Most comfortable least odiferous synthetic briefs/T’s

EJ,

I have the EXACT same issues as you, and look forward to what others have to say. Also, thanks for clarifying why mesh synthetics stink worse than others – I noticed that but couldn't figure out why!

Todd

1. Your genes may be responsible for the stink factor. :)

2. Having said that, I really like my synthetic blend tees: wicking, quick drying, very comfy to the touch, no stink factor even after 5 straight days of wearing and sweating — and finally, pretty darn cheap: Doufold tees

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1&partNumber=25950&memberId=12500226

Hi Benjamin,

How are you? I knew someone eventually would get back with "it could be you." Skin chemistry, sweat composition, diet, etc. – all are factors. But seriously, having logged weeks in a row in tough field conditions in the military with many other guys, no showers for long periods, I can tell you, I'm at a safe low end of the spectrum. So my wife thinks too. And my wife has the same issues with synthetics that I do – some synthetics (like old polypro) stink like heck. It's a fact – some synthetics foster and hold odors much more than others. Also, there must be differences in the effectiveness of fabric treatments, whether sewn-in or chemically treated.

I'm just interested in which fabrics and fabric treatments (cocona, silver fibers, etc.) least foster odor-causing bacteria. Then let every man and woman deal with their body chemistry and cleanliness.

I'd like to propose that we all gather some anecdotal info on materials that perform better (we already know wool does) and that BPL run a stink test.

For example, as I mentioned, I found that mesh is much more of a problem than smooth fabric.

Hi EJ:

The "gene articlie" wasn't directed at you — just a general something that was in the LA Times this past weekend.

But before going into exotic and expensive — silver, coconut, bamboo or soy — why not give the Duofolds a try (if you haven't already)?

No offense taken. I'm just trying to make everyone's hiking and backpacking experience that much better : )

Nothing against the Duofold, especially since it's not expensive. I want to hear as many suggestions as possible before trying something. How does the Duofold compare with other materials you have used? Which other materials are you comparing it with?

EJ:

I have also tried tees made of light weight merino wool, Coolmax, and "Dri-Release" polyester (REI). Technically Coolmax works well, but I find the material overly soft — so the garment doesn't hold its shape very well. Dri-Release (e.g. REI Sahara tee) works adequately, but dries slower than my Duofold. I wear my REI tees mostly around town.

My situation is similar to yours, I wear Smartwool or Ibex in for most fall/winter/spring but have been using synthetics in the summer. In the summer I use Terremar polypro boxerbreifs, and either Capaline or REI Sahara T-Shirts. They all stink terribly after a day or two on the trail. I can go days in wool without any odor.

I think this is a worthy test, the results of which would greatly improve members' backpacking experiences, especially when not going solo.

This is not as comprehensive as what you have in mind, but dig this.

Pretty much my experience as well, though I'd love to know which synthetics are least stinky. There are definite differences, for example, the difference between synthetic mesh and synthetic smooth-face fabric. That mesh is like a petri dish.

My wife and I use merino base layers 3 seasons. But we find even thin wool uncomfortable for hot humid conditions. For times when we find wool uncomfortable, we'd love to know the best synthetic solution in terms of mitigating stink. It's ridiculous how fast some sythetic garments stink.

I'll add that my experience is like yours – I've got two shirts made of nearly identical polypro-type material. One is flat face, one is mesh – the mesh one has a stench that won't wash out after only about 10 days of use.

I have fallen in love with the Long Boxerjock from UnderArmor.

They are very much like a very light and thin spandex style short, but with a full functioning fly. The long style is about 9 inches long for the legs, which stops any thigh chaffing which has been an issue for me. Plus they do not ride up.

They are the smooth style synethic, but they do seem to pick up smells.

Interesting note: I just got back from a 4 day trip to the Queets in the Olympic Nat Park. End of day 2 I rinsed the briefs in the river and then dried next to a fire. After the rinse I could still smell them, but after exposure to the smoke the odor seemed to disappear and was left with a faint smoke smell.

I know from SurvivorMan ;) that smoke from sagebrush or juniper (or something) can kill bacteria and give you a smoke bath. Wonder if this happened to me?

Does odor resistance in synthetic garments wash out after time? If so, is there a way to restore it?

Mike,

I love the smell of a campfire, but there must be a better way than jumping over open flames in our underwear…

Again, I vote for a BPL research study / stink off. No one else can be trusted to do it right…Will ping Ryan when he gets back from his packrafting trip next week.

Oftentimes, one can't be objective about one's own B.O. We need a team of wearers as well as a panel of judges!

I remember watching a documentary about deordorant manufactuers using a panel of "professional" arm pit smellers. BPL may want to contract this testing with outside 'consultants'. :)

Seriously, I think every tester knows the level of stink they deal with regularly – they'll know, as we all do, when a particular garment traps odor more than another. And they can always try the sewing-2-shirts-together-in-the-middle method to know which material is better/worse.

Personally, I haven't had very good experiences with Duofold and odor control. Not saying they don't work for others, they just don't work well for ME.

For me, as far as synthetics go, Ex Officio briefs work better than anything else in controling odor. Of course, I am using the ladies briefs, so I don't know if there is anything comparable in a men's line.

I haven't used wool briefs yet, but am an Icebreaker wool fan, even for hot, humid weather. After testing the Skin 200 and Bodyfit 260 tops for BackpackGearTest.org this past winter, I bought a thin T-shirt and 200 weight leggings this summer. The T-shirt was great when hiking. I felt the way it wicked moisture kept me cooler than synthetics. The wool leggings were nice at night when the temps cooled just a little. In the thinner weaves, I've found Icebreaker feels better to me than Smartwool, so you might want to test a couple of brands to see if one works better for you than another.

I am definitely phasing synthetics out of my gear closet, although I'm still not sure about the briefs (just gotta work up the nerve to spend $40 or so on a pair of underwear – never done that before!)

Pam

Hi Pam,

I'm right there with you on good quality merino wool – I use it most of the time. And I've got Ibex fine merino briefs, which again, I use most of the time (3 season under 60F). You can buy them on sale for around $15-19, and there are some cheaper brands of merino briefs available. But my wife and I find even the thinnest merino uncomfortable in really hot, humid weather of mid-summer below tree line. For that I'm looking for the best synthetic solution.

I haven't found any synthetic that can fight odor buildup better than merino wool yet.

I've used the 5 pair of Duofold CoolMax briefs I bought 8 years ago JUST for backpacking. Thay dry very fast(except the elastic waistband), don't hold odors and last and last.

(OK, so they're purple and I get some odd stares – but thankfully no hits from guys – so I've begun replacing them with black CoolMax briefs.)

Eric, The Fashionisto

My opinion is that the synthetics are made of hollow fibers and the germs live inside the fiber.
I've had it pointed out to me that Oxyclean [that spelling is probably wrong] will get it out. I haven't tried it because I use the wool approach.

Ex Officio boxer briefs. They are light and after washing dry quickly. No stink, but I am not very stinky. I tried the REI version but they suffered from an incurable and terminal (for them) case of the dreaded bung creep/butt crack creep. So I disposed of them. Humanely I assure you.

Simon

Simon, everyone in my unit believed they were not stinky. I think , from an evolutionary perspective, it would be a mess if we were all naturally sensitive to our own odor.

Trying to order a few pairs, I found out from Campmor that Duofold is out of the underwear business, and Campmor is selling what little inventory they have left.

I swear, every time I finally find stuff that're just right for me — be they pack, shoes or underwear — they get discontinued! :(

I have six Duofold briefs in my "inventory" — two that I wear exclusively for travels and hikes — still in excellent shape — plus four brand new ones. Never expect unerwear to be precious! :(

Surprised to see no mention of the RailRiders Eco-Speed-T… any comments?