Expedition Crocs

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Expedition Crocs
Manufacturer Outdoor Research
Page By GuitarWIzard
Page Type Apr 27, 2002 / Apr 27, 2002
Object ID 229
Hits 5522
Vote
These extra-tough gaiters are built to endure harsh temperatures, rough terrain and use with crampons or skis

Extra circumference around the entire leg allows for the thick layers of clothing worn in extreme conditions
Sized to fit over plastic or leather mountaineering boots or double leather telemark boots; they do not fit boots with buckles, however
Uppers are made of 3-layer Taslan Gore-Tex(R) for waterproof/breathable protection; lined with 1000-denier Cordura(R) nylon for durability
Lowers are super-abrasion-resistant, 1000-denier Cordura lined with nylon packcloth to deflect nicks from skis or crampons
Velcro(R) front openings allow quick on and off; upper edges feature cinch straps with Velcro closures to ensure gaiters stay up, even in deep snow
Nylon-supported, rubber instep straps feature rivets at the attachment points; straps are removable and replaceable in the field
An extra pair of straps is included for emergency replacement

Specifications based on size M. Use a tape measure to determine the circumference of your boot at mid-ankle and your calf halfway down (the largest section) and compare the numbers with the following charts. The height measurement should assist you in relating your lower leg length to that of the gaiters. Mid Calf: S- 16.25'', M- 17.25'', L- 18'', XL-19.25''; Bottom Edge S- 19.5'', M- 20.25'', L- 22'', XL- 23.5''; Rear Height S- 15.25'', M- 16'', L- 17'', XL- 18''. Made in USA.

Reviews


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GuitarWIzard - Apr 27, 2002 12:18 am - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
Nice gaiters for plastic boots. I've chewed up the straps that go under your foot pretty well, but they're still holding up.....and they're easily replaceable (and come with an extra set). The buckle at the top of the gaiter annoys me at times....once it awhile it doesn't want to easily release (which is a good and bad thing....depends how you look at it). It's normally annoying when I'm tired and just want to get them off. The velco sticks like a mother, and haven't had really any problems with snow entering anywhere. They work well, and if/when I wear these ones out, I'll definitely get another pair. I've snagged 'em with my crampons a couple times, and haven't ripped 'em or anything....

marcminish - Jul 23, 2002 12:05 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
They are wonderful and I've never had any trouble with them, but not worth the added price. Regular Crocs work just as well. If you need a pair that fits over your mountaineering boots just buy a size larger than you normally need.

Chucky - Aug 6, 2002 10:59 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
I purchased my Expedition Crocs from REI. I used them on Whitney in January 01 and June 01, and another trip hunting for the Grauspitz (Lichtenstein and Swiss border) in August 02. I have worn them in deep powder snow, and clear rocky summer days. I also have gone through cow patty "mined" Swiss hiking trails in some nasty mud. They have kept "gallons" of dew off of my trousers and Montrail AT Boots. These gaiters have never failed me, easily adjust to the circumference of your leg with what ever you are wearing, offer darned good protection, and have pleased me totally. They are expensive, but I like gear that refuses to fail me. I do not leave home for good outdoors mountaineering activities without these. UPDATE: I used these from 9-13 September in the French Alps, wearing crampons all week. They endured all the abuse I could throw at them, and survived the crampons in fine order. Their ability to go around various girths (boots and trousers) is noteworthy.

William Marler - Dec 10, 2002 2:10 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
These are solid and durable. Except for the straps like other OR gaitors. I keep replacing the straps with leather or cord. The tops last forever. I usr the large size and adjust to either approach shoes or plastics.

dsnell - Aug 6, 2003 12:25 am - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
Extremely durable gaitor. I've had mine for about 8 years, and they have done an excellent job of keeping crampons from ripping my pants to shreds when I am feeling klutzy. The buckle and velcro attachments are easy to use and never freeze up.



Some reviewers have complained about the strap getting chewed up. I suggest cutting a short piece of tubular webbing and then threading the stap through the webbing before putting the gaitors on. That way the webbing will take the brunt to of the abuse. Sure you will have to replace the webbing every now and again, but it's cheaper than replacing the strap.

Martin Cash - Dec 18, 2003 3:18 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
Bomber construction, lots of crampon protection, good cinches, and a good fit over large boots make these gaitors hard to beat. The downsides are the large price of $80 (my god they are friggen gaitors), and their additional weight compared to other gaitors.

If you are looking for something that is bomber, and cost and weight are not an issue, look no further than the OR Expedition Crocs.

vertx - Feb 11, 2004 4:14 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
One word can describe these gaiters, tough! The velcro strip in the front makes them easy to put on or take off, even with gloves on. The velcro strap at the top makes for a secure snug easily adjustable fit.



I have used them for a number of climbs with crampons, and they still look like new. I can't wreck these things!



Make sure you try them on or do the measurments recommended in the description. I ended up with the wrong size the first time.

Scott - Dec 27, 2004 12:12 am - Voted 1/5

Untitled Review
OK, the gaiters are fine, but with one flaw. They are all made for small/medium sized climbers. Even the largest size will not fit around my calves, even with light shell pants on. I got them as a gift, but even after exchanging them for the largest size, they still won't fit. I know there are bigger climbers out there than myself, so it is a mystery why they are not made in bigger sizes. I will only vote 1 star for this reason.

RModelli - Feb 20, 2005 8:50 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
These gaiters are great for mountaineering and for trips to roght trails. The gore-tex laminate really works well when it comes to transporting moisture.



I have used a pair for 3 years and after several crampons pokes, it still looks and functions very well.



As far as warmth they are not the ideal pair of gaiters, if that is one major aspect of you choice.



It comes with an extra pair of belts that can be easily changed.



A solid buy.

dpk - May 20, 2007 6:29 pm - Voted 5/5

just bought em'
These guys seem bullet proof. Just picked up a pair @ REI few weeks back and have had no problems. The straps are a holding up find on scree and rock. I have not hit any heavy snow but i don't anticipate any problems - everyone should have a pair

dpk - Nov 28, 2007 11:01 pm - Voted 5/5

snow, ice & rock
I did hit some pretty deep pockets of snow and ice 2 weeks back on Quandary and no problems - put em' on 1/2 way up and wore up & back to TH - snow, ice and rock - A - ok in my book

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