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A case for commando: chaff-free hiking
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Sep 30, 2009 at 9:27 pm #1239794
First thing to understand is why chaffing occurs? main reasons are friction and infection. Both occur due to sweating. Then logic says that the best ways to avoid chafing is to reduce sweating. You want to stay cool. But it seems most people prefer tight fitting boxer briefs which infact cause more sweating. Personally, what has worked for me is no underwear and wearing thin, light, breathable pants. Regular washing means ZERO chafing. Just going commando on your next hike may not help. You may need to adopt this as a lifestyle.
Keep in mind that all the sweating that accumulates in your underwear causes it to stink. And no underwear means one less thing in your gearlist.
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:25 am #1532135Well if you wear light, fast drying underwear you don't chaff (at least I don't) and you still get support that most need. In addition I find that wearing boxer brief actually reduces chaffing as then skin isn't rubbing against skin.
To each their own though. Just remember to keep your fly up less you get a mosquito bite on you willy. :P
Oct 12, 2009 at 6:21 pm #1535709I agree with going commando – especially on thru-hikes where everyone ends up going half nekked anyway. In more civilized settings, it can be problematic, especially if Mr. Happy gets frisky.
Oct 12, 2009 at 10:25 pm #1535794I would say chaffing is because of moisture and friction… infection is secondary. One treatment is to keep the area cool to minimize moisture. Going commando is one way to do this. I would think that wearing a kilt would be a good match to the commando approach.
Another treatment for chaffing is to reduce friction by introduction protection and making the surfaces more slippery. Slippy can be something like using a stick of glide. Tight fitting, seamless boxer briefs can also been effective for some people.
There isn't a once size fits all.
–mark
Oct 19, 2009 at 10:26 am #1537715There are two sides to this coin for sure. On one hand, the most comfortable I had felt down there hiking was when I was commando.Shorts that are airy and light work well because they breathe and help keep air flowing to prevent moisture buildup.
On the other hand, the most uncomfortable I have felt was also commando. On this occasion I got bruising on my gonads, which made every step…feel like getting hit in the N*%$.Oct 19, 2009 at 10:39 am #1537721Another vote for boxer briefs, especially in hot weather. You're gonna sweat down there anyway (at least I do — my secret shame). ;vD Thus, you need something to wick the sweat and prevent any skin-on-skin contact. A good boxer brief like the Ex Officio fills the bill.
I actually prefer to go commando style (ha! new term to me) in the spring and fall when perspiration is less of an issue. In winter of course, the base layer serves several functions besides warmth.
Funny story: I used to wear my BPL Thorofare pants "au natural," but my wife laid down the law: Those pants use terribly thin material, and people do stare.
Stargazer
Oct 19, 2009 at 11:52 am #1537737When I met my other half I was a full time commando. Habit born from spending many hours a day on a horse, where nothing should come between you and your jeans. Since getting hitched, commando is a no no, so Icebreaker boxers work for me in summer and winter.
I still think of my days of freedom… -
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