Walking Equipment and Accessories

Outdoor Research Retro Crocodile Gaiters | Review

These retro themed gaiters are more than just a funky colour palette

As decades go, the 1980s was a pretty iconic one. Pac-man got released, and so did Steven Spielberg’s much loved classic ET: The Extra-Terrestrial. There was also The Terminator, the very first episode of The Simpsons, Top Gun, and the fall of the Berlin Wall featuring David Hasselhoff.

We could go on. However, rather than just listing all notable things that happened during these 10 years we’re instead going to draw your attention to Outdoor Research’s Retro Crocodile Gaiters; a product that could only be more ‘80s in style if it stood outside your window holding a boombox like John Cusack at the end of Say Anything.

The Retro Crocodile Gaiters come in two colour combos, glacier/sea blue and purple rain/black. Yes, really; purple rain is genuinely one of the product’s official colours. Fans of legendary singer-songwriter Prince should take note as you’re unlikely to find a more obvious tribute to your main man in this year’s collection of Outdoor 100 items.

Getting away from the old school aesthetics and references to ‘80s pop culture for a moment, it’s important to point out these gaiters aren’t all just fun and games. They’ve also got more than enough about them to do a properly decent job for you on your adventures.

“The double-stitched front closure and 1000D woven foot panel here has got you covered.”

Whether your journey takes you up a mountain or quite literally back in time like Marty McFly, you’ll be thankful for this product’s super tough GORE-TEX 3L and Cordura blend that’s there to protect you against all manner of sharp rocks and ice. And hey, if you’re worried that this item might be too silly to work effectively at sealing out the elements worry no further. The double-stitched front closure and 1000D woven foot panel here has got you covered.

In conclusion, if Arnie’s T-800 robot had ever set eyes on the Retro Crocodiles we reckon he would have almost certainly forgot about his pressing need for a motorcycle and happily settled for saying “Give me your clothes, your boots, and your gaiters” instead. We can think of no higher compliment to give this funky, functional, bit of 80s-inspired kit than misquoting that decade’s most famous movie character; even if, technically speaking, that motorcycle line was actually said in the 1991 sequel Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

“Styling that’s clearly taken some inspiration from your parents’ ‘Kitzbuhel Ski Trip ‘84’ photo album”

As someone born right at the back end of 1988, I’ll always have a strong affinity with the 80s. Sure, I have no memories of the decade of course but I was there for it and that has to count for something. Perhaps that’s why I felt drawn to this product so quickly.

With styling that’s clearly taken some inspiration from your parents’ ‘Kitzbuhel Ski Trip ‘84’ photo album, the Retro Crocodile Gaiters from Outdoor Research are a pure nostalgia-fest. Despite their throwback nature however, there’s also a general toughness here that proves they’re more than just a trip down memory lane. I’m impressed by the Gore-Tex and Cordura blend and also, and this might sound weird, the reassuring density of the velcro sections.