RE: [Philmont]: trowels and underwear

> i saw many more "zip off legs" this year, perhaps because tot is offering
> a philmont branded version. i really don't see the advantage over a
liner-type
> shorts. if skeeters are a problem(and they are), and for program
requiring
> long pants, rain or wind pants (i use long ski underwear under my shorts
for
> program) can be put into service. it is rarely if ever cold enough to
require
> hiking in long pants. the zip offs require separate underwear which, i
assume,
> means regular cotton jockey shorts for most people.

There are many types of non-cotton underwear. I wore briefs made of
Hydroduct, a polyester knit similar to Coolmax. They are light weight
(2oz), wick moisture, and dry very quickly. I liken them to sock liners,
you can quickly switch without the need to wash your outerwear. They
rise/wash up nicely and dry in no time. To each his own, but I see the use
of separate underwear, as opposed to a sewn-in liner, as an advantage.

I took one pair of nylon shorts and one pair of Railriders zip-off pants
(which were highly recommended by Backpacker Mag years ago). The Railriders
are also very lightweight and quick drying. Long pants aren't just for
warmth, they protect from scratches, bugs and sunburn. They can also keep
your legs clean. Given the amount of dust on some of the trails, especially
in the burned area, you can get pretty dirty just hiking. Another advantage
to zip-offs is you can remove/put-on the legs with little effort. You may
not even need to take off your pack or boots. And, if need be, the legs can
be rinsed or washed separately from the shorts.

I wore the Railriders just about all the time, most of that with the pant
legs, occasionally without. The only time I wore my other shorts was when I
washed the Railriders.

 -- Jeff

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Jeffrey W. Knoll
Grand Canyon Council
Phoenix, AZ
'04 610-D Trek 31

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Received on Fri Jun 25 19:14:54 2004