If you’re like me, you want all the very best gear for hiking, and why should your underwear be any different? I can’t count how many years I invested in great hiking boots and trekking poles, only to throw on a pair of cotton boxers that were damp from sweat the entire hike.
Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in men’s hiking gear, and performance underwear is easier to find than ever before.
If you need a new pair of hiking underwear, read on to discover the best men’s underwear for hiking in 2023!
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Best Overall
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Runner Up
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5.0
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4.5
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$34.00
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$32.00
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SAXX boxer briefs are a top-of-the-line option that will last you multiple seasons of heavy use, and while they’re a bit pricey up front, they’re very durable! They're made with moisture-wicking nylon fabric, elastane, and polyester, providing quick-drying, odor-free wear, even during the highest intensity hikes. |
The Sport Mesh boxer briefs have excellent features like a wide waistband to help them stay in place comfortably and Flatlock seams to help with chafing reduction. These underwear are made of nylon and elastane, making them ultra-lightweight and soft, with just enough support! |
SAXX boxer briefs are a top-of-the-line option that will last you multiple seasons of heavy use, and while they’re a bit pricey up front, they’re very durable! They're made with moisture-wicking nylon fabric, elastane, and polyester, providing quick-drying, odor-free wear, even during the highest intensity hikes.
The Sport Mesh boxer briefs have excellent features like a wide waistband to help them stay in place comfortably and Flatlock seams to help with chafing reduction. These underwear are made of nylon and elastane, making them ultra-lightweight and soft, with just enough support!
Best Hiking Underwear for Men
Below are the best overall men’s hiking underwear and budget men’s hiking underwear options on the market in 2023!
Best Overall Men’s Hiking Underwear: SAXX Quest Boxer Briefs
Now I have tried pretty much every “premium” men’s hiking underwear out there, and let me tell you, it doesn’t get better than the SAXX Quest boxer briefs.
These boxer briefs are a top-of-the-line option that will last you multiple seasons of heavy use, and while they’re a bit pricey upfront, they’re highly durable!
SAXX are made with moisture-wicking nylon fabric, elastane, and polyester, providing quick-drying, odor-free wear, even during the highest intensity hikes. In addition, because they’re not made with wool, the fabric is lightweight and soft.
Their scientifically engineered “BallPark Pouch” provides a hammock-like resting place for your man parts, keeping them from rubbing against your legs.
Sounds fancy (and weird), but believe me when I say that you’ve got to try it first!
Pros
- Dry quickly
- Good odor resistance
- Machine washable
Cons
- Expensive
Runner Up: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh Boxer Briefs
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh boxer briefs are another excellent option from a trusted name in the outdoor apparel community. While this underwear is a little on the spendy side, you get what you pay for!
The Sport Mesh boxer briefs have excellent features like a wide waistband to help them stay in place comfortably and Flatlock seams to help with chafing reduction.
These underwear are made of nylon and elastane, making them ultra-lightweight and soft, with just enough support to keep everything in place.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Anti-microbial treatment aids in odor control
- Machine washable
Cons
- Expensive
Tip: ExOfficio’s can often be found at Costco for a steep discount!
Best Value Men’s Hiking Underwear: New Balance Premium Performance Boxer Briefs
Considering how inexpensive these underwear are, they’re surprisingly comfortable and effective. While they don’t quite compare to his SAXX underwear, the New Balance Premium Performance boxer briefs stand out against other budget underwear on the market.
With features that you would expect from much nicer pairs of underwear, like Flatlock seams and a low-rise, wide waistband, you get great bang for your buck with this underwear.
The main differences between this underwear and the more premium options are the material (this underwear is made of polyester and spandex) and durability.
Don’t expect this underwear to be as high-performing or long-lasting, but it gets the job done!
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Underwear has an opening at the fly
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not as durable
Best Value Runner Up: DEVOPS Men’s Cool Dry Mesh Performance Boxer Briefs
Another great polyester and spandex option, the DEVOPS Men’s Cool Dry Mesh Performance boxer briefs are comfortable and lightweight.
The mesh fabric provides excellent airflow and has superior drying time compared to other budget hiking underwear options.
The thick band provides comfort and holds the underwear in place, while the structure of the underwear provides much-needed support.
While you can expect the same drawbacks as the New Balance hiking underwear, these DEVOPS boxer briefs will get you through at least one hiking season with improved comfort, moisture, and odor control to your non-performance underwear.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not as durable
Men’s Hiking Underwear Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right pair of men’s hiking underwear is about more than just finding a well-reviewed style that fits your budget.
Below are some factors you should consider when purchasing your next pair of hiking underwear.
Factor #1 – Material
Material is perhaps the most critical factor to consider when buying a new pair of underwear; if it doesn’t feel comfortable, you won’t want to wear it.
While many styles of hiking underwear are made with a certain percentage of wool, some people find the material to be itchy and uncomfortable, even when blended with synthetic fabrics.
However, wool is naturally odor-resistant and dramatically improves odor retention when added to synthetic blend fabrics.
Selecting a pair of underwear made entirely of synthetic fabrics will likely help with lightweight comfort but may eventually smell over time.
Consider what is most important to you when selecting a pair of underwear based on material.
Factor #2 – Style
The style of underwear you purchase is another important consideration. While some people prefer briefs to boxers, many opt for boxer briefs when hiking to cut down on chafing.
If you’re typically a boxer person, you may find that the loose fit of the style is actually a hindrance when hiking because they don’t provide enough support or prevent chafing.
However, your underwear tends to absorb all the sweat and dirt from your nether regions as you hike, and if you wear the same pair of boxer briefs on a multi-day hiking trip, this too can cause irritation.
It may not be a bad idea to experiment with multiple types of underwear to find your ideal style when hiking, as this may differ from your preferred style in your daily life.
Factor #3 – Length
Length is also a consideration when selecting underwear, as inseams range widely and offer different comfort levels.
While you should experiment with what inseam length you find most comfortable, many performance boxer briefs tend to be 6” in length, as this is long enough to prevent chafing but short enough to fit under tighter pants.
Factor #4 – Care
Lastly, you should consider fabric care when purchasing a pair of hiking underwear, as this will impact what makes sense for you to buy.
Hiking underwear is at a much greater risk of sweat and odor buildup, so finding a pair of underwear that is machine washable is ideal.
Always check the care instructions before buying underwear to make sure you can follow the directions.
Final Thoughts On Best Men’s Hiking Underwear
If you want the best men’s underwear for hiking, look no further than the SAXX Quest boxer briefs; this breezy underwear will make you glad you ditched your cotton briefs.
Or you can try the New Balance Premium Performance boxer briefs for a more budget option!
