In the few months it takes most people to finish the Appalachian Trail, there’s undoubtedly going to be a lot of suffering. That goes without saying. Your feet are going to blister in your boots, your muscles will get sore, and you’ll probably get sunburned. It’ll be weeks between showers. The food won’t be that great. The list goes on. Hiking a trail like that is a game of compromises: How many can you endure? Which do you trade for others?
But if there’s one place not to compromise, it’s your junk. Your underwear might not seem like the most critical piece of gear before you head off on a pretty gear-intensive adventure. But trust me: After a couple of weeks without washing or changing your underwear, not much will seem more important. Which is why having the right pair of undies is critical, whether you’re headed out on a multi-month thru-hike or just going mountain biking for a weekend. Choosing the right ones for you can go a long way toward your morale.
