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I've got a 4-day ride coming up, with overnights in Alpine refuges.
Pretty much sorted out what kit I'm taking, but I'm a keen chamois enthusiast and used to a fresh pair every ride.
What do I need to know? Can I get away without carrying three spare undershorts?
Two pairs. After riding rinse out the pair worn that day. Dry off overnight and during the next day's ride.
3 pairs. One to wear, one clean, one drying
If you are staying in huts you will most likely be able to wash and dry overnight so take 2. Also if it's less than a week's riding you will not die if you use a pair for two days. Just try to air them overnight.
As above - 2 pair should be fine. Wash/rinse as soon as you stop, wrap in a towel and wring to remove most of the water, hang up inside out to dry. Should be fine by the following morning but, if not, you've a whole second day before you need them.
Take a spare pair and rotate them daily, or just carry a fresh pair for each day (not like they're either heavy nor bulky).
Great stuff cheers folks, I knew you'd see me right.
Good luck with the weather... It's a bit variable at the moment! As mentioned elsewhere 39.5C on the car temp sensor last week low down near Chamonix. 8C and constant rain at 1340m here yesterday.
Good luck with the weather… It’s a bit variable at the moment!
I know 🙁
Waterproofs are already packed
I would add that using an antibacterial (I think they all are?) minty-arse-lard of your choosing can play a massive part in stopping any chaffed issues or sore bits, esp on long rides or re-wearing chamois unders that have been questionably cleaned.
Personal, deeply painful, learns on that score!
Scotroutes technique +1
I have one of those very light cotton scarves that is perfect for wrapping and wringing out washed kit. Weighs nothing, dries very quickly and is also my towel after washing myself.
Think I got it in a charity shop and it's 100 times better than any of the pack towels available. It's also big enough to go round your waist for 'modesty' requirements
When I did a 10 day trip, I used to wear each pair for two days in a row, with chamois cream on the pad. Was fine.
I reckon self hygiene is more important than a clean chamois. It’s a bit grim, but I managed 20+ days with a single chamois and probably only washed it with water every 4 days. In between I just rubbed alcohol hand gel into the pad to keep the nasties at bay.
To be clear this wasn’t by design and I probably would repeat for that long. My intention was to swap 2 pairs, pretty much as described above. Except the other pair of shorts were a new brand and chafed like I was sat on sandpaper so I threw them out after wearing for only 5 minutes. 🙈
But 4 days? I guess it depends on your preference for weight and pack space vs hygiene