OK.  Now that I have my footwear properly secured to my feet with the aid of cord-lock devices for the laces, my next goal may be to see if I can limit the amount of "material" that climbs up my legs when I'm not riding in my canoe (e.g., wading, portaging, etc.)

I've noticed a few canoe travelers (e.g. Magicpaddler for one) sometimes tuck the bottoms of their pants into the tops of their socks or boots to restrict the opening.  I remembered that in the old days, i.e., the Vietnam War era, we used to use (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) to gather the bottoms of our pant legs.  This was "uniform of the day" state-side and in more formal situations, but usually ditched when in the bush because they were somewhat confining.  However, I'm wondering if they would serve a purpose of keeping extraneous matter (e.g., creepy crawlies) on the OUTSIDE of your clothing.  They are elastic, with hooks or clips on each end so they can easily be wrapped around your leg.  This would also be really quick if you did it on the outside of your pant legs (rather than the inside, as per military dress).

Anyone use this or something similar?  I've noticed that they are now available as a velcro-type strap, but I assume the "hook" part would soon become clogged with debris...which happens to velcro tabs on the closures of some of my zip-off pants.

dd

Hmmmm :question
I haven't had to deal with this issue yet. With the chota muklucks I've always just stuck my pants into them and went on.

not to sure I'm going to be happy with something grippy around my ankles. What about a pair of Gaiters? That might not be a bad option when things started to look messy. EZ on EZ off. Keep them on the outside of a pack.

What do you think?
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OK DD
I like your idea. Seems like it would work and simple in the extreme. EZ on and off and no weight. Probably one of those things you don't realize how handy they are until you use them. I'll give them a shot.

Is this about leeches?? I ain't afeered of no stinkin leeches! Just slap a little salt on them, they come right off. Then let them dry in the sun.......a little chewy.

I thought we were talkin about piles of sticks, rocks and other rotting debris.

I run velcro straps, too. Not sure what they were actually sold to do, but they work great for me. They can get pretty dirty if you get into some good sucking mud-holes, but they're pretty easy to clean off. I've always liked the way it feels to not have anything running up your legs, particularly on the portage trail