How Not All Underpants Are Created Equal
Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 26, 2025
For me, the number one irritation on the trail is some idiot with a Bluetooth speaker. A very close second, however, is chafing, especially on multi-day hikes. It can seriously ruin your day, and that’s why we need to talk about a bit of kit that rarely gets the spotlight: your underpants. Specifically, SAXX, because once you’ve hiked in SAXX, you never go back.
We obsess over jackets, weigh our cook sets, debate the merits of down over synthetics as if they were political issues, but most people still pack “whatever’s clean” when it comes to underwear. That’s a mistake, your undies are a baselayer, and they should be given equal attention. When you’re ten miles deep, your thighs are rubbing, your pants are damp (from the rain), and your patience is wearing thin, comfort does matter.
I can’t stress this enough: I do not go hiking without a pair of SAXX. This is a love letter to the first thing I put on before hitting any trail.
SAXX underwear has become such a favourite among hikers, climbers, cyclists, footballers, and anyone active outdoors, mainly because of SAXX’s most outstanding feature, the BallPark Pouch. It might sound like a gimmick until you’ve experienced going a whole day without everything getting mashed together like trail mix or swinging about like a tin mug on the back of your rucksack.
The design is simple but brilliant: a hammock-shaped pouch made from breathable mesh panels that cradles your bits and holds them away from your thighs. No squashing, no sticking, and no awkward lunges on the side of the trail to readjust your undercrackers. It keeps things separated, supported, and crucially off your legs, which means less friction, less sweat build-up, and a lot more comfort when you're covering ground.
The longer inseams that SAXX calls their “No Ride Up Fit” do precisely that: they stay in place. Mid-trail hand-down-the-shorts readjustments are no more. Pair that with Flat Out Seams (stitched smooth side in) means no irritating rubbing or chafing.
The Three-D Fit is another standout feature. Each pair is built with a nine-panel ergonomic design that moves with your body, ensuring no bunching, sagging, or seams in the wrong places. The fabric withstands repeated wash-and-wear cycles without losing its shape, is breathable and wicks moisture away quickly enough to keep you dry and comfortable even on a hot day.
Oh, and let’s not forget the genius StopDrop Technology. It addresses that problem of the awkward post-pee dribble that no one wants to talk about, but everyone wants to avoid.
SAXX isn’t just an upgrade from high street basics; they’re technical, trail-ready underwear designed for movement, stopping friction and removing sweat. Unlike most bits of gear, they do their best work when you forget they’re there. So, have a think and if your current pants are letting you down, maybe it’s time to change things up down there.
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| Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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For me, the number one irritation on the trail is some idiot with a Bluetooth speaker. A very close second, however, is chafing, especially on multi-day hikes. It can seriously ruin your day, and that’s why we need to talk about a bit of kit that rarely gets the spotlight: your underpants. Specifically, SAXX, because once you’ve hiked in SAXX, you never go back.