How to Choose Hiking Underwear

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More than just the foundation of your outfit, the men's Smartwool Merino boxer briefs are the comfy, chafe-free and odor-resistant foundation to your whole day—whether outside or indoors.
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View all Smartwool Men's Boxers| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Underwear Style | Boxer Brief |
| Fabric | 88% merino wool/12% nylon |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Fly Opening | Yes |
| Inseam (in.) | 4.75 inches |
| Gender | Men's |
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I have owned 15 pairs of these over the last 5 years. I have hiked in winter, warm/humid and hot/dry environments and traveled extensively with these shorts. They are my go to underwear for all travel, hikes and multi day trips. They never hold odor and can be washed/dried over night if needed. The only negative thing to consider as many other reviewers report is the durability after heavy use. I cycle them over regularly but they all fail in the crotch area after extended use (close to a year). I have not found a better product so they remain my go to base layer.
Compared to other briefs I use for hiking, these briefs for me: - Ride up more - Aren’t as chafe-resistant (I have hotspots on my mid thighs, so these may work for you if don’t have this problem) - Aren’t as formfitting - Cost more $$ The briefs I started to use instead (UA Tech Boxerjock): have some anti-microbial properties (likely not as good as the SmartWool, but I’ve never had any “swamp” and stench problems with the UA either; even while hiking for days on end), they also extend further down lengthwise to better cover hotspots on my thighs (again, that is just my personal preference), has 10x better “pouch” support, fits just right in general, and are also much cheaper per pair. All in all, it is just too difficult to justify the price tag for the SmartWool when there are products that fit like a second skin at a much more competitive price. But unless Merino-constructed briefs are specifically a high priority for you, I would not recommend.
These have become my go-to underwear for backpacking, hiking, walking, and sometimes for regular wear as well. They are pricey but durable. I can be wear them for several days in the back country without washing and they don't smell or cause issues, and when I do wash them they wash well and dry quickly. The long legs prevent chaffing and don't roll-up on me, and the band is comfortable, although it does roll on me sometimes, especially when sitting. When a friend suggested them I balked at the price. I've since taken them on 10 day backpacking trips and have no regrets.
I always got the REI underwear, and they were great. Then I tried this one, thinking it would be an upgrade. It was not. They ride up constantly and make me chaffe. I ordered an M, which I always do, but I may need a large. However, they would be baggy then. I will never repurchase these. I hope REI restocks their men's underwear soon. I am 6'1" and 170 lbs.
Great quality, worth the price.
Love merino wool anything as light, breathable, no no stink!
Great fit. Nice color selection. Very comfortable.
Super comfy, nice boxers, great material.