Chafing is painful and quite uncomfortable as it can keep you from focusing on outdoor activities like hiking. As such, you must go for your hiking activities with anti-chafe underwear. Getting underwear that prevents chafing for your hiking activities will aid your mobility and help with proper blood circulation.
Many underwears are available in the market, so knowing the one that will prevent chafing can be quite challenging. However, we have prepared a list of some of the best underwear for hiking to prevent chafing to help you out.
Fifteen Best Underwear for Hiking to Prevent Chafing
The friction caused by your thighs rubbing together is called chafing, which can become a big deal if not paid attention to.
Good underwear that will help you prevent chafing will be useful as you hike. In this guide, we will cover fifteen of the best underwear for hiking to prevent chafing.
1. ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs
They are made of a soft, lightweight fabric that is quick-drying and antimicrobial, so it
doesn’t get stinky.
This set of briefs comes in seamlessly, made with synthetic materials such as nylon and spandex. These materials feature anti-microbial protection so that your health is well protected and odor is minimized.
The synthetic materials these briefs are made with make them some of the most affordable underwear you can use to prevent chafing as you hike. This underwear also comes in breathable, meaning you will feel light all through.
This underwear does not ride up, so you can be certain your waist will experience maximum comfort. They are also long-wearing. This means that if you didn’t go with extra pieces of underwear, this set of briefs have you covered.
Highlighted Features:
- Made with synthetic materials.
- Affordable.
- Breathable and long-wearing.
2. Apex Men’s Merino Wool Boxer Briefs
Its anti-microbial properties help prevent odor caused by bacteria, keeping you fresh even on those long hiking trips.
Some of the best hiking underwear that will help you prevent chafing is made of merino wool; this Apex underwear is no exception. They are made of 100% Australian Merino wool making them machine washable.
They are made of merino wool and come with anti-microbial protection. So, you can kiss goodbye to worries about bacteria. The merino wool material is also responsible for the maximum breathability of this underwear.
The length of these briefs is thigh length which helps to prevent your upper leg from chafing. The fly of these briefs has been designed to offer you better support and stability as you go hiking.
Highlighted Features:
- Made of Australian merino wool.
- Machine washable.
- Anti-microbial protection.
- Thigh-length to prevent chafing.
3. Balance Tech Women’s Seamless Bikini Panties
The super lightweight fabric pulls moisture away from your skin. At the same time, the four-way stretch construction allows for unrestricted movement.
This underwear comes in different color combinations to suit your individual preference. They feature a nylon and elastane combination that makes them dry quickly with optimal breathability.
You can be certain that this underwear will have no panty lines. The nylon material comes in to make this underwear moisture-wicking and odor resistant. So, they are a great fit if you want to prevent chafing as you hike.
Highlighted Features:
- Different color combinations.
- Made with synthetic materials.
- Odor-resistant and moisture-wicking.
4. Under Armor Men’s Original Series Boxerjock
Gives you the ultimate underwear performance. These briefs have a lightweight, quick-drying fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly.
This underwear is made with polyester and elastane materials, making it very breathable and allowing for a four-way stretch. This helps to ensure that you have mobility in all directions.
These boxers are about six inches long, so you do not have to worry about chafing. This Under Armor underwear’s moisture transport system helps wick away sweat easily, making them quick drying.
Highlighted Features:
- Made of polyester and elastane.
- Breathable and four-way stretch feature.
- Quick-drying.
- Six inches long.
5. Kalon Women’s Hipster Briefs
This underwear features a high-cut leg that eliminates chafing. It is easy to wash and durable.
This women’s underwear comes in materials such as spandex and nylon. The materials are blended in such a way that they will give you a soft and stretchy experience. These materials also make this underwear very breathable.
These Kalon briefs have been designed with no side seams so that you won’t have any issues with chafing. The leg edges also come in with sewn binding to ensure that you have a comfortable fit. Additionally, they are machine washable and come in a bikini-brief style.
Highlighted Features:
- Made with spandex and nylon.
- Breathable, soft, and stretchy.
- No side seams to prevent chafing.
- Sewn binding and machine washable.
6. ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs
This underwear is made of breathable, quick-drying fabric that keeps you cool and dry while you hike.
This underwear is a lightweight, durable, and dependable option for hiking adventures. They are made of nylon and lycra spandex, making them machine-washable for easy cleanup after hiking.
The materials they are made with ensure that this underwear dries quickly. So, if you get caught in the rain while hiking, you can rest assured that you won’t stay moist for too long. They also come in treated with antimicrobials.
Highlighted Features:
- Made of nylon and lycra spandex.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Quick-drying.
- Treated with antimicrobials.
7. Boody EcoWear Women’s Sporty Cooling Underwear
This is a high-quality go-to bikini brief for women. It is perfect for hiking and working out.
This underwear comes in as a sustainable and eco-friendly product as they feature materials such as rayon derived from bamboo, spandex, and nylon. The rayon material is the largest proportion as they seek to make eco-friendly underwear.
This Boody Cooling underwear comes with no seams so that they won’t get in the way, and there will be no chafing issues. They also come in form-fitting so you can rest assured that there will be no unnecessary rubbing.
The rayon material makes the underwear come with thermoregulating tendencies. This means that in this underwear, your body temperature will be thermoregulated. This underwear also comes in breathable and moisture-wicking.
Highlighted Features:
- Made with eco-friendly materials.
- No seams to prevent chafing.
- Form-fitting and thermoregulated.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking.
8. Quicksilk Men’s Bamboo Fiber Boxer Briefs
This is one of the best underwear for hiking. It was built to be extremely comfy and to prevent chafing.
These men’s boxers come manufactured with eco-friendly materials. Asides from the 5% spandex, the rest of the material is made from eco-friendly bamboo which features a 95% material composition of the briefs.
These briefs are seamless and come in great to prevent chafing. So, you can trust this underwear to help eliminate those chafing issues you experience as you go hiking.
Highlighted Features:
- Made with eco-friendly materials.
- Features 95% bamboo material.
- Seamless and prevents chafing.
9. Wealurre Seamless Underwear Invisible Bikini
These bikini briefs are super comfy; it is designed to move with you and keep you comfortable in any situation.
This invisible bikini underwear is made with spandex and nylon, so you can trust this underwear not to disappoint. The lining comes with a blend of viscose and spandex to allow for breathability and comfort as you go hiking.
This underwear comes in as a low-rise bikini, so you can also forget about worries from chafing issues. This underwear will ensure you won’t be chafing where your backpack hugs your waist.
This underwear does not come with seams, so you do not have to bother about panty lines too. You can also trust that there won’t be issues after repeated steps. This underwear will ensure that you can go the extra mile.
Highlighted Features:
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Low-rise bikini to prevent chafing.
- No seams or panty lines.
10. David Archy Men’s Performance Boxer Briefs
It is made with soft fabric to keep you at ease all day while hiking and prevents chafing.
The name performs these briefs away. They come in with materials like polyamide and spandex to offer you a high-technology fabric and give you underwear of optimal performance.
The high-technology fabric is responsible for why these briefs have great breathable and moisture-wicking features. They come with longer legs and flat-locked seams to prevent chafing and ensure that your skin is well-protected.
Highlighted Features:
- High-technology fabric.
- Moisture-wicking and breathable.
- Longer legs and flat-locked prevent chafing.
11. Runderwear Women’s Briefs
Made from high-quality soft material. Its quick-dry technology helps to reduce odor so you can stay fresh through every adventure.
This Runderwear underwear comes in great support and comfort. They come with a tight fit to ensure that there will be no riding up as you wear them. They are also seamless with a high waistline to prevent chafing.
These Runderwear briefs also come in great to offer extra warmth when you are hiking in winter. They will help guard your skin against the cold. They are a very cozy and high-performance option.
These women’s briefs are made of polyamide and elastane. These materials blend well to do a good job of keeping moisture away. So, if you are the type that sweats easily or you get caught in the rain, these briefs will have you covered.
Highlighted Features:
- Great support and comfort.
- Polyamide and elastane blend of materials.
- Seamless and moisture-wicking.
12. Runderwear Men’s Merino Briefs
It reduces friction and prevents chafing while allowing your skin to breathe. It’s made from soft fabrics making it comfortable.
These briefs come in designed to be wonderfully cool and comfortable. They feature a material blend of polyester thermocool, polyamide, and elastane to make for a fast-drying pair of briefs. These briefs also excel well with moisture wicking.
They come in more fitted than most boxers. Since they do not come with fabric in the legs, they are freer, which will come in handy when hiking in hot conditions. Their seam-free construction makes them prevents chafing or irritation.
Highlighted Features
- Fast drying and comfortable.
- Free and fitted.
- Seam-free construction to prevent chafing.
13. Wirarpa Women’s Cotton Underwear
Not many materials are as comfortable and easy-breezy as cotton is. Wirarpa has maximized this cotton material in making underwear that comes with no hassles when you add it to your hiking gear.
This underwear also features a blend of spandex for stretchability and softness to give you the mobility you require as you go hiking. They also feature a wide and smooth waistband for a seamless construction to avoid chafing.
This women’s underwear comes with breathable materials that help to absorb sweat quickly. So, if you sweat a lot, this underwear has you covered. This underwear feels like a second skin allowing you to move without restrictions.
Highlighted Features:
- Spandex for stretchability and softness.
- Seamless construction to prevent chafing.
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Allows movements without restrictions.
14. Minus33 Merino Wool Men’s Lightweight Boxers
Feature an anatomically correct pouch that supports and gives extra room so it doesn’t hurt even after hours of wear.
These boxers are made from natural materials to give you a thermal, automated, and anti-bacterial product. This means you do not have to bother about unpleasant odors as these boxers will leave you feeling fresh all day.
These boxers feature flatlock seams that ensure your skin is protected from chafing and you are as comfortable as possible. They also have great moisture-wicking and fast-drying tendencies, so you should not be bothered if you sweat a lot.
Highlighted Features:
- Flatlock seams to protect from chafing.
- Moisture-wicking and fast-drying features.
- Anti-bacterial outfit.
15. Arc’teryx Phase Men’s Boxers
Made of lightweight and breathable fabric. It wicks moisture away from your body and keeps you dry and comfortable.
These boxers are made with a light polyester material that will provide a silk-weight performance as you go about hiking. They also come with flatlock seams and an anti-chafing label that will be gentle on your skin.
These boxers come in with fast drying and moisture-wicking abilities. This means that whenever you are low on time and need to freshen up in the wild, this underwear has you covered.
Highlighted Features:
- Made of polyester.
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing.
- Silk weight performance.
- Fast-drying.
What is the Best Type of Fabric for Hiking Underwear to Prevent Chafing?
The best fabric for hiking underwear to prevent chafing is moisture-wicking and quick-drying synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. These fabrics excel at wicking away sweat from the body, keeping you dry, and reducing the friction that can lead to chafing.
Synthetic fabrics are ideal for hiking because they are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. They effectively draw moisture away from your skin, preventing it from pooling and creating friction during your hike. This helps to minimize the chances of chafing and irritation.
Additionally, synthetic fabrics tend to dry quickly, which is crucial for comfort during long hikes or when encountering wet conditions. Keeping moisture at bay helps to maintain a more comfortable and chafe-free experience.
While natural fabrics like cotton may seem comfortable, they tend to retain moisture and can become heavy and clingy when wet, increasing the likelihood of chafing. Therefore, it’s best to avoid cotton underwear for hiking.
When choosing hiking underwear, look for options designed for active pursuits and made from synthetic moisture-wicking materials. These will provide comfort, breathability, and moisture management to prevent chafing during hiking.
How Important is the Fit of Hiking Underwear in Preventing Chafing?
The fit of hiking underwear is crucial in preventing chafing during outdoor adventures. A properly fitting pair of underwear can significantly reduce friction, which is a leading cause of chafing.
Regarding fit, two aspects are essential: snugness and freedom of movement. Firstly, the underwear should fit snugly against your body without being too tight. A snug fit ensures that the fabric stays in place and reduces the chances of it bunching up or rubbing against your skin, which can irritate. However, be cautious not to choose overly constricting underwear, as it may lead to discomfort or restrict blood flow.
Secondly, underwear should offer freedom of movement. Hiking involves various physical activities like climbing, walking, and scrambling, and you need underwear that allows unrestricted motion. Look for underwear with stretchable materials and a design that contours your body shape. This way, the underwear moves with you, minimizing friction and reducing the likelihood of chafing.
The leg openings should be snug enough to prevent the underwear from riding up or bunching, while the waistband should provide a secure yet comfortable fit. A well-fitting waistband ensures that the underwear stays in place throughout your hike.
How Important is the Fit of Hiking Underwear In Preventing Chafing?
Chafing, that irritating friction between your skin and clothing, can turn a pleasurable hike into a painful ordeal. Thankfully, there’s a simple yet crucial aspect that can significantly impact your chafing experience: the fit of your hiking underwear.
- Reducing Friction: The primary cause of chafing during hiking is friction between your skin and clothing. Ill-fitting underwear can exacerbate this friction, leading to painful chafing. By choosing properly fitting hiking underwear, you can minimize the movement between your skin and the fabric, thus reducing friction and the risk of chafing.
- Moisture Management: You’ll likely sweat during hikes; moisture can contribute to chafing. Properly fitting hiking underwear made from moisture-wicking materials can help manage sweat and keep your skin dry. A snug fit ensures efficient moisture transfer, preventing excessive sweat buildup and reducing the chances of chafing.
- Eliminating Excess Material: Wearing loose or baggy underwear while hiking can result in excess material bunching up, especially during vigorous movements. This bunching can create friction points, leading to discomfort and chafing. Opting for underwear with a tailored fit ensures no excess fabric to irritate, enhancing your overall comfort and reducing the risk of chafing.
- Freedom of Movement: Hiking requires a full range of motion, and restrictive underwear can hinder your movements, causing friction and chafing. Well-fitting hiking underwear, especially those with stretchable fabrics and ergonomic designs, provide the necessary freedom of movement without compromising support. The right fit allows you to move comfortably and reduces the likelihood of chafing in areas such as the thighs and groin.
- Preventing Rubbing and Bunching: Chafing often occurs in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. An ideal fit of hiking underwear ensures the fabric stays in place and doesn’t ride up, preventing rubbing and bunching. Flatlock seams and strategically placed panels can also help minimize friction and eliminate potential chafing points.
- Tailored Support and Protection: The fit of hiking underwear is crucial not only for chafing prevention but also for providing adequate support and protection. Depending on your preference, you can choose between boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs that offer the right level of support to keep everything comfortably in place during your hikes. A proper fit also reduces the risk of skin irritation and abrasions.
Conclusion
From moisture-wicking fabrics to seamless designs, these underwear choices prioritize breathability and reduce friction, keeping chafing at bay. They come in various styles, including briefs, boxers, and boxer briefs, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your preference and body shape.
Remember, the key factors to consider when selecting hiking underwear are moisture management, quick-drying capabilities, seamless construction, and proper support. Additionally, paying attention to the fabric’s quality and durability will ensure that your underwear withstands the rigors of the trail.
Investing in high-quality hiking underwear is an investment in your comfort and well-being. By prioritizing chafe-preventing features, you’ll be able to focus on the beauty of nature and the joy of hiking, rather than worrying about discomfort or painful chafing.
