So this maybe an odd question but what under wear do you recommend for backpacking?
Im sick of my boxers turning into a speedo every time I hike. I know this is a little off color but I'm seriouse about my question. I'm not much of a briefs type guy. They drive me crazy. Would just changing the fabric make a difference, Like silk?
I have some Jockey underwear that is some kind of a hybrid brief--longer leg than a normal brief. They look a bit like cycling shorts, but shorter in the leg. They are all synthetic, which means they dry in a about an hour after I wash them. I take two pair--so I can wash one each day, and wear clean undies all trip long.
And they are black, so they can also double as swimming trunks if I need them...
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Ex-Officio makes men's underwear that are highly thought of on BackpackingLight (got a Highly Recommended rating there). I have women's briefs of the same fabric, and they are wonderful! Well ventilated fabric, no issues at all with chafing or fungus, dry in less than an hour after washing. I like them so much that I wear them for everyday use. Not only that, but the batch I bought over 4 years ago for daily wear are still going strong with absolutely no signs of wear.
I would avoid cotton if at all possible. It's very slow drying and once it gets sweaty and sticky, you will have big problems.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
I currently use a pair of black polyester not-too-loose boxers that I bought about 5 years ago at Mervyn's. They can double as swim trunks. Whatever configuration or style you decide on, go for an all-synthetic material that feels good next to your skin.
I always used shorts with a built-in mesh brief, until a year or two ago, when they started chafing me (both of us were getting older, so I don't really know whether the problem was me or the brief.) I tried some boxer-briefs with shorts that didn't have the liner, and found out I really liked the longer leg (and that it was more comfotable to sleep in the boxers without the shorts.) Since then I've used REI's house brand, Ex Officio, UnderArmour, and Smartwool boxer briefs. I found that I liked the Ex Officio best, although there was nothing really wrong with the other three brands.
I tried the commando once without a kilt during a 33 miler in two days. That was a horrible mistake. Experience is indeed the best teacher.
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It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need in order to be perfectly happy.-- Horace Kephart
2 pair of Under Armor compression shorts. 1 worn while the other one tries out from being washed the night before. On long trips I take along some silk boxers to put on after hiking and to sleep in. A luxury item!
Just to clarify: you meant to say, "with pants instead of a kilt," right?
LOL. I'm sick so I'm not paying attention to proofreading or what I'm typing. HAHA. Oh, man, that was funny.
Pants without a kilt.. Classic.
Edited by ETSU Pride (09/06/1210:06 AM)
_________________________
It is one of the blessings of wilderness life that it shows us how few things we need in order to be perfectly happy.-- Horace Kephart
I think I'm going to pass on the Commando style and kilts! :-/ I will however keep an eye out for Ex-Officio. Does any one know where I can find these are local stores?
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