Why can't more boot manfacturers make their soles Yeti compatible. I know berghaus want to make lots of money and theres the copyright stuff, but we users are suffering because Berghaus boots are crap and Yeti gaiters are brilliant and most good boot manfacturers boots aren't yeti compatibvle, without butvchering the sole. And I've even tried that one too!
I had a pair of Yeti gaiters years ago and thought they where a total waste of time! The rand snapped in no time and the front flopped about! I think Mountain Equipment made gaiters similar to the Yeti but to fit general winter boots - instead of the lip to attach to the boot they used thicker elastic which attached to any semi stiff boot. May be wrong about the manufacturer but I know someone else makes similar gaiters if the Yeti type of gaiter floats your boat and you do not like Berghaus boots.
I had a pair of Yeti gaiters from 7 years ago. The rand going under the boot snapped after about 2 months of weekly use. Before they snapped, I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread - since I've always been plagued by wet feet (and still am to this day).
After the rand snapped, I considered that to be the biggest waste of £60 that I ever spent. I took it back to the shop and they said that the goretex was under guarantee but the rand wasn't. If I knew more about my consumer rights back then, I would have thrown the 1979 Sale of Goods Act at them. So much for Berghaus showing confidence in its own product....
I've had a pair yetis for about 7 years now, used them with both Scarpa SLs and Mantas the rubber strap underneath snapped after a year or so but I found this made little difference.
The toe does pop up over the boot very occassionally, but it only takes a second to put it back.
I think the quality of the fit depends on the size of the boot compared to the size range of the yetis, too big they slip off and too small and they pull themselves off. So the fit is down to 'luck' really.
I wouldn't be without them, especially amongst the bogs of Dartmoor.
My hubbie glued my yeti's to my mantas with silicone. Never come off since. Makes reproofing my boots difficult but they haven't let me down for 3 years now.
I am suprised that many people are saying that the rands have snapped, I have just had a pair re-randed after about 4 winters use. I think that yeti's are fantastic for Scottish winter walking (especially Bothying). They are just the only way to keep ones feet anything like dry on a multi-day winter trip!
