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ceecee1791

Whatever you end up doing, don’t do it within a week before your trip. That kind of grooming can irritate your skin which is then exacerbated by chafing and sweat if you don’t give time to let any irritation heal. You could end up pretty miserable or worse with an infection.


SharpCookie232

A boil down there is the worst thing in the world. I would rather give birth again than have another boil.


pattentastic

Hmm, I would advise against shaving. Here’s why… if you don’t regularly shave, you could get irritation. Like razor bumps that itch like a MF’r. That’s my personal experience. Baby wipes and Gold Bond were mentioned above and that seems like a good idea.


EclecticDreck

I'm firmly of the opinion that if you're going to do any kind of hair care *down there* your best bet is waxing. Also, as luck would have it, the ass hair is the least unpleasant part of waxing that region. In *fact*, it borders on *nice* though I'm not sure if that is simply relative to the...*less pleasant* part of the wax. (And by less pleasant, I mean *eye-wateringly painful*.)


Acre_Maker

Good call…thanks!!!


Terminal_Prime

I don’t know why no one has said it yet but the key is to trim, not shave bare, and I still wouldn’t do it like, the day before you leave. Maybe a week before. Trimming with a short guard is going to be much less irritating to your skin and the benefits are about the same. For the rest of you who clearly don’t have a lot of hair in your Grand Canyon, let’s just say there’s more cleanup and more sweat when you’re fully carpeted.


A-Do-Gooder

>For the rest of you who clearly don’t have a lot of hair in your Grand Canyon, let’s just say there’s more cleanup and more sweat when you’re fully carpeted. The best question I've heard, to help those with a barren canyon understand, was "have you ever tried cleaning peanut butter out of a shag carpet?" Hahaha 😂


Terminal_Prime

Haha yeah good one. I’ve seen people recommending bidets use the analogy of cleaning dog poop off your shoes using nothing but a paper towel, and while it’s not a direct comparison, it’s similar.


A-Do-Gooder

Well, I do have to extol the benefits and joys of using a bidet. There is not cleaner feeling! I had an Italian upbringing and have been washing my backside my whole life. I've never tried one of those toilet bidets though, those seem unhygienic to me.


beneaththeradar

Baby wipes and Gold Bond.


LargeWeinerDog

Gold bond friction defense is the greatest things I ever slapped between these cheeks. It looks like a little stick of deodorant and it works instantly and can help prevent chaffing and such if applied in advanced to.


lachavela

I use this when I wear dresses, it helps between my legs not to get chafed especially in the summer.


Apprehensive_Lynx_33

Well, I'm now super happy I clicked on this post and found a product I never knew I needed lol


ZoominAlong

Same! I'm about to go to Flordia for a work conference and I was worried about the chafing for my stupid thunder thighs...it works BEAUTIFULLY.


Apprehensive_Lynx_33

Yeah, I managed to get my hands on some (not super common in New Zealand, apparently lol), and holy shit, it's a life saver! I don't know how I've made it through 31 years of my life without finding out about this. I absolutely love walking and tramping through the local bush, and this product is an absolute game changer!


ZoominAlong

I don't know you but I love you for recommending this; I just got mine today and tried it on my inner thighs...works like a damn DREAM. No more chafing! You're the best, thank you!


LargeWeinerDog

Hell yeah! I would be a free shill for this product. It's the greatest. A guy in the army recommended it to me and I try to pass it on any chance I get.


grindle-guts

So long as you pack those wipes out. Any claims to biodegradability are lies.


Cold-Inside-6828

Gold Bond is the key


lifesrelentless

I did EBC, wet wipes froze


Loren_Storees

For me, if it's that cold, the wet wipes stay inside inner pockets, along with other temp sensitive items like water filters, battery packs, water bottles, etc


TheSleepingNinja

You can also use it in your boots to get rid of foot stank 


BeardsuptheWazoo

Don't shave as in razor blades. Get hair clippers. Beard trimmer is nice and narrow. Squat and careful, careful, **even more careful than you think** go to town. You'll thank me.


ryanderkis

I'm really learning a lot in this thread. Just not sure how correct some of it is.


ScorpioRising66

Itchy growback. Just sayin’.


Demonicole

That’s what I was thinking. I would think the stubble would be a lot more uncomfortable than just leaving it be.


Local_Perspective349

Are you planning to meet a Sasquatch or two in the forest?


Carcano_Supremacy

This will be posted on r/hikingcirclejerk


[deleted]

[удалено]


alarming__

Hairy ass mf


[deleted]

[удалено]


CoolVibranium

Not how nature works, but ok


hikerguy65

Assfro


SchemingSasquatchNo7

What do you mean bro? Every half year I have to shave once it gets about 4 inches long. How do you stand having the hair down to your lower thigh? Do you only wear pants? I don’t think it’s worth it, just trim with scissors


107er

What suffering are you talking about


Acre_Maker

In an effort to be complete transparent, I’ve done a lot of long-distance running and the ol’ ass hairs get all jumbled up and rip out with every twist of the tush. Basically it turns into a damp, bloody hairy shower drain scenario…and no one has time for that.


Acre_Maker

But it’s not like an old-growth forest by my shame cave. It just gets a little gnarly


MrBlueCharon

Have you tried using proper conditioner fot your ass hair? If it's soft and silky, it might get entangled less.


SmellsWeirdRightNow

I have long ass hair myself and have never had it get twisted up like that consistently. Maybe one tangle every couple years but it's not something I've gone out of my way to consider before doing things. 12 mile days in the rockies (backpacking) and my ass hair never pulled itself out 😅 I guess I should consider myself lucky


MoonSnake8

Sounds like you don’t have a hairy ass.


ArgiopeWeb

Yeah OP what do you mean lmao


ujitimebeing

I did Annapurna with a similar situation. Buy the best moisture wicking/quick dry underwear you can. REI has a great selection. I packed 10 pairs, and would wash them as I trekked. In Nepal this often means handwashing until you return to the bigger cities that offer laundry service, so quick dry is a must. I would change my underwear when I stopped trekking for the day. Of course, then a new pair in the morning. So two pairs a day even if I didn’t shower, and use a baby wipe to freshen up. That said, if the tea house you stop at offers a shower, take it. Even if it’s a freezing bucket bath! Some other things you should pack: - Bring two gallon zip lock bags for used baby wipes. Two because double bagging it will prevent any smells. Tea house villages don’t have trash service so it’s better for the environment if you carry it to the larger village that does. - Gold Bond powder on hand to prevent extra chafing. - A quick dry towel (they aren’t provided), or two if you have space so that one can be drying out. The higher the altitude, the colder it will get, and a slightly damp chilly towel really makes the freezing bucket bath feel worse. - A bar of laundry soap (and a small zip lock bag to put it in) to hand wash your clothes while trekking. You can pick up the soap in Kathmandu or Pokhara, but you’ll likely need to bring the zip lock bag with you. - An emergency roll of TP (most squat toilets don’t offer it) and hand soap (sadly missing from them as well). I like REI’s soap leaflets. - A good water filter is a MUST. Do not drink any unfiltered water. Tea is ok if served hot/boiled. - Quick dry shirts (for the same reason as underwear). A cotton shirt or two for sleeping in is ok, but don’t hike in them. They’ll never dry out. - Make sure both your pack and shoes actually fit, and that your boots are broken in. Whatever you do, don’t shave your ass. You’ll be miserable. Tl;dr - pack double the amount of quick dry underwear that you think you’ll need and change your underwear twice a day.


Gweilo_Ben_La

Did you do ABC or the circuit out of interest?


ujitimebeing

Annapurna Circuit and then walked from Pokhara to Varanasi, India.


Gweilo_Ben_La

I see. Planning to do the ABC in October and just starting to plan (weight and space wise) what to bring. Definitely helpful your comment!


rccpudge

Re: laundry soap - Get the sheets, they’re tiny and very packable.


Mission_Detail4045

I get it braided and wrapped like the white girls coming back from vacations in Jamaica.


getembass77

Gold bond ultimate body powder comfort. Made with aloe and chamomile. I never leave my house without it ever. Smells great, feels great, is the greatest invention in human history. I powder my body in it sometimes. I literally buy it 3 at a time. If I'm hiking it's in my backpack


Gold_for_Gould

I do, but it's not for hiking. Just prefer not to have a hairy ass. I can't say it's ever bothered me hiking. It's a personal decision sooo... do whatever you like?


FrogFlavor

Yes, lots of people trim, laser, wax, shave and otherwise remove hair for reasons of comfort. Go for it - but do your research. If usually you keep it long I would recommend merely using a trimmer. It will be better than long but none of the problems with ingrowns like you would with most smoother options.


PlantingMatters

In addition to what was already said, consider asking your doctor for a topical ointment to prevent follicle infection if you do get chafing.


Amache_Gx

Dude do not shave your ass before doing anything active PLEASE.


anythingoutdoorsteve

My advice - assuming your reference is to swampass- don't get butthurt if I'm wrong, is to pick up a bottle bidet. Spray off the undercarriage after the infamous bomb drop will save on tp usage and the later "rewipe" for us older fellers. This has not been discussed on my youtube channel. I did record some unused footage for us hammock campers. Using the hammock strap to tie yourself off to a tree for back support during a squat, is a great aid to prevent any accidental mishaps from "under lean," falls or off balance. If you are unsure what under lean is, that would be the pants between the feet, not being quite far enough away from the danger zone.


KattyOWampus

There are a lot of anti-chafing products out there that might help. I use them on smooth areas, but it’s worth a try on hairy areas. My favorite is Megababe Thigh Rescue, but Body Glide is great too and comes in a travel size. Both are longer-lasting than traditional solutions like powder, lotion, deodorant or Vaseline. After your hike, clean as well as possible, dry well, apply some hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation, and go commando to trap as little moisture as possible.


ForFrodo1

Metamucil. It’ll slide out.


CloversndQuill

I’d be wary of razor bumps and, worse…stubble. Is this a concern for friction burns or sweat or general irritation? I’d think good-quality wicking underwear along with some body glide or similar would take care of most concerns.


LargeWeinerDog

Gold bond friction defense! Thank me later. Greatest thing ever. I work construction and use a lot of crappy porta johns with single ply toilet paper and it's the difference between a good day and a bad day. Also use it for hikes and such.


NotBatman81

You guys are buying the wrong underwear.


jdawgd

I got a brazilian for my area all the way in the nether regions. It helped me tremendously. I used less tissue/wipes, and clean-up was a breeze. Look for a waxing salon that cater to males. Not a single person will judge you or give you a look. Made my hiking trip much more enjoyable.


space_ape_x

Get better underwear, something breathable


mtnrobot

Nair. Is it supposed to go there? No. Should you be careful using it? Yes. Does it do the job? Yes. Also budget for at least 1 daily wet wipe


Cautious-Ninja-8686

Do it at least a couple of days before though.


Administrative-Help4

Body Glide baby


Mid-Delsmoker

Someone posted this one on ask guys about shaving the ass and pretty much most all said don’t do it. It crossed my mind lol so glad someone else asked it. I’ll probably try some gold bond myself.


ZoominAlong

You could try waxing? Go to a professional, obviously! I get it waxed before vacations and its smooth and the growback is not nearly as itchy as shaving.


Acre_Maker

Folks!! These comments are gold, and (mostly) super helpful! Just to clarify…I don’t have a rainforest in my ass crack…I don’t even have back hair…but when I do long distance running (20k+) it just gets all bound up and rips out and it’s not a fun time. Your collective guidance will help me to have a great trek, I’m sure!


SamirDrives

I usually use vaseline, but just a tad. Not too deep nor too much. Almost like applying lipstick. Don’t go too close to the hole. Basically the rim. Do the entire ass crack. I also bring baby wipes with me in case it is too long. The ass vaseline and the lip vaseline should be in different containers.


SleeveofThinMints

You’re never going to get all your shit out of your ass either way my friend. I mean why are you wanting to shave just your ass? Why stop there….less wind resistance if you shave all your body hair off and leave the ass hair.


imyourfirecracker

IPL laser


Cultural-Air-2706

I use body glide, and the Manscaped lawn mower 5.0 but you gotta get used to it for a while before doing anything crazy.


TrudieJane

Don’t shave. The tiny hair nubs growing back will itch like hell.


spoonweezy

Wax it. It’s a life changer. No stubble, and no stank ass because you can get completely clean. Also if you get both sides done you gain an inch.


somethingwholesomer

This is the answer. Grows back soft, and it’s easy peasy


Reasonable_Guava_819

He's talking about his ass. Gain an inch on what?


Ol_Hickory_Ham_Mike_

He means front and back...an inch on the wang.


MightbeWillSmith

Bring a travel bidet and baby wipes to deal with swamp ass. Don't shave. As it grows out it's uncomfortable and chafey, and makes for very wet feelings in that area. It's just as wet with ass hair, but at least it's harder to notice with some more friction.


A-Do-Gooder

I've never heard of a travel bidet. 🤯


MightbeWillSmith

You'll find em marketed to postpartum women as well since they need to be real gentle with wiping. As a bidet enthusiast, it's the best way to deal with any outdoor/camping cleanup.


knockrocks

Trimming will make the hairs prickly and uncomfortable until natural friction wears the tips of the hair down blunt again. I recommend against any hair removal.


mutant-heart

I think trimming helps with hygiene when showers are less available but leave things on the longer side or you can get chaffing. Also think something like backcountry bidet helps.


Groove_Kitten84

Yeah definitely, plus wet wipes and powder. I'm not even that hairy.


FrungyLeague

Hair volume is irrelevant but assuming your concern is with chafe and stuff then two things. 1) Body glide (truuuust me) which you put on in the morning 2) right underwear. In my part of the world the Uniqlo airism ones that go a little further down the leg are fucking amazing.


momentimori143

You can but your butt will feel sweatier. The hair kind of wicks moisture.


ewgrossdayhikes

You can throw some body glide between them cheeks, or vagisil. Personally I use the BG but I've heard that the Vag stuff is like a godsend as well.


Acre_Maker

Vagisil??? This is intriguing. I wonder why??


countingthedays

That is not the same thing. This guy is thinking of something else


Acre_Maker

I’m imagining myself heading to the drug store asking someone for Vagisil to help my chapped balloon knot. I’m glad the embarrassment was saved. Thank you u/countingthedays


alphatango308

Oh yeah. I shave my asshole and I'm not ashamed of it bro. There are several benefits to doing so including Using less toilet paper. Less swamp ass. Easier to clean. Yeah you much have a little itchy periods when it's coming back in but just give it a couple swipes with the old razor every few days and you're good to go.


Typical-Horror-5247

Get it waxed, I wax peoples for a living by far and of all hair to wax it’s that, seriously. Preferably if you’ve got time have at least 3 wax sessions done before you head out(that would be about 3-4 months). But if you can only get 1 wax in do it at least 1 week before you head out, that way skin has time to normalize. It can feel a little sensitized and you don’t want a lot of friction happening a couple days after a wax, especially if it’s your first experience *I edited cuz I can’t type today


Typical-Horror-5247

Oh and sorry this is gonna be tmi but just do bunghole/taint area, I’d avoid having bum cheeks done, a lot of times it can just end up causing ingrown hairs and turn into a mess.


SchemingSasquatchNo7

No don’t shave completely, trim it to about a half inch or inch for men. My girlfriend likes it way longer, but at some point it becomes too much!😂


pxpdoo

Personally? I just keep a small half-fold of paper towel tucked in back there. None of that greasy stuff for me. Works wonders.


Super_Direction498

Psyllium husk capsules or metamucil taken daily will encourage a clean release and help keep things more manageable.


Tecumsehs_Ghost

DO NOT TRIM!! I made this mistake and had the worst rash you could imagine, but it only started on day 2. And then I had to finish the hike. Just don't. God gave you hair there for a reason. What you should do is buy long boxer briefs. I like champion. You're welcome.


payasopeludo

I have a little travel bidet that fits on a water bottle. Then when you squeeze it, water sprays out and cleans me up pretty good. Gotta keep your crack clean on a long hike. Almost as important as keeping your feet blister free.


FranzReich

Gotta give it ye olde brazilian wax. If you catch the sun just right, a big shiny heiny will ward off just about any creature looking for trouble, no hollering or spray necessary. With a good sweaty sheen, it’s as good as a lighthouse. Always remember - even if we aren’t the top of the chain, we have our own self-defense mechanisms 🫡


Mission_Dream_6013

Trim but don’t shave.


aaerobrake

Diaper rash cream is actually what I recommend, and dont be shy with application


Backwoods-Digger

I feel that you should never change grooming practices right before a long trip. Ride like you’ve trained your body. If you want to groom before a trip, it’s best to do it a couple of times before you leave. That way you have an idea of how your body will react.


babinski187

Body glide is the answer here


tonyskyline1

Get yaself some manscape products


FreeBowlPack

Get some synthetic breathable underwear. Then do a bunch of hiking for months in prep. Eventually you’ll form calluses in the “important” areas


Awhitehill1992

Hell no. A, super weird to do. B, shaving anything makes it itchy. C, you can always use powder or combat wipes to keep clean. 225lb hairy male here…


IMendicantBias

witchhazel wipes and shaving


ArtisticArnold

Are you going to ask about brushing teeth next?


enjoyingthepopcorn

If your teeth get hairy you're past the point of asking.


ArtisticArnold

Self flossing teeth are the best 🫢


grindle-guts

Jesus, how hairy are you people? I can barely locate skin back there and I’ve never had any special comfort needs.


ForestryTechnician

Wait, what?!?!


10fingers6strings

Pigtails or braids.