View Full Version : What hiking shorts do not cause chaffing ????
Crazy_Al
09-07-2009, 19:01
I have chaffing from REI hiking shorts. What hiking shorts do not cause chaffing ????
I used the North Face Class V Cargo Shorts and never had any chaffing issues. Not sure if they're still available.
Good luck finding the perfect pair...........
Chaco Taco
09-07-2009, 19:28
Kilt, really is great. Shorts, i like the Columbia convert pants or the NFace kind as well
YoungMoose
09-07-2009, 19:29
use bodyglide. Many people say it works great. Ive used it and it works great
Pedaling Fool
09-07-2009, 19:29
Are you sure it's your shorts?
For me, it's not the shorts; it's my inner thighs rubbing together.
MikenSalem
09-07-2009, 19:31
Kilt, really is great. Shorts, i like the Columbia convert pants or the NFace kind as well
Ohhh I keep seeing kilt on here, I think maybe a kilt,:datz the worlds not yet ready.:eek:
It (usually) is not the shorts. As others mentioned, it is probably your inner thighs rubbing together.
Body Glide works wonders. Some loose baggy shorts (or a kilt) also helps.
I bought a cheap pair of Bike Shorts (compression) without padding (in the butt). I think I gave $12 for them over the internet.
They have COMPLETELY eliminated my chafing issues.
I then carry a pair of Sierra Designs rain pants for evenings and when I want to wash the Compression shorts, although they make great swim trunks too. Last year in Glacier I just took a bath in them twice during the week.
(take a soda bottle lid and punch a hole in the middle with a 10 penny hot nail. Toss it in your kit. When you want to take a shower fill up your water bottle (I use a 1 Liter Aquafina bottle, usually) and either heat the water with a stove or set the bottle out in the sun (I strapped it to the top of my pack while I was hiking. When you're ready to shower find a private place 200 ft from any water source, put on your modified cap, then pour some water over you (about 1/3 of a liter) Soap up with a little Dr. Bronners on a Bandana. Rinse with the other 2/3 of a liter (I usually never end up using a whole liter). Your compression shorts get cleaned at the same time you do.) Next time you can jump in and swim, jump in in your shorts.)
I also carry Aeropel in a small container, just in case and for my feet. (no more blisters).
skinewmexico
09-07-2009, 23:36
Another vote for Body Glide.
dreamsoftrails
09-07-2009, 23:58
hiking shorts or pants are rarely good for hiking. i hiked 500 miles in a pair of wal mart starter shorts. the silkier the better. heavy duty hiking shorts will rub the hair off your thighs, provided you are going commando. if not, that probably has a lot to with your chafing.
i say go to wal mart and get some starter shorts. costs 10 bucks. they are micro thin and very soft.
JoshStover
09-08-2009, 00:01
I bought a cheap pair of Bike Shorts (compression) without padding (in the butt). I think I gave $12 for them over the internet.
They have COMPLETELY eliminated my chafing issues.
I then carry a pair of Sierra Designs rain pants for evenings and when I want to wash the Compression shorts, although they make great swim trunks too. Last year in Glacier I just took a bath in them twice during the week.
(take a soda bottle lid and punch a hole in the middle with a 10 penny hot nail. Toss it in your kit. When you want to take a shower fill up your water bottle (I use a 1 Liter Aquafina bottle, usually) and either heat the water with a stove or set the bottle out in the sun (I strapped it to the top of my pack while I was hiking. When you're ready to shower find a private place 200 ft from any water source, put on your modified cap, then pour some water over you (about 1/3 of a liter) Soap up with a little Dr. Bronners on a Bandana. Rinse with the other 2/3 of a liter (I usually never end up using a whole liter). Your compression shorts get cleaned at the same time you do.) Next time you can jump in and swim, jump in in your shorts.)
I also carry Aeropel in a small container, just in case and for my feet. (no more blisters).
Pretty good idea with the bottle cap. I had never thought of that.
The only shorts that I have found that don't chafe are the ones that come with a canister of Gold Bond powder as optional equipment. Maybe one day some companies will offer it as standard equipment on the higher end models.
David@whiteblaze
09-08-2009, 09:41
(take a soda bottle lid and punch a hole in the middle with a 10 penny hot nail. Toss it in your kit. When you want to take a shower fill up your water bottle (I use a 1 Liter Aquafina bottle, usually) and either heat the water with a stove or set the bottle out in the sun (I strapped it to the top of my pack while I was hiking. When you're ready to shower find a private place 200 ft from any water source, put on your modified cap, then pour some water over you (about 1/3 of a liter) Soap up with a little Dr. Bronners on a Bandana. Rinse with the other 2/3 of a liter (I usually never end up using a whole liter). Your compression shorts get cleaned at the same time you do.) Next time you can jump in and swim, jump in in your shorts.)
if i may hijack your post... to one up that idea, why not coat bottle w/ electrical tape or black duct tape, more likely to trap the heat.
Blissful
09-08-2009, 09:50
Hubby loves his sport kilt.
if i may hijack your post... to one up that idea, why not coat bottle w/ electrical tape or black duct tape, more likely to trap the heat.
Good idea with the tape ..... it would capture more heat.
Kerosene
09-08-2009, 12:43
Yet another vote for BodyGlide (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/body_glide_45_anti_blister_stick.html) (in the tiny 0.45 oz mini-stick if you're only going to be out for a few weeks). For most people, it's the inner thighs rubbing together. I use loose shorts and a mesh supporter to try to keep the air flowing (I think I'd look good in a kilt, but I'd still need the supporter ;)).
dreamsoftrails
09-08-2009, 12:48
The only shorts that I have found that don't chafe are the ones that come with a canister of Gold Bond powder as optional equipment. Maybe one day some companies will offer it as standard equipment on the higher end models.
out of curiosity, have you ever tried thin nylon shorts that are softly brushed and going commando with them?
Speakeasy
09-08-2009, 20:11
Nike running shorts for me (commando). I have the older ones that have a nice little slit on the side - very comfy and non-constricting :rolleyes:
Jester2000
09-08-2009, 20:16
Pantyhose. You heard me.
Body Glide. Also, in case you decide to experiment, I had terrible experience with Band-Aid Friction Block
David@whiteblaze
09-08-2009, 22:52
hooray... nobody needs to agree w/ jester this time... i hope.
I use a swimsuit till its cold enough to go with long johns under the swimsuit or shorts. what I do is safety pin the swim suit crotch to the net inside the swimsuit. that pulls the leg material of the swimsuit up to cover the inside of my thighs and prevent any direct rubbing. result - no chaffing.
juma
dzierzak
09-09-2009, 10:40
I hike in swim trunks, too. Never had any chafing problems. Even with "thunder thighs" the material and the mesh liner work for me...
Crazy_Al
09-10-2009, 09:48
out of curiosity, have you ever tried thin nylon shorts that are softly brushed and going commando with them?
What is going commando ????
JokerJersey
09-10-2009, 10:27
What is going commando ????
Going commando = not wearing underwear
faarside
09-10-2009, 10:54
Gander Mountain light weight nylon convertible pant/shorts with mesh liner work fine for me. Key for me is "loose is best - tight ain't right!" (ok... that doesn't completely rhyme). Can't beat the price, similar/same quality as other popular name brands.
Mongoose2
09-10-2009, 11:16
The only thing that has worked for me is the Bike brand compression shorts, although I have not tried the kilt......
Bicycle Shorts. Never had a problem, don't think I ever will.
unclemjm
09-10-2009, 12:08
I vote for most of the above.
Body glide is great. Compression shorts do the job really well on hot humid days. Commando also is helpful to me.
I have found that mesh liners cause as much discomfort as if I were wearing cotton boxers that were soaked with sweat and all bunched up.
Haven't gone the kilt direction yet but may consider it.
flemdawg1
09-10-2009, 12:40
Band-aid is now selling a Body-glide type skin lube. ~$5 for a small .45 oz stick @ Walmart.
http://bandaid.com/images/products/activeLifeStyle/img4.jpg
Jester2000
09-10-2009, 12:44
I vote for most of the above.
Vote for pantyhose!
Some of you may have thought I was joking, which is completely understandable, but they work. They're basically cheap compression underwear that eliminates rubbing. Buy a pair, cut them off at the knee, and you're ready to go. When they wear out, buy a new pair for a couple of bucks.
The added bonus is that if you don't have a girlfriend/wife, the first time you buy a pair you'll have to find a female drugstore employee and say to her, "hey, I was wondering . . . what size pantyhose do you think would fit me?" And then you get to enjoy the look on her face before she answers.
I won't reveal any secrets, but I know a few whiteblaze members who have hiked in pantyhose.
Crazy_Al
09-10-2009, 14:06
I have chaffing from REI hiking shorts. What hiking shorts do not cause chaffing ????
I should have mentioned the REI hiking shorts have a built-in abrasive fishnet liner.
Toolshed
09-10-2009, 15:12
Vote for pantyhose!
I won't reveal any secrets, but I know a few whiteblaze members who have hiked in pantyhose.
Do thigh highs count?? Oh Wait...that's the wrong end of the stocking!!! :D
Toolshed
09-10-2009, 15:22
Crazy AL,
I started getting horrible chafing a few years ago - butt chafing as well as thigh chafing. I would get it on a simple 10 miles day hike in warm weather.
I started using BodyGlide and that helped a lot, then I switched to Ex-Officio Boxer Briefs (approx $25/pr when not on sale) and over them I wear nylon biker style shorts, but without the padding (they are made by many companies - Brooks, Nike, New Balance and Reebok).
I also stopped using BodyGlide between my legs and mow use it on the bottoms and sides of my feet.
I just finished Front Royal to Harper's Ferry and was soaking wet from sweat all day long day for all 3 days, including 5 miles in pouring rain. I am happy to say that even after a 19 mile and a 20 mile day - absolutely no chafing - I am really happy with Ex-Officio and they are worth every penny. they also dry very quickly if you wash them out every night like using their directions.
Jester2000
09-10-2009, 15:23
Do thigh highs count?? Oh Wait...that's the wrong end of the stocking!!! :D
Hahahaha! Actually, you can save the parts you cut off for cold weather hiking, using them as warm sleeves, or using one of them for extra head insulation.
This is all in keeping with long tradition. The Native Americans considered them sacred, and used all parts of the pantyhose.
dreamsoftrails
09-10-2009, 16:01
I should have mentioned the REI hiking shorts have a built-in abrasive fishnet liner.
that being said, i would have a very hard time referring to those as 'hiking shorts' regardless of what rei wants to call them.
liners=chafing from hell
less is more, a lot more
rapchizzle
09-10-2009, 18:19
I always run and hike in cheap compression shorts from Target. They're light and keep everything in place. I would have the same problem of my inner thighs rubbing together too if it wasn't for the shorts.
pafarmboy
09-10-2009, 18:56
I always run and hike in cheap compression shorts from Target. They're light and keep everything in place. I would have the same problem of my inner thighs rubbing together too if it wasn't for the shorts.
Same for me, but I upgraded to the Under Armour. Expensive but worth it. Probably washed each of them 100 times and still wear like new.
sherrill
09-10-2009, 21:22
I used to do squat competitions in college; I've got some big legs.
I've used Body Glide and it worked for me. Now I can get by with New Balance compression shorts, they fit me well and don't have the chamois pad that bike shorts have, and actually used to chafe me worse.
I tried a kilt once, but it wasn't for me as my thighs were the problem.
All in all you have to find what works best for you.
Large shorts worn without underwear limit chaffing (though do not eliminate it completely). I carry some Body Glide for high friction spots and use it liberally. You will want to leave the dispenser at home and use the stick alone. The dispenser is heavier than the stick.
Compression shorts (I was thinking about this today), for men, may contribute to testicular cancer. The testes don't like too much heat, and the tight shorts hold them close to the hot body of the athlete. Lance Armstrong and Scott Hamilton are two very famous people who got testicular cancer and they both routinely wore VERY tight fitting clothing. Is there a definite correlation? I don't know, I really haven't done any research, I've just heard it through the grapevine. If curious, there's always Google (but take what you hear with a grain of salt).
Hikerhead
09-10-2009, 21:34
I did a 27 mile day hike about a month ago. I have never had a chaffing problem before but I did that day, it was hot and humid. Well things started hurting. I remembered what someone on here wrote about chaffing being caused by salt deposits on your skin. So I did a trail side wash up and that took care of the problem. Hike on with your bad self! :)
drastic_quench
09-10-2009, 22:16
Body heat and tight shorts do not cause cancer. The cremasteric muscle routinely retracts the testicles anyhow to maintain temperature-sensitive sperm.
Jim Adams
09-10-2009, 22:20
body glide always causes a mess when I sweat, Columbia shorts seem to cause the least chafing on me but my kilts eliminate it totally.
geek
dreamsoftrails
09-10-2009, 22:24
yeah if you are 'treating' chafing with be it gold bond, body glide, etc, you have already lost the game IMO.
come on folks, body glide came from the porn industry. just think about that.
OldStormcrow
09-11-2009, 08:23
I just did a very long day of brush-busting and hiking for about 15 miles in my Utilikilt and didn't have much of a problem. I do try to take a quick break to splash things off a couple for times a day to prevent the onset of "monkey-butt", and the kilt makes that much easier.
Kerosene
09-11-2009, 12:00
In a pinch, when I wasn't carrying BodyGlide and felt the onset of chafing, I've applied a small amount of neosporin/bacitracin from my first aid kit, which seems to have helped the situation.
I can only speak from personal experience. Most of the above options have not worked well for me; commando, body glide, swim shorts, or running shorts. The body glide works OK most of the time, but not always. Plus its a PITA to carry enough for it to be useful, especially on longer hikes.
The only thing that has consistently worked well for me is a pair of good-fitting biker shorts - the ones without the built-in pad. And they're not all created equal. I particularly find it baffling that so many boxer briefs and even biking shorts have a seam that runs right down the inner thigh. Bad design if you want to reduce chafing. I had a pair of UnderArmour ones, for example, that we terrible because of this. The ones that have worked best for ME are the Nike Pro line, in particular the Nike Pro Fit. I have NEVER had chafing while wearing them. Ever. I can't say that about any other set-up I've tried. They're a bit pricey, but the comfort is worth it to me.
Toolshed
09-12-2009, 10:15
....The only thing that has consistently worked well for me is a pair of good-fitting biker shorts - the ones without the built-in pad. And they're not all created equal. I particularly find it baffling that so many boxer briefs and even biking shorts have a seam that runs right down the inner thigh. Bad design if you want to reduce chafing. I had a pair of UnderArmour ones, for example, that we terrible because of this. The ones that have worked best for ME are the Nike Pro line, in particular the Nike Pro Fit. I have NEVER had chafing while wearing them. Ever. I can't say that about any other set-up I've tried. They're a bit pricey, but the comfort is worth it to me.
I agree... The better designs usually have a a gussetted crotch and are made with more panels for a better fit. When I hear folks sometimes complain about the cost of a good item of clothing and that you can get the same for $6 at Walmart I immediately think about fit, form and function and truly how much more different a well-designed, well-made article of clothing can be.
I paid full retail for a pair of Baggies a few years back. Liked them so much I bought a pair off the sale rack. The new ones, while a bargain, feel like plywood. Some things are worth the $.
flemdawg1
09-12-2009, 12:02
yeah if you are 'treating' chafing with be it gold bond, body glide, etc, you have already lost the game IMO.
come on folks, body glide came from the porn industry. just think about that.
Evidently you've never used Body Glide, its not that kinda lube. :rolleyes: Astro-glide is prob what you're thinking about. :eek:
I don't think I'd be using Astro-glide to prevent the type of chaffing that comes from hiking ... but that's just me.:banana
Jonnycat
09-13-2009, 12:38
Lightweight synthetic boxers, lightweight shorts, and THIS:
http://i30.tinypic.com/2nvqh50.jpg
XCskiNYC
09-13-2009, 13:56
That's in my pack.
I'd also recommend Beaudreaux's Butt Paste for those who's chaffing is already present.
dreamsoftrails
09-13-2009, 15:48
Lightweight synthetic boxers, lightweight shorts, and THIS:
lose the boxers, and you can probably lose the baby powder as well.
its not rocket science folks. chafing comes from heat and sweat. the more you wear, the more heat is trapped inside and the more you sweat.
lubing or pasting yourself up won't change this, it will only make others laugh at you. it doesn't matter how fancy or how 'wicking' your fabrics are. less fabric equals less chafing.
Crazy_Al
09-14-2009, 07:52
I will try Asics Performance 2-in-1 short.
lazy river road
09-14-2009, 08:55
in order to prevent chaffing do you need to go commando style in a kilt to reduce chaffing or would a pair of exofficio under my kilt also reduce chaffing
JaxHiker
09-14-2009, 10:20
I always run and hike in cheap compression shorts from Target. They're light and keep everything in place. I would have the same problem of my inner thighs rubbing together too if it wasn't for the shorts.
Same thing only Wal-Mart. $10/pair and they work great.
lazy river road
09-14-2009, 10:34
some one convince me to buy the Mt. Hardwear Kilt for $30 on line....so basically because of increased airflow chaffing decreases....from what ive been reading not going commando style in a kilt kinda reduces the effectivenesses of the kilt?
sherrill
09-14-2009, 10:54
I will try Asics Performance 2-in-1 short.
Good luck. As I said, you have to go with what works for you. Some folks on this thread (and this site) have a tendency to try to tell you what you need. In the end, you'll figure out what you like the best.
dreamsoftrails
09-14-2009, 11:34
some one convince me to buy the Mt. Hardwear Kilt for $30 on line....so basically because of increased airflow chaffing decreases....from what ive been reading not going commando style in a kilt kinda reduces the effectivenesses of the kilt?
yes, it would. then you would just look silly for no practical benefit.
Jester2000
09-14-2009, 11:58
some one convince me to buy the Mt. Hardwear Kilt for $30 on line....so basically because of increased airflow chaffing decreases....from what ive been reading not going commando style in a kilt kinda reduces the effectivenesses of the kilt?
At the bottom edge of the kilt you'll see a snap that can provide a measure of modesty when you're worried about exposing yourself.
lazy river road
09-14-2009, 12:20
OOOHHH Jester I am not modest...it be hike naked day ever day if it were up to me...im gonna go buy the kilt...i fear that the new 2010 model ive been wanting by mt hardwear will be twice that much for just cargo pockets and the ruffel thing in the back which I forgot the proper name for
Diamond Diggs
09-23-2009, 20:19
underarmor and bodyglide are wonder wokers
spirit4earth
09-23-2009, 20:49
mountain hardwear canyon shorts!
MtnRider1981
10-04-2009, 01:49
Spandex shorts.
El Toro '94
10-06-2009, 19:19
Another vote for compression shorts. Used them on my first thruhike, never a problem. They're also pretty light, so you can take enuf to have a clean set every other day
88BlueGT
10-13-2009, 01:52
Are you sure it's your shorts?
For me, it's not the shorts; it's my inner thighs rubbing together.
Thats exactally my problem. We'll its only happened to me once but it was BAD and almost ruined a beautiful 5 day trip. Like an idiot I thought it might help to use alcohol wipes to help out.... boy was I wrong. Anyway, I got bodyglide (I think thats the name of it) now. I just put it up like 1/2 out of the tube and cut it straight off w/ a razor blade n put it in a small zip lock. Its worth its weight and its one thing I could never go on a trip without again.
BTW, I use EMS zip off pants. Light enough, comfortable and have held up great for me. Also has cargo pockets and vents on the side which is nice.
If they have lining, cut it out and see how that works for you. It helped greatly for me, although there is still rubbing of skin on skin, so body glide is the next best thing.
Doooglas
10-21-2009, 11:40
AFTCO blue water. Case closed.
I suffered from terrible chafing problems on the shortest of hikes. Tried the ex-officio boxer brief and found instant and lasting relief. They are expensive (I've managed to find them as "cheap" as $19/pair) but worth every cent.:clap
summermike
10-21-2009, 16:41
Another vote for bike shorts. Never had a problem. They're ultralight and dry quickly too.