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What to Wear Under Hiking Pants: Undergarment Guide

Written by Bill M.Published on June 26, 2025

Alright, adventurers and trailblazers, let’s get real about what’s going on under those hiking pants. You might think any old pair of underwear will do, but trust us, your nether regions deserve better. Whether you’re tackling a steep mountain or just enjoying a casual forest stroll, the right undergarments can make or break your experience. We’re talking comfort, moisture-wicking magic, and zero chafing nightmares. At Shinesty, we’ve cracked the code on underwear that’s as bold and badass as your hiking spirit. So buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the ultimate guide on what to wear under hiking pants — and why your current undies might just be holding you back.

You Should Know

Before you lace up those boots and hit the trail, here are the three most important facts you need to keep in mind about undergarments for hiking:

  1. Moisture-Wicking is Non-Negotiable: Hiking means sweat, and sweat means potential chafing and discomfort. Your underwear needs to pull moisture away from your skin like a pro, keeping you dry and happy mile after mile.
  2. Seamless or Flat-Seamed Construction: Nothing kills a hike faster than underwear seams digging into your skin. Look for seamless designs or flat seams to avoid irritation and those dreaded hiking wedgies.
  3. Breathability and Quick-Drying Fabrics: Whether you’re crossing streams or caught in a surprise rainstorm, your undies should dry fast and breathe easy. Natural fibers blended with technical fabrics or high-quality synthetics are your best friends here.

Choosing the Perfect Undergarments for Hiking Comfort

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes an undergarment hiking-ready. First off, forget cotton. Yeah, it’s comfy for Netflix binges, but cotton is a moisture magnet that holds sweat against your skin, turning your hike into a soggy, chafing disaster. Instead, opt for fabrics engineered to keep you dry and comfy.

At Shinesty, we’re obsessed with micro-modal blends and performance fabrics that feel like a second skin. These materials wick moisture away faster than you can say “trail mix,” and they dry in a flash. Plus, they’re soft enough to make you question why you ever settled for anything less.

Another game-changer? The Ball Hammock® pouch in our men’s underwear. This patented design cradles your goods with breathable support, reducing sweat and friction in all the right places. Ladies, our cheeky cuts are designed to hug your curves without riding up or bunching, so you can focus on conquering peaks, not adjusting your undies.

When picking your hiking undies, consider these features:

  • Snug but Not Squeezing: You want a fit that stays put without cutting off circulation or causing discomfort.
  • Odor Resistance: Hiking can get stinky, but your underwear doesn’t have to. Look for fabrics treated to fight odor so you stay fresh on multi-day treks.
  • Durability: Trails are tough, and so should be your underwear. Choose pieces that can handle repeated washes and rough wear without losing their mojo.

Layering Tips for Different Weather Conditions

Cold weather hiking? You’ll want a base layer that insulates without bulk. Shinesty’s performance underwear fits the bill perfectly, keeping you warm and dry without overheating. For hot weather, lightweight, breathable undies that maximize airflow are your best bet.

And don’t forget about the dreaded wedgie. Our seamless designs and strategic stitching mean you can say goodbye to that annoying pinch and hello to all-day comfort.

Materials Matter: What Fabrics Should You Pick?

Let’s talk fabric science, because your skin deserves the best. Synthetic blends like polyester and nylon mixed with spandex offer stretch, durability, and moisture management. Micro-modal, a silky-soft fabric derived from beech trees, is a Shinesty favorite for its luxurious feel and breathability.

Natural fibers like merino wool are also fantastic for hiking underwear. They’re naturally odor-resistant, regulate temperature like a champ, and wick moisture away. But if you’re not into the woolly feel, our micro-modal and synthetic blends have you covered with a softer touch.

Why Cotton is the Enemy of Hiking Comfort

We can’t stress this enough: cotton is the enemy when it comes to hiking underwear. It soaks up sweat and holds it against your skin, leading to chafing, blisters, and a general feeling of grossness. Save cotton for your couch days and invest in technical fabrics that keep you dry and comfortable on the trail.

Shinesty’s Bold Approach to Hiking Undergarments

We don’t just make underwear; we make hiking gear that’s cheeky, comfortable, and downright revolutionary. Our Ball Hammock® pouch is a patented masterpiece designed to cradle your boys with breathable support, reducing sweat and friction. For the ladies, our cheeky cuts combine sexy with practical, ensuring you look good and feel even better on every hike.

Plus, our matching his-and-hers sets mean couples can hit the trail in style and comfort. Because why should hiking underwear be boring when it can be downright fun?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Shinesty underwear ideal for hiking?

Shinesty underwear features moisture-wicking micro-modal fabrics, seamless or flat-seam construction, and our patented Ball Hammock® pouch for men, all designed to keep you dry, comfortable, and supported on the trail.

Can I wear Shinesty underwear for multi-day hikes?

Absolutely! Our underwear is odor-resistant and quick-drying, making it perfect for multi-day adventures where washing options might be limited.

Are Shinesty’s women’s underwear styles suitable for active hiking?

Yes! Our women’s cheeky cuts are designed to stay put, prevent chafing, and provide breathable comfort, so you can focus on the trail, not your undies.

Why should I avoid cotton underwear for hiking?

Cotton holds moisture against your skin, leading to chafing and discomfort. Technical fabrics like micro-modal and synthetic blends wick sweat away and dry quickly, keeping you comfortable.

Does Shinesty offer underwear with special support features?

Yes, our men’s underwear includes the Ball Hammock® pouch, a patented design that offers breathable support and reduces friction, making it perfect for active use like hiking.

Ready to Upgrade Your Hiking Undies?

If you just learned something weird, useful, or oddly sexy about what to wear under hiking pants, it’s time to put that knowledge to work. At Shinesty, we’re the internet’s loudest, proudest, and cheekiest underwear brand — rocking the Ball Hammock® pouch for men, outrageously soft and sexy underwear for women, and matching his-and-hers sets that make every adventure more fun. Our dangerously comfortable loungewear and underwear are designed to keep you dry, supported, and feeling like a total boss on the trail. Don’t settle for boring, uncomfortable undies that ruin your hike. Shop now and upgrade your top drawer with the best-fitting, softest, funniest underwear you’ve never worn (yet). Your trail-ready booty will thank you.