Being very happy with every other item of merino clothing I own, I got some merino boxer briefs a size too small in the hopes they would fit like compression shorts. I like compression shorts b/c they prevent chafing and add a little more insulation than regular undies. Well, my bright idea failed miserably. The legs of the briefs stretched out and rode up, making them useless for the job I wanted them to do. So I am back to compression shorts. I used to use unpadded sliding shorts, but it's been years since I bought any and I was wondering if anyone else used them and could recommend some with good fit and durability, and maybe anti-microbial something-or-other to cut down on that synthetic stink.

I prefer "half-tights" over "compression shorts." You get better seams and construction, a bit heavier fabric, and can be worn on their own. Running Warehouse is my go-to store for online running apparel, though I don't know if any of the pairs they stock boast anti-microbrial properties.

compression shorts. they do everything you'd want a good pair of compression shorts to do.

Another vote vote for under armor compression shorts. These are my favorite to wear under my judo gi. However, I like the under armor boxer briefs for hiking. The legs are pretty snug on the boxer briefs, but give the boys some freedom, and they have a fly. But, my chafing issues are usually thigh related, so if yours are elsewhere then I guess the compression is your way to go.

I have tried both the Nike and the Under Armor compression shorts, and I have to say I find the Nike much more comfortable. They are a lighter material (at least since last time I tried the Under Armors) and I find the waist band more comfortable.

I've been using the EMS tech-wick compression shorts on my last few multi-week hikes. The nice thing about them is that they're treated with silver to resist microbes. That means no stink, even after days of walking.

Bonktown has been having compression half-tights on about 10 times a day for the last several days. don't remember the brand, but it doesn't take much to beat the price and quality of UA.

After looking at the half-tights, I'm not too keen on them, as I want these for four season wear and the half-tights seem made to be worn alone. I know the local store has Nike and UA at least, so I'll check those out next time I'm in town. They might have half-tights too, who knows? I'm not a runner so I've never been in that section, ha. I'd not heard of bonktown, but I'll keep an eye out there as well.

Ended up going with the UA's. They had the most spandex and robust fabric. Thanks for the input, everyone.