As a Backpacker chaffing has often become an issue especially in the warmer months when typically I am drenched in sweat from head to toe. I have been useing Utter Balm to relieve this. What is typical for thru-hikers and is this chaffing thing pretty normal? I sometimes think I chafe more because I sweat so much.
Neandertal
I use two different creams for chafing.
For butt chafe, I use Vagisil. It’s not made for chaffing, but it sure works! Without being greasy, it lubes those areas which rub together when I walk. If things are lubed, chafe won’t happen.
In very hot sections, I sometimes get pack chafe. This usually happens on the very lower part of my back and onto the top of my butt. Creamy Desitin works wonders on this chafe.
I’ve found that when cleaning chafed areas on the trail, it’s best to NOT use baby wipes. The alcohol in the wipes can irritate the chafe more. Instead, use a dedicated bandana to clean those areas with water, then apply whatever cream or treatment you use.
yogi
yogi
Seriously!!! Skirts and kilts breathe MUCH better then any kind of pants or shorts and keeping dry greatly reduces the chafing. IMHO the best is the Macabi skirt, it also can be “clipped” into a sort of pants and shorts. Check out some reviews at Backpackgeartest.org. Mountain Hardware also makes a “Mountain Kilt”.
Just like Kramer said on Seinfeld…“I’m out there Jerry and I’m lovin it!!!”
pct05
Get a tube of “Bodyglide” Running shoe stores and most Outfitters sell it. Just rub it on any area’s that chafe. Your good to go all day. It got me to Katahdin.
Subman Ga-Me 03
Subman
Is caused by body parts rubbing together or body part rubbing against something. Moisture and bacteria are chafing allies. So stay clean and dry and chafing will be reduced.
Body glide, Gold Bond creme and powders, etc----they all work.
Depends sort of where you are chafing and why. If thighs are rubbing together and chafing, then a pair of nylons or cut off long johns or biker shorts can prevent that.
Some girls chafe in the breast region----tighter fitting sports bras and various lubes help to prevent this.
If chafing in buttocks area, clean the area and keep it dry and use lubes. Skirts and kilts are good ideas. Good air movement helps you stay dry. Don’t wear anything underneath which will hold moisture.
And yes chafing is a common problem. It has ended many a hike and thru hike. It is similiar to blisters, one it starts, you had best treat it immediately, else it will just get worse and worse as time goes on.
See you out there.:cheers :cheers
Maintain
I chafed all of Aug 2003 SOBO through ME and NH. Mostly crotch / leg area. I was wearing running shorts with sewn-in underwear. I tend to sweat a lot. Baby powder only helped a bit. I’d start the day OK, then as I’d get heated up it would hurt. One saving thing was that if I got REALLY sweaty, like on a big climb, my own sweat would lubricate somewhat.
I now have a new method. I haven’t got that many miles on it, but it works so far. I cut out the shorts liner and instead wear a pair of coolmax boxers under the shorts. These are long enough that you can barely see the underwear legs peeking out below the shorts. This seems to totally eliminate the chafing.
That said, if I do get any chafing this year, the bodyglide idea sounds like a good one to try.
moosie
Desitin is a magical remedy for pack-rash. Anti-biotic vaseline (used as a thin film) protects, lubes and prevents infection of other skin-skin chafe. Oddly, the more i bathed the more i chafed, maybe body oils prevent chafe.
zach