The Achilles heel of traditional gaiter design has always been the bootstrap that secures the lower end of the fabric to the outsole of one’s footwear. By design, it endures a relentless exposure to impact and abrasion until the point of failure. Here, it is not a question of if a traditional bootstrap will fail so much as when, even with recent manufacturing improvements that include Dyneema. Either by complete failure of its material or associated hardware, it has only ever been just a matter of time. When the innovative folks at Crispi mentioned the pending launch of their new Alto gaiter, and made known their unique strapless design, I was eager to test their newly-patented design and prove its suitability ahead of this year’s fall hunting season.
STRAPLESS INNOVATION
As mentioned, Crispi’s innovative design with the Alto gaiter capitalizes on a strapless configuration. With select models of Crispi boots, and more models to soon follow, the Alto gaiter (and even its shorter counterpart, the Corto) can have its optional bootstrap removed. The two small velcro tethers found on the inside of the gaiter and near the heel can be semi-permanently fixed to the boots themselves. What’s the benefit to the user, you may ask? Well, in my early field trials it was clear to see that (1) the most common point of failure for traditional gaiter design has essentially been eliminated, (2) the wearing and removal of the gaiters is more timely than ever before, and (3) no longer will you awake from a late-season shelter with mud frozen between the lugs of your outsoles and the need to nurse a bootstrap in place to start the new day. These are all significant wins!
CRAFTSMANSHIP
As expected, my early impressions with the Alto gaiter were on par with the quality of craftsmanship that Crispi is renowned for. The various fabrics appeared to be of appropriate material and denier to withstand the rigorous abuse that awaits them. Additionally, their fabrics were of adequate, mapped breathability. While field-testing the Alto (High) gaiter in the higher elevations of Southern Utah in early August at an outside air temperature of nearly 85 degrees Fahrenheit, I was pleased with their breathability as well as their protection against moisture intrusion. The velcro was of significant shear and tensile strength, and what little hardware was present seemed of appropriate grade. All in all, I was very pleased with the quality of craftsmanship and fully expect that this new product will easily meet or even exceed the standards set by the best gaiters currently available in our industry.
ADJUSTABILITY AND RETENTION
When it comes to the proper fitment of a modern gaiter, the area that is one’s calf muscle often proves to be problematic. As you may guess, there are many different calf profiles and circumferences amongst us all as end users. Crispi did a fine job on the top-end of the Alto gaiter. There is plenty of adjustability and reliable retention, and the built-in keeper is a nice touch that enables the tail end of the strap to remain out-of-sight and out-of- mind once adjusted. I do wish that their area of hook velcro were tapered near the top-end, though, as I believe this would allow for even more contouring of the gaiter to one’s leg from the ankle- to-calf region, though I can’t say that I experienced any shortcomings with this during my testing.
COMPATIBILITY
As of August 2024, the new Alto Gaiter from Crispi is compatible in its strapless configuration with the following models of Crispi boots:
· Lapponia Lite GTX
· Lapponia III GTX
· Briksdal MTN GTX
· Briksdal MTN SF
· Briksdal Pro
· Briksdal Pro SF
· Briksdal Uninsulated
· Mesa
· Women’s Briksdal
THE STRAPLESS WRAP-UP
Where does today’s avid mountain hunter go from here? Crispi has demonstrated innovation with a product that most would have thought already optimized in its design, and that’s certainly no easy task. As long as the fitment and reliable retention I’ve experienced thus far holds up over a longer period of time, the new Crispi Alto is expected to serve many end users well. Whenever the time comes to replace or even upgrade your existing footwear and gaiters, consider the products offered by Crispi. Based on my experiences and many others from my own teammates, I’m confident that you’ll be happy you did.
Have a gear-related question? Give us a call at 435-263-0207 or shoot us an email at info@gearfool.com and we’d be happy to help where we can!
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