Hello from NZ - I'm searching for underwear for upcoming long thru-hike (we call it tramping down-under!) - I want multi day wearing (no stink!) and quick to dry. I want to take one pair of brief for 12 days. X-Static fabric seems the go (anti bacteria silver thread) - Pearl Izumi look good, as well as Mountain Design. Anybody have suggestions/in-field experience in these brands or suggest others ? Please include internet address for shopping online from NZ.
Cheers Rob

Consider Icebreaker boxers. I have not found anything to beat the 'non stink' of wool and they are not too warm.
And you'd be supporting local industry!

I have found the smartwool microweight boxers to be extremely comfortable but lack in durability.

I've really liked Patagonia's Capilene boxer briefs-www.patagonia.com for handling Georgia's high heat and humidity without chafing. The Smart Wool is a little warm for conditions here, at least for three of our seasons.
My regards to all of you Kiwis.

Check out cycle-style shorts [minus the padding, of course]. I think the trim fit helps keep chafing down, and they still look normal enough to wear without shorts over them. They can feel very nice, very breezy worn alone. Can't do that [as fashionably] with loose boxers or tiny briefs.

Also, because of the spandex/ lycra content, they will maintain their fit over time; they won't get all baggy and wrinkly and lose their form and give you wedgies. And if you are wearing shorts or pants over them, they won't get twisted up and maladjusted with the opposing fabric.
-Mark

Edited by mlarson on 10/27/2005 08:36:02 MDT.

All good recommendations, but seriously, one pair of boxers/briefs for 12 days! Why? They're not THAT heavy...

When 'it' starts itching, you'll be real sorry.

Umm, not from any personal experience, just what I've heard...

Edited by ben2world on 10/27/2005 13:33:40 MDT.

I like the ex-offico underwear that rei sells. dave

Thanks Ben - I do intend to wash them every two/three days!!!

I've tried several kinds of synthetic underwear, all polyester and big commercial brands like Jockey. I've concentated on short boxer styles to help with chafing. My conclusions so far? You can't tell much by looking. Some styles are warm-- too warm for summer, but great for winter. Some are really stretchy-- not necessarily a bad thing, but you might want to try another size. They do wick the moisture away. They are slippery and make it more difficult to keep my pants up or my shirt tucked in. I would buy a pair and wear them around town first. They are light and dry quickly. Even the smallest prcentage of cotton makes a big difference in weight, breathability and drying time. Finally, the prices are outrageous!

Check out Ibex Breezer Briefs made of lightweight wool. While it wasn't the length of time you plan, I just wore them four days straight: backpacking on Calif's Lost Coast...and it was sunny, hot and sweaty.
I would have no reservation, and look forward to, wearing them on a through hike...washing them along the way.

Unlike fellow Georgian Will, I found even the silk weight Capilene didn't get the job done, as I sweat like a...well, nothing sweats as much as I do. I've tried so many different fabrics that I've lost count. My mind was open to try anything for relief in hot, humid weather. Then I had a conversation one day with my neice, a big time high school MVP soccer star. She said all the athletes, male and female, wear a brand of clothing designed for sweat management called Body Armor. As it was designed for sports, I was a bit skeptical at first, as sports gear mfg. are usually late to the game compared to backcountry pursuits. But, what the heck, I gave it a try. I was amazed at how silky the BA undies felt, but not clammy once damp (unlike silk). They're even comfortable once damp, and dry quickly - quicker while wearing than other types, at least for me (though once off they don't dry as quick as silkweight capilene). That being said, I always carry 2 pair of undies - one for the trail, and a dry pair that is only for camp wear and sleeping. Additionally, a little alcohol to keep the nether regions clean of oil, sweat, etc. can make a big difference in comfort and hygiene.

I would also recommend the Ibex Breezer Briefs. I've been wearing them 5 days a week for about a year. They are warm when its cool and cool when its warm. It is not very humid here in Colorado but I just wore them for a week in Costa Rica where the humidity is very high and they performed well. When I backpack I take 2 pair. I will wear 1 for a day or 2 wash it and then change into the second pair. They are a little expensive, but in a year they show no wear. Their web site is www.ibexwear.com. I will get 2 more pair for Christmas and after that I will wear nothing but Breezer Briefs every day. I like them that much.