Bamboo

[Rob the Slob]

Does anyone have experience with bamboo underwear? Apparently bamboo fabric offers many of the same qualities as merino: wicking, antibacterial, temperature control, and of course sustainable.

 

[koilife]

Does anyone have experience with bamboo underwear? Apparently bamboo fabric offers many of the same qualities as merino: wicking, antibacterial, temperature control, and of course sustainable.

I've used both, and my preference remains with Merino.

My experience is that there was slightly better wicking with bamboo, but better antibacterial and temperature control with the merino. Given that the bamboo is much cheaper, you probably get a better value proposition with it.

Strong recommendation --- if going for either bamboo or merino, watch out for blends. Look for those with minimal or no cotton, which degrades wicking and temp control properties. Also look for minimal "tech" fabrics (such as polyester or nylon), which has problems with "funk" build up. Also, look for less than 10% of spandex or similar for elasticity (also a funk issue).

Tech fabrics, IMO, including those with antibacterial additives, are better for exterior wear than immediate base layer where the greatest bacterial activity will occur (especially pits, groin, and feet).

 

[gerardcarey]

I tried the socks.
At the end of a normal day I was standing in pools of perspiration.
Maybe they wick too well.
I give up.
Regards
Gerard

 

[SYates]

I have some bamboo underwear and socks that I use and I am very happy with them. I use the bamboo socks as liner socks and than thicker, cushioning socks as the second layer. Buen Camino, SY

 

[ChristianSdeM]

Please koilife, for me a poor english speaker (Ireland), what is 'funk' in this context?

 

[SYates]

Please koilife, for me a poor english speaker (Ireland), what is 'funk' in this context?

My wild guess is - fungus. SY

 

[Rob the Slob]

Please koilife, for me a poor english speaker (Ireland), what is 'funk' in this context?

In US English, 'funk' means a bad smell.

 

[Anniesantiago]

A couple of years ago, my merino undershirt finally wore through. I went to the sporting goods store in Astorga and they didn't have merino, but they had bamboo.

I fell in love with it.

It is heavier, sturdier, and warmer as well as (to me) silkier and more comfortable.

I do not think I would like it in socks, because it may be too warm.
But I love the undershirt!

 

[gittiharre]

Does anyone have experience with bamboo underwear? Apparently bamboo fabric offers many of the same qualities as merino: wicking, antibacterial, temperature control, and of course sustainable.

I have used fine bamboo undies on some of my walks. Very pleasant to wear but took a bit longer to dry than merino which I use these days.