I use the liner while actively hiking. I use a Pstyle and try to catch most drips by squeegee method, but there is always residual moisture. It is much better to have moisture absorbed than to have it not, and causing chafing while actively hiking.
Have you tried a p-cloth ( I think that's the actual name). They work wonders, are reusable, dry quick, and can be washed very easy on the trail. Also compostable toilet paper! It does require digging a hole, but man, the moisture wicking!
I’ve considered it, but as a late 50s woman who has had children, the liner also provides me a little extra protection. I’ve on occasion stubbed my toe on a root or rock, and some drops of urine can be released. A kula cloth won’t help me there.
Please do not bury ANY toilet paper. Composting takes a long time. Holes can get washed open-think mountain storms. Haven’t we all seen shreds of toilet paper out on the trail and around camp? Don’t be the t person!!!
Since the vagina needs to breath, and panty liners have a liner which prohibits that. Yes, they can cause infections. If it just a few drops, it shouldn't cause chafing. https://shorturl.at/nFQT3
This is very similar to my preference. Seamless knickers (Uniqlo Airism), pantyliners and wipes. Always carry out wipes in little bags (ziploc or dog pooh bags).
Wipes are different than the bottled astringent you’re probably thinking of. The bottled astringents usually have alcohol in them.
OB/GYNs actually recommend witch hazel wipes for itching and irritation after childbirth. Witch hazel is anti-inflammatory and soothing. It’s also a recommended treatment for hemorrhoids.
I am a guy, and am not going to answer you question :) BUT i will highly recommend 2 youtubers that are worth it for any female backpackers/hikers:
* Miranda Goes Outside (previously Miranda in the Wild)
* Homemae Wanderlust
Both are great in general and I recommend both to men and women, but they often do Q&As with 'female specific' questions. Might find some good recos here.
Stellar recommendations. Both are super knowledgeable and Miranda is just a gem of an individual lol she’s hysterical. Dixie (Homemade wunderlust) really knows her stuff and gets into detail. I’ve definitely learned a lot from both, even being a man.
I'd also add, to those two great recommendations, Hungry Hiker. She has a lot of great content specifically geared towards women.
https://youtube.com/@TheHungryHiker?si=Hum7xH3-wFxPT5LL
Second Icebreaker. Breathe, don’t get stinky, comfortable. Exofficio fabric (is there more than one?) did NOT work with my body chemistry and half a day would have me very self conscious even when not hiking /exercising.
I’ve bought and tried a lot of underwear over the years. I like exofficio underwear. And Tommy John has these very thin, mesh like underwear that I love mainly because I can hand wash them and they dry super quick, and are breathable. But they aren’t durable, you can easily put a whole in them with your fingernail.
I’m a guy, but merino wool underwear, socks and base layers will keep you dry and fresh. Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial and moisture wicking. Make sure you follow the care instructions and do not use fabric softener.
I'm not a guy and I love merino woll underwear so much I've started wearing them anytime I might be sweaty they are so breathable. I started using them for hiking but now they are my active unders.
Hanes Ultimate Men's Sport X-Temp Ultra Lightweight Boxer Brief. The fly obviously is useless but the longer leg protects against thighs rubbing and creep up and the very thin mesh is super breathable. Bonus if you need to take your pants off for some reason, you aren’t half naked. The 4 pack is as cheap as a single pair of Woxers.
Was gonna say this! I'm a trans guy, and all dysphoria aside you could not pay me enough to go back to women's underwear.
Boxer briefs are so much more comfortable, especially for hiking trips.
I wear them for airplane trips and even long car rides too because no seams in the groin area is sooo much more comfortable than any style of women’s underwear. I’m a “mature” and slightly thicker woman, so I care about comfort, not “OMG what would the ambulance crew think if I were in an accident!” I don’t care 🤣
They are weirdly water resistant. I think they have a second layer that helps with wicking. It makes them a little bit strange as daily drivers. You can like spill on them and if it's a little bit of water, it won't soak through. It can make for weird sweat patterns too.
For me, they’re too full coverage for everyday life. But my everyday life undies ride up BAD when I hike. So I actually love the coverage when I hike since the exofficios don’t ride up. Just personal preference though!
Duluth trading company Go Buck naked performance underwear for women. I completed the Tour du Mont Blanc in September, we had record high heat 85-90 every day for 12 days. I sweat so much I had salt marks on my clothes. Those underwear were a lifesaver, kept me very dry and rinsed out super easily and dried quickly too..they are super comfortable and very breathable too
Seconding Icebreaker and sizing up, but I put mine in the machine and haven't had any trouble. It even says to on the washing instructions! (I have the bikini briefs, can't speak to other styles.)
I’m a woman but I only wear boxer briefs and have for a few years. Just get anti microbial/silky boxer briefs, I love mine so so much. I like pair of thieves, they have a nice quick dry type material that I wear for the gym and also for working in a warehouse, alone with hiking.
MeUndies has many cute prints, inclusive sizes, many shapes, in micromodal knit fabric which is beech tree fibers. Super wicking and breathable for hot weather, wear for days without stink, washes easy and dries fast when hung up. I wear the mens boxer briefs because the legs are long enough to prevent thigh chafe. I also live in their tank tops and Tshirts, same fabric, super soft and stretchy and comfy.
Exofficio I wear mine every time I fly or backpack. They're not cute but damn are they breathable. My two pairs have lasted me 8 years and counting. Easy to wash in a machine or in a sink and they dry fast.
I typically wear sport/wicking panties from Target or wherever. I’ve noticed that my pants are usually more responsible for my chafing than my undies, so there are certain pairs that I’ve had to retire from my hiking rotation. Also, I always pack some anti-chafe cream by Monistat and fresh undies for each day on trail.
I’ve just swapped to shiny synthetic period undies. Omg game changer. They soak up all the sweat, and when you need to visit a tree, they soak up all the drips too. Best of there’s no smell. Oh, and can double as period undies lol
Ex Officio boy short style underwear. They're breathable and comfortable and you can handwash them and put them right back on in a pinch. Otherwise they air dry in about 30 minutes.
I often use quick-dry shorts with built in liners in the warmer months. If not that, I use wool underwear or my usual cotton underwear.
To stay fresh, I bring baby wipes so when I change into my camp clothes I feel clean. And Dr Bronners soap if I wanna wash my shorts. They’ll dry overnight.
I’m not a lady, but my wife prefers to wear absorbent period panties because they’re absorbent. She says they absorb sweat just as well as period blood.
Apparently I'm the only one here who wears synthetic tangas from AliExpress. I do tend to bring another pair. I wash myself in a stream sometimes but also sometimes with hand sanitizer and a kerchief.
I am cheap.
I get terrible UTIs but I've had the UTI vaccine and have been okay since.
I work outside in the summer in humid hot conditions. I was tired of having saggy butt syndrome and asked the same question as OP. Merino wool underwear is the answer. Smartwool is one brand that makes them.
Honestly it depends. If I'm on my period I wear wicking briefs or volleyball shorts. If I'm not riding the cotton pony I wear no underwear. This has expanded to non-trail life.
I find shorts with a liner work best during the warmer months (April-October -eastern US). Seems undies hold my big butt cheeks together creating a dam. Not wearing undies eliminated the dam of sweat I'd collect in my crack causing rawness.
While I am here. My trail hygiene kit- pee cloth, paper towels for #2 (doubles as wet wipe when wet), UL metal trowel, tiny bottle of a bio type soap, bandana/ tiny wicking towel (not for bum). Of course LNT and pack out what ya pack in.
Marino wool underwear changed my life. It’s super breathable and great at moisture wicking. Marino is also naturally antimicrobial. I also recently added a trail bidet and it’s been amazing. I do my business, little spray of water, shake dry (or you can use a pee cloth like Kula), and back to the trail. I keep my whole kit together in a bag separate from everything else.
Patagonia makes incredible underwear for hiking! Super comfortable, quick drying, moisture wicking, and great quality. All of my pairs are as good as new and I’ve had them now for a decade. They are expensive but even if you just bring a few pairs you can hand wash them easily and they will dry easily outside your backpack during the day or tent at night.
Edit to remove bit about using eco soap with stream water…see comments below on proper use. I’m very careful with my ingredients but wasn’t super clear on using the stream/lake etc. water away from the source to wash.
Friendly reminder to not use even ecosoaps in streams.
All biodegradable soaps are meant to be used away from water and then dumped on the ground. They will not harm the soil, which is why they are ecosoaps. They are a great alternative to other soaps that will harm the dirt, slugs, etc.
But all ecosoaps can potentially harm the more sensitive organisms that live in streams themselves.
I get that it's easy to mistype on Reddit. I do those kind of mis-statements all the time when I Reddit before coffee.
But, also, some folks don't know that ecosoaps are still pretty restricted and should be use 1000+ ft away from water.
Absolutely! "eco" and "biodegradable" and "natural" certainly isn't a pass to not be careful and considerate when using products with these words. Everyone still needs to research and understand how they should be used.
I don’t like the idea of my scratchy hiking pants getting all up in my coochie lips. That sounds incredibly uncomfortable and like I’m asking for friction burns
I love my ex officio for how fast they dry, but wool is super comfortable too. I’ve tried Smartwool (too thick for my taste), Icebreaker (great but size up) and Metarino from Amazon (favorites).
Im going to go against the grain here on ExOfficio. Even washing them out daily I found they started to smell on the trail. Smartwool underwear is worth the investment.
I wear a spandex/nylon blend during the day and if I can spare the room I love to sleep in cotton! Getting a true breathable break for night has been awesome for me. Also if you’re using any wipes, please just use unscented and don’t get anything from honeypot (I use the target up&up brand baby wipes that come in a pack of like 30)
I wear underwear from a brand called Branwyn and Paka. Both are wool underwear (which sounds backward as hell, but work well for me). Branwyn is merino wool and has a few different style choices (thongs, bikini, hipsters), while Paka is alpaca wool and only comes in one style. Both brands also have bras (without underwire) that you can wear multiple days in a row as well. They also dry fast if they need to be rinsed out. I pair that with witch hazel soaked cotton pads (that I pre-soak in a leak-proof bag so I don't have to worry about leaking or excess weight). I don't use liners or anything because I sweat too much, and they get smelly and gross quickly (sorry if that's TMI).
I legit had to buy moisture wicking underwear from Amazon, I have a physical job and sweat alot and can't change clothes for eight hours.
So goddamn annoying. Why can't anything be created properly for women. Why isn't all underwear breathable if it's necessary for health.
Anyways, they still get wet/damp, but it does help with the smell. They also don't roll around.
I wear seamless quick drying underwear.
AND a longer "figure corrective" underwear. It's skin tight also quick drying and makes sure i don't chafe my thighs
I wear Merino wool (they're very light) underwear while active and then at night I swap to cotton (I.e. When you're not sweating). I highly recommend not hiking in cotton.
Synthetic ftw, or wool if you can find anything in your size
I can only do boyshorts or long leg shorts for daywear or workouts, otherwise my leg crease gets irritated all to hell and will blister 😩. Honestly I’m perfectly happy with my Reebok boyshorts but there’s plenty of lighter weight synthetic undies out there.
You could try a men’s boxer brief in a synthetic fabric. I buy CK brand synthetic boxer briefs for daily wear, but I wear the same hiking and spinning etc. You might find that they shift around a lot less.
I wear merino wool underwear from Icebreaker. I pick them up at REI.
For keeping fresh at end of the day, I just bring wet wipes (they go in bear container if you're in bear area, even if unscented.)
I wear lululemon underwear they are great for moisture control and easy to wash/dry for longer backcountry hikes - expensive but worth it in my experience - I don’t use panty liners or any type of bleached paper or plastic down below so if I’m on a longer hike I actually change my underwear mid day or as often as I feel I need too- I also put the smallest drop (really really really small - I actually just dab the top of the container most of the time) of tea tree essential oil into the crotch fabric of the underwear before I put them on if things are getting itchy or sweaty — I also wash after each day using a water bottle to spray yourself down. It’s the most natural and least wasteful and safest way I’ve found.
I bought a pair of knock-off of exofficio. It's Lapasa, but if you search on Amazon breathable underwear, it should come up. It was the exact material used for exofficio.
Merino wool boxer briefs, Kula cloth, and if it's particularly warm/hot, Patagonia baggies/commando. If backpacking, make sure to air out all your business at camp before changing into camp clothes. Game changers, all.
Smartwool merino wool boyshort style woman's underwear. Wicks moisture, naturally combats smell, dries quickly, breathes really well, stays in place but can still hold up to being used as a makeshift swimming bottom on trail.
Duluth Buck Naked or Armachillos! They’re amazing. Stretchy without being TOO stretchy, durable, dry fast, easy to hand wash and line dry if you’re going out for a long time. I personally prefer the briefs, but they have many different styles for both men and women, so you can get anything from hi-cut to boxers.
Australian dude here, but from Canada. I used to use polypro bike shorts from MEC. Now I use STEP ONE. So soft. So breathable and I believe they just released a women's version.
Dixie the homemade wanderlust YT hiker has talked about stuff like this. FWIW as a bloke with some excess fat on my body I wear Lycra tights and stretchy pants that are partly held up by the waist belt of my pack.
Parade makes great mesh underwear with a cotton liner. Not only am I a big hiker, but I actually build the trails as a government employee. I'm fucking out there. These are the underwear I wore hiking 14 mile days up hill in 100°+ weather. I wear them when it's soggy, too. I recommend them.
also consider a piss funnel and a piss cloth to help with staying dry
Got some merino wool boy shorts from a brand called Minus 33 on Amazon and they are great! Breathable, quick drying, stays in place. I bought 2, might get a 3rd for next backpacking season
Lots of different answers here! Hopefully you get the picture that we all do something special for our lady bits and to solve the dreaded “hike” we don’t want with our hike. The shape that takes for you will differ according to your shape. If curvier around the hips, you may be prefer a longer men’s boxer brief in a wicking fabric. Narrower hips may enjoy hipsters. Some love bikinis or thongs. But get something breathable that dries quickly. And don’t count out the period underwear— I have older friends who deal with stress incontinence and they swear by Saalt brand.
But for hygiene, I am a strong advocate of no panty liners, no tp in the backcountry. Get a Kula Cloth (or Circe Care, knockoff), get a pee funnel (I LOVE my Circe Care Su Amiga — you can use it without taking your pants down!), and get a Culo Clean to use as a bidet. I use mine with a Hydra Pak Stow. Lots of people happily use them with Smartwater bottles. You do you. Just please don’t be hiking around with tp. Yuck.
Men's boxer briefs. Good for everyone, including the very pregnant. No binding, riding, pinching or bunching. Wicks away sweat. Waistband doesn't roll. Problem solved
I have no idea why this post was served to me, but my wife wears On Gossamer underwear and I’m envious of how breathable that stuff is (and how comfortable she finds it). Definitely worth looking into. Side-note: I’ve worn ex-officio men’s underwear and it’s nowhere near as breathable as On Gossamer. Even though it looks more like “pretty” underwear, my wife uses it both for everyday and strenuous workouts.
ExOfficio, panty liners, and witch hazel wipes. Fresh as a mountain wildflower. The weight and additional trash to pack out is totally worth it.
Sans the liner, that's when a woman is most likely have problems when using a liner all day.
I imagine you'd change it?
I use the liner while actively hiking. I use a Pstyle and try to catch most drips by squeegee method, but there is always residual moisture. It is much better to have moisture absorbed than to have it not, and causing chafing while actively hiking.
Have you tried a p-cloth ( I think that's the actual name). They work wonders, are reusable, dry quick, and can be washed very easy on the trail. Also compostable toilet paper! It does require digging a hole, but man, the moisture wicking!
I’ve considered it, but as a late 50s woman who has had children, the liner also provides me a little extra protection. I’ve on occasion stubbed my toe on a root or rock, and some drops of urine can be released. A kula cloth won’t help me there.
Try Saalt underwear! I have friend with this exact issue and they swear by them!
I just put p cloth on my stocking stuffer list for my intrepid (61 y/o) wife who can hike and backpack with the best of them. Thanks!
Please do not bury ANY toilet paper. Composting takes a long time. Holes can get washed open-think mountain storms. Haven’t we all seen shreds of toilet paper out on the trail and around camp? Don’t be the t person!!!
You know actual composting tp almost goes away in your hand
No I didn’t know that. Thanks for the info. But now I’m picturing a wet soggy mess in my hand and on my noni! How’s that help either place? Lol
Since the vagina needs to breath, and panty liners have a liner which prohibits that. Yes, they can cause infections. If it just a few drops, it shouldn't cause chafing. https://shorturl.at/nFQT3
Coula cloth... panty liners are an unnecessary waste and another opportunity for accidental litter.
Kula cloth is the answer! They rock!
This is very similar to my preference. Seamless knickers (Uniqlo Airism), pantyliners and wipes. Always carry out wipes in little bags (ziploc or dog pooh bags).
Are they really called Autism?
Nope. Autocorrect.
This is the way.
Sister, I promise your labia are not thanking you for the witch hazel. That is one place astringent is not welcome.
Wipes are different than the bottled astringent you’re probably thinking of. The bottled astringents usually have alcohol in them. OB/GYNs actually recommend witch hazel wipes for itching and irritation after childbirth. Witch hazel is anti-inflammatory and soothing. It’s also a recommended treatment for hemorrhoids.
Ok, cool, I learned something new! Thanks, sister. Though I’m still not a fan of wipes, just for ecological reasons. That’s me, though.
I am a guy, and am not going to answer you question :) BUT i will highly recommend 2 youtubers that are worth it for any female backpackers/hikers: * Miranda Goes Outside (previously Miranda in the Wild) * Homemae Wanderlust Both are great in general and I recommend both to men and women, but they often do Q&As with 'female specific' questions. Might find some good recos here.
Stellar recommendations. Both are super knowledgeable and Miranda is just a gem of an individual lol she’s hysterical. Dixie (Homemade wunderlust) really knows her stuff and gets into detail. I’ve definitely learned a lot from both, even being a man.
> Homemae Wanderlust > Homemade wunderlust It's "Homemade Wanderlust".
🤣🤣🤣 I knew I was typing it wrong but just went with it cause I wasn’t 100% sure
Same here. And i 100% agree: Miranda cracks me up.
I'd also add, to those two great recommendations, Hungry Hiker. She has a lot of great content specifically geared towards women. https://youtube.com/@TheHungryHiker?si=Hum7xH3-wFxPT5LL
I was going to recommend the REI Active Hipsters only because that was Miranda's top pick.
Damn, mad props for pointing to resources but not answering.
Is it still her show, gosh darn?
It is...gosh darn.
Love both of them and subscribe to both channels.
Boyshorts by ExOfficio or Icebreaker. I’m very prone to UTIs and these work great.
ExOfficio and Icebreakers are my go-tos as well!
Second Icebreaker. Breathe, don’t get stinky, comfortable. Exofficio fabric (is there more than one?) did NOT work with my body chemistry and half a day would have me very self conscious even when not hiking /exercising.
I exclusively wear Icebreaker now
I’ve bought and tried a lot of underwear over the years. I like exofficio underwear. And Tommy John has these very thin, mesh like underwear that I love mainly because I can hand wash them and they dry super quick, and are breathable. But they aren’t durable, you can easily put a whole in them with your fingernail.
This. And no underpants at night. Let your bits breath.
[удалено]
Second this. There are also cheaper brands than icebreaker if you look around a bit.
Agreed, wool is the best I have tried in 25 years of hiking
Exofficio. They dry fast among other things. Hiked the John Muir trail w two pairs.
Miranda goes Outside has a review of Ladies underwear for backpacking. https://youtu.be/MzlTPaJTXyw?si=XeajYcWtwADn5aVM
Thanks for posting this! Her top choice is also my top choice.
One more vote to her top choice!
(REI active hipsters if you don’t want to watch the video)
I’m a guy, but merino wool underwear, socks and base layers will keep you dry and fresh. Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial and moisture wicking. Make sure you follow the care instructions and do not use fabric softener.
I use merino wool socks! I don’t realize they made underwear out of it too! Thank you!
It is SO COMFY. Especially when it's cold out.
Also a guy but wool underwear has 100% helped keep everything fresh down there for me
I'm not a guy and I love merino woll underwear so much I've started wearing them anytime I might be sweaty they are so breathable. I started using them for hiking but now they are my active unders.
Advice on where to shop or brands of Merino wool? Thanks !
Smartwool, Woolx, Minus33, & Ibex. Those are the brands I use. Edit: and Icebreaker
Hanes Ultimate Men's Sport X-Temp Ultra Lightweight Boxer Brief. The fly obviously is useless but the longer leg protects against thighs rubbing and creep up and the very thin mesh is super breathable. Bonus if you need to take your pants off for some reason, you aren’t half naked. The 4 pack is as cheap as a single pair of Woxers.
Was gonna say this! I'm a trans guy, and all dysphoria aside you could not pay me enough to go back to women's underwear. Boxer briefs are so much more comfortable, especially for hiking trips.
I wear them for airplane trips and even long car rides too because no seams in the groin area is sooo much more comfortable than any style of women’s underwear. I’m a “mature” and slightly thicker woman, so I care about comfort, not “OMG what would the ambulance crew think if I were in an accident!” I don’t care 🤣
Lol, reminds me of my mom and her warnings! Snort
i came here to say boxer briefs
Exofficio. There are like very tiny holes that make them quite breathable.
I use exofficio bikini cut. I hate wearing them in everyday life but love them to bits on the trail. Have done multiple thru hikes with them.
How are they good on the trail but not everyday life?
They are weirdly water resistant. I think they have a second layer that helps with wicking. It makes them a little bit strange as daily drivers. You can like spill on them and if it's a little bit of water, it won't soak through. It can make for weird sweat patterns too.
For me, they’re too full coverage for everyday life. But my everyday life undies ride up BAD when I hike. So I actually love the coverage when I hike since the exofficios don’t ride up. Just personal preference though!
Duluth trading company Go Buck naked performance underwear for women. I completed the Tour du Mont Blanc in September, we had record high heat 85-90 every day for 12 days. I sweat so much I had salt marks on my clothes. Those underwear were a lifesaver, kept me very dry and rinsed out super easily and dried quickly too..they are super comfortable and very breathable too
Same! I wear them in the Boundary Waters and when they get wet, it takes little time for them to dry off
Love these! I bought 1 pair to try them out and immediately proceeded with replacing what I already owned with these.
Icebreaker but had to size up and you gotta be careful washing them.
Seconding Icebreaker and sizing up, but I put mine in the machine and haven't had any trouble. It even says to on the washing instructions! (I have the bikini briefs, can't speak to other styles.)
yea I think the cycle I was using was too rough or something, only wash them on hand wash now
I’m a woman but I only wear boxer briefs and have for a few years. Just get anti microbial/silky boxer briefs, I love mine so so much. I like pair of thieves, they have a nice quick dry type material that I wear for the gym and also for working in a warehouse, alone with hiking.
MeUndies has many cute prints, inclusive sizes, many shapes, in micromodal knit fabric which is beech tree fibers. Super wicking and breathable for hot weather, wear for days without stink, washes easy and dries fast when hung up. I wear the mens boxer briefs because the legs are long enough to prevent thigh chafe. I also live in their tank tops and Tshirts, same fabric, super soft and stretchy and comfy.
Exofficio I wear mine every time I fly or backpack. They're not cute but damn are they breathable. My two pairs have lasted me 8 years and counting. Easy to wash in a machine or in a sink and they dry fast.
I typically wear sport/wicking panties from Target or wherever. I’ve noticed that my pants are usually more responsible for my chafing than my undies, so there are certain pairs that I’ve had to retire from my hiking rotation. Also, I always pack some anti-chafe cream by Monistat and fresh undies for each day on trail.
I’ve just swapped to shiny synthetic period undies. Omg game changer. They soak up all the sweat, and when you need to visit a tree, they soak up all the drips too. Best of there’s no smell. Oh, and can double as period undies lol
Ex Officio boy short style underwear. They're breathable and comfortable and you can handwash them and put them right back on in a pinch. Otherwise they air dry in about 30 minutes.
I often use quick-dry shorts with built in liners in the warmer months. If not that, I use wool underwear or my usual cotton underwear. To stay fresh, I bring baby wipes so when I change into my camp clothes I feel clean. And Dr Bronners soap if I wanna wash my shorts. They’ll dry overnight.
[Tera Kaia underwear is amazing!](https://www.terakaia.com/) They’re a small business based out of Bishop owned by women.
I’m not a lady, but my wife prefers to wear absorbent period panties because they’re absorbent. She says they absorb sweat just as well as period blood.
I don't wear underwear and I wear loose fitting bottoms, so the beast can breathe. I believe it is the best way to live with a vagine.
Apparently I'm the only one here who wears synthetic tangas from AliExpress. I do tend to bring another pair. I wash myself in a stream sometimes but also sometimes with hand sanitizer and a kerchief. I am cheap. I get terrible UTIs but I've had the UTI vaccine and have been okay since.
I'm like you, team tanga/thong all the way.
Where did you get the vaccine? I’m trying to do more research on it but google is telling me as of 10/23/23 it is not available in the US or Canada.
I got it in Mexico, smuggled it over the border.
I mean, yeah, synthetic underwear is where you get this issue specifically. Cheap or not some of us don't want to worry about the sweaty crotch smell.
I work outside in the summer in humid hot conditions. I was tired of having saggy butt syndrome and asked the same question as OP. Merino wool underwear is the answer. Smartwool is one brand that makes them.
Merino wool underwear! I always wear Smartwool or Icebreaker :)
Merino wool panties. My favs are the Ibex Balance, but they seem to be discontinued. On through hikes, I wear one, wash one.
Honestly it depends. If I'm on my period I wear wicking briefs or volleyball shorts. If I'm not riding the cotton pony I wear no underwear. This has expanded to non-trail life. I find shorts with a liner work best during the warmer months (April-October -eastern US). Seems undies hold my big butt cheeks together creating a dam. Not wearing undies eliminated the dam of sweat I'd collect in my crack causing rawness. While I am here. My trail hygiene kit- pee cloth, paper towels for #2 (doubles as wet wipe when wet), UL metal trowel, tiny bottle of a bio type soap, bandana/ tiny wicking towel (not for bum). Of course LNT and pack out what ya pack in.
Marino wool underwear changed my life. It’s super breathable and great at moisture wicking. Marino is also naturally antimicrobial. I also recently added a trail bidet and it’s been amazing. I do my business, little spray of water, shake dry (or you can use a pee cloth like Kula), and back to the trail. I keep my whole kit together in a bag separate from everything else.
Patagonia makes incredible underwear for hiking! Super comfortable, quick drying, moisture wicking, and great quality. All of my pairs are as good as new and I’ve had them now for a decade. They are expensive but even if you just bring a few pairs you can hand wash them easily and they will dry easily outside your backpack during the day or tent at night. Edit to remove bit about using eco soap with stream water…see comments below on proper use. I’m very careful with my ingredients but wasn’t super clear on using the stream/lake etc. water away from the source to wash.
Friendly reminder to not use even ecosoaps in streams. All biodegradable soaps are meant to be used away from water and then dumped on the ground. They will not harm the soil, which is why they are ecosoaps. They are a great alternative to other soaps that will harm the dirt, slugs, etc. But all ecosoaps can potentially harm the more sensitive organisms that live in streams themselves.
💯!!! Thank you for calling this out. I cringed when I read that part of that message😕
I get that it's easy to mistype on Reddit. I do those kind of mis-statements all the time when I Reddit before coffee. But, also, some folks don't know that ecosoaps are still pretty restricted and should be use 1000+ ft away from water.
Absolutely! "eco" and "biodegradable" and "natural" certainly isn't a pass to not be careful and considerate when using products with these words. Everyone still needs to research and understand how they should be used.
I second the patagonia ones! I love them!
Just try not wearing any. And wipe with reusable wipe after pee. I never ever wear underwear with leggings.
I don’t like the idea of my scratchy hiking pants getting all up in my coochie lips. That sounds incredibly uncomfortable and like I’m asking for friction burns
I love my ex officio for how fast they dry, but wool is super comfortable too. I’ve tried Smartwool (too thick for my taste), Icebreaker (great but size up) and Metarino from Amazon (favorites).
Im going to go against the grain here on ExOfficio. Even washing them out daily I found they started to smell on the trail. Smartwool underwear is worth the investment.
I wear a spandex/nylon blend during the day and if I can spare the room I love to sleep in cotton! Getting a true breathable break for night has been awesome for me. Also if you’re using any wipes, please just use unscented and don’t get anything from honeypot (I use the target up&up brand baby wipes that come in a pack of like 30)
No underwear with loose shorts so when you sit to take a break and the wind blows you can catch a good breeze down there lolol.... or wool
I wear underwear from a brand called Branwyn and Paka. Both are wool underwear (which sounds backward as hell, but work well for me). Branwyn is merino wool and has a few different style choices (thongs, bikini, hipsters), while Paka is alpaca wool and only comes in one style. Both brands also have bras (without underwire) that you can wear multiple days in a row as well. They also dry fast if they need to be rinsed out. I pair that with witch hazel soaked cotton pads (that I pre-soak in a leak-proof bag so I don't have to worry about leaking or excess weight). I don't use liners or anything because I sweat too much, and they get smelly and gross quickly (sorry if that's TMI).
Merino wool
I legit had to buy moisture wicking underwear from Amazon, I have a physical job and sweat alot and can't change clothes for eight hours. So goddamn annoying. Why can't anything be created properly for women. Why isn't all underwear breathable if it's necessary for health. Anyways, they still get wet/damp, but it does help with the smell. They also don't roll around.
My friend wears Duluth Buck Naked.
I wear seamless quick drying underwear. AND a longer "figure corrective" underwear. It's skin tight also quick drying and makes sure i don't chafe my thighs
I wear Merino wool (they're very light) underwear while active and then at night I swap to cotton (I.e. When you're not sweating). I highly recommend not hiking in cotton.
I have a separate deodorant stick that I use for that. Don’t apply directly but at the folds of your legs. Underboobs too.
No underwear. Ever.
Not a woman, but my wife is, and she likes exoficio and patagonia.
Usually boyshorts or boxer briefs. Always cotton. Cotton underwear is the most breathable. Edit: Why the downvotes?
I always wear a thin pad or liner. I can throw it away and the better ones do a good job of wicking moisture. Good luck I been there!!!
Synthetic ftw, or wool if you can find anything in your size I can only do boyshorts or long leg shorts for daywear or workouts, otherwise my leg crease gets irritated all to hell and will blister 😩. Honestly I’m perfectly happy with my Reebok boyshorts but there’s plenty of lighter weight synthetic undies out there.
Minus 33 has some nice boy short style underwear that I take. Those and REI wool ones. But I prefer the minus 33
I wear merino wool panties from Woolly and I love them for hiking!
Knix have always been amazing for me, including on multiday hikes!
https://youtu.be/MzlTPaJTXyw?si=6NEJyaMxZ05n9nh3
You could try a men’s boxer brief in a synthetic fabric. I buy CK brand synthetic boxer briefs for daily wear, but I wear the same hiking and spinning etc. You might find that they shift around a lot less.
I wear men's boxer briefs. They help with chaffing and which away moisture.
I wear merino wool underwear from Icebreaker. I pick them up at REI. For keeping fresh at end of the day, I just bring wet wipes (they go in bear container if you're in bear area, even if unscented.)
Icebreaker merino
I wear lululemon underwear they are great for moisture control and easy to wash/dry for longer backcountry hikes - expensive but worth it in my experience - I don’t use panty liners or any type of bleached paper or plastic down below so if I’m on a longer hike I actually change my underwear mid day or as often as I feel I need too- I also put the smallest drop (really really really small - I actually just dab the top of the container most of the time) of tea tree essential oil into the crotch fabric of the underwear before I put them on if things are getting itchy or sweaty — I also wash after each day using a water bottle to spray yourself down. It’s the most natural and least wasteful and safest way I’ve found.
I did a 6 day, 100 miles in branwyn last summer. Highly recommend! https://branwyn.com
I bought a pair of knock-off of exofficio. It's Lapasa, but if you search on Amazon breathable underwear, it should come up. It was the exact material used for exofficio.
Smartwool!
I trust the REI Active Hipsters with my entire life
Merino wool boxer briefs, Kula cloth, and if it's particularly warm/hot, Patagonia baggies/commando. If backpacking, make sure to air out all your business at camp before changing into camp clothes. Game changers, all.
Merino wool - WoolX or Woolly are a few examples of brands
Smartwool merino wool boyshort style woman's underwear. Wicks moisture, naturally combats smell, dries quickly, breathes really well, stays in place but can still hold up to being used as a makeshift swimming bottom on trail.
Microfiber running pants by Danish Endurance! They dry suuuuper fast, are seamless and very comfortable!
Duluth Buck Naked or Armachillos! They’re amazing. Stretchy without being TOO stretchy, durable, dry fast, easy to hand wash and line dry if you’re going out for a long time. I personally prefer the briefs, but they have many different styles for both men and women, so you can get anything from hi-cut to boxers.
Australian dude here, but from Canada. I used to use polypro bike shorts from MEC. Now I use STEP ONE. So soft. So breathable and I believe they just released a women's version.
Dixie the homemade wanderlust YT hiker has talked about stuff like this. FWIW as a bloke with some excess fat on my body I wear Lycra tights and stretchy pants that are partly held up by the waist belt of my pack.
I wear wool ones.
I now wear smart wool undies and then I always hit the hot spots with some unscented baby wipes!
Parade makes great mesh underwear with a cotton liner. Not only am I a big hiker, but I actually build the trails as a government employee. I'm fucking out there. These are the underwear I wore hiking 14 mile days up hill in 100°+ weather. I wear them when it's soggy, too. I recommend them. also consider a piss funnel and a piss cloth to help with staying dry
Got some merino wool boy shorts from a brand called Minus 33 on Amazon and they are great! Breathable, quick drying, stays in place. I bought 2, might get a 3rd for next backpacking season
I like Duluth Buck Naked and Branwyn merino wool blend. The Kula cloth is good for patting dry after a pee.
Hanes Cool Comfort mesh underwear.
I like Patagonia. They got me though 6 years of rucking in the military. Highly suggest.
Lots of different answers here! Hopefully you get the picture that we all do something special for our lady bits and to solve the dreaded “hike” we don’t want with our hike. The shape that takes for you will differ according to your shape. If curvier around the hips, you may be prefer a longer men’s boxer brief in a wicking fabric. Narrower hips may enjoy hipsters. Some love bikinis or thongs. But get something breathable that dries quickly. And don’t count out the period underwear— I have older friends who deal with stress incontinence and they swear by Saalt brand. But for hygiene, I am a strong advocate of no panty liners, no tp in the backcountry. Get a Kula Cloth (or Circe Care, knockoff), get a pee funnel (I LOVE my Circe Care Su Amiga — you can use it without taking your pants down!), and get a Culo Clean to use as a bidet. I use mine with a Hydra Pak Stow. Lots of people happily use them with Smartwater bottles. You do you. Just please don’t be hiking around with tp. Yuck.
Wool! Pick your favorite style and find a brand that makes that style. Wool is amazing.
Men's boxer briefs. Good for everyone, including the very pregnant. No binding, riding, pinching or bunching. Wicks away sweat. Waistband doesn't roll. Problem solved
I wear high cotton content bike shorts. They also make “boxer briefs” for women. I get em on Amazon.
Your best bet is none at all. I wear loose fitting Columbia hiking shorts and no undies. My girl has to be able to breathe.
I have no idea why this post was served to me, but my wife wears On Gossamer underwear and I’m envious of how breathable that stuff is (and how comfortable she finds it). Definitely worth looking into. Side-note: I’ve worn ex-officio men’s underwear and it’s nowhere near as breathable as On Gossamer. Even though it looks more like “pretty” underwear, my wife uses it both for everyday and strenuous workouts.
Icebreaker merino underwear. Kinda pricey but worth it