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Durable, Weatherproof, Award-Winning Leg Protection — the Crocodile® Classic Gaiters is OR's award-winning, customer-favorite cold-weather accessory, perfect for protecting against snow, rocks, and debris while traveling through cold, rugged environments. The classic fully-featured gaiters utilize waterproof, windproof, breathable GORE-TEX and abrasion-resistant Cordura® materials to provide durable protection in nearly all conditions. The triple bar-tacked BioThane instep webbing delivers a snug, adjustable fit, while the durable double-stitched hook-and-loop front closure keeps snow and debris out and away from layers. Providing reliable, durable leg protection with an emphasis on waterproof, breathable performance, the Crocodile® Classic Gaiter is the perfect accessory for accessing the outdoors in cold, wet, and variable conditions.
Award-Winning, Customer-Favorite Cold-Weather Accessory
"Our award-winning, customer-favorite cold-weather accessory" — the Crocodile Classic has been a long-standing favorite among OR customers and has earned industry awards for its design and performance. The combination of waterproof, durable, and easy-to-use features has made it a go-to gaiter for backcountry users across multiple activities and conditions.
GORE-TEX Waterproof + Windproof + Breathable
"Waterproof, windproof, breathable GORE-TEX" — the Crocodile Classic uses a GORE-TEX membrane to provide reliable waterproof protection while still allowing perspiration vapor to escape. The GORE-TEX membrane also provides windproof protection, keeping the lower legs shielded from cold wind. The breathability prevents moisture buildup inside the gaiter during high-output activities.
Abrasion-Resistant Cordura®
"Abrasion-resistant Cordura® materials" — Cordura® is a high-performance nylon fabric known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, tear strength, and durability. The Crocodile Classic uses Cordura® in the lower leg and instep areas where abrasion from rocks, ice, crampons, and vegetation is most common. The Cordura® construction ensures the gaiters can handle years of rough use in technical terrain.
Triple Bar-Tacked BioThane Instep Webbing
"The triple bar-tacked BioThane instep webbing delivers a snug, adjustable fit" — the instep webbing (the strap that goes under the boot) is made of BioThane (a coated webbing material that's strong, waterproof, and easy to clean) and triple bar-tacked (reinforced with three rows of stitching) for exceptional durability. The adjustable webbing allows the rider to customize the fit for different boot sizes and use cases, and the triple bar-tacking ensures the webbing won't pull out under load.
Double-Stitched Hook-and-Loop Front Closure
"The durable double-stitched hook-and-loop front closure keeps snow and debris out and away from layers" — the front closure uses hook-and-loop (Velcro) with double-stitched construction for durability. The wide hook-and-loop strip provides a secure, adjustable seal that keeps snow, debris, and water from entering the gaiter at the front. The double-stitching ensures the closure won't tear under repeated use.
Compatible with Hiking Boots, Mountaineering Boots, and Double-Shell Plastic Boots
"Designed for versatility, the Crocodile's Classic Gaiters are compatible with hiking boots, 3-season mountaineering boots, or double-shell plastic boots" — the Crocodile Classic is designed to work with a wide range of footwear. Hiking boots (lighter, more flexible), 3-season mountaineering boots (midweight, semi-stiff), and double-shell plastic boots (heavy-duty, stiff) all work with these gaiters. The versatility makes the Crocodile Classic a go-to choice for users with multiple boot types or those who want one gaiter that works for all their activities.
Snow, Rocks, and Debris Protection
"Perfect for protecting against snow, rocks, and debris while traveling through cold, rugged environments" — the Crocodile Classic is designed for backcountry use where the lower legs need protection. Snow (entering from the top during deep snow or post-holing), rocks (scraping the shins on talus or scree), and debris (sticks, thorns, brush) are all kept out by the gaiter's coverage and secure closure.
Sizing Note for Lightweight Hiking Boots
"We recommend sizing down one full size for the best fit with lightweight hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners" — an important fitting note: if the user is using lightweight hiking boots or trail runners (which are lower-profile than mountaineering boots), the Crocodile Classic runs large. Sizing down one size ensures a snug fit without excess fabric bunching at the top of the boot. This is a common adjustment for gaiters when switching between boot types.
Proper Instep Strap Buckle Placement
"When wearing gaiters properly, the instep strap buckle should lie on the side of the boot" — the instep strap runs under the arch of the foot, and the buckle should sit on the side of the boot (not under the arch where it would create a pressure point). Correct buckle placement ensures comfort during long days of hiking and prevents irritation on the foot arch.
Outdoor Research Quality and Infinite Guarantee®
Built by Outdoor Research — a Seattle-based outdoor gear company with decades of experience in technical apparel — the Crocodile Classic Gaiter is backed by OR's Infinite Guarantee® (lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship). The combination of GORE-TEX waterproofing, Cordura® durability, and thoughtful design makes the Crocodile Classic a long-term investment for backcountry leg protection.
General
Category
Gaiters (Cold-Weather Leg Protection)
Type
Award-winning, fully-featured waterproof gaiter for snow, rocks, and debris protection
Use
Hiking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, backcountry activities in cold, wet, and variable conditions
Construction
Membrane
GORE-TEX (waterproof + windproof + breathable)
Lower Fabric
Cordura® (high-tenacity nylon, abrasion-resistant, durable)
Instep Strap
BioThane webbing (coated, waterproof, easy to clean) with triple bar-tacked stitching
Features
Front Closure
Double-stitched hook-and-loop (wide, secure seal against snow and debris)
Compatibility
Hiking boots, 3-season mountaineering boots, double-shell plastic boots
Sizing Note
Size down one full size for lightweight hiking boots, shoes, or trail runners (runs large)
Sizing
Size Range
Women's sizes (specific range available on the OR product page — typically XS to XL)
Cleaning
Spot clean the Crocodile Classic Gaiters with a damp cloth and mild soap for everyday dirt and mud. For a deeper clean, hand wash in cold water with a mild technical fabric wash (like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash). Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, which can damage the GORE-TEX membrane and the Cordura® fabric. Close all hook-and-loop closures before washing to prevent lint buildup. Air dry only — don't machine dry, as the heat can damage the membrane.
Hook-and-Loop Maintenance
Periodically clean the hook-and-loop closure with a fine comb or specialized hook-and-loop cleaner to remove lint, dirt, and debris that can reduce its grip. If the hook-and-loop loses its grip over time (after years of use), it can sometimes be restored by cleaning, or replaced by a gear repair service. Keep the hook-and-loop closed when storing the gaiters to prevent lint buildup.
DWR Refresh
The GORE-TEX membrane has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment on the outer face fabric that helps water bead up and roll off. When water stops beading (the fabric "wets out" and water soaks in), refresh the DWR with a spray-on product (like Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On). Apply per the product instructions and air dry. This is especially important for gaiters since they're constantly exposed to wet conditions.
Storage
Store the Crocodile Classic Gaiters in a cool, dry place when not in use. Close all hook-and-loop closures before storing to prevent lint buildup and maintain the grip. Avoid leaving the gaiters in direct sunlight for extended periods — UV exposure can degrade the GORE-TEX membrane and the Cordura® fabric over time. The gaiters can be stored flat or loosely rolled.
Repair
Small tears or holes in the gaiter fabric can be repaired with Tenacious Tape or by an outdoor gear repair service. For GORE-TEX membrane failures, BioThane instep strap damage, or hook-and-loop closure issues, contact Outdoor Research for warranty service — the Infinite Guarantee® covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.
Shipping Policy
Components:
All component items (wheels, drivetrains, suspension, brakes, etc.) ship within 4-7 business days of purchase.
Bicycles:
Complete bikes typically ship within 2–3 weeks due to build, tuning, and inspection times. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order is ready to ship.
Gear & Apparel:
Outdoor Gear and apparel orders (helmets, jerseys, gloves, etc.) ship within 5-21 business days. Please reach out to us with the most up to date deliveries times as they vary per Manufacturer.
Returns & Exchanges:
If you received the wrong size or wish to exchange an item, it must be returned in original condition—unused, uninstalled, and with all packaging intact.
For full details, please see our Refund Policy before initiating a return.
