Firstly let me thank all of the posters for the informative, sometimes funny, messages. My question to everyone here is this:
This may seem like an odd queston but does anyone have any opinions in wearing a jockstrap instead of underwear during a hike?
Thanks in advance for the opinions (if any are given, that is).
Pete
Seriously, a pair of shorts with a mesh lining is all you need. Or a pair of shorts without that is long enough so the wee willy doesn’t make an unexpected appearance when you sit down. Remember, you will most likely be sweating your brains out so the less hot and bothered you are…
Sorry if you took offense to that last sentence. Did I say brains - I meant those little round things.
One Timer
Thanks for the info One Timer. I forgot all about the mesh lined shorts. Good idea. Now if I could just figure out where to buy some that are “Hot Pink” I’d be all set.
Pete
Dont forget the possibility of going without. Chaffing tends to be a serious issue with some guys and bike shorts seem to work for some guys. Some guys resort to kilts or skirts worn comando as well. Unfortunately wearing underwear kinda depends on making sure they are clean. In the real world this is no issue but on the trail it can cause issues. I went with the liners in water shorts and had some issues with cafing but feel it worked about as good as anything else.
TB
TurkeyBacon
From the for what it’s worth department, Backpacker published a survey last year. The question: how many pairs of underwear do you pack. I remember only one figure distinctly, so all but the last are approximations; 1 = 15%, 2 = 25%, 3 or more = 15%; NONE = 45%. So, whatever you decide to do, you won’t be alone. Seriously, there are a lot of approaches. Corn starch, baby powder, vaseline, silk, mesh, polypro, cotton, none. Topography may have some impact. Whether you’re dry or not, sure. Guess you got to go with what works for you.
Fair skies and flat trails!
Jim2
you are not kidding. I know a thru-hiker that used Parkay. Or was it ‘I can’t believe it’s not butter’? I forget. This was in the Shenandoahs in the heat of the summer. EEaaaahgh. :x
One Timer
I like Under Armour (underarmour.com) I found them at Hibbett’s Sporting Goods. Similar to biking shorts, made from spandex and nylon.
Sparky
I went commando third day into my hike, and never looked back. In fact it was strange actually WEARING boxers when I finished. One note though, make sure that you are aware of the “status” of your shorts…I think a family in Hanover may still be emotionally scarred from sitting across from me!
MG
i have been trying to figure this one out too (never considered jock strap) and i have been hearing that the commando way is the right one. i have even been told to rip the mesh lining out of hiking shorts. of course i also have heard that chafing is only a problem at first then the area kind of scarrs up (owww)
chubby arb
Hey Cubby arb. Although it may scarr up it doesn’t get better as a result. It was the most dishartening aspect of my hike to be in that much pain from such and akward place. But hey, no pain no maine. Suck it up and cry if you need to.
TB
TurkeyBacon
