Leg and Ankle Gaiters protect you from getting dirt, snow, and debris in your boots when your out in the backcountry. There is nothing worse than having to keep stopping and emptying out your boots. If you experience this problem, then you need some ankle gaiters or leg gaiters depending on what you will be doing. Ankle Gaiters are smaller gaiters that cover the top of your boot and reach just above your ankles. Ankle gaiters are great when you are hiking in shorts on a hot day. The ankle gaiter only covers enough to keep the debris out of your boot, but they don't make your legs sweat. Leg gaiters come in many varieties. You wear leg gaiters on a brushy scrubby trail to protect your legs. You'll want some nice breathable gaiters if this is the kind of activity you'll be using them for. If you will be using them in the snow, you might want to get some waterproof leg gaiters to keep your boots free of snow and melted snow which can make your feet soggy and cold.