When you’re planning a long day on the trail, your focus is on the views, the mileage, and the gear in your pack. It’s easy to overlook one of the most critical pieces of kit you’ll wear: your underwear. The wrong choice can lead to discomfort, chafing, and a miserable hike, while the right pair will disappear, letting you concentrate on the adventure. Modern hiking underwear is engineered with performance fabrics and thoughtful designs to manage moisture, resist odors, and provide seamless comfort from the first step to the last.
Gone are the days of suffering through a sweaty, irritating hike. Today’s best options are made from specialized materials like merino wool and advanced synthetics that actively work to keep you dry and comfortable. Whether you’re facing a steep, sweat-inducing climb or a long, cool descent, the right base layer makes all the difference. We’ve compiled a list of top-performing men’s hiking underwear to help you find your perfect match for those long days in the backcountry.
The Best Men’s Hiking Underwear for Your Next Adventure
- Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Boxer
- Icebreaker Merino Anatomica Men’s Boxer Briefs
- Arc’teryx Motus SL Boxer Men’s
- ExOfficio Give-n-go Boxer
- SAXX Underwear Quest 2.0 Boxer Brief
- ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Boxer Brief
- Duluth Buck Naked Performance Boxer Brief
- Under Armour Men’s Tech 6″ Boxer Briefs
Smartwool Men’s Merino 150 Boxer
For hikers who value natural performance, the Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer is a standout choice. Its 150-weight merino wool fabric is a game-changer for long days, offering inherent odor resistance that means you can wear them for multiple days on a backpacking trip without issue. The wool also excels at temperature regulation, helping to keep you cool when your body heat rises during a strenuous climb and warm when the temperature drops.
The design is focused on preventing one of hiking’s biggest nuisances: chafing. With a minimalist construction and thoughtful seam placement, these boxers minimize friction against your skin. The soft, breathable fabric works to wick moisture away from your body, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable, mile after mile.
Icebreaker Merino Anatomica Men’s Boxer Briefs
The Icebreaker Anatomica Boxer Briefs combine the best of natural and synthetic materials for superior durability and comfort. The nylon corespun fabric, wrapped with superfine merino wool, creates a garment that is both incredibly soft and built to last. This construction retains all the benefits of merino, including odor resistance and temperature regulation, while adding significant strength for rugged use.
Comfort is paramount in this design. The contoured pouch provides excellent support without feeling restrictive, and the flatlock seams lay flat against the skin to eliminate chafing points. The slim, stretchy fit moves with you, offering support and all-day comfort whether you’re scrambling over rocks or logging miles on a well-groomed trail.
Arc’teryx Motus SL Boxer Men’s
If your hiking style involves high output and fast-paced movement, the Arc’teryx Motus SL Boxer is engineered for you. This is a superlight performance layer designed with one priority: exceptional moisture management. The quick-dry fabric pulls sweat away from your skin with remarkable efficiency, making it an ideal choice for humid climates or intense, sweat-inducing ascents.
The emphasis on lightweight materials and packability means this boxer takes up very little space in your pack, a significant advantage for ultralight backpackers or as a spare on multi-day trips. While durability is slightly sacrificed for this minimal weight, the trade-off is worth it for hikers who prioritize speed, breathability, and a barely-there feel during high-exertion activities.
ExOfficio Give-n-go Boxer
The ExOfficio Give-n-go Boxer is a legendary name in travel and outdoor circles for good reason. Its lightweight, breathable mesh fabric provides outstanding airflow, which is crucial for staying cool and dry. The material is also engineered with an anti-odor treatment, helping you stay fresher longer on the trail when washing options are limited.
Durability and shape retention are key features of this boxer. Unlike some fabrics that stretch out and sag over a long day, the Give-n-go material holds its shape, providing consistent comfort and support from morning to night. Its quick-drying capability makes it not only perfect for sweaty hikes but also an excellent choice for backpacking trips where you might need to wash and dry your gear quickly.
SAXX Underwear Quest 2.0 Boxer Brief
Saxx has built a strong reputation around a unique feature: the patented BallPark Pouch. This internal mesh panel is designed to cradle and separate, providing unparalleled support and reducing skin-on-skin contact. For hikers who are prone to chafing in sensitive areas, this innovative design can be a complete game-changer, offering a new level of comfort during long, active days.
The Quest 2.0 model is built for performance, using a moisture-wicking, lightweight fabric that feels smooth against the skin. The flat-lay seams and ergonomic design ensure there are no annoying pressure points or friction zones. If you’re looking for maximum support and a solution to persistent thigh chafing, this boxer brief deserves serious consideration.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief
Building on the success of the original, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh version offers a more athletic fit and extended leg length. The 6-inch inseam provides greater coverage along the thigh, which can help prevent chafing for those who wear shorts or pants with a narrower leg cut. The sport-focused cut ensures the underwear stays in place without riding up.
It utilizes the same trusted Give-N-Go mesh fabric, known for its quick-drying properties and excellent breathability. This model is ideal for hikers who prefer the security and feel of a longer boxer brief and want the proven performance of ExOfficio’s odor-resistant and moisture-managing technology in a more athletic silhouette.
Duluth Trading Company Buck Naked Performance Boxer Brief
Duluth Trading Company’s Buck Naked Performance Boxer Brief is designed with durability and comfort in mind. The fabric is a soft, breathable polyester and nylon blend that wicks moisture effectively and dries quickly. Its tag-free design and soft waistband prevent any irritation, which is a common complaint with less thoughtfully designed underwear.
These boxer briefs feature a long leg with a no-ride-up design, making them a solid choice for hikers who are constantly on the move. The construction is robust, meant to withstand repeated wear and washing, making them a reliable workhorse for your outdoor adventures. They offer a great balance of everyday comfort and technical performance for the trail.
Under Armour Men’s Tech 6″ Boxer Briefs
Under Armour brings its athletic expertise to the trail with the Men’s Tech Boxer Brief. Constructed from UA Tech fabric, this boxer brief is designed to be ultra-soft, lightweight, and quick-drying. The material wicks sweat away from your skin and dries fast, helping to regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable during variable conditions.
The 6-inch leg is engineered with a no-ride-up design, so you can focus on your hike without constant adjustments. With an anti-odor treatment that prevents the growth of microbes, these briefs help you stay fresher. For hikers who appreciate the fit and feel of performance athletic wear, this is a familiar and reliable option that translates well to the demands of the trail.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Men’s Hiking Underwear for Long Days
When I’m planning for a long day on the trail, my underwear choice is just as critical as my boots. Getting it wrong can lead to a miserable experience filled with chafing and discomfort. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best men’s hiking underwear for long days isn’t about the brand name; it’s about how a few key features work together to keep you dry and comfortable from sunrise to sunset.
First and foremost, let’s talk fabric. I completely avoid cotton. It’s like a sponge that holds onto sweat, leaving you feeling cold, wet, and prone to chafing. My go-to materials are synthetic blends, primarily polyester and nylon, or natural performance fibers like merino wool. Synthetics are fantastic at wicking moisture away from your skin quickly and are very durable. Merino wool is a superstar because it not only wicks moisture brilliantly but also naturally resists odors, which is a huge bonus on multi-day trips. Some of my favorite pairs are a blend of merino and a small amount of synthetic, giving me the best of both worlds.
The next thing I consider is the fit. This is non-negotiable. Underwear that is too loose will bunch up and rub, while anything too tight can restrict movement and circulation. I look for a boxer-brief style that offers support without constriction. A key feature for me is a flatlock seam construction. These seams are sewn flat so they don’t create raised ridges that can grind against your skin over miles of walking. If you see the term “gusset,” that’s a good thing! A functional gusset, usually a diamond-shaped piece of fabric in the crotch, reduces bunching and provides better mobility.
Finally, I pay attention to the length and specific features. A longer leg, often called a 6-inch or 9-inch inseam, helps prevent chafing on my inner thighs. The waistband is important too; it needs to be wide and sturdy enough to stay put without digging in, especially under a hip belt. Some pairs even come with anti-odor treatments, which are a nice extra touch. By focusing on moisture-wicking fabric, a supportive and chafe-free fit, and thoughtful features, you can find a pair that makes those long days on the trail feel a lot shorter and much more enjoyable.
FAQ
What is the most important feature to look for in hiking underwear?
For me, the single most important feature is the fabric’s ability to manage moisture. You need a material that will pull sweat away from your skin to the outer surface where it can evaporate. This keeps you dry, regulates your temperature, and is the primary defense against chafing. Cotton fails miserably at this, so stick to merino wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
Why is a boxer-brief style recommended over other types?
I prefer the boxer-brief style because it offers the best combination of support and coverage. It provides the support of a traditional brief without being restrictive, and the longer leg length helps prevent skin-on-skin contact and chafing on the inner thighs. Unlike loose boxers, they don’t bunch up under my hiking pants, creating a smooth, comfortable layer.
How does merino wool compare to synthetic fabrics?
This is a classic debate. From my experience, merino wool is exceptional at temperature regulation and odor resistance. You can often wear it for multiple days without it getting stinky. Synthetics, like polyester, are typically more durable, dry faster, and are often less expensive. A merino-synthetic blend is a fantastic middle ground, offering durability and quick-drying properties with the natural benefits of wool.
What does “flatlock seam” mean and why does it matter?
A flatlock seam is a way of sewing fabric together where the edges butt against each other and are stitched flat, rather than being overlapped. This creates a smooth, flat seam without bulky ridges. On a long hike, even a small, raised seam can become a major source of irritation after thousands of steps. Flatlock seams are a simple but crucial design element for comfort.
Do I need to spend a lot of money on good hiking underwear?
Not necessarily. While some high-end brands are fantastic, I’ve found very capable and comfortable pairs at mid-range prices. The key is to focus on the features—moisture-wicking fabric, a good fit, and flatlock seams—rather than the brand name or price tag. A well-designed pair from a reputable outdoor brand is a worthwhile investment for your comfort on the trail.
How many pairs should I bring for a multi-day backpacking trip?
This depends on your tolerance and the weather. For a short 2-3 day trip in dry conditions, I might bring two pairs, wearing one and having a clean, dry pair for sleeping. For longer trips, especially if sweat or rain is a factor, having a spare pair is essential. The beauty of modern performance fabrics is that you can often rinse them out at camp and they’ll be dry by morning, allowing you to rotate between two pairs for an extended period.