable DWR coating.

Although looking too short to be useful the short gaiters more than cover the essential area between the base of your boot's tongue and your trouser leg and while the performance of any gaiter depends on water not being deep enough to get in through the top this won't be a problem in most situations even with a shorter length. Being softer and more flexible the seal around the top of Paramo's Short Gaiter tends to fit better than membrane based solutions and flex with the leg as it moves - thus keeping the seal intact.

The zip on the short gaiters opens from the bottom, making access to the laces easier, with a press stud fastening top and bottom to provide protection to the zip. This feature really comes into its own when scree running, with the gaiter keeping all but the most invasive little stones out of your boots and any that do get into the gaiters are easily removable without having to undo the whole gaiter from above - simply unzip the bottom couple of inches and let the stones fall out.

There was a time when rubber straps for under the boots had a tendency to become friable and easily broken but over recent years the straps have become both more flexible and more durable, and with the Paramo Short gaiters it's no problem changing them on the go - an attribute that also applies to the main fabric. If you get a puncture or tear in the Analogy fabric you don't need to throw it away and buy new, simply sew up the hole and reapply the DWR coating.

In terms of water proofing the Paramo Short Gaiters work as well as any other DWR based water-barrier, beading surface water and allowing it roll off or be evaporated. Short gaiters are a bit of a mind trick really, but once you get over the fear of water getting in over the top you soon find that in reality you rarely go that deep even wearing full length gaiters. For jobs like postholing the shorter length and greater flexibility make a real difference and the directional fabric not only works as well as a membrane with snow but it's considerably more breathable and equally, if not more, durable.

Price: £32.00

Weight: 150g

Colour: Black

Features:

• Lightweight yet durable.
• Increased temperature control from adjustable top-venting.
• Simple to put on/remove through full front opening.
• Neoprene adjustable under boot strap (replaceable).

Pros: