Page 1 of 1

Question

Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:28 pm
by Beavis
Would wearing bicycle shorts help hiking?

I've heard that the tight fitting suits help muscle performance. If so, I figure I can look awesome while be able to hike longer, faster, etc.

Re: Question

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:02 pm
by trav867
Yes. I've become a firm believer in underarmor/bike short underwear. Obviously, padded bike shorts are unnecessary, but a tight fitting synthetic short completely eliminates chaffing and gives great um.. support. For me they are about as vital as boots when backpacking.

Re: Question

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:33 pm
by copeg
I agree. With long drawn out hikes I've been prone to chaffing...a pair of spandex has completely eliminated that problem.

Re: Question

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:58 pm
by BSquared
I prefer the Colin Fletcher option (maybe it only works for geezers?): loose-fitting shorts with nothing underneath. I wouldn't have believed it until I tried it. It works.

Re: Question

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:01 pm
by Baffman
I'm with BSquared, except my shorts have to have the built in, mesh, um, support system. Tight spandex seems like it would be very hot and sweaty. Never tried it though. Probably never will!! :paranoid:

Re: Question

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:25 pm
by Beavis
My reasons were more along the lines of an easy way of increasing endurance. Supposedly the tight fit eliminates unneeded movement of the muscles so they don't fatigue as easily.

However, I never really thought about the chaffing issue (until now).

I would make a joke (or seven) here, don't want to get banned just yet.

Re: Question

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:50 pm
by TehipiteTom
Dang, I was hoping this was an April Fool's Day joke...but it was posted yesterday. ;)

Seriously, though: just say no to Spandex! There's enough horrific visual pollution in the world without inflicting that nightmare on the wilderness.

(Joking...sort of. ;))

Re: Question

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 1:03 pm
by trav867
Haha I totally agree with you Tom- this is UNDERWEAR and must never be worn alone. I do sweat in them but not much more than normal. I've never had an issue as the ones I use are a blended fabric that breathes OK. These have become popular with athletes in many different sports, and IMHO are worth trying.

Re: Question

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:21 pm
by dave54
I would suggest bike shorts without the built in padding.

A pair of nylon gym shorts over them to help reduce the visual shock.

Re: Question

Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:21 pm
by Take-a-Hike
Well, this is the 21st century, isn't it? and b/p gear, tents, golf equipment, sports hardware, etc. is not the only thing that has advanced technologically. Clothing is right up there taking advantage of this stuff too. The other day I saw a golf shirt made out of bamboo...didn't buy it, but it was there. I officiate sports in high schools/colleges in Southern Cal. For years I've been wearing tights under both my football knickers and basketball slacks, which are basically black dress slacks. Most guys wear something under there, personal preference whether it be half leg tights or full leg ones. I always use the full length lycra variety. Usually some sort of moisture wicking lycra material w/polyester blend. It may help with leg fatigue, but also it saves wear and tear on the pant material too. I also wear an undergarment on top. Most of that stuff is a mix of polyester, nylon and maybe even spandex. All this stuff works great on those 100* days of football. Moisture wicking, cooling effect of layers, etc. Then I got the idea to wear the upper garments backpacking too. I also use them as layers in the winter on the golf course. Mornings are cool and they work as base layers. My legs get cold sleeping out at night (an effect of old age I guess), so I wear the tights to sleep in but am still stuck on hiking in shorts w/regular old underwear underneath. However, I may try the lycra shorts this summer under my hiking shorts. I have the shorts that lower legs zip off....like that. Chaffing is never a problem on 100* days so can't imagine it would be anyother time. A lot of the stuff they make/sell these days is light weight, rinses out easily and is quick drying hanging from rocks or trees in evening sun/wind.