Underwear for a multi-day hiking trip

Short answer: On a multi-day hike, underwear should be soft, quick to dry and free of coarse seams, so it does not chafe under the backpack. Bring few sets, wash them along the way and choose a fit that stays put when you walk for hours.

What a multi-day trip demands

On a trip over several days you walk day after day with luggage on your back, and you cannot wash or change as at home. Small discomforts that you barely notice on an ordinary day grow large. That is why it is wise to choose underwear you have tried before, and not bring anything new on the trip.

Try them before you leave

Walk a long distance in the underwear before you pack it. Then you know whether it fits right, whether the seams chafe and whether the legs creep up. If you discover a problem at home, it is easy to solve. If you discover it on the third day in the middle of the trail, it is far harder.

Seams and backpack

The hip belt of the backpack often sits close around the waist, and that presses the fabric against the skin. Choose underwear with flat seams and a soft waistband that does not cut in under the belt. Notice whether the fabric feels comfortable when you move, and remember that the load makes every discomfort greater.

How many sets to bring

As a rule two or three sets are enough, so you can change while one pair dries. More takes space and weight, and you will not need it. Hang the wet pair on the outside of the backpack when the sun shines, and bring it in before it gets damp again. Look at the bamboo tank top for men, which take little room and dry easily.

Layers you can swap

On a hike the weather changes, and the body warms up and cools down many times a day. Think in layers, so you can put on and take off without repacking the backpack. Look at the bamboo undershirts for men, which sit close next to the skin and are easy to use as the innermost layer.

Socks and feet

Your feet are your most important tool on the trip, and the socks do a lot for their comfort. Choose socks that stay put, do not fold and are soft against the skin, and change them if they get wet. Look at the socks for men, and bring one pair more than you think you need.

Washing along the way

Rinse the underwear in the evening in a basin or in a stream, if that is allowed, and use a little mild soap. Wring it out gently, hang it to dry and do not leave it damp in the backpack. That way you have a clean pair for the next day without carrying a whole stack.

After the trip

When you are home, wash everything you took according to the care label, and let it dry completely before putting it away. Note what worked and what you would pack differently next time. Then you are better prepared when you head out again.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of underwear should I bring on a multi-day hike?

Usually two or three pairs, so you can change while one pair dries. More takes up space and weight in the backpack, and you can rinse a pair in the evening.

Should I test the underwear before the trip?

Yes, walk a long distance in it, so you discover chafing and fit problems at home. That is far easier to fix than if the problem first appears in the middle of the trail.

How do I dry clothes on a hike?

Rinse them in the evening, wring them out gently and hang them where air can reach. During the day you can attach them to the outside of the backpack, so sun and wind help them dry.

See our range of bamboo boxers.