{"id":182662,"date":"2022-10-05T15:26:21","date_gmt":"2022-10-05T22:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=182662"},"modified":"2024-04-18T13:39:32","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T20:39:32","slug":"lets-talk-underwear-for-hiking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/lets-talk-underwear-for-hiking","title":{"rendered":"Let’s Talk Underwear for Hiking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No one told me about the importance of good underwear before my first backpacking trip exploring Collegiate Peaks in the Rocky Mountains. Instead, I found out (the unfortunate way) that packing only cotton undies on an 8-mile hike in a Colorado summer wasn\u2019t ideal. Arriving at camp equaled a lasting sweat that kept me squirming well past dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since that cotton underwear fiasco, I began paying better attention to the materials\u2014and styles\u2014of the underwear I brought outdoors. Undies that dry quickly are a must on overnight rafting trips so you don\u2019t sit in a damp bathing suit all day. Moisture-wicking underwear is essential on backcountry ski tours because cold temps plus sweat can equal hypothermia. For longer hikes, embracing the granny panty, or fuller-coverage boxers and briefs, means better airflow and a chafe-free time. And no<\/em> underwear under leggings, at least for me, is a one-way ticket to an angry bum.<\/p>\n\n\n

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From left (dark blue): REI Co-op Active Hipster Underwear<\/a>, $18.95; REI Co-op Merino Bikini Underwear<\/a>, $27.95; Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs<\/a>, $35; Icebreaker Siren Bikini Underwear<\/a><\/em>, $35; REI Co-op Active Thong Underwear<\/a>, $14.95 Patagonia Active Hipster Underwear <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

For years, I never heard anyone speak about how crucial dry, breathable and comfortable underwear is in the outdoors. When I learned better, I couldn\u2019t stop thinking, why don\u2019t we talk about arguably the most important layer? While personal preference plays a part, the right material and cut can keep you happy on the trail for longer. So, we\u2019ve gathered some favorite pairs, spoken to adventurers about their preferred skivvies and laid bare the best materials for underneath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why does underwear matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s true that some trekkers opt for the built-in underwear of running shorts<\/a> or going plain ol\u2019 commando, but underwear can truly make the difference in your outdoor endeavors for two big reasons: comfort and health. The right pair helps eliminate chafing (which can happen frequently when you go bare), wicks moisture and helps eliminate odors. Introducing bacteria, whether from sweat or a not-so-sterile outdoor environment, creates the perfect storm for discomfort, chafing rashes or even infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first step is to find fabrics that are breathable and wick away moisture. We\u2019ll cover those choices in detail below. Other considerations are more personal, like style and comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n

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No matter your choice, take our next advice on fit: Find the middle ground between loose and tight. Formfitting underwear helps prevent chafing\u2014irritation to the skin caused by friction\u2014because it decreases the chances that extra material creases and slides down while you hike. However, compression materials, while helpful for activities like running, can feel constrictive and uncomfortable after a few hours, and won\u2019t allow for much airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Whichever pair you choose, changing your underwear at camp or back at the trailhead will help keep you more comfortable and keep your nether regions bacteria-free. (Airing out your hiking undies overnight helps, too.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Materials you want (and ones you don\u2019t)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Merino Wool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Merino wool undies (from left): Icebreaker Siren Bikini Underwear<\/a> $35; Icebreaker Anatomica Boxer Brief with Fly<\/a>, $45<\/em>,<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Forget the traditional itch of wool. Ultrafine merino wool fibers are soft, thermoregulating (which means they help keep you both cool and warm for the ideal body temp). Their natural wicking properties help pull moisture off your body like a champ. Because wool fibers hold on to moisture, you might not feel as dry as you would in synthetic undies, but the temperature-controlling fibers won\u2019t make you feel cold. The best part? Merino wool is naturally anti-stink, keeping odor-causing bacteria at bay even after days on the trail. The Icebreaker Siren Bikini Underwear<\/a> is our favorite pair of women\u2019s merino wool underwear: The wool is spun with spandex and nylon for a comfy, stretchy fit without impacting the wool\u2019s incredible features. Our men\u2019s pick is the Icebreaker Anatomica Boxer Brief<\/a>, with a contoured pouch and flat seams to significantly cut down on chafing without compromising support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Synthetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Synthetic undies (from left): REI-Co-op Active Bikini Underwear – Women’s<\/a>, $19.95; Saxx Hot Shot Boxer Briefs – Men’s<\/a>, $38<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Synthetics are by far the biggest and most popular category when it comes to outdoor underwear. Synthetic materials are known for their durability, wicking capabilities and evaporating moisture so they keep you from feeling moist and help regulate your temperature. Be warned, however, that synthetics are prone to holding on to odors, so be prepared to wash on the trail or go nose blind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your synthetic choices include materials like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n