Let’s face it, not all underwear’s made equal when it comes to getting out and about in the great outdoors.

Some pairs are too baggy, while others are too tight. Some ride up, while others drop down. And some get far too too hot and sweaty, while others are a bit too loose and airy…

All told, finding the best hiking underwear for men can be a challenge.

Thankfully, though, backpacking briefs have come on leads and bounds over the years! With a bit of hunting, experimentation, and trial and error, you can walk away with an unparalleled pair of hiking underwear that make life on the trail ten-times more enjoyable.

Would you like some help with that all-important endeavour? Well, this guide to the best underwear for backpacking, hiking, and general outdoor use should come in handy.

Keep reading for 8 comprehensive reviews to the best underwear hiking aficionados are sure to love walking around in.

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The Best Backpacking Underwear – Summary Table

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How to Choose the Best Men’s Underwear for Hiking

You can’t beat a good pair of hiking undies when you’re out on the trail. With no chafing or wedgies to worry about, you can get on with the walk in blissful comfort!

Alas, picking the best men’s underwear for the job can be tough- especially when you’ve never gone shopping for them before. What features should you look for? And which attributes are all-important?

Read on for the answers to these kinds of questions and find out exactly what to consider when searching for the best underwear for hiking men.

1) Material

The most important factor to consider when buying camping underwear is the material it’s made from. You need a material that a) feels nice against your skin, b) is quick to dry, and c) is both moisture-wicking and breathable.

The best fabrics for hiking underwear can be broadly classified into two categories: natural and synthetic.

Natural fabrics include merino and other types of wool, while synthetic materials mainly used for these purposes are nylon and polyester. Each type has certain advantages and disadvantages associated with them.

For example, natural fibres are gentle against your skin and less likely to build up odour. However, they’re not as durable as synthetic fabrics and are on the more expensive side too.

On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are more affordable and durable, but they offer less natural odour resistance. When they’re wet, they can also feel unpleasant against the skin.

2) Cut and Design

Comfort is key when you’re out on a hike (especially long, multi-day ones).

And you’d be surprised how much of a difference the style of hiking undies you wear has on your comfort-levels! Usually, hiking underwear for men comes in one standard style: boxer briefs. However, depending on the brand, this can translate to a variety of fits.

Hiking underwear that’s too form-fitting gets uncomfortable after a short while. It doesn’t allow for much movement and ventilation, and can feel suffocating on hot weather. At the same time, underwear that’s too loose isn’t ideal either. Sure, these undies are nice and airy. But they also ride up and chafe against more downstairs.

The best fit lies somewhere in the middle, which is why boxer briefs are perfect. Of course, the right cut for you also depends on your own preference and what you find comfortable. As long as it prevents excessive chafing and irritation, you should be good to go.

3) Quick-Drying & Odour-Resistant

You’re going to sweat more than usual when you’re out camping or hiking.

The outdoor sun coupled with increased activity is a double-whammy and can cause serious perspiration throughout the day. Wear regular cotton undies and this can get soon become uncomfortable as they absorb the moisture and sit damp against your skin. Unpleasant smells are more likely to arise as well!

That’s why the best hiking underwear is specially designed to be moisture wicking and quick drying.

This applies to both natural and synthetic fabrics. For example, some natural fibres (such as merino wool) are able to eliminate odour naturally; some synthetic fabrics are specially treated to become odour-resistant. You’re onto a winner if you find some underwear that ticks these boxes.

4) Durable

The best men’s hiking underwear is durable and long-lasting too.

As I mentioned above, synthetic fabrics are usually much more durable than their natural counterparts. However, that’s not to say natural materials lack in this regard. Merino wool, for instance, is a hardwearing natural material that’s sure to serve you well on the trail over time (as long as it is cared for correctly).

Likewise, while synthetic fabrics offer greater tear resistance, they don’t have natural odour-eliminating qualities like merino wool.

They have to undergo a process that leaves them with an antimicrobial coating instead. This makes the material fairly odour-resistant, but the coating tends to wear away with prolonged use and frequent washing.

5) Ease of Maintenance

Convenience and versatility are always important attributes for campers. And, in this regard, synthetic fabrics generally take first prize versus natural alternatives. They tend to be quicker to dry, at less risk of shrinking or stretching, and can be safely washed with your regular clothes in the washing machine.

For your merino undies, on the other hand, there are some special considerations you need to keep in mind.

First, you’d need to avoid hot water when washing them (exposing merino wool to high temperatures can make it shrink). Second, to extend their lifespan, you’ll want to dry your merino undies in the shade and opt for air drying rather than putting them through the dryer.

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The Best Mens Hiking Underwear-

8 Hiking, Backpacking, & Camping Underwear Reviews

Now you know what qualities to look for when buying mens’ hiking underwear, which brand has the best combination of these qualities?

What’s the best camping underwear available for men on the market today? Take a look at these detailed reviews of my 8 top picks.

1. David Archy Ultra Soft Sports Underwear

PRODUCT FEATURES

The David Archy Sports Underwear is highly popular and well-rated online, with thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers.

You get three pairs in the pack, and they come in three different styles: mesh (without a fly), solid (without a fly), and mesh (with a fly), not to mention an array of different colour combinations (black, grey, dark grey, navy blue, and maroon). This means you aren’t limited by a certain style and can choose the exact version you like!

Another cool feature is the unique 3D pouch design, which guarantees maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

This snug pouch should keep your junk in place, without being too constricting as you explore the great outdoors. And the tight-fitting, long leg design should prevent these boxer briefs from riding up too, meaning no more pesky wedgies on the trail.

Last but not least, the David Archy underwear’s made with travellers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. It’s lightweight, breathable, and fast drying, with flat-locked stitching that should limit scratchiness and irritation.

PROS

• Great to travel with, as you only need 1 or 2 pairs
• Flat-locked stitching
• Selection of styles and colours
• Breathable and quick-drying
• Soft, comfortable, elasticated design
• 3D pouch design for a snug (but not too snug) fit

CONS

• The legs may extend too far down for some people

–> Click here to see this David Archy underwear on Amazon.

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2. Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Boxer Briefs

PRODUCT FEATURES

The Smartwool sport 150 boxer briefs aren’t as highly-rated as the David Archy’s above, but, by all accounts, they’re still a first-rate pair of hiking undies.

They also give you the best of both worlds by combining the natural benefits of merino wool and synthetic nylon. That makes them durable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and naturally odour-resistant. Oh, and they’d be super soft and comfortable against your skin as well.

In terms of fit, they have a ‘Slim Fit’ style that’s designed to follow your body’s contours.

Though they may be too tight for some, the Smartwool undies seem to provide a snug yet comfortable next-to-skin fit in general, which should flex and contract according to your body shape. Their mid-rise design positions these undies at the hips, with the waistband resting about 2 inches below your navel.

An added bonus is that these merino wool boxer briefs can be easily washed in the machine. Made with a natural and synthetic blend of fabrics, they’re much more resilient, don’t tear easily, and shouldn’t shrink if exposed to high temperatures (though care must still be taken to avoid it).

The only downside I can see is the price-tag. You’re looking at $30 for a single pair of men’s hiking underwear, which is far more expensive (per pair) than other options on this list.

PROS

• High-quality merino wool underwear with the durability of synthetic materials
• Comfortable and soft against the skin
• Breathable and quick-drying
• Naturally anti-microbial and odour-resistant
• Snug fit

CONS

• More expensive vs other boxer briefs on the list
• They may run a bit large
• You only get one pair in the packet

–> Click here to see this Smartwool underwear on Amazon.

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3. ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs

PRODUCT FEATURES

These ExOfficio briefs average 4.5/5 over more than 6,300 reviews online, which goes to show their quality (and popularity). They seem like a great all-round product, with all the attributes you’d want in a pair of hiking undies.

At a superficial level, they come in a wide range of colours, meaning you can select a pair that’s right for you.

Then there’s the elastic waistband that provides a secure fit, durable synthetic materials (nylon and spandex), and a reasonable price tag (especially compared to the Smartwool boxers above) that sweetens the deal.

At a practical level, these ExOfficio boxer briefs feature an intelligent mesh design that serves to increase breathability and comfort. The wickable material’s also quick to dry and will keep your junk snug and supported on the trail.

Better still, these boxer briefs have been subjected to an antimicrobial treatment to reduce bad smells and keep you fresher for longer. That’s good news when you’re out and about with no way to wash your clothes!

These undies might not win any awards, but they’d definitely do the job without breaking the bank.

PROS

• Budget-friendly vs the Smartwool boxer briefs
• Quick-drying, breathable mesh fabric improves airflow
• Machine washable
• Anti-microbial treatment tackles odours
• Snug, elasticated fit

CONS

• Direct sunlight may cause the color to fade over time
• You only get a single pair per package

–> Click here to see this ExOfficio underwear on Amazon.

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4. Adidas Sport Performance Underwear

PRODUCT FEATURES

Averaging 4.7/5 over almost 10,000 reviews, Adidas has created one of the best men’s hiking underwear options on this list.

With two pairs in a pack, you get better value for money from a leading sports/apparel brand. In terms of specific features, these boxer briefs are made from a mix of polyester and spandex, making them well-suited to all sports and outdoor activities; you’ll also enjoy their soft, stretchy, quick-drying nature that promotes both airflow and a wide range of movement.

I also like the plush, soft waistband of this pair of hiking underwear, which is designed to be ‘tagless’. That means there’s no irritating fabric rubbing against your skin; the non-chafing stitching throughout the construction has the same effect over your legs and junk.

All told, you’re looking at maximum comfort and minimal irritation.

On that same theme, the Adidas sport boxer briefs have a ‘no-ride-up leg construction’, which should keep them in place and prevent ‘bunching’ (read: wedgies). Last but not least, there’s a double-lined pouch that keeps everything snug, comfortable and secure downstairs, which will be helpful on intense outdoor excursions.

The only issue I can notice is the apparent lack of anti-microbial treatment. There’s no mention of this online, which is bad news on long, sweaty hikes.

PROS

• Clever no-ride-up leg construction
• Easily washed with a regular load of laundry
• Affordable and long-lasting sportswear
• Highly-rated and popular online
• Great value for money
• Reputable brand known for quality products

CONS

• The waistband may curl from the top after considerable use and frequent washing
• No mention of anti-microbial treatment

–> Click here to see this Adidas underwear on Amazon.

5. Under Armour Boxerjock Boxer Briefs (Best Underwear for Hiking Men)

PRODUCT FEATURES

Ready for another wildly popular pair of boxer briefs? With an average rating of 4.7/5 over almost 6,000 reviews, this Under Armour Boxerjock undies won’t disappoint.

From an aesthetic standpoint, they come in a nice range of colour combinations to help you choose the pair that’s right for you.

Then, as far as practicality goes, the performance waistband will stretch to fit your frame (this could prove useful if you lose weight on a long multi-day hike, for example) and sits comfortably without being either too loose or tight. The polyester/elastane materials are super soft and designed to both wick sweat away and dry fast as well.

One feature that distinguishes these Under Armour undies from other pairs of hiking underwear is the smart ‘4-way stretch construction’.

This is said to help you ‘move better in every direction’, providing greater freedom of movement without the fabric shifting, bunching, or tearing. You can also expect a snug fit to offer solid support for your nether-zone, without being too restrictive.

And, last but not least, the Under Armour sports underwear come with that all-important anti-odour technology to keep them smelling fresher for longer on the trail. The antimicrobial lining works to eliminate bad smells by preventing growth of odour-causing microbes.

Getting two pairs of undies in the pack offers better value for money as well and means you have a backup pair to wear on your hikes. All things considered, I’d put the under Armour Boxerjocks as my pick for the best hiking underwear for men on this list.

PROS

• Lightweight and soft against your skin
• HeatGear fabric offers superior performance
• Fabric wicks sweat away and is quick to dry
• Elasticated 4-way stretch construction for ease of movement
• 2 pairs in the pack means better value for money
• Reputable brand renowned for its quality

CONS

• The design doesn’t include a fly

–> Click here to see this Under Armour underwear on Amazon.

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6. Separatec Sport Dual Pouch Underwear

PRODUCT FEATURES

These sports boxer briefs from Separatec are made using rib nylon stretch fabric.

This makes them highly elasticated, lightweight, quick-drying, and super comfortable to wear. Adding to that comfort levels, the stitching used to make these undies is designed to minimize irritation and chafing on the move. Long 6.5” legs should stop them from riding up too high and causing uncomfortable wedgies along the way.

However, the main ‘USP’ of the Separatec underwear is undoubtedly the ‘patented pouch tech’. Basically, these boxer briefs come with a double lined pouch (AKA a purpose-made pocket in which to place your junk, similar to jock strap) on the front that provides extra support for your stuff.

It looks a little funny and I’ve definitely never seen anything like it before, but it could prove useful when your’ doing vigorous exercise!

On top of that, the pouch features a ‘breathable window panel’ (in others words, there’s a hole) to keep everything nice and breezy on hot days. This also doubles as a fly for you to stick your wedding tackle through, making it much easier to relieve yourself when you need a pee.

I also like how you get 3 pairs in one pack, all for under $40. That’s good value for money- especially compared to other items I’ve reviewed in this article.

PROS

• The dry 2-3x faster than cotton undies
• They’re 40% lighter than general fabric
• Long leg boxer briefs avoid annoying riding up
• Smooth, non-chafing stitching
• Pouch makes a difference in high-energy activities
• 3-pack (AKA good value for money)

CONS

• The elasticity of the waistand begins to wear away after a few washes

–> Click here to see this Separatec underwear on Amazon.

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7. David Archy Bamboo Rayon Trunks

PRODUCT FEATURES

Ready for another top-rated pair of David Archy undies? These Bamboo Rayon Trunks have over 4,800 five-star reviews and offer a whole host of attributes.

First off, you can choose between an (albeit limited) selection of colour combinations and get either 3 or 4 pairs in a pack (depending on the exact ones you buy). That makes them a customizable and cost-effective pair of men’s hiking underwear.

There’s also the option of 4.5, 5.5, and an 8-inch leg. That extra length should stop them from riding too far up your thighs, preventing buckets of discomfort and frustration in the process.

These David Archy boxer briefs sport a nifty 3D-Ultra U pouch that’d keep your junk in place, while still providing enough space for movement. The handy fly on the front helps you go to the bathroom whenever nature calls.

As far as the cut goes, these boxer briefs have “one-piece clean cut” design that’s meant to a) keep wedgies at bay and b) stop you having to pull your underwear back into position all the time.

If you’re after a novel natural material, these David Archy boxes briefs would be a good bet too. They’re made from bamboo rayon, which is a ‘cellulose fiber extracted from bamboo’. Expect them to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft to the touch as a result.

Take note, though: these undies might run a bit small. If you plan on buying a pair, then it may be worth ordering a size up from what you’d normally choose.

PROS

• Functional front fly makes bathroom breaks quick and easy
• Soft, breathable and moisture-wicking bamboo rayon fabric
• Great value for money
• Extra-long leg available to prevent riding up

CONS

• The fabric may start fraying after a few cycles in the washing machine
• They run small- might be worth ordering one-size up to get the right fit.

–> Click here to see this David Archy underwear on Amazon.

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8. Champion Men’s Double Dry Boxer Briefs

PRODUCT FEATURES

These Champion Elite Men’s boxer briefs are another great all-round option that are wildly popular online (averaging 4.6/5 across 10,500+ reviews).

They feature a ‘contoured front panel’ (AKA a front pouch to cradle your junk) for added support/comfort, and have a snug cut that follows the natural contours of your body. Expect them to be tight (they’re said to run small, so it’s worth going up a size upon purchase) yet breathable, thanks to the cotton, polyester, & spandex fabric.

These hiking underwear are budget-friendly, but still boast valuable features for athletes and hikers alike. A good example of this is their double-dry technology. The dual-linings wick moisture away fast and ensure you stay dry, which amounts to added comfort on the trail!

However, the major selling point of the Champions Men’s boxer briefs is their cost-effectiveness. They come in a pack of 5 at a super affordable price (less than $15). For the fit, features, and comfort on offer, that seems like an absolute bargain.

It’s much cheaper than the other undies on this list, without sacrificing too much on quality. That’s good news for anybody on a budget.

PROS

• Comfortable fit
• Wicks away moisture/sweat
• Dual-lining double-dry design
• Durable and easy to clean/look after
• Pack of 5; budget-friendly

CONS

• They tend to run small, so it’s worth going up a size
• No choice of colour/style combinations

–> Click here to see this Champion underwear on Amazon.

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Enjoy the Best Hiking Underwear for Men

Finding hiking underwear that’s comfortable, breathable, and generally practical when you’re on the trail can be hard work. For one thing, hiking underwear’s ubiquitous these days and the quality of different brands varies dramatically.

For another, it’s not like you can try them before you buy them! You’re forced to trust the label and hope for the best.

Have you been struggling to find the best backpacking underwear? Well, I hope this buying guide has helped. Pick any of the best hiking underwear for men on this list and you’ll be walking around in blissful, breathable comfort in no time.

Still looking for the perfect pair of men’s hiking underwear? Click here for more high-quality options.

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