Best Hiking Underwear For Men of 2025

We independently test everything we recommend.
Buying through links on our site supports our work.

We are a reader-supported website and do not accept payment from manufacturers to promote their products. When you click on some of the links on our site and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. This keeps our website running and enables us to provide independent, high-quality outdoor resources free of charge.
A guy wearing many pairs of underwear

With all of the promising marketing language out there, it can seem almost impossible to choose a pair of hiking underwear that you can rely on without actually trying them out in person. That’s why we’ve thoroughly researched over 30 pairs of men’s hiking underwear and tested our 8 favorites. In order to include every budget, we chose pairs all across the price spectrum from brands such as Fruit of the Loom, Under Armour, Icebreaker, Smartwool, Uniqlo, ExOfficio, and SAXX.

Our gear testers conducted controlled testing on drying time, breathability, durability, and odor resistance to extract quantifiable results. We also wore each pair for months to assess their comfort during rigorous activities from running to ski touring.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Underwear

Check out this quick list of our favorites, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best men’s hiking underwear with in-depth reviews.

Best Men’s Hiking Underwear Overall: SAXX Quest Quick-Dry Mesh Boxer Briefs ($34)

Best Budget Buy:  Fruit of the Loom Micro Mesh Boxer Briefs ($19)

Best Merino Wool Underwear: Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers ($45)

Most Breathable: SAXX DropTemp Cooling Mesh ($38)

Fastest Drying: Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs ($15)

Durable and Naturally Odor Resistant: Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs ($48)

Soft and Durable Boxer Briefs: Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6″ Boxerjock ($14)

Best for Thick Thighs: ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 ($33)

What’s new

New category alert! We researched over 30 models and thoroughly tested our favorites to bring you the most well-rounded list of the best men’s hiking underwear.

men’s Hiking Underwear Overall Testing Score

SAXX Quest Quick-Dry Mesh Boxer Briefs

Best Men’s Underwear Overall

CleverHiker Rating: 4.8

Price: $34

Material: 77% nylon, 14% elastane, 9% polyester

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • quick drying
  • supportive
  • breathable

Cons

  • tight waistband
  • front pouch isn't for everyone

The SAXX Quest Quick-Dry Mesh Boxer Briefs feature an excellent balance of comfort, breathability, odor resistance, and durability. They also live up to their name as one of the fastest drying models we tested. 

The lightweight, micro-mesh material – made from a blend of nylon, elastane, and polyester – creates exceptional breathability and moisture wicking. These properties together keep you cool and dry in the hottest climates. The fabric is so lightweight that it creates a transparent feel that is hardly noticeable under a pair of shorts. The 4-way stretch allows for optimum mobility to tackle the most demanding terrain.

The Quest Quick-Dry boxer briefs feature SAXX’s signature BallPark Pouch – a dedicated front pouch to hold your delicates in place and reduce chafing. The supportive pouch is a unique feel that takes some getting used to. Once you do, it’s a love or hate feature. SAXX also utilizes flatlock seams to further reduce chafing and a no-roll waistband that is snug but not as soft as other models. 

The nylon blend makes for a durable, stretchy fabric that we found to hold up to normal use. Although it can snag on small abrasives easier than wool, the fabric doesn’t pill very easily. 

The nylon is also treated for odor-resistance. We found this helps for a couple days of use, but it doesn’t compare to the natural odor-resistant qualities of wool.

You can’t go wrong with the SAXX Quest Quick-Dry undies for any type of outdoor activity. Their balance of features is incredibly well-rounded, and they are even relatively affordable.

The CleverHiker Editor's Pick Badge Logo with a shirt picture in the middle

Fruit of the Loom Micro Mesh Boxer Briefs

Best Budget Buy

CleverHiker Rating: 4.5

Price: $19

Material: 93% polyester, 7% spandex

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • inexpensive
  • comfortable
  • quick drying
  • breathable

Cons

  • not very durable

For shoppers on a budget, the Fruit of the Loom Micro-Mesh Boxer Briefs offer performance quality for a fraction of the price of most hiking underwear. They have many of the same characteristics as more expensive synthetic pairs, but you can get a 3-pack for less than what a single pair usually costs.

The underwear is made from lightweight, breathable mesh and stitched together with flatlock seams to minimize chafing. The polyester mesh is almost as breathable as the highly engineered SAXX DropTemp Cooling Mesh and feels soft against the skin. Unfortunately, the polyester has the potential to get a little stinky despite the odor controlling treatment.

Being a thin polyester material, the fabric is susceptible to rubs and holes. However, the destruction would be less painful on the wallet than ones that cost $45 for a single pair.

The Micro-Mesh briefs lack a fly, which might be an unfamiliar change. On one hand, it’s a practical feature that guys have come to expect. On the other hand, the featureless front adds a comfort dimension. After testing these in the field, we personally don’t mind this omission when wearing running shorts. 

The Fruit of the Loom Micro-Mesh Boxer briefs may not perform to the standards of high end synthetic activewear. However, they come close and won’t break the bank.

The CleverHiker Budget Buy Badge Logo with a shirt picture in the middle

icebreaker Anatomica Boxers

Best Merino Wool Underwear

CleverHiker Rating: 4.7

Price: $45

Material: 83% merino wool, 12% Nylon, 5% Elastane

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • naturally odor resistant
  • comfortable
  • quick drying
  • durable

Cons

  • bulky seams
  • thin waistband

The icebreaker Anatomica Boxers are our favorite merino wool hiking underwear. They have all of the natural benefits of merino – plus, they are a little softer and more contoured than the Smartwool Merino briefs. 

We tested the fly-less version of the Anatomicas, but they are available in a version with a fly as well. For casual wear around town, the practicality of a fly is nice, but for hiking in activewear, we didn’t miss the fly. In fact, we actually prefer the added comfort of a blank front. 

The soft wool has a similar feel to the familiar coziness of cotton but with much better performance all around. Most notably, merino wool is stretchier and significantly more breathable. One feature that some may not find ideal with the Anatomicas is the thin waistband. It’s very snug and a bit more noticeable than the wide waistband of the Under Armour Performance Cotton, for example. 

During our testing, the merino wool performed as expected – excellent moisture wicking, lasting odor resistance, and a surprisingly fast drying time. The added 12% nylon blended into the wool drastically improves the durability of the wool as well.

Most men’s hiking underwear features flatlock seams throughout, but icebreaker has gone with thicker pipe seams in certain areas. This decision may have been for added durability, but the bulkier seams are noticeable, especially the one in the center of the crotch. The thread is soft, however, so we consider this a minor downside.

The icebreaker Anatomicas are an excellent choice for long backpacking trips where things like odor resistance, comfort, and durability matter most. Although they don’t compare to the ultra-breathable mesh of synthetic models, the Anatomicas still do an impressive job at wicking moisture and drying quickly. Their price point makes them a hard sell. However, the performance of these merino briefs won’t disappoint gear nerds who are dedicated to dialing in their ideal kit from head to toe. 

The CleverHiker Editor's Pick Badge Logo with a shirt picture in the middle

Saxx DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Briefs

Most Breathable

Price: $38

Material: 85% polyester, 15% elastane

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • very breathable
  • comfortable
  • dedicated front pouch

Cons

  • not the most durable
  • expensive

The SAXX DropTemp Cooling Mesh briefs are intelligently designed to increase breathability and support – perfect for the most athletic pursuits on the hottest days.

If you’re looking for the feeling of wearing nothing at all, look no further. The briefs are constructed from a banded mesh fabric with ultra breathable zones along the inner thighs and rear cleavage. Paired with the moisture wicking qualities of the fabric, these zones help keep you dry even on the most humid days.

SAXX’s BallPark pouch is a uniquely designed interior cup that secures everything in place. The mesh, polyester walls of the pouch create a barrier between your legs and your delicate equipment to cut down on chafing. For an additional chafe-reducing measure, SAXX constructed the briefs with all flatlock seams.

The fit of the SAXX DropTemp briefs is a little on the looser side but still snug enough. Although the main body of the briefs is one of the most transparent-feeling on our list, some may find the textured waistband irritating.

The nature of the DropTemp’s lightweight fabric has its pros and cons. While it’s supremely breathable and odor resistant, it is unfortunately not as durable as some other options. We recommend washing them on a gentle cycle to get the most longevity out of these briefs.

The SAXX DropTemp Cooling Mesh boxer briefs are definitely on the pricey end – especially taking into account their lower durability. However, the amount of tech and engineering that went into this pair justifies the price. If you take care of them, this pair of boxer briefs should give you the breathability and support you need for many adventures to come.

Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs

Fastest Drying

Price: $15

Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • extremely quick drying
  • lightweight

Cons

  • less durable
  • short
  • not the most breathable

The Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs are the lightest and fastest drying underwear on our list. If you love a smaller fit bordering tighty-whitey territory – or you are trying to shed every gram from your travel or thru-hiking packing – these may be the men’s hiking underwear for you.

With their minimal construction and polyester blend, the AIRism boxer briefs weigh a mere 38 grams when dry. A 3-panel design, lack of a fly, thin waistband, and a 3-inch inseam limit its material to keep weight down. However, not everyone will love the short inseam. For those with a heavier build, the crotch can tend to ride up, and thigh chafing might become an issue with the shorter leg length. The fabric itself, however, is very soft and stretchy.

The thinner fabric may wear faster than thicker nylon or wool options. Although it does feature an anti-odor treatment, the polyester has the potential to hold on to stench for longer.

While the Uniqlo AIRism boxer briefs may not be ideal for hikers with a larger build, they’re perfect for anyone that likes a snug fit or is looking to shed every gram possible. 

Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs

Durable and Naturally Odor Resistant

Price: $48

Material: 88% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • natural odor control
  • durable for wool
  • comfortable

Cons

  • slower drying time
  • expensive
  • not the most breathable

The Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs are an excellent option for multi-day adventures due to merino wool’s natural odor-resistance. These have been our go-to thru-hiking undies for years.

Merino wool is a fantastic natural fiber used in a wide range of applications in the outdoor industry. Its moisture-wicking qualities help regulate body temperature and manage sweat, and its naturally antimicrobial properties keep unwanted odors at bay. There is a noticeable difference in how quickly the stench builds on multi-day trips with synthetic garments compared to wool. Wool wins. 

Although merino wool deteriorates over time, the added nylon core on these Smartwool briefs dramatically increases their durability. We have used a single pair of these merino underpants for over a thousand miles before they began to show noticeable wear.

The Smartwool briefs are reasonably comfortable despite wool’s reputation of being a little itchy. The briefs feature a slim fit and are constructed entirely with flatlock seams. Although the fabric is a wool hybrid to increase durability, the next-to-skin fabric is 100% merino wool. The waistband is a little bulky and can be uncomfortable under multiple layers. 

The main downsides to the merino wool are its decreased breathability and drying time. Merino wicks moisture well to manage sweat build-up, but these briefs took a while to become fully dry. They’re not the least breathable option on our list, but pale in comparison to specially designed synthetic pairs.

Ultimately, the Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs are best for long trips where you don’t have the luxury of doing laundry or changing out your shorts regularly. Their price point is quite steep, but they pull their weight as a critical piece of gear. 

Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6″ Boxerjock

Soft and Durable Boxer Briefs

Price: $14

Material: 57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% elastane

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • soft
  • durable
  • thick waistband
  • minimal seams

Cons

  • heavy
  • less breathable than others

The Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6” Boxerjock delivers the cozy comfort of cotton with enhanced drying time and superior durability. Most outdoor companies lean towards merino wool or synthetic fibers. But if cotton is your jam, then look no further.

These briefs are incredibly comfortable and supportive. The cotton fabric is noticeably heavier than anything else on our list, providing a secure and comforting feel as well as enhancing durability. The generous 1.5-inch waistband further enhances their hugging feel and does an excellent job at keeping the briefs in place.

Apart from the snug fit, the Performance Cotton Boxerjocks offer another layer of comfort by eliminating seams where they aren’t necessary and using flatlock seams everywhere else. They have a working fly stitched with flatlock seams and are completely void of any side or rear seams.

The downsides of cotton are reduced drying time, breathability, and odor resistance. Although they are the least breathable pair on our list, they have average drying time and actually resist odor better than most cotton fabrics. The Performance Cotton falls short of most synthetic or wool options, but its affordability, comfort, and durability are hard to beat.

ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Briefs

Best for Thick Thighs

Price: $30

Material: 89% nylon, 11% elastane

Style: boxer briefs

Pros

  • breathable
  • flowy
  • odor resistant

Cons

  • loose fit isn't for everyone
  • not very supportive

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 boxer briefs are perfect for anyone that likes a flowy, breathable set of drawers. The new 2.0 version of the Give-N-Go briefs is significantly more breathable, moisture wicking, and quick drying than the original version. 

For anyone with skinny quads, the Give-N-Go’s fit more like a boxer than a brief. They’re much looser and more flowy than other options that offer more support. 

Although the loose fit won’t be for everyone, it does have its upsides. The flowy legs and fly naturally let in more airflow for enhanced breathability and cooling. The fit also allows optimum mobility without any bunching or wedgying unless the pants over top are particularly tight. The fabric is also nice and soft, and ExOfficio utilizes flatlock seams throughout to minimize chafing.

The 89% Nylon and 11% Elastane synthetic fabric is solidly constructed for excellent durability and features an odor-resistant treatment to ensure longevity. However, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 unfortunately took a while to dry compared to other options. After three hours of hanging up, the briefs were only about 60% dried.

The ExOfficio briefs are reasonably affordable for high quality synthetic boxer briefs, but folks who value a supportive fit and quick drying time might find more satisfaction in other options. These briefs are best for people with large thighs or those who enjoy a flowy, more boxer-like fit.

Product Comparison Table

Product CleverHiker Rating Price Material Style Comfort Breathability Odor Control Dry Time Durability
SAXX Quest Quick-Dry Mesh Boxer Briefs
View at Amazon View at SAXX
Editor's Pick
4.8 $34 77% nylon, 14% elastane, 9% polyester boxer briefs 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.7
icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
View at Amazon View at Backcountry
Editor's Pick
4.7 $45 83% merino wool, 12% Nylon, 5% Elastane boxer briefs 4.7 4.1 4.9 4.5 4.6
Saxx DropTemp Cooling Mesh Boxer Briefs
View at REI View at Amazon
4.6 $38 85% polyester, 15% elastane boxer briefs 4.8 4.9 4.6 4.4 4.0
Fruit of the Loom Micro Mesh Boxer Briefs
View at Amazon
Budget Buy
4.5 $19 93% polyester, 7% spandex boxer briefs 4.7 4.7 4.2 4.9 3.8
Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs
View at REI View at Amazon
4.4 $48 88% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon boxer briefs 4.6 4.0 4.9 3.9 4.8
Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs
View at Amazon View at Uniqlo
4.4 $15 88% polyester, 12% spandex boxer briefs 4.4 4.1 4.4 5.0 4.3
Under Armour UA Performance Cotton 6″ Boxerjock
View at Amazon View at Under Armour
4.3 $14 57% cotton, 38% polyester, 5% elastane boxer briefs 4.4 4.1 4.4 5.0 4.3
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Briefs
View at Amazon View at Backcountry
4.3 $30 89% nylon, 11% elastane boxer briefs 4.4 4.7 4.5 4.2 4.5

Scores for each characteristic (i.e. moisture control, comfort, durability etc.) are rated 1-5 as follows:
4.8-5 = Exceptional; 4.5-4.7 = Very good; 4.2-4.4 = Good; 3.9-4.1 = Average; 3.6-3.8 = Slightly below average; < 3.5 = Below average

How We Test & Methodology

COMFORT

In our opinion, comfort is the most important quality in hiking underwear because it determines whether or not you’ll actually enjoy wearing them. Comfort is best assessed by wearing, so that’s what we did. 

For months we wore these pairs day in and day out – for working, hiking, running, ski touring, and rock climbing. We took note if the briefs tended to ride up and wedge, if they had a more transparent feel, and if the waistband and seams created any weird pressure points or chafing. However, at the end of the day, comfort is subjective, so we did our best to present this information in a neutral way.

BREATHABILITY

For long hikes on hot days, breathability is a critical feature to keep you feeling cool, dry, and comfortable. To test each pair’s breathability, we took them out on the hottest days and worked up a formidable sweat. We also wore them in front of a fan at equal distance to determine a definitive score on how much we could feel the breeze from every angle. Certain pairs are made from thinner, synthetic mesh or even have dedicated zones that let in maximum airflow.

A hiker stretches the waistband of a pair of SAXX underwear.
The 4-way stretch makes for optimum mobility. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

ODOR RESISTANCE

If there’s anything to prove how much we love our readers, it’s the odor resistance test. We achieved this in two different ways. The first is exactly what you might think – we worked up a good sweat, let them dry, and then gave them the old sniff test. 

The second method involved spraying them with an equal amount of fabric freshener, hanging them up to air out for a couple days, and smelling them to see how much of the fragrance remained. We wish we had thought of this method first.

DRYING TIME

We designed our drying time test to deliver undisputable, quantifiable data, and we are quite confident in the results. We first weighed each pair of underwear completely dry to get a baseline. Then, we soaked each pair, wrung them out, and hung them up to dry. We weighed them at the beginning and in 30-minute intervals for three hours to determine how much water weight they lost over time. All of the data was calculated to compare on a percentage basis.

a pair of hands stretches a pair of underwear on a sunny day to show the thickness of the fabric
Breathable and incredibly quick drying. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

DURABILITY

Durability can be semi-reliably determined based on factors such as fiber type, fabric weight, and stitching. However, we took it a step further by using sandpaper to simulate years of natural abrasion. We occasionally noticed fabrics that were more prone to pilling, runs, or tears. With some pairs on our list, we have years of experience hiking thousands of miles in them.

A hiker steps up on a rock with his pants off wearing a pair of under armour underwear.
The thick, cozy cotton, is nice for the colder months. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

Why Trust CleverHiker

With over five years spent as a gear analyst, Brett Kretzer has tested outdoor gear in a wide range of terrains, from the rugged rocky paths of the Spanish Pyrenees to the damp, moss-covered Boreal forests of New England. He’s backpacked well over 3000 miles including thru-hikes of the Long Trail, Colorado Trail, and GR11, as well as sections of both the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. He wore underwear for almost every single mile! After logging thousands of trail miles, he’s gained valuable insights into how various fabrics, fits, and designs hold up when pushed to their limits.

A hiker sits on a rock wearing a puffy jacket and pair of under armour underwear.
The thick performance cotton is one of the most durable materials on our list. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

Analysis & Results

VALUE

As much as we love new and innovative gear that is fun, interesting, and high performing, there is a lot to be said for getting the best bang for your buck. With outdoor gear, the small differences that push the best products to the top often cost a pretty penny and there is always an option that comes close without breaking the bank.

For men’s hiking underwear, the pair that gives the high end stuff a run for their money is undoubtedly the Fruit of the Loom Micro-Mesh Boxer Briefs. Although they lack the durability of high quality synthetic options, they cost less than half as much as some competitors. You might blow through a pair in half the time, but you won’t be disappointed by their comfort, drying time, and exceptional breathability.

COMFORT

Although comfort is admittedly subjective, some pairs have a noticeably softer or more transparent feel while others tend to wedgy or have more noticeable seams. Of course, always take into account your personal preferences and body type, but here is our best assessment of the most and least comfortable hiking underwear.

The Under Armour UA Performance Boxerjocks are the most comfortable option for light hikes or lounging around at camp. They have a wide waistband that hugs the waist and keeps the briefs in place along with a long inseam. The cotton blend feels like a wisp of fluffy clouds is embracing your crotch, and the flatlock seams are unobtrusive. 

For a more transparent style of comfort, the SAXX DropTemp Cooling Mesh feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. They are super lightweight and breathable, and the BallPark pouch offers secure yet gentle support. The only downside is their slightly itchy waistband.

BREATHABILITY

Breathability is a godsend on days when you’re dripping in sweat and are dying for a breeze for some sweet relief. 

It’s tough to compete with the engineering of the SAXX DropTemp Cooling Mesh. Not only is the main body of the underwear made from breathable, banded polyester, but there are dedicated zones on the inner thigh and buttcrack to maximize airflow and keep those areas dryer than the mojave desert.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 lets in a ton of airflow thanks to its loose, boxer-like fit. If you’re a thicker guy, you might not experience the full range of breathability from these boxer briefs, but those with skinnier legs will almost feel the intrusive breeze of going commando.

ODOR RESISTANCE

Although comfort and breathability might be more obvious benefits in a pair of underwear, odor resistance quickly becomes a priority for any thru-hiker that has caught a whiff of themselves after a couple of weeks on the trail.

Merino wool by far is our favorite fabric to fend off unpleasant odors. Synthetics, even when enhanced with anti-odor treatments, don’t compare to wool’s natural anti-microbial characteristics. Given this, the Smartwool Merino Wool Boxer Briefs and Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers last the longest before turning into a petri dish of hiker body odor.

DRYING TIME

Say you’re on a week-long backpacking trip, you like to travel light, and you’ve just taken a dip in a lake or jumped into a river to “do your laundry.” The last thing you want is a pair of skivvies that haven’t dried in time for bed or – worse yet – turned into an icicle overnight. 

All pairs were subjected to the same test and left to dry in the same place with minimal airflow. The dryness results were calculated as a percentage of the underwear’s original dry weight to give them all a fair metric. 

Thanks to their lightweight, breathable polyester fabric, the Uniqlo AIRism Boxer Briefs dried the quickest. They were almost beaten by the Fruit of the Loom Micro-Mesh Boxer Briefs and SAXX Quest Quick-Dry Mesh Boxer Briefs but got a final burst of drying between the 2.5 and 3-hour mark. 

DURABILITY

Typically, thicker materials can stand up to more abrasion than thinner ones and natural materials like cotton and wool are less durable than synthetic alternatives like nylon and polyester. This is why wool and cotton are often blended with synthetics instead of being completely natural.

Despite this fact, we found the Under Armour UA Performance Cotton Boxerjock to be the most durable underwear we tested. The initial sandpaper test revealed no significant deterioration of the fabric thanks to its nylon blend and sheer thickness. The Boxerjocks simply have a lot of fabric that’ll take a long time to wear through with normal use.

The Smartwool Merino Boxer Briefs are another testament to the durability of natural fiber when combined with synthetics. We’ve worn these underwear for over a thousand miles of thru-hiking before the fabric began showing holes and noticeable transparency. 

How to Choose Hiking Underwear

PRICE

While it’s nice to have a pair of underwear that lasts a long time and has a lot of thoughtful tech behind it, you definitely don’t have to spend a lot to get something decent. 

The Fruit of the Loom Micro-Mesh boxer briefs are incredibly affordable, but you’ll go through them a lot quicker. Merino wool is an expensive fabric that’s bound to drive the price up. More complex engineering like combining multiple fabrics and creating more features also costs more dollars.

a grown man climbs a tree without wearing a pair of paints, but he dons a pair of stellar smartwool boxer briefs.
Who said merino wool isn’t for activewear? – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

MATERIAL

Depending on what features you value in a pair of hiking underwear, you might want to go with one material over another. Synthetics like nylon and polyester have excellent breathability but tend to harbor odor-causing bacteria more than naturally antimicrobial wool. Merino wool wicks moisture well and does the best at keeping odors away, but it’s expensive and takes longer to dry. Cotton is soft, cozy, and cheap, but it takes the longest to dry and is the least breathable.

FLY OR NO FLY

Some active underwear styles have opted to completely get rid of the traditional fly. For those that don’t mind using the elastic waistband for access, the lack of a fly adds another layer of comfort and security. If you’re super accustomed to a fly and think you’ll be too thrown off by not having one, it’s definitely worth checking if the underwear comes in a version with a fly.

A hiker stands in a snowy forest wearing nothing but his undies and a puffy jacket
SAXX underwear are made with unique design element for unparalleled support. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

FIT

Boxers or briefs? Snug or relaxed? These days, it seems like most underwear has gravitated towards boxer briefs with a 5 to 6-inch inseam, but if you’re someone with particularly thick or thin body type, it’s worth doing the research to find the ones you’ll be comfortable in. The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 boxers for example have a much looser fit – ideal for muscular thighs.

CHAFING

Chafing is a notorious trip ruiner. If you’re someone that experiences chafing while hiking, consider going with a longer inseam or even a SAXX pair with their dedicated BallPark pouch. Flat seams also help reduce chafing.

A hiker holds a pair of exofficio underwear against himself in a forest.
For skinny guys, the Give-N-Go’s fit more like boxers than briefs. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

Conclusion

Choosing the right hiking underwear is essential for comfort and performance on the trail. Through years of thru-hiking experience, we’re confident that our choices can withstand the most demanding adventures. Whether you prioritize breathability, support, or durability, our recommendations are designed to guide you toward the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure. We hope our knowledge and expertise has helped you make the best choice for your needs.