We put several brands of technical underwear to the test
You can ponder long and hard before you spend a small fortune on top-notch midlayer clothing and waterproofs but don’t forget, you also need to get the basics right.
What’s next to your skin is a very important element in keeping comfortable on the hill, whether you’re walking, climbing, skiing or undertaking other strenuous activity in the great outdoors.
Head out in a pair of bog standard pants and you’re likely to end up with a horrible clammy feeling, chafing and general discomfort. A relatively modest outlay on a pair of technical undies is a sound investment.
In this test, the choice came down largely between underwear made from synthetic fabric, usually polyester, with or without fancy treatments, and merino wool usually with the addition of a small amount of stretch material to aid comfort.
If you think having wool next to your important little areas is going to be an itchy experience, think again. Modern merino underwear is nice and smooth, to the extent it’s hard to believe it’s made from wool. Its drawback is price: it’s almost always more expensive than synthetic material, and it needs a little more care, both in washing and avoidance of damaging the fabric, which is not as robust as polyester.
Merino’s big plus point is its ability to control the dreaded odours that are likely to arise from the fact that bodies sweat when doing hard work, and the consequence of that is the build-up of bacteria and unwanted whiffs. Wool does tend to stay damp longer once the moisture has built up, though it keeps its ability to insulate.
Polyester, on the other hand, tends to be better at wicking: that is, transporting sweat away from the skin outwards so it can make its way to the great outdoors via a layered system of clothing. One pair of shorts, the X-Bionic, takes the science to a new level by aiming to keep just enough perspiration on the skin to cool, without too much building up to create annoying and uncomfortable rivulets.
The synthetic fabric is usually less good at controlling odour build-up, something you might want to consider if you’re heading out for a multi-day trek. Some of the brands tackle the problem with technical treatments of the fabric.
It’s fair to note that very little separated the best from the rest in this test, and outdoor fans should look to their own preferences when making their choice. The merino brands don’t figure in the top samples, which is largely down to price, but if the budget runs to it, they are worth considering.
All of these pairs will make your life much more comfortable then if you just pull on your old cotton undies and should be thought of as the basis for your layering system.
Where there is a near identical women’s version of the shorts or briefs, we’ve noted this, but some models come in men’s only versions.
Alpkit Kepler Boxers
Alpkit Kepler Boxers
Price: £18
Colour: blue or grey
Weight: 92g
Material: 100 per cent merino wool
Country of manufacture: China
Recommended wash: 30 gentle wash
Women’s version: no
These Alpkit boxers have quite long legs and feel supportive. The waist is also quite high which means you can hike up the shorts so they don’t coincide with where your outerwear waist pinches, aiding comfort. The waistband is also wide which also adds to the comfortable feel.
There is sideways stretch in the fabric so even though the legs are long, reaching almost to the knees, they don’t feel like they’re impeding movement, though this design may not appeal to everyone.
As with all the merino wool garments in this test, the Alpkit boxers are heavier than those that use synthetic fibres; in fact they are the heaviest in the test, just. Of course, that’s because they are fairly substantial, which makes their modest price surprising: you get a lot of merino for your bucks with the Alpkit Kepler. But unless you’re counting every gram, your underwear isn’t going to be a significant contributor to overall weight.
Wicking was quite good, both under waterproofs in wet weather and in the dry when a little warmer. As you would expect from merino gear, odour build-up was low, so these shorts would be a good choice on a multi-day trip.
They may not be at the top of the fashion table, but the Alpkit shorts do the job well at a price that makes them great value.
Alpkit comments on its site that a few customers have remarked the boxers are tight around larger thighs. This prompted me to get out the tape measure and see what my thigh circumference was – there’s a first time for everything. According to two of Alpkit’s staff, a small size works well with 56cm thighs and large with 58cm. For the record, my 58cm thighs were happy in a size medium.
Comfort 33/40
Odour resistance 17/20
Wicking 13/20
Quality 7/10
Value for money 9/10
Total score: 79/100
EDZ Merino Briefs
EDZ Merino Briefs
Price: £19.99
Colour: purple
Weight: 60g
Material: 100 per cent merino wool
Country of manufacture: China
Recommended wash: 30C wash
Women’s version: no
These merino briefs are no-nonsense underwear with a good sideways stretch in the material. EDZ has two versions: this pair uses the lighter, 150g weigh fabric; there’s a heavier 200g version at the same price.
The higher cut of the briefs’ legs gives a freer feel than boxers and also saves a little weight.
The lighter weight of these briefs makes them the choice for warmer weather or for people who run hot on the hill. Merino wool might seem a strange choice for warmer days but it can have cooling properties when you’re working hard.
Being someone who tends to run warmer, I found the 150g version suited me best and I didn’t feel overwarm even when pushing to the limit uphill.
The briefs have a good wide elasticated waistband and were comfortable in use. They represent good value for merino underwear. It’s a shame there isn’t a women-specific model of these but, as there are no flies in the briefs, they could be worn by women.
Comfort 35/40
Odour resistance 17/20
Wicking 13/20
Quality 6/10
Value for money 8/10
Total score: 79/100
EDZ Merino Shorts Trunk
EDZ Merino Boxer Shorts Trunk
Price: £24.99
Colour: black
Weight: 88g
Material: 100 per cent merino wool
Country of manufacture: China
Recommended wash: 30C wash
Women’s version: no
The EDZ boxers we tested were of the thicker 200g material and provided a little more warmth than the lighter weight. Like the briefs, these boxer shorts have a good wide elasticated waistband and the material has good two-way stretch, which combine to make them comfortable in use.
They were slightly warmer than the EDZ 150g briefs, so we’d suggest they’re a better bet for excursions in cooler conditions.
These boxers also have the addition of flies which makes them a bit more convenient than many in this test.
Being boxers, the legs obviously extend lower than the briefs, but the fabric is stretchy enough not to hinder movement while still offering a little more warmth for the top of the thighs.
I found wicking similar to the EDZ lighter-weight version. As with the briefs, odour resistance was very good, so these would be a good choice for multi-day trips where washing facilities were restricted.
Price was reasonable for merino.
Comfort 35/40
Odour resistance 17/20
Wicking 13/20
Quality 6/10
Value for money 7/10
Total score: 78/100
Falke Women's Panties Athletic
Falke Trekking Athletic Shorts/ Falke Women’s Panties Athletic
Price: £30
Colour: grey or blue (men’s); grey or cerise (women’s)
Weight: 64g
Material: 60 per cent polyamide/35 per cent polyester/5 per cent elastane
Country of manufacture: not stated
Recommended wash: 40C
Women’s version: yes
The Falke underwear is in super stretchy material with different panels knitted seamlessly, some to help retain warmth, others to aid ventilation.
The material is soft and very stretchy, and the waistband is soft too. The thigh cuffs also have an elasticated band to stop them riding up.
The shorts are fairly generously sized are designed to hug the body nicely because of the stretchy nature.
Venting panels are in the small of the back and base of the seat, and three are two sets at the front in the groin area. Warmer panels wrap round the hips.
The Falke underwear has active charcoal to help neutralise odour.
Wicking was very good and the shorts pulled moisture away from the body very well. The men’s version did not have flies.
Finish on the garment was very good.
Curiously, there’s reflective lettering on the waistband so your mates’ headtorches can seek you out if you’re wandering round camp in your underwear.
As with most of the synthetic underwear in this test, the Falke shorts were quick drying.
The Falke Trekking Athletic Shorts are very good performers and among the most comfortable in the test, though they are on the pricey side.
Comfort 37/40
Odour resistance 15/20
Wicking 16/20
Quality 8/10
Value for money 6/10
Total score: 82/100
Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers
Price: £35
Colour: purple, orange, blue or black
Weight: 52g
Material: 96 per cent merino wool; 4 per cent elastane
Country of manufacture: China
Recommended wash: 40C wash
Women’s version: no
The Icebreaker boxers have elastane to add a little more stretch, which is more marked sideways than vertically.
These are specifically designed for men – the Anatomica presumably refers to the ‘closed contoured pouch that shifts to the left’. Any more explanation would mean getting overly graphic.
There is no direct women’s version produced by Icebreaker: the Oasis Boy Shorts are in the thicker 200gm fabric rather than the Anatomica’s lighter 150g; the women’s Sprit Hotpants probably come closest, in 150g material, and £3 cheaper due to their simpler construction.
The strong elasticated waistband holds the shorts in position well, and the fit is fairly generous though the Lycra content helps the garment hug the body.
The lighter-weight material makes these useful in warmer weather or when pushing the pace, and wicking was quite good, though as with all the merino underwear, once damp they took longer to dry out than synthetic fabrics.
The merino construction means odours were kept well under control, something to consider if you’re heading out for a prolonged journey with limited laundry facilities.
There are no flies on these shorts, just the asymmetrically constructed front pouch. Manufacturing quality was good, and the shorts are comfortable in use, with no evidence of chafing from seams.
A nice piece of outdoor clothing, but at a price: the Icebreaker Anatomica Shorts are the dearest in the test.
Comfort 36/40
Odour resistance 17/20
Wicking 13/20
Quality 7/10
Value for money 5/10
Total score: 78/100
Páramo Cambia Boxer Shorts
Páramo Cambia Boxer Shorts
Price: £25
Colour: black
Weight: 84g
Material: Parameta T+ polyester
Country of manufacture: Colombia
Recommended wash: 40C
Women’s version: yes
These Páramo are generously cut but stretchy and have a medium width elasticated waistband.
We tested both the boxer shorts and the briefs, both of which come in a women’s version and are made from Páramo’s Parameta T+ fabric, which has different texture on the inside face from the outside. On other garments, this means the reversible nature of the material allows turning inside out when the temperature rises. However, this isn’t really possible with the underwear because of the construction of the garments.
The polyester boxers don’t hug the body as closely as some of the underwear in the test, as the stretch is not as pronounced.
Wicking was very good and comfort was good too. After working hard uphill, the Páramo boxers kept everything pretty dry. The Parameta T+ fabric shifts moisture quickly. The men’s version has flies.
Legs are fairly long but there was no restriction of movement. Manufacturing quality from the company’s Miquelina Foundation in Bogotá was good.
The women’s version of the Cambia are shorter and obviously simpler in construction as there’s no fly. They also have a less deep waistband.
The Cambia shorts shifted moisture well and were cut more generously than some in the test. Odour control was reasonable for synthetic underwear but not as good as that achieved by merino fabrics.
Páramo has a recycling scheme for its customers to send back gear once they’ve no longer a use for it, but understandably underwear is excluded from this.
Comfort 35/40
Odour resistance 12/20
Wicking 18/20
Quality 8/10
Value for money 7/10
Total score: 80/100
Páramo Cambia Briefs
Páramo Cambia Briefs
Price: £23
Colour: black
Weight: 46g
Material: Parameta T+ polyester
Country of manufacture: Colombia
Recommended wash: 40C
Women’s version: yes
These are the briefs version of the Cambia and share the same material and its benefits, but are styled to a cutaway on the legs. The men’s version has a shaped front pouch but no flies, and the women’s have a narrower waistband and simpler construction.
In use, we found the briefs gave a better sense of free movement as there are no legs; conversely, you miss out on the warmth provided on the thighs by the longer shorts version, but on balance we preferred the briefs.
This is purely a matter of personal preference, however, and the performance of the briefs and shorts in wicking and odour resistance was identical. For men, there is the slight inconvenience of not having flies. Using less fabric and being of a simpler construction, the briefs are a couple of pounds cheaper than the shorts.
Comfort 36/40
Odour resistance 12/20
Wicking 18/20
Quality 8/10
Value for money 7/10
Total score: 81/100
SueMe Tree Trunk
SueMe Tree Trunk/Women’s Beech Shorties
Price: £16
Colour: black
Weight: 68g
Material: 95 per cent modal from beech tree pulp; 5 per cent elastane
Country of manufacture: Portugal
Recommended wash: 30C
Women’s version: yes
The curious name of the brand apparently has its origin in a buddies’ conversation while sailing. The odd name is not the only difference about these shorts: they’re made from modal, a type of rayon made from beech pulp.
SueMe makes great play of its green credentials, and each pair of shorts comes with a little packet of beech seeds so you can help offset your use of the planet’s resources.
Another attribute of modal is its natural antibacterial property, and the Tree Trunks did resist odour build-up very well.
Any sense that something made from wood pulp might be a bit scratchy can be instantly dismissed: the fabric is very soft and also has four-way stretch, thanks to the elastane content. There’s a broad elasticated waistband with the brand’s ‘what goes around comes around’ logo woven into it. Seams are comfortable.
The legs are fairly short and hug the thighs nicely, so movement isn’t impaired. There are no flies, and the construction is quite simple.
We have actually used a pair of these Tree Trunks for a prolonged period before the test too, and found them comfortable and durable.
And the price is good. For a basic, no-nonsense pair of shorts, the SueMe trunks are a great choice.
Comfort 35/40
Odour resistance 16/20
Wicking 16/20
Quality 7/10
Value for money 8/10
Total score: 82/100
X-Bionic Energizer Mk2
X-Bionic Energizer Mk2
Price: £30.95
Colour: black
Weight: 64g
Material: 93 per cent polyamide; 4 per cent elastane; 3 per cent polypropylene
Country of manufacture: Italy
Recommended wash: 40C
Women’s version: yes
X-Bionic gear comes packaged in a bewilderingly detailed box that explains just how complex the garment is. You’d be amazed how much thought could go into a pair of underpants.
These Swiss-designed, Italian-made shorts work on the principle that you need to keep a little sweat on the skin to do what it’s biologically meant to do: cool you down. Where it becomes a problem is when the beads of sweat turn into rivulets and cause wet areas and discomfort.
Turn these shorts inside out and you see the complicated nature of the knit, with different panels at the waistband, lower back, hips, thighs, seat and front (the business end, if you like).
These Mark 2 versions improve on previous models and have two 3D Bionic Sphere areas, at the front and at the back. These are designed to catch sweat, insulate when the wearer is resting, and transmit moisture outwards when active.
The shorts also benefit from Skin Nodor nano-filaments to help control odour. We found this worked to some degree, but odour control was still not up to the level of merino.
The whole concept of X-Bionic’s garments it to try to keep the body at or around 37C
Wicking was good overall, with best performance in the special panels, remembering that the point is to keep a thin layer of moisture next to the skin so it can cool the body when working hard.
Odour control was reasonable thanks to the nano-filaments, but not quite as good as merino.
X-Bionic’s aim is to improve athletic performance by keeping the body at optimum temperature, but how about the walker or outdoor fan who just wants to be at ease out on the hill? The good news is, even if you’re not a super athlete, the Energizer Mk2 are supportive and comfortable.
The shorts are classed as low compression, but the supplier recommended having a size larger than usual, which worked out about right, so bear that in mind if you’re buying. As with all good outdoor gear, once they were on, we forgot about them. They’re not cheap, but they feel robust.
Comfort 37/40
Odour resistance 15/20
Wicking 16/20
Quality 8/10
Value for money 6/10
Total score: 82/100
Three pairs tied for top place in our test: the Falke Trekking Athletic Shorts were very good quality and very comfortable. The SueMe Tree Trunks are simple, but do the job well and they’re the cheapest in the test. The X-Bionic are an amazing example of the art of textile and very well thought out and, in use, very comfortable.
Alpkit’s reputation for value holds up well with the Kepler Shorts, just £18 for a substantial merino garment.
The garment samples were provided by the brands in the test.
