I know it's a bizarre topic, but does anyone have ideas of where to find it? I mean the lightweight, wicking, quick-dry stuff that seems awfully expensive to me (even if you only need three pairs, at $15 a pop it adds up). The cheapest I've found so far are at the Sierra Trading Post's "Bargain Barn"--but they only have a few sizes--and a few cheaper pairs at Campmor. Of course, there's the bizarre disposable stuff, but I don't imagine that would survive if one tried to wash and reuse it. Recommendations, anyone?

Nope, not available. That stuff is expensive. If the usual sources (Campmor.com, Backcountry.com, Summithut.com, Moosejaw.com, Altrec.com, Mountaingear.com) don't have it cheap, then nobody does. I suggest that you take twice as many cheapy cotton-blend ones from Hanes, etc., and then toss them when they get too skanky.

They're expensive, but I think they're totally worth the cost. I love my ExOfficio underpants. Besides, they will last for a long time, so it's not like you're throwing money away.

What's wrong with regular old underwear? You can probably buy extra pairs pretty cheap on the road if you need them...

quote:

Originally posted by Keppie:
What's wrong with regular old underwear? You can probably buy extra pairs pretty cheap on the road if you need them...

Nothing's wrong with it, that's what I normally wear. But for sports and when traveling I prefer the fancy stuff. It dries very quickly.

Exactly. It's the quick-drying property that is most important to me, as I don't want to have to wear or pack damp cotton undies that didn't quite dry overnight. However, I'm going to be staying in one place for several weeks at a time throughout my trip (WWOOFing), so cotton could actually work. Hmm.

I have a confession... I have actually washed, in a washing machine, the disposable underwear and I have to say they washed fine. Had I continued, I expect they would've survived a few washings. They are cheap too.

I like breezy underwear. I like the artificial fiber underwear that feel like silk, and are light. They dry quickly, and are not specialty items. They also cost about 5 dollars a pair or more, if you like quality.

Then there is the other option.

Easy drying swim trunks double as underwear in a desperate moment, and come in handy in beach situations.