Some topics rarely make it into gear guides, but they matter just as much when you are walking for days at a time.
Recently, an anonymous member of the Trail Hiking Australia community asked a very practical question:
“On a two-week hike without easy washing or drying, how do you keep underwear comfortable, dry, and odour-free?”
The response was immediate and generous. Women shared what actually works for them on long treks. What follows is a distilled version of that conversation — trail-tested advice rather than marketing copy.
Fabric matters more than brand
The strongest consensus was around fabric choice.
Merino wool was the clear favourite. Many hikers reported managing comfortably with just two or three pairs over extended trips. The reasons were consistent: merino resists odour, remains comfortable when slightly damp, and performs across a wide temperature range.
Lightweight technical synthetics were the main alternative. These fabrics dry very quickly and can be easier to manage in persistently wet conditions. Some hikers preferred synthetics for tropical or humid environments where drying speed matters more than insulation.
Cotton was almost universally discouraged for multi-day trips due to moisture retention and friction.
Interestingly, period underwear was mentioned by a few hikers but generally considered less suitable for long trips without reliable drying options. While effective at home, they were described as bulky and slow to dry in field conditions.
The rotation approach
Rather than carrying many pairs, most women described using a simple rotation system.
One pair in use.
One pair drying.
One clean pair in reserve.
Drying methods varied depending on conditions. Some hikers clipped underwear to the outside of their pack while walking. Others rinsed in minimal water, wrung thoroughly and finished drying inside their sleeping bag overnight using body heat. In consistently wet weather, drying could be the biggest challenge.
The common thread was not perfection. It was managing moisture before it accumulated.
Washing without facilities
Several practical washing methods were shared. A small amount of water and biodegradable soap in a ziplock bag, shaken and rinsed, was enough for many. Thorough wringing was considered more important than the volume of water used.
Some hikers preferred to avoid washing daily and instead relied on liners to extend wear time between rinses. Disposable liners were seen as simple and lightweight, while reusable options reduced waste but added bulk.
There was no single correct method. The right approach depended on trip length, climate and personal comfort.
Staying fresh on long trips
Beyond fabric and rotation, small hygiene tools made a difference.
Some women used compact wipes sparingly, being careful to pack everything out. Others mentioned lightweight bidet attachments to improve cleanliness where water access allowed.
A few suggested lightly misting fabric with alcohol-based sanitiser to reduce odour in stubborn conditions. Those who tried this emphasised testing at home first and avoiding contact with skin or sensitive fabrics.
Again, the advice was practical rather than prescriptive.
The main takeaway
There was no magic product.
Comfort on multi-day hikes came down to three consistent themes: choosing the right fabric, carrying fewer but better-performing items, and managing moisture proactively.
Perhaps the most important advice was to trial everything before a major trip. What works for one body may not work for another.
This article remains a reflection of shared experience from women in the Trail Hiking Australia community. It is not a definitive gear prescription. It is a collection of what has worked in real conditions, across real hikes.
If you are also planning around menstruation, you can read the dedicated guide here:
Hiking With Your Period: Practical Field Management.
And if you have your own hard-earned lessons, add them. Community knowledge is often more valuable than marketing claims.
