[at-l] Chafing (was Please critique my gear list)

[Mara Factor]

I had a message from a guy asking about chafing and kilts but thought I 
would address the subject more thoroughly for all to see...

Both women and men may have chafing issues whether wearing shorts, skirts, 
or kilts.  (Yes, there are men who do wear skirts, not kilts, on the trail.) 
  Physical structure can play a roll.  If you're bow-legged, you're less 
likely to have chafing problems.  If you're knock-kneed, you may be more 
likely to have chafing issues.  Basically, if your legs brush against each 
other as you walk, they may chafe.

Sweat also plays a roll.  If you sweat a lot, the salt build-up as your 
sweat evaporates can be abrasive and cause chafing problems.

Skirts and/or kilts can improve air circulation and perhaps reduce or 
eliminate sweat issues.  For some, this is an ideal way to prevent chafing.

For me, I'm a bit knock-kneed and can't wear even "normal" shorts.   I wear 
either bike shorts or some custom shorts (without liner) that fit like bike 
shorts that I had made for me.  When I trekked in Nepal, I wore a skirt to 
show respect for the culture but I had to wear my bike shorts underneath.

Whether or not you choose to wear underwear may also play a role.  The 
underwear itself may chafe, especially at leg openings.  But, for men, the 
support underwear provides may prevent chafing.  If you wear underwear, make 
sure the seams under the hip belt don't cause pack sores.

For what it's worth, chafing isn't limited to your thighs.  I've had chafing 
issues on my arms where they brush against my shoulder straps as the straps 
go under my arms.  Monkey Butt (chafing in your  butt crack) is another 
common chafing problem on the trail.

Pay attention to your body.  It's much easier to address chafing issues when 
they first start than after waiting until your skin is raw and painful.  If 
you realize you're chafing, put on a shirt with longer sleeves, a pair of 
tights (if it's not too warm), try some powder.  If you've never used Gold 
Bond, it can be almost painful at first but quickly cools and seems to help 
more than straight baby-type powder.  That may just be because of the 
cooling action.

If it gets bad enough, remember air is your friend.  Take breaks where you 
can air out whatever areas are ailing you.  That may mean spending a few 
hours alone in your hotel room, on your stomach giving your butt a chance to 
air out.  If you're on the trail, get off the trail to take a private break. 
  If you strip at a shelter, be prepared to cover up at a moment's notice.

Hope this helps,

Mara
Stitches, AT99
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Visit my Travels and Trails web site at:

http://friends.backcountry.net/m_factor
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>From: "Mara Factor" <m_factor at hotmail.com>
>Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:12:11 -0500
>
...
>Chafing can be an issue.  For some people, a skirt can solve the problem.
>For others, it can actually make the problem worse.  Have an option
>available - a favorite pair of shorts to be sent out to you if necessary,
>etc.

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