Icebreaker Men’s Merino Anatomica Boxers

Icebreaker Men's Merino Anatomica Boxers Review

As a piece of clothing underwear is about as up-close and personal as you can get so comfort is critical particularly when you’re doing long distance multi-day hikes. This pair of Icebreaker men’s underwear was the second model in the current Icebreaker range; I previously tested the Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Anatomica Men’s Boxers and in some respects that coloured my perception of this model.

I’m a fan of boxer style underwear for hiking given the leg of the underwear goes part way down the thighs which helps to minimise chaffing – a major issue for a lot of hikers. In addition, the flat lock seams also help to minimise chafing on the legs and ensure they don’t bunch up.  So far so good.

Construction wise the front of these briefs has a ‘pouch’ in the crotch area that keeps everything in place which is common across the Icebreaker range and definitely a feature I look for when choosing underwear of any type. Overall the construction of these briefs can best be described as ‘traditional’ containing a single seam on the rear and if you have never worn anything else you’ll be very used to these. If however you have worn the Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Anatomica Men’s Boxers which have the curved seaming which hug the buttocks, you will notice that these briefs have less support which is something you’ll miss when doing big days on-trail. However it is worth noting that the first time you wear briefs that have that curved seaming over the buttocks it does feel a bit strange but you will get used to it. The waist band of the Merino Anatomica boxers is wide and comfortable and doesn’t cut in. In all honesty I didn’t even think about this band at any time when wearing these boxers.

Size wise at the time of testing I am on the higher end of my weight range and sit in the middle of the XL-XXL size in the average pair of street underwear so I opted for the larger size. In hindsight, the stretchiness of the material, which while quite comfortable would put me into an XL sizing so if you sit between two sizes I’d recommend opting for the smaller size.

The material used in the construction of this underwear is a mix of mainly natural fibres (83% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 5% LYCRA). The wool provides the odour resistance with the required stretch that helps to keep a good shape even if they get wet coming from the synthetic fibres. Surprisingly I didn’t find this pair of underwear to be overly hot given they’re mainly Merino Wool in construction so from my perspective I see them as a hotter weather garment opting for a thicker alternative in cold weather.

So, am I likely to wear these for my hiking adventures? This model of boxer briefs will suit most hikers, particularly if you are used to a standard design and as a set of street underwear I would be very happy to wear these. However, when I’m hiking I prefer the additional support in the more expensive Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Anatomica Men’s Boxers so if I had to only choose one model, that would be my recommendation.

Best Uses

• Great for any outdoor activity as well as street wear, particularly during cooler weather

Other Versions

Icebreaker produce a range of both men’s and women’s underwear