I should start by saying that I use wool Ibex briefs for colder weather hiking, running, skiing, etc., but 1) I find wool underwear too hot and uncomfortable for warmer weather hiking 2) the Ibex underwear has one flaw, which they may have addressed in their latest seamless underwear (I got mine 2 years ago) - the leg openings had no elastic and thus the briefs tend to ride up your bum. Not fun in warm weather.

So after ignoring synthetics briefs for a while, which synthetic briefs are most comfortable and least odor-holding for warmer weather backpacking? I have found that mesh-style polyester briefs (or shirts for that matter) will hold odor like the devil - smooth style garments hold odor less. That's because odor-causing bacteria love the extra surface area offered by mesh weaves.

Does the new Patagonia Cocona odor-control work in their polyester and capilene garments? Is there another synthetic treatment that works better? I've found that X-static (embedded silver fibers) barely works, at least compared to high quality merino wool.

I'm not odor-shy - I just can't stand how some of my synthetic garments stink so bad after just a short use, whereas my wool garments can go days. I literally wear a thin wool running top 3-4 days in a row with no serious odor.

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

Edited by ben2world on 09/24/2007 11:46:25 MDT.

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.

Edited by ben2world on 09/24/2007 17:01:17 MDT.

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! :(

Edited by ben2world on 09/30/2007 17:32:44 MDT.

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

Well, I have never worn the EcoSpeed T as underwear...

j/k

I've used mine twice now... the stink was more than I expected. (Although these hikes were in S.Utah, with temps hovering around 95-100, walking up long, steep, sand dunes). We were literally soaking with sweat. I suppose if it handled that much sweat with keeping the odor somewhat suppressed it did a great job.

I use the REI mesh boxers and they hold odor pretty bad. I also have a pair of Terramars that aren't bad. I have used Duofold T's before and they seem to perform fair as far as odor goes but the material pills after several washes so I stopped using them. My favorite T is now NF Vaporwick. I don't notice siginificant odor retention.

[...]

Edited by beenay25 on 12/19/2007 12:23:37 MST.

Another vote here for Ex-Officio briefs; they work extremely well for me - two to three days and still OK(ish): I took one pair on the GR20 this summer (a 14 day walk) and they did well, washing every couple of days and drying very rapidly. If only you could buy them in the UK.

Others tried and tested:

Paramo
Cambia briefs - runners up to the Ex-Officio, can turn inside out to make them warmer/cooler apparently but I have never noticed any difference. Heavy.

Patagonia
Silkweight boxers. Comfortable but too baggy for me. OK on the odour factor.

Gladiodor Capilene tops. Comfortable fabrics - nowhere near Merino in terms of odour reduction. Wore one of these 14 days straight in Corsica (GR20) too - rinsing in just water it stayed pretty good, but the mankiness did build up - albeit slowly.

MEC
I think these are duofold copies. Not comfortable for me so I have no real opinion of them.

REI
Some sort of quite snug brief (cannot remember the name); really comfortable - but do not do well in the smell dept.

Smartwool
Various weights from 200 to 260, briefs, Ts. Brilliant. The 200 skin-weight SS shirt I wore all summer in the Alps - for a month and it resisted odour well; obviously I did wash it every now and then.

My unscientific analysis ;-)

I'll join the slew of others who vouch for the odor resistance of Ex-Officio. I sweat alot and I can get funky with the best of them. I have a tshirt that has been through hell and it still holds up pretty well. This fabric also wicks better and is lighter than many of the synthetics that I have tried.

Does the Ex-Officio fabric loose odor resistance?
-I will say yes, I started noticing ~20-30 washes or so.

I have also used their lightweight skivvies, I'll recommend those as well.

One thing I've been meaning to try on smelly cloths is a enzymatic/microbial cleaner often used on neoprene such as Mirazyme. I have two pairs of "swamp" boots that I'd love to wear if they didn't reek.

Edited by HechoEnDetroit on 12/14/2007 00:56:51 MST.

Speaking of briefs....have you guys ever considered goin bare......down there? ;) Nothing for the stink to hold on to....kind of. Very breezy. I won't ever go back to those restricting briefs.

Also, in regard to Duofold. I know its a blend of cotton, and I could have sworn that Cotton was the devil in the backcountry...am I wrong? I do indeed need a stink free T, but just not ready to go wool yet....

I have done both. Bare is fine but chafing can be an issue for some people. You end up in a very bad and painful place if you do get chafing. I have been whereing MTS boxers that I purchased at REI. They are the best I have warn. If you are too cheap, som of the guys in the Army used cut off panty hose. They swore by it.

I say try the MTS, they are a synthetic.

Lots of folks like to categorize things either "1" or "0" -- black or white. We've all heard the mantra "cotton kills". To me, much more often, things differ by degrees.

I am not a fabrics expert, so all I can do is describe my experience as a user. To me, the Duofold blend (85% poly and 15% cotton) gives me the best of both worlds. The overwhelming component is poly -- so I get the wicking, quick-drying properties. I have worn them in cold places -- such as hiking up Mt. Whitney -- working up a royal sweat -- and the tees dry quickly when I am at rest. And yet, the entire garment gives me a genuine cotton feel. Some of my hiking friends actually thought I was wearing "all cotton" when they felt the fabric. Finally, I've worn my tees for four years now and sometimes 5-6 days straight at times -- but I haven't exprienced the funk factor at all that so many have described about their 100% poly's. I suspect the bits of cotton -- being much more absorbent to water and suds -- allow for a more thorough wash than pure poly.

The real question is bro or manzierre?

Bros or manzierre? What the heck for?

You've got women risking jail time trying to get rid of theirs, and here you are wanting some. Weird. :)

Edited by ben2world on 12/14/2007 14:36:33 MST.

>>The real question is bro or manzierre?

I burned my bro back in the sixties.

As to briefs, I'm also partial to Ex Officio. They are very comfortable, fairly odor resistant, and dry quickly.

I have been wearing ExOfficio's everyday for about three years (bought a few pairs here and there when they went on sale), and I obviously love them. They don't give me any problems when backpacking, but I have been any longer than four days.

If I were going to try anything else it would be the Icebreaker wool ones. When I first trasititioned to wool I tried the Ibex, but it wasn't as comfortable against my skin as I was hoping for. Switched to Icebreaker and I'm lovin' it! Great stuff with absolutely no discomfort. Haven't tried their underwear (yet), but I'm sure I will someday.

Anybody have any experience with it?

I've stayed away from the synthetic stuff. I like the feel natural fibers. Lately though, I've been having a huge problem with the durability of Merino. Every pair of Smartwool boxers I use just does not hold up to EDC use.
Case in point:

http://img15.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=42819_Imported_Photos_00001_122_645lo.jpg

I just wish I could find a pair that doesn't rip under the crack area. Smartwool has said that the boxers aren't made for hard use but I think tht they are just designed poorly. I've been killing a pair every 2-3 months. Ibex doesn't really thrill my heart for an alternative..

Edited by bmstrong on 12/15/2007 11:31:29 MST.

If you want to eliminate the odor from synthetic clothing on a trip, try carrying a small bit of baking soda and sprinkling it on the reverse side of the affected area and then rub it in. I learned this tip from "Sports Afield" magazine a few years ago during its brief departure from being a hunting magazine. It sure works for me regardless of brand, so if it won't work for you, maybe the genes theory...! Be sure and not sprinkle too much on at a time or it may be a bit irritating to the skin. You don't need much anyway and the smell will instantly be gone. As for washing any odor out of synthetic garments, just use a generous bit of vinegar in the wash. This tip was recommended by a Patagonia rep some years ago. Hope this helps.

Re the synthetic treatments, as far as I can tell the 'Cocona' treatment in Capilene does absolutely _nothing_, my Cap 2 top absolutely stinks within a day, while I can barely tell I've been wearing my icebreaker top - even after 8 days of night+day use.

Might try and track down a Powerdry+xstatic top to see if they're better - anyone have any reports on these?

edit: turns out the Cap 2 uses 'Gladiodor' not Cocona. Whatever it was, it didn't help.

Edited by adrianb on 03/30/2009 16:24:16 MDT.

I use "C-9 by Champion" antimicrobial boxer-briefs from Target. $6 or $8- they always seem to have two different types. They also have other models that appear the same but without the "Antimicrobial" hang tag. Leg length is about 3" which is what I need to keep from chafing. No funk in the 2 pair I bought last Spring.

They also have some running shirts in the same line with antimicrobial treatment.

Golite DriMove T shirts do not retain sweaty odors.

I have a lot of brands and have narrowed my favorites in summer to two pairs. The Icebreaker is wool so you don't want that, but I have been very impressed with the Terramar Sports boxer briefs. This model:

http://www.terramarsports.com/men/body-sensors/essentials/silkweight.html

I really should sit down and write a review of them. I have one year of 3-season use with them and they are still in good shape. They dry very fast in the field when rinsing them out. The odor control is almost as good as my wool.