Best Snake Guards of 2019 | Reviews & Buying Guide

First up: the Crackshot Snake Guardz. These snake gaiters are the most expensive, but some of the best, you’ll find. They stand 17” tall, made with a nylon/poly/cotton blend that is coated with waterproofing for some added protection while out in the wilderness. They’re also pretty cool and comfortable, designed to let air circulate around your ankles when it gets hot, and let sweat dry.

They’re puncture-resistant to ASTM 1342-05 standards and feature a cool flap that covers your boot laces; this prevents the snake from becoming stuck or tangled on your boots if they should strike.

Now, despite being 17” tall, many taller hunters (above 6 feet) have complained that they do not reach all the way to the knee, limiting their effectiveness – and their comfort. In this case, you may want to look for a taller pair.

Otherwise, these are an awesome pair of snake gaiters. They’re a bit more expensive than most, but are very high-quality.

Pros

• 17” tall
• Cool, breathable
• Waterproof coating
• Rated to ASTM 1342-05 puncture-resistance
• Flap to cover laces

Cons

• More expensive
• May not be tall enough for taller people

The Rattler Scaletech snake protection gaiters are another awesome choice. They are very well-built, thick and padded, and feature what’s called Scaletech technology, which helps the layers overlap for a more comfortable, tight fit. The outer layer is also a waterproof fabric that repels moisture and provides protection from rocks and other brush.

Another great thing about these gaiters – they’re tall. Very tall, at 21”, making them excellent for taller hunters and hikers.

Some complaints: a lot of wearers found them stiff, and uncomfortable. The plastic sheet is sometimes bad at molding around your legs, and they need to be put on extremely tightly to stay secure. Some users also found them a bit hot when hiking or moving in the heat a lot. So they could be a bit more comfortable.

But, they’re otherwise great gaiters, and at half the price of the Cracks Shot’s, offer an excellent value. They’re our Runner Up For a pair of snake gaiters and will keep your shins safe on any terrain.

Pros

• Tall
• Durable
• Waterproof fabric
• ScaleTech technology for tight fit

Cons

• Stiff and uncomfortable
• Hot

These are the simplest pair of snake leggings you will ever find, as they are nothing more than a pair of molded plastic sheets that fit around your legs and prevent you from being bitten. That’s it. They’re made in the USA from solid, .5” thick plastic, and feature a very simple on/off design, without any Velcro or straps.

Oh, and they stand 19” tall. Not the tallest but good enough for most wearers.

A few people have pointed out that if you have exceptionally large calves and legs, they may not close all the way. And, since they are completely hard plastic, there is nothing in the way of breathability – which could be bothersome in hot summer weather.

Other than that, it doesn’t get simpler than this. Just a great pair of hard plastic gaiters to keep your legs safe and sound.

Pros

• High Quality Plastic. Made in the USA
• Easy On. Easy Off
• .5” thick
• 19” Tall

Cons

• Stiff (obviously) hot, a bit awkward
• Don’t fit on extra large legs

These snake gaiters may not seem quite as durable and protective as some of the others, as they are just a thick, woven, polyester canvas sewn together with a plastic lining of some kind. But they work, and they work well, as many reviews on Amazon can attest to. They’re thick and heavy-duty and can hold up more than well enough to rattlesnake bites.

They come up to your knee, standing 18” tall, and are contoured to ensure they fit over the tops of your boots. 

The biggest complaint hunters have with the ScentBlocker’s is that they are super heavy to wear; at 2.5 pounds per pair, that is a legitimate complaint. Adding 2.5 pounds to your feet essentially doubles the weight you’re carrying, in addition to your hunting boots, and can tire you out much more easily.

Forgetting that, ScentBlocker is a trusted name in hunting gear, and these are high-quality canvas gaiters that will get the job done and keep your legs safe. They also look very classic, with a buckskin canvas look that would complement all kinds of old hunting gear.

Pros

• Tall
• Thick, heavy, canvas
• Plastic lining
• Very Durable

Cons

• Very heavy – 2.5 pounds / pair

Knight and Hale is another well-known hunting outfitter, and these snake gaiters are a good choice for being on a budget. They are 19.5” tall, designed to come above your knee, and provide 3.5” of protection on your feet. They feature polycarbonate shields, covered in a thick layer of ballistic nylon, for rugged, fang-proof protection.

One place these gaiters succeeded that others did not, is in achieving a form-fitting, comfortable fit. They can fit either on or over your pants, comfortable either way, and don’t feel bulky and stiff at all, like so many other gaiters do.

The only complaint we can find is that the buckles are not as well made as they could be, and they can have a hard time staying completely buckled shut, often working their way open. Which is not only annoying, to have your gaiters falling off all the time, but also potentially dangerous; if they don’t fit right, a snake bit could find its way around it or through.

So for that reason, these are great gaiters for comfort and form-fit, and they are reasonably priced. If the buckles were more durable and held up better, we’d be more likely to wholeheartedly recommend them. They’re also nice and cool in hot weather.

​Pros

• 19.5” tall
• 3.5” covers your ankles, feet
• Polycarbonate shields, ballistic nylon covering
• Form-fitting, comfortable fit. Not stiff

Cons

• Buckles are cheap. Do not hold up well. Can loosen.