Keeps the trail out of a low-cut shoe
Frelaxy Ultralight Trail Gaiters
Turns a trail shoe into something you can wear on dusty, gritty descents; it does nothing at all for deep snow, which is what most people buy gaiters for.
Skip it ifSnow, or a mid-height boot that already seals at the ankle.
About the links on this page.Some go to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend: every card here also says who the item is not for, and a few things we think you should simply rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara instead, which earns us nothing.
The rest of the shelf
Best for snowFull-height, for passes with real snow on them
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters
What actually keeps snow out on Thorong La in a bad week — hot, noisy and completely unnecessary on any trek where the snow is only in the photographs.
Skip it ifA monsoon or autumn teahouse trek below 4,500 m. Rent a pair in Kathmandu if a single pass is the only reason you need them.
Best insole upgradeFor high arches that ache by mid-afternoon
Superfeet Green Insoles
Fixes the arch ache that ends afternoons for a lot of people; they are firm to the point of being uncomfortable if your arch does not actually need supporting.
Skip it ifFlat or neutral feet with no pain. Do not solve a problem you do not have eight weeks before a trek.