Hiking is such an exciting activity that should be experienced by everyone. It’s even more fun if you do it with your friends and loved ones. But to fully enjoy hiking, you should equip yourself with all the essential gear. However, there’s one that many people forgot, and it’s underwear. It’s the unsung hero of hiking gear that can help to protect your most delicate part and keep them clean and dry when hiking. If you’re a male hiker, make sure to get the best men’s underwear for hiking so that you can hike comfortably. With this underwear, there’ll be no more chafing, rubbing, and moldy stinky smells! Here, we’ll share with your our top picks of men’s hiking underwear that’ll definitely make your hiking experience much more enjoyable.
Besides underwear, you should also have the best energy bars for hiking and the best binoculars for hiking so that your hiking experience will be a great one!
How To Choose The Best Men’s Underwear for Hiking
First of all, let’s see what are the important factors to consider before buying the best men’s underwear for hiking!
Material
The most common materials of the best underwear for hiking are merino wool and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Both of them are great at keeping you insulated when wet, fast-drying, and have great moisture-wicking traits. When it comes to merino wool alone, it’s super soft and has amazing odor resistance. However, it’s quite pricey. On the other hand, synthetic fibers are cheaper and more durable. But compared to merino, they’re not as soft.
Design
When looking for the best men’s underwear for hiking, you should always opt for underwear that has flatlock seams to prevent chafing, which is very unpleasant. It’s also a good idea to avoid seams in places that could rub under your pack’s pressure.
Size
Another important factor to consider is the size. Since hiking can be very intense, the best men’s underwear for hiking will usually come in a range of sizes that offer maximum comfort for hikers. So, know your waist size and select according to your comfort size.
Durability
Durability is a factor that you might have to consider a trade-off. Like we said earlier, synthetic underwear is more durable than merino wool underwear (don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying that merino underwear isn’t durable at all). However, the latter also offers many great pros. So, if durability is more important than comfort and odor resistance, you should go for synthetic underwear.
Odor resistance
If odor resistance is very important to you, then you should choose merino underwear. That’s because synthetic underwear doesn’t come with the same advantage. While some brands treat synthetic fibers with an antimicrobial coating to enhance the odor resistance of their underwear, they tend to fade after a couple of washing.
Arc’teryx Phase SL Boxer
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Weighing in at 0.14lbs, the Arc’teryx Phase SL Boxer is one of the most lightweight underwear you can find on the market right now. Its polyester material is also very thin, which means that it’s likely to be very packable too. One of the many reasons why it’s desired by hikers is because of its breathability that adds to the overall comfort. It also wicks moisture very well and is quick to dry.
We also love how stretchy this underwear is. This not only helps to stop the underwear riding up during hiking but also guarantees a snug fit. Moreover, it’s treated with an antimicrobial coating to improve odor resistance. While it seems to work well, note that it’s likely to fade over time after repeated washing. But in terms of performance and comfort, you don’t have to question this product.
What We Love
A great option for hikers looking for a lightweight and tight synthetic underwear.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Snug fit
- Antimicrobial coating
- Good breathability
Cons:
- Expensive
Boody Body EcoWear Men’s Boxer Brief
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The Boody Body EcoWear Men’s Boxer Brief is another pair of underwear that you certainly can’t miss. As one of the best men’s underwear for hiking, this model screams comfort so loud that you won’t be able to stop wearing it! The unique manufacturing process eliminates painful, rubbing side seams. Plus, thanks to the wide no-roll waistband, you’ll feel even more comfortable wearing it when you’re hiking. Most importantly, they’ll keep you fresh and dry on the hottest hikes.
While other best men’s underwear for hiking is either made from merino or synthetic materials, this underwear is one of the few that’s made from sustainably sourced bamboo. That way, it can wick away sweat easily and dry very quickly. Not to mention, it’s a little cheaper than merino underwear! It’s also the perfect choice if you have a wool allergy.
What We Love
A great option for hikers with sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Quick-drying
- Great moisture-wicking capability
- Made from sustainably sourced bamboo
- No-roll waistband
Cons:
- Too small for some men
Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Climalite 2-Pack Boxer Brief
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If you’re certain what you want is a pair of synthetic underwear, then you should absolutely consider buying the Adidas Men’s Sport Performance Climalite 2-Pack Boxer Brief. This underwear contains 92% polyester and 8% spandex, so you can rest assured that it’ll last for years. We also like the soft waistband and double-lined mesh support pouch that’ll make your purchase even worth the money.
Just like other best men’s underwear for hiking, this underwear is designed to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable at all times. It’s also very lightweight and boasts smooth non-chafing stitching. No matter how intense your activity is, you don’t have to worry about sweat build-up as this product offers amazing moisture management under any condition.
What We Love
Comes at a reasonable price, this underwear will keep hikers happy and comfortable all day long.
Pros:
- Offers a snug fit
- Good moisture-wicking capability
- Lightweight
- Non-chafing stitching
- Very durable
Cons:
- Limited sizes
LAPASA Men’s 2 Pack Quick Dry Underwear
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If traveling light is super important for your trip, then you should go and buy yourself the LAPASA Men’s 2 Pack Quick Dry Underwear. Even if you’ll be spending months in the wilderness, this underwear will suffice. The nylon-spandex combination is a perfect mix for durability and stretch. It also has an amazing moisture-wicking capability as well as a 4-way stretch for increased range of motion, making hiking way easier. Meanwhile, stability is achieved with a flatlock elastic waistband that’ll prevent the fabric from riding up.
Just like other best men’s underwear for hiking made of synthetic materials, this underwear is highly durable and dries very quickly, whether hand washed or machine washed. Don’t worry, this product won’t wear easily even after several washes. Aside from hiking, this underwear is also great for everyday use in warm weather.
What We Love
A high-quality product at such a low price point.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Durable fabric
- Quick-drying
- Highly stretchable
- Can be machine washed
Cons:
- Too small for some men
Apex Men’s Merino Wool Boxer Brief
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Made from 100% merino wool, the Apex Men’s Merino Wool Boxer Brief feels super soft, warm, and gentle on the skin without any itching. Considered as one of the best men’s underwear for hiking, it’s constructed to be form-fitting from the waist to the bottom of the thighs to give you ample stability and hold everything in place while you’re hiking.
Like other underwear made from merino wool, this product is naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, temperature regulating, and breathable. Even better, it’s durable enough for machine washing, so you don’t have to spend extra effort to wash it by hand. Plus, thanks to the ergonomic fly, you can take bathroom breaks easily.
What We Love
Its snug fit and affordable price make this underwear a great choice for hikers.
Pros:
- Ergonomic fly
- Anti-chafing
- Antimicrobial material
- Very breathable
- Naturally odor-resistant
Cons:
- Takes quite some time to dry
Ibex Merino Wool Men’s Woolies Boxer Brief
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Since the Ibex Merino Wool Men’s Woolies Boxer Brief offers superior performance and comfort in the outdoors, we’re not surprised that many consider this underwear as one of the best men’s underwear for hiking. Made of a mix of merino and nylon, this underwear is ultra-thin, lightweight, soft, and very gentle on the skin.
As expected, it also provides spectacular odor resistance and amazing moisture-wicking capability. It’s very breathable too, which makes it even more comfortable. While other merino underwear might take a long time to dry, that’s not the case for this product. That’s because the nylon makes it quick-drying. Can be worn all year round, this underwear also features a wide waistband, flatlock seams, and a fly.
What We Love
Because it’s mixed with nylon, this merino underwear is super durable.
Pros:
- Anti-chafing
- Quick-drying
- Super durable
- Great moisture-wicking capability
- Spectacular odor resistance
Cons:
- Itchy tag
Saxx Underwear Men’s Boxer Brief
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Say hello to the Saxx Underwear Men’s Boxer Brief, one of the best men’s underwear for hiking you can find out there. This underwear is specially crafted for intense and high-performance activities like hiking. One of the biggest reasons why hikers love this underwear is because of its antimicrobial benefits. That’s not all, as it also has an amazing moisture-wicking capability. Aside from that, this underwear provides amazing support too. It uses nine shapely fabric panels to make a flexible structure as well as the addition of the ballpark pouch for added comfort to your private part.
Because of its incredible compression, you can expect this underwear to offer you the right balance that makes it ideal multisport underwear. Its nylon material also feels very soft and offers you great ventilation as well as a snug-fit feeling. Moreover, the 3D fit will give you amazing support around your hamstrings, quads, thighs, and glutes. Of course, just like other synthetic underwear, this product’s durability is second to none.
What We Love
A super comfortable model that’ll last for a very long time.
Pros:
- Very soft and comfortable fabrics
- Ergonomic nine-panel construction
- Easy to clean
- Offers great ventilation
- Provides nice support around hamstrings, quads, thighs, and glutes
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a fly
Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts
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When it comes to popularity, it’s safe to say that no brand is as popular as Under Armour. That said, the Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts is a must-have for hikers. As one of the best men’s underwear for hiking, it’s very good at wicking sweat away. The inseams are also strategically placed in areas that aren’t sensitive.
Among all of its features, the highlight is most probably the patented HeatGear fabric. Made of a stretch-mesh gusset, this underwear provides good ventilation in your private area to prevent heat build-up while also being tough enough to protect them and provide special Under Armour compression. When you’re not hiking, you can still use this amazing underwear for other sports and outdoor activities.
What We Love
A really popular compression model that’s also very versatile.
Pros:
- Manufactured by Under Armour
- HeatGear fabric
- Great sweat-wicking capability
- Multipurpose
- Offers amazing ventilation
Cons:
- It rises up to about mid quad
Minus33 Merino Wool 702 Acadian Men’s Lightweight Boxer Brief
5
Available in different colors and prints, the Minus33 Merino Wool 702 Acadian Men’s Lightweight Boxer Brief offers a great combination of performance and comfort. Standing toe to toe with other best men’s underwear for hiking, this product is made of merino wool that’s super duper comfortable. It’s very soft against the skin, so you don’t have to worry about irritation. On top of that, it also offers exceptional odor resistance, moisture-wicking capability, and breathability.
This underwear is specifically designed for outdoor activities like hiking. However, don’t hesitate to also wear them when for your everyday activities. Furthermore, there are flatlock seams that allow for exceptional comfort, preventing chafing, and enabling your clothes to move simultaneously with you. Even better, it’s also easy to wash and maintain. Even after using and washing it numerous times, this underwear will still look brand new!
What We Love
Although not as popular as Smartwool, the comfort that this underwear offers is still among the best.
Pros:
- 100% merino wool
- Machine washable
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Excellent quality at a reasonable price
- Exceptional odor resistance
Cons:
- Some feel it’s a bit too thick
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6” Boxer Brief
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The ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6” Boxer Brief is an extremely popular option amongst hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Considered one of the best men’s underwear for hiking, this underwear is made from nylon with a small percentage of lycra spandex. Thanks to these materials, this product feels breathable and comfortable against your skin. There are 2 options for this underwear: a standard model and a sport mesh one. Of course, we highly recommend the latter as it’s more lightweight and has a breathable weave.
Furthermore, the manufacturer offers this underwear in 3 different inseam lengths, which are 3 inches, 6 inches, and 9 inches. Between those 3, the best-selling model is the one with a 6-inch inseam. If you aren’t keen to break your bank on merino and prefer the added durability of synthetic underwear, then go for this underwear. After all, it’s not only ideal for hiking but also for different kinds of outdoor activities, so you don’t have to buy different underwear for different activities.
What We Love
It’s an affordable model that’s very versatile and will last for years.
Pros:
- Well-ventilated mesh
- Quick-drying fabric
- Gives you a snug fit
- Lightweight
- Chafe-free flatlock seams
- Can be used for other outdoor activities
Cons:
- Itchy tag
EYUSHIJIA Men’s 4 Pack Comfortable Bamboo Fiber Modal Boxer Brief
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Next, we have the EYUSHIJIA Men’s 4 Pack Comfortable Bamboo Fiber Modal Boxer Brief. As one of the best men’s underwear for hiking, it boasts bamboo fabric that feels very similar to merino wool. It has excellent antibacterial properties and moisture-wicking capability that makes it loved by many hikers. The bamboo fabric is made of 5% spandex and 95% bamboo, so you can expect it to offer you an excellent fit. As this underwear is also eco-friendly, UV-protecting, and hypoallergenic, one definitely can’t resist this product.
The good thing about this underwear is aside from hiking, it’s also suitable for daily use. Compared to other models on this list, it’s safe to say that this one is quite unique. That’s mainly because it’s incorporated with dual supportive pouches that separate your bits into their respective comfortable cradles. Even better, all of those great benefits come wrapped in a pack of 4 at a price range lower than most solo pairs of underwear out there! Talk about a great deal!
What We Love
Affordable underwear with a great pouch design and comfortable bamboo fabric that’s pretty rare to find.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly, UV-protecting, and hypoallergenic
- Comes in a pack of 4
- Very durable
- Suitable for daily use too
- Great moisture-wicking capability
- Excellent antimicrobial properties
Cons:
- Some people find it too big
Icebreaker Men’s Anatomica Boxers with Fly
2
You can’t talk about merino without mentioning Icebreaker, Smartwool’s number one rival. It has produced plenty of underwear that satisfy plenty of men, and one of them is the Icebreaker Men’s Anatomica Boxers with Fly. It’s high-quality underwear that offers a comfy waistband, flatlock seams, snug fit, and like its name suggests, an open fly. Plus, by utilizing core-spun merino along with a nylon core, this underwear is very durable.
Proving itself worthy to be called the best men’s underwear for hiking, it offers you amazing breathability, which is especially important during an intense hiking session. Aside from the naturally breathable properties of merino wool, it also has added panels of core-spun eyelet mesh in key areas to give optimal airflow during high-output activities. Overall, there’s no doubt that this underwear is a top performer that’s worth your money.
What We Love
A great alternative to Smartwool underwear as it’s super comfortable to use, especially for a long session of hiking.
Pros:
- Excellent odor resistance
- Flatlock seams prevent chafing
- Comes with a fly
- Stretchable
- Comfortable fit
- Incorporated with core-spun fabric for improved durability
Cons:
- Expensive
Smartwool Men’s Merino Sport 150 Boxer Brief
1
Without a doubt, Smartwool makes some of the best men’s underwear for hiking. Its merino is super comfy against the skin and perhaps best of all, its garments are extremely durable for merino. That said, the Smartwool Men’s Merino Sport 150 Boxer Brief is no exception. With comfort in mind, this boxer provides ample ventilation so that your private part can receive some air when hiking. It also utilizes flatlock seams to reduce the chances of chafing, which is what every hiker wants.
Apart from that, you’ll also like the fact that its wide waistband won’t rub and irritate your back due to your backpack pressure. Because of its merino wool, you can expect this underwear to have outstanding odor resistance and moisture-wicking capability. The default design of this model is plain black. But if you’re feeling wild, you can choose other brighter colors or fancy prints. Granted, this product isn’t cheap. But, then again, since they perform incredibly well and make your hiking experience more enjoyable, we have nothing to complain about the price tag.
What We Love
A very comfortable product and compared to other merino underwear, this one is way more durable.
Pros:
- Suitable for warm and cold weather conditions
- Outstanding odor resistance
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Flatlock seam construction to reduce chafing
- Double front panel for additional support
- Ample ventilation
Cons:
- Not wallet-friendly
