The Best Hiking Underwear for Men in 2024

Underwear is probably one of the most underrated pieces of hiking apparel. While hikers and mountaineers readily invest in high-quality outer layers, it’s easy to skimp on the very layer that sits closest to our skin. We believe, however, that scrimping on underwear is a mistake. It plays a crucial role in our comfort and performance, especially on those longer treks where anti-microbial options can be a great benefit, allowing us to pack lighter and stay fresher. In this review, you’ll discover our top picks for the best hiking underwear for men, though most of these choices are available in women’s versions too. We’ve carefully selected and reviewed the top five hiking boxers on the market to simplify your purchasing process. Many of them offer a range of inseam lengths and styles, including briefs, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your adventures.

1. Our Men’s Hiking Underwear Picks

1. Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
2. SmartWool 150 Boxers
3. Patagonia Sender Boxers
4. ExOfficio Give-N-Go Mesh Sport 2.0 Boxers
5. Arcteryx Motus SL Boxers

2. Comparison of Men’s Hiking Underwear

Feature/Product	Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers	SmartWool 150 Boxers	Patagonia Sender Boxers	ExOfficio Give-N-Go Mesh Sport 2.0 Boxers	Arcteryx Motus SL Boxers
Material	83% Merino wool, 12% Nylon, 5% Lycra	87% Merino wool, 13% Nylon	89% recycled nylon, 11% spandex	90% Nylon, 10% Lycra	100% Polyester
Cut/Inseam length	Boxer Briefs (4.5 or 6 in.), Briefs	Boxer Briefs, Boxer shorts	Boxer Briefs (6 in. inseam)	Boxer Briefs (3, 6 or 9 in.), Briefs	Boxer Briefs
Fit	Slim	Slim	Slim	Slim	Slim
Fly	Available with and without	Yes	No	Yes	No
Antimicrobial	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Washing	Machine Wash	Machine Wash	Machine Wash	Machine Wash	Machine Wash

3. The Selection

1. Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Running
• Backpacking
• Everyday use
• Use in cold weather
• All-year-round use

The Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers show the difference high-quality materials can make, especially in underwear designed for the outdoors. Made from a corespun fabric that blends the natural benefits of Merino wool (83%) with the strength and elasticity of nylon (12%) and Lycra fibers (5%), these boxers prioritize comfort. The Merino wool ensures they are breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft against the skin, while the added nylon and Lycra greatly enhance their durability and flexibility. This makes them perfectly suited for the dynamic demands of hiking and mountaineering, with a fabric density of 150 g/m2 that’s ideal for aerobic activities. Designed with the wearer in mind, the Anatomica Boxers feature flatlock seams to minimize chafing and a comfortable, branded elastic waistband. They are available in both fly and no-fly options, as well as in longer (6 in.) or shorter (4.5 in.) versions, catering to personal preferences and needs. As avid hikers ourselves, we appreciate how these boxer briefs strike the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and odor resistance, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their hiking experience with underwear that truly performs.

 

 

2. SmartWool 150 Boxers

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Running
• Backpacking
• Everyday use
• Cold weather use
• All-year-round use

The SmartWool 150 Boxers stand out for their exceptional blend of natural and synthetic materials, comprising 87% Merino wool and 13% Nylon. This composition mirrors the high-quality standards seen in the Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers, though with a notable absence of Lycra fibers, resulting in a less stretchy but still remarkably comfortable fit. What these boxers might lack in stretch, they more than compensate for with their outstanding durability and moisture-wicking capabilities. The inclusion of nylon not only enhances their toughness but also accelerates drying time, making them a reliable choice for the trails. Available in both the snug fit of boxer briefs and the more relaxed cut of boxer shorts, the SmartWool 150 Boxers cater to a range of preferences. Their design incorporates a stylish elastic waistband and flatlock seams, thoughtfully constructed to prevent chafing and ensure a smooth, comfortable fit against the skin. For us, the natural antimicrobial properties of the Merino wool, combined with the boxers’ overall durability, make them a standout recommendation. They embody the qualities essential for high-quality hiking underwear, offering comfort, durability, and effective moisture management for hikers and mountaineers embarking on demanding adventures.

 

3. Patagonia Sender Boxers

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Running
• Backpacking
• Everyday use

The Patagonia Sender Boxers have gotten a well-deserved reputation among the hiking and mountaineering community for their outstanding comfort and performance. Constructed from a remarkably thin and lightweight micro mesh fabric (116 g/m2), these boxers blend 89% recycled nylon with 11% spandex, ensuring not only optimal stretch for unrestricted movement but also a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The fabric’s wicking finish and treatment with HeiQ® Fresh durable odor control significantly enhance the wearer’s comfort by efficiently managing moisture and preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Distinguishing themselves from other offerings in our curated selection of top hiking underwear for men, the Patagonia Sender boxers are available in a single inseam length and feature a contoured pouch instead of a fly, meticulously designed to eliminate any risk of chafing in sensitive areas. Additionally, every seam is a flatlock seam, maximizing comfort by minimizing potential irritation points. Another aspect we personally value is the ethical consideration behind the creation of these boxers. Being Fair Trade Certified sewn means that the individuals who crafted these garments were compensated fairly and worked in safe conditions. This commitment to both the environment and ethical labor practices makes the Patagonia Sender Boxers not just a choice for superior comfort and performance on the trails, but also a choice that aligns with responsible and conscious consumerism.

 

 

4. ExOfficio Give-N-Go Mesh Sport 2.0 Boxers

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Running
• Backpacking
• Everyday use
• Use in warm weather

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go Mesh Sport 2.0 boxers represent a significant leap forward in the evolution of hiking underwear, setting new standards for breathability, moisture management, and drying speed. The updated version boasts enhancements that make it four times more breathable, 50% more effective at wicking away moisture, and 24% faster to dry compared to its already popular predecessor. A key improvement in the fabric’s composition is the increased Lycra content, now at 10%, which greatly enhances the 4-way stretch, offering unparalleled comfort and freedom of movement. Understanding the challenge synthetic materials face in controlling odor, the ExOfficio team has integrated advanced anti-microbial technology into the Sport 2.0 boxers to effectively combat odor-causing bacteria. This makes them an outstanding choice for summer hiking adventures, where staying dry and odor-free is crucial. While Merino wool underwear may still hold the advantage in colder conditions due to its ability to maintain warmth even when wet, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Mesh Sport 2.0 boxers shine in warmer weather for their superior breathability and quick-drying capabilities. Offered in a variety of styles, including briefs and boxers with 3, 6, and 9-inch inseams, these boxers allow for personal preference in coverage, ensuring that every hiker can find their perfect fit. We’ve found that these updates not only enhance the wearer’s comfort during active pursuits but also contribute to a more enjoyable and focused hiking experience, free from the distractions of discomfort or dampness.

 

5. Arcteryx Motus SL Boxers

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Running
• Backpacking
• Everyday use
• Use in warm weather

The Arc’teryx Motus SL Boxers are a showcase of innovation, crafted from the advanced silk-weight Phasic material (100% polyester), designed specifically to optimize moisture management. This pioneering fabric excels at pulling moisture away from the skin and dispersing it across the surface to hasten drying times. Its super thin composition not only ensures exceptional breathability but also provides unparalleled freedom of movement, making these boxers a perfect companion for the trail. To address the common concern of odor in synthetic fabrics, the Phasic material is treated with DAO (Durable Anti-Odor), enhancing the wearability of these boxers over extended periods of activity. Similar to the Patagonia Sender boxers, the Arc’teryx Motus SL eschews the traditional fly for a design focused on minimizing chafing, featuring a gusseted crotch that enhances mobility and comfort during high-intensity activities. Sustainability is another pillar of the Arc’teryx brand, mirrored in the production of the Motus SL boxers. Made in a Fair Trade Certified facility, these boxers are part of Arc’teryx’s commitment to achieving 80% of their production being Fair Trade Certified by 2025. This commitment to ethical manufacturing practices adds an additional layer of value to their products, aligning with the values of environmentally conscious consumers. For those seeking lightweight, breathable underwear that excels in warm weather and during highly aerobic activities such as running and mountaineering, the Arc’teryx Motus SL boxers stand out. Their technological advancements in material science, combined with a focus on sustainability and ethical production, make them a highly recommended choice for the discerning outdoors enthusiast.

 

4. Hiking Underwear Buying Advice – What is important?

Material:

Hiking underwear should be made of a comfortable material which doesn’t cause rubbing or chafing. Furthermore, it should be also breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying so that it efficiently maintains your body’s natural temperature. To achieve these qualities hiking underwear is normally made of natural materials such as Merino wool or synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. Elastane might be added to these fabrics for better stretch and comfort while a small percentage of nylon fibers is often added to Merino wool fabrics for better durability.

Many hikers face a dilemma whether to buy Merino wool underwear or underwear made of synthetic materials. Merino wool underwear has several advantages in comparison to synthetic underwear – it is naturally antimicrobial, pleasant to the touch (not itchy like ordinary wool), provides warmth even when wet (soaked with sweat or rain) and offers better breathability. Also note that Merino wool underwear is not only suitable for cold weather as Merino wool can be knitted into very thin fabrics which are suitable for warm summer days. However, synthetic underwear is less expensive and more durable than Merino wool underwear. Furthermore, it also dries slightly faster. For more information about underwear materials read our article Comparison of Base Layer Materials.

Flatlock seams:

Hiking underwear should have flatlock seams because they offer great comfort, unlike normal seams which can chafe your skin by rubbing against it repeatedly. Learn more about flatlock seams in our article What are flatlock seams.

Antimicrobial:

It’s a great advantage if hiking underwear is antimicrobial. This means your underwear will remain fresh after days of use. Some materials, like Merino wool, have natural antimicrobial properties. Other materials, like polyester and nylon, are usually treated with antimicrobial agents such as Polygiene to provide antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial treatments will, however, get washed out eventually.

Durability:

Hiking underwear should be machine washable and maintain its properties after regular washing.

Style:

For activities such as hiking boxer briefs are recommended as they offer a tight fit and thus efficiently transport perspiration from the skin to the outer layers. A tight fit also protects your thighs from the chafing that looser styles can entail. If you often have problems with thigh chafing, we recommend wearing very long (knee-length) boxer briefs which will cover your thighs better

5. Questions and Answers