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Underwear

When travelling in Algonquin's interior ... paddling in your PFD ... hefting your pack along the portage or trail ... your "top" generates a lots of sweat ... across the back, chest and underarms ... and downward from there.

Dealing with the "sweat factor" is central to the choice between conventional materials and specialized modern synthetics.

Cotton:

  • 100% cotton undergarments are the low-tech choice. However, cotton's "slow-to-dry" and "cold-when-wet" characteristics necessitate taking along numerous changes ... one "top" for after a strenuous activity and another for after the next strenuous activity, because the first one isn't dry yet! Then there's the dry undergarments you want to change into before sliding into your sleeping bag. Plus, there's the reserve set for unexpected occasions, like getting caught in a cloudburst or falling in the water.

  • Should the weather be cool or damp, you'll have trouble getting wet cotton undergarments thoroughly dry in time for their next use! Relying on 100% cotton means taking along multiple changes (2 or 3 "bottoms" and 4 or 5 "tops") and being continually attentive about drying them.

Synthetics:

  • Undergarments made from synthetic "moisture-management" fabrics are now gaining popularity. T-shirts, undershirts, boxers and briefs are available in these special fabrics that help wick moisture away from the skin and speed evaporation. These items usually have to be purchased at sports and outdoor stores.

  • While these high-tech undergarments cost much more than cotton versions, their convenient "stay-dry" and "quick-dry" characteristics allow one to get away with packing just 1 or 2 changes. Be sure to acquire items with the correct seasonal "weight" of fabric (light, mid or expedition).

Wool:

  • Undergarments made from extremely soft Merino wool are just appearing on the market. They wick moisture away very efficiently and because of their long fibres, don't possess the "itchiness" normally attributed to wool. Unfortunately, being a luxury fibre, Merino wool products are expensive.

Long Johns:

  • For trips in the Spring and Fall, a set of long underwear is definitely a wise move. Since excessive sweating isn't common during this period, a single set is usually adequate.