By ANNIE RITCHIE / November 7, 2022
If you’re an avid hiker, chances are you’ve experienced the dreaded “chafe” at some point or another. For those who are unfamiliar, chafing is basically when your skin rubs against something (usually clothing) to the point of irritation. It can happen anywhere on your body, but is most commonly found on the thighs, nipples, and underarms. Ouch!
But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. In this blog post, we’ll give you a few tips on how to prevent chafing while hiking.
Chafing is a common problem for hikers who carry backpacks. When your skin rubs against a material like fabric or metal, it can cause irritation and pain. In severe cases, chafing can lead to open wounds.
Choose the right backpack. If you’re going on a longer hike, make sure to choose a backpack that fits you well. An ill-fitting backpack will rub against your skin and cause chafing.
The same goes for your choice of footwear. Ill fitting shoes and socksn can cause chafing and blisters on your feet.
In addition to wearing the right clothing, you can also apply an anti-chafe cream or powder to any areas that are prone to irritation. These products create a barrier between your skin and whatever is causing the friction (e.g., your clothing).
Apply the lubricant to any areas that will experience friction. Petroleum jelly is a popular choice, but there are also many specialized anti-chafing creams and powders on the market.
Just make sure to apply them before you head out on your hike (and reapply as needed).
Protect vulnerable areas. Areas like the back of your knees, armpits, and groin are particularly susceptible to chafing. You can prevent this by wearing padding in these areas or applying extra lubrication.
Take breaks often. When you’re hiking, it’s important to take breaks often to give your skin a chance to rest. This will help prevent any irritation from turning into full-blown chafing. If you start to feel pain or irritation, take a break as soon as possible. This will give your skin a chance to recover before the chafing gets worse. And don’t hesitate to stop and reapply some lubricant to the affected area as needed. Your skin will thank you later!
Wear the right clothing. Chafing is often caused by clothing that doesn’t fit properly. You also want to avoid anything made with harsh fabrics like denim. Chafing is also exacerbated by clothing made from materials that don’t breath well. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking materials like polyester or nylon. These fabrics will help keep sweat and moisture away from your skin, which will reduce friction and hopefully prevent any irritation.
Another clothing-related tip is to wear hiking shorts or pants with built-in underwear. This way, you won’t have to worry about your underwear bunching up or rubbing against your skin in all the wrong places. Trust us, it’s worth investing in a good pair of hiking shorts!
A great way to prevent chafing is by wearing hiking socks that fit well and provide ample padding in all the right places. This will help reduce friction between your skin and your shoes/boots, which should hopefully prevent any irritation. Plus, if your feet tend to sweat a lot, moisture-wicking socks will help keep things nice and dry down there. No one wants blisters in addition to chafed skin!
Even though chafing is a common problem for hikers, it doesn’t have to be if you take the proper precautions! By choosing the right equipment, wearing the right clothes, and using lubrication, you can prevent your skin from chafing while hiking. In addition, taking breaks often and inspecting your equipment regularly will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hike free of any discomfort!