a little uncomfortable discussion about kilts for backpacking

[Alan H]

Two things....thus the "uncomfortable" part of this thread....now, how to say this without running afoul of both rules and propriety...hmm.

Personally, the chafing I deal with doesn't occur between my thighs, but ..uh.. "higher up". Enough said about THAT, but once the sweat dries, it can be pretty wickedly uncomfortable.

Benning Boy, I also raced bicycles pretty seriously back in the mid-late 70's and now that you mention it, all our black shorts were stretchy wool blend with a layer of real chamois cloth sewn into the crotch. That's an EXCELLENT point.

I think I'll be shopping for some smartwool, here shortly.

[Llama]

I need to try Body Glide again. I bought some a couple months ago and it's never really worked out for me. It actually seemed to make things stickier.

I've been looking for long-leg boxer briefs to help with things. It's a tough find for larger sizes.

[kiltedrennie]

Personally, the chafing I deal with doesn't occur between my thighs, but ..uh.. "higher up". Enough said about THAT, but once the sweat dries, it can be pretty wickedly uncomfortable.

Understood from personal experience. The liberal application of Body Glide appeared to solve that problem for me.

[kiltedrennie]

I need to try Body Glide again. I bought some a couple months ago and it's never really worked out for me. It actually seemed to make things stickier.

I've been looking for long-leg boxer briefs to help with things. It's a tough find for larger sizes.

I thought the same thing when I used it but I think it's a fine balance between staying applied and the glide factor.

[Calgacus]

Personally, the chafing I deal with doesn't occur between my thighs, but ..uh.. "higher up". Enough said about THAT, but once the sweat dries, it can be pretty wickedly uncomfortable.

Ah, I see. All I can say is that here in the UK we rarely engage in a particular surgical procedure that I believe is common in the USA.

[Flynn]

I did a 5 day hike on the AT in a sportkilt. Definitely bring some gold bond for the chafing.

I got this kilt and wore it circa 2008, I'm unsure if they've made any changes to the design since then

[tpa]

I invested in merino underclothes and never regretted it. greatest thing: they never stink.

Too right, wear them for cycling; not much more expensive than overpriced smelly lycra "purpose made" cycling clothes, but definitely worth it.

[Standard]

I've always used the compression shorts when hiking and backpacking either kilted or not. The Body Glide is good, or more commonly in my kit is the Gold Bond version of it. I don't generally mix the compression shorts and the glide, but alternate them as the weather dictates. I'll have to try to get my hands on a good pair of the woollies that you lads are talking about.

[hoosier8]

I will swear by Under Armour heatgear compression shorts for hiking (and running). It would help if I weighed what I did when I was 25 but that is so long ago my thighs have forgotten.

[Chaps]

I hike in a sport kilt hiking kilt or a casual P/V kilt. While I have used compression shorts for marathons, I have not had an issue with chafing while hiking. Regarding modesty on the trail, wind conditions and location dictates the use of appropriate undergarments.