I’ve heard a few people mention hiking shorts with lining like swimming trunks. What about hiking in swimming trunks? The lining might help with chaffing, and they would dry faster than any other material. Anyone see any downside to this? Guess I’d have to try it out to check the comfort factor. Any opinions?
C-Giddy
the lining in my running/hiking shirts is much um i guess softer/nicer than swim shorts. and they are not wildly colored. i guess comfy swim trunks would work too
Big Boy
Swim shorts could work, but you could possibly stiff get chaffing using them as the bottom of the legs of some swim shorts are loose fitting. Regarding chaffing, most important to stay dry----moisture/rain/dampness (even from sweat) causes it to set in. If it starts, treat immediately. Elsewise it will just get worse and worse like a blister. Prevention is the best policy.
To prevent chaffing, you need a snug fit, something that will cling to skin and not jump around and cause friction between the fabric and the skin.
Suggest biker shorts, spandex type shorts, or cut off long john bottoms, with shorts over them to be a better option.
Might want to consider long pants or at least high gaiters (if using shorts) to keep the ticks, poison ivy, bees, wasps, and other things off of you a bit.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
Best costume i’ve found is one size to large gold nylon swim trunks with the mesh removed and some bike shorts without the padded bottom. One size bigger lets you pull the elastic band higher than your hip belt. Zero chaffe, mile after mile.
Bushwhack
Some people seem to have a chaffe problem, others don’t. If you do have thunder thighs, then something tight with spandex helps reduce chaffe.
If you don’t have a chaffe problem, then certainly swim shorts are one solution. There really isn’t much difference between swim shorts and sport shorts that I wear.
Like you said, Giddy, try them out and see how swim shorts work for you.
Peaks
Swim suits work great, used them for years. You’re swimming down the trail most of the time anyway.
Blue Jay
picked up a nice pair of lined hiking shorts (very light) on clearance sale at ems for 6.99 today. in case anyone is interested.
Big Boy
I definitely get chaffing when I wear running shorts w/liner…I really like wearing those as they are light and dry fast. Hopefully the trail will trim thigh circumference as to accomodate…wish me luck in '04
Knotter