Right now I'm riding around the Pacific Northwest and I don't have a ton of storage area, so I figured I'd try some clothing from Exofficio (http://www.exofficio.com/ (http://www.exofficio.com/)). Granted, $18-25 for a pair of boxers is pretty steep, but if it works it'll pay for itself quickly.
The concept is their goods are made from nylon that allows them to dry very quickly, and they also have some material embedded that kills odor. So, let's say they're made of magic.
Once you're ready to wash them, you wash them with some soap or shampoo or whatever in a hotel sink or campsite sink and wring out the water. Next, you wrap them up in a towel burrito style then stomp on them to get the extra water out. 2-4 hours later, you've got clean, dry undies.
I've been rotating through 2 pairs and I'm looking for an REI tomorrow to replace my socks and t-shirts. If you're in the Bay Area, Mel Cotton's in SJ has the underwear for the cheapest price I've seen, $18.
I went backpacking through Europe for 2 months a few years ago with 3 pairs of exofficio underwear. We took the budget route: 35 euro/day including room & board, which didn't leave much $$ for washing clothes so soap and water handwashing in bathrooms was the go-to. I have to say, that underwear couldn't have worked better. Money well spent. They're light, durable, and really fast drying. Also, they don't smell at all and feel great. [thumbsup]
Also - I recommend smartwool for socks.
I want magic undies
Quote from: Flipside725 on July 27, 2009, 11:15:10 AMAlso - I recommend smartwool for socks.
As a backpacker/skier myself, I love me some Smartwool. Definitely will keep your feet dry and warm, which result in blister free days in the wild. I wear them in the winter while riding. Keep my feet warm with water proof riding boots on. Smartwool also make a lighter weight socks, which might work better for you.
Quote from: Goat_Herder on July 28, 2009, 03:11:12 PM
As a backpacker/skier myself, I love me some Smartwool. Definitely will keep your feet dry and warm, which result in blister free days in the wild. I wear them in the winter while riding. Keep my feet warm with water proof riding boots on. Smartwool also make a lighter weight socks, which might work better for you.
Can you treat them like Exofficio gear and wash in a sink, ready by morning?
Quote from: sugarcrook on July 29, 2009, 08:59:32 AM
Can you treat them like Exofficio gear and wash in a sink, ready by morning?
The great thing about wool is that it dries much faster than cotton. Even if it's a little damp when you put it on, it won't cling to you like wet cotton socks would. Your would still feel cool and dry. I am not sure if it would dry as easily or as quickly as synthetic fabric would though. If you wash it at night, dry it like you would with Exofficio, and leave it out to dry (on the bacony or window), it would dry out by the morning sun. Just make sure you get some light weight socks. any thing thicker would turn your boots into a hot sauna.
Good luck!
Underwear? wtf?
Actually whenever I ride I wear DryStar or underarmor type stuff. I only did one back to back day wearin em but they dried quite nicely, and they don't bunch up. A necessity under the leathers on an uncomfortable bike.
Quote from: sugarcrook on July 29, 2009, 08:59:32 AM
Can you treat them like Exofficio gear and wash in a sink, ready by morning?
If you get the light-weight smartwool socks (i think they're the ones for hiking for the ones that cover your ankles, and the ones for running that don't) they'll dry really quickly. I think we even rang them out and gave them a good towel dry and they were good to go.
Quote from: teddy037.2 on July 27, 2009, 01:25:31 PM
I want magic undies
That reminds me of people putting down Mitt Romney in the primaries.