It is no secret that compression pants are used by athletes to help them perform better. But are compression shorts good for hiking? This post explores the benefits of using compression pants while on a long hike and some of the best models you can buy.
What are Compression Pants?
Compression pants are tight-fitting garments that improve blood flow. The original purpose of these supplements was to aid athletes in their performance. However, more recently, their use has become more popular because of the benefits they offer hikers.
What are Compression Pants Good For?
The most important thing about these pants is probably the fact that they increase blood flow. This is incredibly important for hikers, especially those who cover long distances on a daily basis. The compression pants help prevent fatigue and keep your muscles from cramping up during the hike.
How do These Compare to Other Hiking Pants?
Compression pants are not the only option out there that hikers can use to improve their performance. Many people use hiking pants as well. Because they have several pockets that can hold important items. They also have other features such as being easy to move in and quick-drying.
Are Compression Shorts Good for Hiking?
I hike a lot. I love it, and since moving to Colorado, my hiking has really taken off! When you’re hiking mountains every weekend, the question of what is the best clothing for hikes arises pretty quickly. It’s easy enough to answer if you just go by function. But that doesn’t always give us hikers much guidance on how we can look stylish while we’re romping through the Rockies. One such item often brought up (and I’m bringing it up too) is compression shorts in general for hiking and exercise clothes.
Today’s post will be about whether these types of athletic clothing can really make you a better hiker. If they do, how much better are they? And what other types of athletic clothing should you consider?
Let us start with compression shorts.
Under hiking pants, these keep things in place while you move about and climb mountains. They can also be used for just running, but I’m focusing on their use during hikes here, so that’s what we’ll stick to mostly.
People often swear by compression shorts for hiking, but I have mixed feelings about them. For me, they are most useful under my pants to prevent chafing and rubbing that can occur over long periods of time when you’re moving around a lot, especially in the summertime. The problem with this is that you lose the ability to use these pockets, which seem pretty standard on most hiking pants.
For me, this is a huge downside since I love to carry my camera with me when I go out and I don’t feel like it fits in my pocket well enough. Of course, you can just put these items under your compression shorts and have them there, but I much prefer to have them in a pocket, so they’re easily accessible.
The other problem is that many people swear by compression shorts for their hike. Still, in my opinion, they are not nearly as effective at preventing chafing and rubbing over long periods compared to using pants with a built-in mesh lining. This is especially true when you need to use your phone or take photos during the hike, which means that your pants probably get pulled down more than the average hiker.
This is not to say that compression shorts are bad, though! For me, they work much better than regular athletic shorts, which I also wear when hiking.
Compression Pants for Hiking
Pros
- Reduce muscle fatigue
- Improve circulation
- Improve performance
- Prevent cramping
Cons
- Limited pockets
- Decreased flexibility
- Can be hot in the summertime
What are the Best Pants to Go Hiking In?
Good hiking pants will depend on the weather, but I find that these compression pants are great during colder months because they keep me warm.
It’s important to focus on the material of the pants (e.g., cotton, wool, polyester) and what makes them good for you. For example, some people get irritated by wool.
There are often subtle distinctions between pants that make them better or worse for certain activities. For instance, jeans may be too heavy to hike in (unless they’re made of denim like Levi’s 514). But if you want to go golfing, then wearing jeans might be a better idea!
Is it Bad to Wear Compression Pants All Day?
Compression pants should not be worn for more than three hours continuously – even if you are sitting.
It is best to take one or two breaks during the day, even if it’s just to walk around, stretch and move around before sitting back down again.
If your job requires wearing compression pants all time or without many stops, it can cause serious problems like blood clots. If this is the case, wear these pants with caution since sitting for long periods of time causes this problem too!
Conclusion
Compression pants are great for hiking, but it’s important to consider your activity level and the weather before you buy. So are compression shorts good for hiking or not depends on how you use them?
Compression shorts work best when worn under your pants because you don’t have to sacrifice the pockets or flexibility that come with wearing them alone.
Read About Are Combat Boots Good for Hiking?
