Snake Boots VS Gaiters/Chaps

[TGbow]

I would appreciate some feedback.. some of the pros and cons with snake vs Gaiters/chaps.
Most of the gaiters don't protect the foot area, but I know lot of folks use them.

I would like to hear from some of you that have used both, and what your preference is.

Thanks

[jt85]

I prefer snake boots just cause its less to have to keep up with plus mine are water proof so that helps when crossing creeks.

[RonD]

Due to the heavy population of venomous snakes where I hunt and the increased possibility of an encounter I wear snake chaps and snake boots. One of the things I discovered some years ago was that the pit vipers will strike at the area that presents the most body heat. The height of the person is also a variable. The shorter the person the more likely the strike will be above the boot line. At 5'5" I have had some close calls with cottonmouths, eastern diamondback rattlers, and the timber rattler. Had I not seen their sudden movement they would have nailed me above the knee. Hence, that is the reason I wear both. You can't be to safe out there. But, to each his own.

[TGbow]

RonD, you're right ..dont hurt to have extra protection.
Think I might go that route ,just use both.

[Sam McMichael]

I found the chaps heavy, hot, and noisy. I have been using snake boots for several years and find them more comfortable. However, I find RonD's response a bit disturbing, because I am rather short, myself. I thought most snake bites are at about ankle height. Scary thoughts are going through my head.

[str8jct]

I wore snake boots for years and never 'saw' a venomous snake.  I decided I was stomping around in low risk areas and started wearing more comfortable, cooler footwear.  The key being low risk areas.  I have been to the swamp in my canoe and caught a few cottonmouths in shorts and sandals....definitely a hair raising experience and looking back it was not that bright.

If hunting wary game-snake boots all the way.  If just walking around in heavy snake territory and not concerned with sneaking in close I'd wear both.  Chaps are very noisy.

[Dorado]

Chaps will also help if you hunt in areas with a lot of cactus or other prickly things. I went hunting a couple years ago with a friend. He loaned me a pair of chaps and they saved me. You'd be surprised at all of the places we pulled thorns out of. If I hadn't been wearing chaps that would have been a very painful lesson. And I definitely would have found out who my friends are that trip.
I would wear both if I was in a snake heavy area, boots if in light, once it gets cold enough I'd switch to whatever I need.

[Kituwa]

We are infested with snakes were i live two. If i am in some of the worse areas i wear both, chaps and boots. If i was 5'.5" like RonD,,i would probobly wear a snake proof cup along with the chaps and boots,lol.

[TGbow]

I'm 5 ft 11", a big snake at the right distance could strike me above the knee but I think the chance of that is slim.
If I were 5 ft 5 I would definitely wear
 chaps.
I like the idea of gaiters but I'm afraid I would get bit on the foot. lol  
It gets hot down here but I like the idea of something above the knee, but some of the chaps are not protective from snakes above the knee.
Might just do as suggested by RonD, use both.

[Todd Cook]

I wear snake boots a lot; much quieter than chaps. I would like to have some that were truly waterproof.

[TGbow]

I've read good reviews on Lacrosse Mudlite snake boots being water proof.

[Kituwa]

I have two pairs of snake boots.One pair are slip on's,all i see marked in them is Pathfinders.They are very light weight and comfortable. The other pair i cant find right now, i guess my son is wearing them out in the woods right now but they are lace up , a bit heavier than the slip on's but when laced up fit snug on your legs so they give good ankle support. I cant rember the brand right now. Both are pretty good waterproof but i keep the leather insides wiped down with mink oil and hit them up with a hair drier to make it soak in.My chaps are rattler brand and like others said they were very stiff and noisy when they were new but have limbered up a good bit now and not nearly as noisy. I can rip right through any briar patch and not get a scratch on me too.

[ddauler]

Hey Todd my buddy Troy loves waterproof snakeboots too! His expensive danners were waterproof for a year and a half now they leak like all the rest. Just do like RC and cut drain holes in them! I have no experience have never owned a pair.