Rattlers^® Original Snake Gaiters

We do urban forest invasive plant control with our Rattlers Originals, approx 24 hours per man per week and can get at least three to four years worth of service from ours. Snap at bottom is weak, but from the start we use 18" x 3/8" cord to secure bottom cuff. Indeed briar and thick brush proof, light weight, and a good price -- I'm ordering 2 additional pair. And before they they get too worn, an extra clean pair or two are great to have on hand to offer guests when touring rough managed sites, as they look good, not clunky, and are quite comfortable! (Improvised tie cord at bottom cuff makes all the difference.)

The Velcro closure on these wears out within a few months of use and the buttons do not hold together well in thick brush areas. They also tend to lose their "stiffness" over time causing them to slide down on your legs to about mid-calf level. I have started using a slightly more expensive brand that is lighter weight with a zipper closure in the back and much prefer them to these.

The buttons at the bottom will last only a few weeks. They either break, rust or aquire so much dirt etc. in them that they won't snap. We use flagging tape to wrap around the bottoms to keep them on. The buckle at the top works well, but has to be retightend throughout the day. Eventually the bottoms will begin to fray to the point where they almost can't be used any longer. I have been hit by snakes and know some others who have aswell, and the chaps did there job. I guess it should just be accepted that after continous use (40hrs a week in the bush) for a few months, they just wear out. All together a good product, but could be made to be tougher.