This topic seems to get covered once in awhile, but always about a particular "area". So, let's list the areas where chafing can be an issue for some folks.
This problem can be quite debilitating and can cut trips short. Personally, I have cut more than one trip short due to chafing. Seems like you find a solution for one problem, and another area flares up. Can be a loosing battle for some. Also note its not just a body weight issue. While overweight folks may be a bit more susceptible to a couple of these issues, they can, and do, occur with skinny folks as well.
In all cases, taking a day, or two, off usually clears up the problem, but that doesn't prevent it from happening again.
- Top of the thighs. This probably the most common. Can be fixed by wearing spandex shorts and/or various salves (like Body Glide). Keeping the area dry doesn't really help as the rubbing is the biggest problem. I have noticed that the type of trail I'm hiking on have a big influence on this problem (same for #3). If the trail is narrow for long distances it tends to flare up more often than when walking along wider trails.
- Scrotum. Typically from the legs rubbing against it. Never had this issue, but I do know others that have. Wearing shorts with liners (a la swimsuit) helps. Spandex shorts help, Body Glide? Some folks find wearing nothing helps, though I'm not sure how as that would seem to be the cause.
- Behind the scrotum in the "folds of skin" that form the start of your butt cheeks. This one is difficult to resolve. Body Glide is probably your best bet. And, in my experience, going above and beyond during wiping helps the best. Spandex shorts don't always help, unless you really pull them up tight.
- Buttocks (aka Monkey Butt): This is typically a hygiene issue as trail life tends make minor hygiene issues a big deal.
- Outer Buttocks: This is a little different than #4. This one occurs, your buttocks rub together during normal walking. I get this, often though I suspect it has more do with trying to fix #1 by wearing spandex shorts (helps to squeeze buttocks together). Wearing loosing fitting shorts (or lined shorts) or Body Glide probably helps the best. Keeping the area dry helps. But that can be a losing battle during a sweating hike.
- Arm pits: This typically from ill-fitting shoulder straps. And can be made worst when using trekking polls. Got any suggestions? Better fitting shoulder straps? Body Glide?
- Feet: I doubt too many of us get chafing issues on our feet like many runners do, but I do know they fix the issue with Body Glide or similar products.
Did I forget anything? If you provide a suggested solution, please list the number of the problem you are attempting to resolve. As not all solutions fix all problems. In fact, in my experience, some solutions actually help cause other problems.