ASI Snake Gaiters

The African Snakebite Institute (ASI) is the leader snake awareness, first aid and venomous snake handling training in Africa. Accordingly, their protective equipment is designed and tested against Africa's snakes. Their gaiters are manufactured in South Africa and have been tried and tested over many years and many encounters with Puff Adder, Black Mamba, Forest Cobra, Snouted Cobra and Rinkhals.

We are often asked about gaiters that protect against snakebites and we are pleased to offer ASI's proven protective snakebite gaiters here. Note that these gaiters are stiff and rigid. They are made to be worn over pants. They are one-size-fits-all. Check the specs and your shin length as one model may suit you better than another. We recommend that you cut and burn the ends of the straps once you have fitted them.

In consultation with ASI, we have selected three models that are most suited to hikers, birders, hunters and bush-clearing teams. 

ASI Budget Snake Resistant Gaiters with shin guard. (new stock expected end-March)

This economical model has an outer shell of heavy-duty nylon Cordura® fabric, with insert panels are made from molded polypropylene for maximum protection. The three-panel shaped boot cover ensures foot protection at the ankle. Two adjustable straps with buckles ensure a secure fit. One size fits all.

These gaiters have been tried-and-tested against bites from the Puff Adder, Cape Cobra, Snouted Cobra and Black Mamba with no penetration during testing.

For us, the win here is that the shin length is shorter than that of the other models, giving a better and more comfortable fit for those with less height. The front flap makes these wearable with trail shoes. The buckles-and-straps tighten for a snug fit. In stock.

ASI Cordura Snake Gaiters 

These hard-wearing gaiters extend from the ankle to just below the knee. Three buckles on each gaiter provide closure. One size fits all.

The outer shell is made up from two layers of 600D Cordura®, and the inner is a layer of 500g/m2 Riptech™.

These gaiters have been tested on a variety of snakes including the Puff Adder, Black Mamba, Forest Cobra, Snouted Cobra and Rinkhals with excellent results – no snake managed to get a fang through all three layers. 

Best worn with hiking boots and over pants, this gaiter has a longer shin so it suited to those with legs longer than Lisa's, especially if you plan to hike in them (rather than 'stationary' snake handling). In stock.

ASI Lightweight Snake Gaiters

These flexible snake gaiters are light in weight and have a water-resistant outer shell (400 g/m2 Riptech™), and an inner shell (two layers of DuPont™ Kevlar® microfilament yarn) that is stitched into an inner casing of high-tenacity nylon (parachute material). DuPont™ Kevlar® is very finely woven material that offers exceptional protection against fragmentation has anti-stab capability.

A YKK zip closes the gaiters at the back. A toggle at the top allows for tighter fit below knee. There is a loop for a shoelace to fit through on the underside to hold the gaiter down. One size fits all.

The ASI Lightweight Snake Gaiters have been tested against bites from the Puff Adder, Cape Cobra, Snouted Cobra and Black Mamba with no penetration during testing.

Ideal for hikers, birders, fly-fishermen, geologists, bush-clearing teams, hunters, and mountain bikers.

We have not yet personally tried these on. Available on order.

We will confirm stock-on-hand when you place your order.