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CharlesTheHammer 
Group: Members
Posts: 241
Joined: Jan. 2011
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 5:20 pm |
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What I am asking here, is are you concerned about style and matching outfits, with matching backpack, so that you appear aesthetically stylish while out on the trail?
When I go skiing, I am more concerned with wearing a matching outfit, but when It comes to backpacking, not so much. I have clothing for backpacking that I bought for its ability to keep me dry and warm, and usually I found it on sale, so I bought whatever color they had it in, but that doesnt mean that it is going to match the color of my blue backpack! In fact, I have 2 outer shells(pants, jacket) that completely clash with the color of my backpack, and with my boots! Not only that, but its likely that the hat I wear wont match my gloves, etc.
In other words, I didnt buy this stuff all at the same time, and I was more interested in function that form when it came to equipping myself, and that has left me with at least a few items that will not match each other. I could put together an out fit that would match, but most of my stuff wont match everything.
It just isnt that important to me, because I'm going into the woods, not to a black tie charity ball!
2. Oh yeah, here's another question that I thought I'd sneak in so I didnt have to include it in the title! How concerned are you with wearing special purpose backpacking/hiking underwear as opposed to standard cotton boxers or briefs or whatever? I am mainly talking about short underwear, not long underwear, as I do have a few pairs of moisture wicking thermal underwear...
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| Post Number: 2
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VAN
Group: Members
Posts: 3176
Joined: Nov. 2006
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 5:25 pm |
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I don't give a rat's @$$ what I look like on the trail. I actually have just a few items exclusively for backpacking so if you were to look back at all my trips, I'd be wearing the same thing in all the pictures. Almost all of my clothes come from the clearance sales online so the colors are bright and awful. But I don't care! Most important for me is my hair is up and out of the way. Headbands are a girls best friend 
And yes, I do care about my underwear. I would never wear cotton during a hike here in Florida, or anywhere for that matter. Need something breathable and something that dries quickly...
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"Long you live and high you fly. And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry. And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be." -Pink Floyd
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| Post Number: 3
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EastieTrekker
Group: Members
Posts: 1467
Joined: Mar. 2012
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 5:27 pm |
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Don't care about aesthetics for hiking or skiing - though I do try to buy as much in blue as humanly possible because it really ticks off my fiancee  Performance is the #1 factor when making a purchase; price is next; color is last.
However, I do have a lot of wild colors because I tend to buy the "leftovers" from the previous year - which tend to be the colors that sold the worst.
I tried synthetic underwear once, loved it, and never looked back. I don't know how people use the cotton stuff while active in any season.
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I request all the possible consumer protection organizations, and fight with their injustice. 
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| Post Number: 4
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BCPete1
Group: Members
Posts: 503
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 5:45 pm |
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I'm stylin' no matter what I have on - so I don't think about it. 
To answer your second question - Patagonia Silk Weight Boxers. I won't wear anything else because these are the only things that I've found work for me on all fronts.
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| Post Number: 5
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Firedancer
Colorado Dreamin'
Group: Members
Posts: 4219
Joined: Sep. 2007
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 5:53 pm |
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I have a background in fashion, so it's hard for me to completely clash, but like Eastie, price and performance come first and then color. I tend to gravitate towards certain colors, like having 3 green fleece jackets plus my rain jacket is green. But in all cases, I picked the item first and then the color.
Underwear - definitely synthetic - for my last trip, I splurged on one pair of Patagonia and one pair of ExOfficio bottoms - they were close to $20 each, but well worth it.
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The future is no place to place your better days.
Dave Matthews
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| Post Number: 6
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High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39560
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 5:58 pm |
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Absolutely: I definitely choose my route for it's aesthetics.
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| Post Number: 7
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| Post Number: 8
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bad knees
Group: Members
Posts: 2382
Joined: May 2007
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:19 pm |
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Seems like all of my pics are me in the same shirt. My wife calls it my "gay porn star shirt". Can wear it for a week and no stink. Couldn't care less. Not much more effort when skiing. SHE on the other hand has to look perfect on the slopes.
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There's a story behind that!
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| Post Number: 9
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| Post Number: 10
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TDale
Group: Members
Posts: 13141
Joined: Jun. 2005
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:26 pm |
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I buy my backpacking clothes based on performance and price. That means I end up with some odd colors. I look good in "Kiwi", really.
Underwear is synthetic only on the trail. I wear cotton in town.
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"Sure as I know anything, I know this - they will try again...They'll swing back to the belief that they can make people... better. And I do not hold to that. So no more runnin'. I aim to misbehave."
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| Post Number: 11
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pastywhite
Group: Members
Posts: 1558
Joined: May 2009
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:30 pm |
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No
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| Post Number: 12
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Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10502
Joined: Apr. 2005
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:31 pm |
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Yes. I have started purchasing tan, white, and yellow colors for much of mosquito season and avoiding black, red and blue.
In winter, I hike in a Camo shell with black balaclava, black gloves, and black gaitors (probably not the best choice if I get injured) but also have plenty of bright colors (Gold Down shell, bright blue Down booties, etc) for at camp.
Yes, I use synthetic wicking underwear. I will wear the same pair of undies for up to three days while hiking...so it tends to be a bit more of an issue. Also, I sweat heavily at times while hiking as the terrain I choose to hike in can be brutal at times (think near vertical) so moisture management is important.
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If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
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| Post Number: 13
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RevoRunner
Group: Members
Posts: 2079
Joined: Aug. 2006
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:41 pm |
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I don't think you could match backpack colors even if you wanted.
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WINNING!!!
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| Post Number: 14
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JimInMD
Group: Members
Posts: 3112
Joined: Feb. 2011
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:46 pm |
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I not only co-ordinate my outfit, I strive to match the color of the foliage on that particular part of the trail. If any particularly grubby animals cross my path and cause the scene to lose it's aesthetic appeal, it can ruin the WHOLE DAY!
Oh, and Under Armor boxer briefs for hiking.
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Checking out for a while, find me on FB.
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| Post Number: 15
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spindle
Group: Members
Posts: 22197
Joined: Dec. 2003
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:52 pm |
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Not only am I completely color coordinated, I pack cosmetics and hair products.
There's no excuse for bad fashion. Ever.
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| Post Number: 16
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QCHIKER
Group: Members
Posts: 1728
Joined: Oct. 2009
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 6:56 pm |
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My clothes are kinda matchy matchy but I didn't buy them to match a pack. In general I try to avoid blue and black in the bug season, but will wear them in the winter. I wear a lot of orange during the fall to stand out during hunting season.
As to underwear I wear synthetic, What would be the point of buying all synthetic pants and shirts and then have a pair of cotton underwear under them.
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| Post Number: 17
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| Post Number: 18
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Dave Senesac
Group: Members
Posts: 3027
Joined: Jun. 2002
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 7:08 pm |
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No.
For most of us the notion of that question is so laughable its surprising it was asked though it would have some value if posed to day hikers who frequent popular trails as they are often passing other hikers. Or maybe backpackers that only ever use very popular trails especially long distance trails like the AT. Otherwise as is more commonly the situation, if no one or almost no one else is going to see you, why is that even a consideration? So one looks ok in a digital camera pic during a trip? We are on many trips where we see no one or just one or two groups passing over several days. Much of my clothing eventually ends up with duct tape all over it.
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...David
http://davidsenesac.com
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| Post Number: 19
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tarol
Well I never!
Group: Members
Posts: 10297
Joined: Mar. 2003
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 7:14 pm |
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I try and buy clothing that blends in with my surroundings - for LNT reasons. But, since I also rarely buy anything that's not on sale, I do have some items that are brighter colored than I would normally like.
Most of my underwear is microfiber so it's good on and off the trail.
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Got elevation? www.tarol.com
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| Post Number: 20
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kcwins
I refuse to grow up!
Group: Members
Posts: 2156
Joined: Apr. 2008
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 7:46 pm |
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I look good no matter what I'm wearing. Especially when I'm wearing my pink mittens.
I still wear cotton briefs on the trail. It seems the synthetic, poly, whatever other under armor undies ride up my @$$.
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Signature removed for lack of payment
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| Post Number: 21
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| Post Number: 22
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jmarklane
Group: Members
Posts: 218
Joined: Jul. 2012
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 7:58 pm |
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(tarol @ Oct. 23 2012, 7:14 pm)
QUOTE I try and buy clothing that blends in with my surroundings - for LNT reasons. But, since I also rarely buy anything that's not on sale, I do have some items that are brighter colored than I would normally like.
Most of my underwear is microfiber so it's good on and off the trail.
I was about to say something along those lines. I don't care about "fashion" or style, even off the trail (it's a joke around my office). But, I prefer natural colors when hiking or backpacking. I know most animals can't tell the difference, but I just feel less...intrusive, wearing tans and greens and browns. I also prefer tents and other camp gear in natural colors. I don't like my campsite to stand out like a neon light to people who may happen to walk by a half mile away.
As a result of this, most of my stuff tends to "go" together, even though that wasn't really the intent.
All that said, I have absolutely no problem with people feeling that the way they dress matters, and so seeking out stylish colors or cuts, even in backpacking clothing. So what? It doesn't hurt anyone, does it?
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| Post Number: 23
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spindle
Group: Members
Posts: 22197
Joined: Dec. 2003
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 7:58 pm |
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(reubenstump @ Oct. 23 2012, 7:07 pm)
QUOTE
(spindle @ Oct. 23 2012, 6:52 pm)
QUOTE Not only am I completely color coordinated, I pack cosmetics and hair products.
There's no excuse for bad fashion. Ever. Do you wear different size, shape, color octopi on your head? I'm considering a seven banded armadillo. And either rhinestone or horn rim glasses.
Sometimes I get lax about it and it will change shape, size, and color. It also collects foliage, mosses, and small twigs. After a week it looks like mossy sloth.
Armadillos might be itchy but rhinestones are IN this season.
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| Post Number: 24
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reubenstump
Los Cuernos
Group: Members
Posts: 926
Joined: Sep. 2011
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 8:05 pm |
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(spindle @ Oct. 23 2012, 7:58 pm)
QUOTE
(reubenstump @ Oct. 23 2012, 7:07 pm)
QUOTE
(spindle @ Oct. 23 2012, 6:52 pm)
QUOTE Not only am I completely color coordinated, I pack cosmetics and hair products.
There's no excuse for bad fashion. Ever. Do you wear different size, shape, color octopi on your head? I'm considering a seven banded armadillo. And either rhinestone or horn rim glasses. Sometimes I get lax about it and it will change shape, size, and color. It also collects foliage, mosses, and small twigs. After a week it looks like mossy sloth. Armadillos might be itchy but rhinestones are IN this season.
Great that you can use it to shoot ink at people, steal food off of plates, and strangle screaming children. The deadly beak is awesome.
Good choice. Maybe not ultralight, but certainly multipurpose. The beak can break twigs and stuff. Does it ever get ornery and tie your shoelaces together?
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| Post Number: 25
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vinovampire
Winter is Coming
Group: Members
Posts: 637
Joined: Dec. 2007
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 8:41 pm |
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Yes, I am concerned with aesthetics to a certain extent when I go backpacking. I want to look like a backpacker. This is for two reasons: First, I want to blend in on the trail, so I don't stand out to other hikers. Second, there have been a few times in my life when I have had to hitch-hike. Each time it seemed advantageous to be IDed as a "hiker." The people who picked us up were "hikers" too or were interested in talking about hiking.
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| Post Number: 26
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CajunHiker
Carnival Time!
Group: Members
Posts: 22562
Joined: Jun. 2006
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 9:12 pm |
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I don't wear pearls on the trail. Now *that* would be a fashion faux pas!
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"Mardi Gras is the love of life. It is the harmonic convergence of our food, our music, our creativity, our eccentricity, our neighborhoods, and our joy of living. All at once." - Chris Rose
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| Post Number: 27
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CharlesTheHammer
Group: Members
Posts: 241
Joined: Jan. 2011
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 9:26 pm |
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(Dave Senesac @ Oct. 23 2012, 7:08 pm)
QUOTE No.
For most of us the notion of that question is so laughable its surprising it was asked though it would have some value if posed to day hikers who frequent popular trails as they are often passing other hikers. Or maybe backpackers that only ever use very popular trails especially long distance trails like the AT. Otherwise as is more commonly the situation, if no one or almost no one else is going to see you, why is that even a consideration? So one looks ok in a digital camera pic during a trip? We are on many trips where we see no one or just one or two groups passing over several days. Much of my clothing eventually ends up with duct tape all over it.
Sorry if you were offended by the question, but it was only meant as conversation. If I had never seen any backpackers on the trail who worried about wearing matching clothes, I wouldnt have bothered with the question, but actually, I not only see people wearing all matching colors, I have hiked with guys and gals who DO take the time to carefully pick out gear/clothing that matches. I know a few people who have the disposable income to do so, and they do so!
If it was a serious gear question, I wouldve posted it in the gear area, but it truly is a trivial one, which is why its here in the trailhead register area. If you read the OP, you'd see that I agree with you, as I dont go out of my way to try and be "stylish" on the trail. But its just conversation, dont let it bother you.....
But I see this slightly differently for women. If they want to forgo choosing matching colors, then I'm 100% fine with that decision. If they want to choose backpacking clothing that makes them look as cute/hot/pretty as they do off the trail, then I'm 110% fine with that!I also understand the other, more practical reasons for carefully choosing colors and shades that members have mentioned here.
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| Post Number: 28
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CharlesTheHammer
Group: Members
Posts: 241
Joined: Jan. 2011
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 9:30 pm |
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(Tigger @ Oct. 23 2012, 6:31 pm)
QUOTE Yes. I have started purchasing tan, white, and yellow colors for much of mosquito season and avoiding black, red and blue.
In winter, I hike in a Camo shell with black balaclava, black gloves, and black gaitors (probably not the best choice if I get injured) but also have plenty of bright colors (Gold Down shell, bright blue Down booties, etc) for at camp.
Yes, I use synthetic wicking underwear. I will wear the same pair of undies for up to three days while hiking...so it tends to be a bit more of an issue. Also, I sweat heavily at times while hiking as the terrain I choose to hike in can be brutal at times (think near vertical) so moisture management is important.
Are mosquitoes attracted to darker colors like that? I thought they were like other insects in that they are attracted to either CO2 from breath, body heat, chemicals in sweat, etc. But if they are attracted to colors as well, thats good to know....
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| Post Number: 29
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SnidelyWhiplash
Group: Members
Posts: 522
Joined: Jul. 2012
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 9:36 pm |
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Like some others here, I buy stuff on the cheap whenever possible. I actually look like bozo the clown walking around camp in the evening.
I wear under armor compression shorts (like bike shorts), they prevent chaffing and don't move around on me at all. This from Wikipedia:
QUOTE A major benefit of compression shorts are that they keep the thigh muscles warm to reduce muscle strain and fatigue. In addition, there is some evidence that compression shorts may enhance athletic performance.[1] They are also used as a way to keep the male genitalia in place. Compression shorts also help to keep undergarments in place, and for certain sports, like baseball and softball (where they are also known as "sliding shorts"), come with padding at the hips to protect players from injuries due to sliding.
Another major benefit is that many compression shorts are designed to wick sweat away from the body to lessen chafing and the onset of rashes. The friction between the fabric of the shorts sliding past each other may also be less than that of bare thighs rubbing, which may also reduce chafing during things like walking or running when the thighs are adducted.
ETA: i.e. The perfect drawers for hiking.
I tried ExO's boxer briefs, and they were ok, but bunch up around my legs. I end up fighting with them and pulling them down all day.
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| Post Number: 30
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21831
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Oct. 23 2012, 9:37 pm |
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I go for natural colors when I can, or black or white, so I don't normally clash too badly. I also have a couple blaze orange garments that come in handy this time of year, but which I sometimes wear with impunity before Labor Day.
I have a couple ugly blue things whose color I abhor not just for the wavelength they reflect, but also because desert insects LOVE blue and will flock to it from miles away.
No underwear unless it's cold enough for the long-sleeve legs.
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