Functional underwear – When camping with a roof tent, functional underwear is very helpful, especially at lower temperatures. As the name suggests, functional underwear is a special type of underwear. There are different models that, on the one hand, carry the sweat to the surface, so that you are protected from unpleasant odors and wetness.
On the other hand, there is thermo-functional underwear to protect against hypothermia, which releases heat more slowly due to its good insulation properties. This is especially practical in winter. Here you can learn everything about the different properties and advantages of the different models and materials. Not to forget, at the end there are also tips for the appropriate care!
Camping Guide
Definition: What is functional underwear?
Are you sporty and sweating after your bike tour? Functional underwear is perfect for this. It is breathable, skin-friendly and light. Ideally developed for athletes, it releases moisture to the outside in a very short time. This gives bacteria and germs no chance and you maintain a long-lasting fresh and dry feeling on your skin. In addition to underpants, there are also undershirts, bras and nightwear.
Some of the items are particularly good against the cold. The well-known onion look with several layers over the functional underwear protects against hypothermia. So if you plan to camp in the great outdoors, this will protect you from the cold night. It is also quite practical for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether skiing, ice skating or tobogganing – ski underwear is an absolute must!
Onion look in winter & for athletes: advantages
That’s why it’s worth thinking about functional underwear as a sporty camper or in winter:
- Quickly wicks moisture away to the outside
- Protects against bacteria & germs
- Some particularly suitable against the cold
- Onion look protects against hypothermia
- Practical for winter sports enthusiasts
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.
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When should functional underwear be worn?
Functional underwear can be worn for many occasions. It is mainly intended for active athletes, as it offers optimal protection against hypothermia, unpleasant odors and sweat. It wicks away sweat, which is why the clothing dries relatively quickly. The light and permeable fabric enables good ventilation, which protects against overheating.
At the same time, there is also the thermo version, which, thanks to its insulating properties, retains heat and protects against hypothermia. These are particularly advantageous in winter sports or when camping in the great outdoors.
So you always have reliable protection for sports such as mountaineering, hiking and running, where you quickly break a sweat, as well as snowboarding or skiing. In addition, the antibacterial finish ensures that you don’t have to wash your clothes so often. So you have the advantage on your trips into the wilderness that you don’t have to take so many changes of clothes with you, your backpack is not so heavy and no unpleasant odors disturb your adventure.
- During sport: For a dry feeling
- As protection against unpleasant odors
- Outdoors at night when camping (nightwear)
- For winter sports: protection against hypothermia
- Antibacterial function
Camping tip! Not only functional underwear can keep you warm when camping, but also a camping heater. This ensures that you don’t freeze, especially at night. Check out an electric heater for campers here:
Functional underwear: material & care
With the right material and ideal care, your clothes will last longer and still look like new! Find out here what properties the different materials have and what advantages and disadvantages this entails.
Material: Synthetic & natural fibers
When buying, you should definitely pay attention to the synthetic and natural materials, especially in terms of their properties. Polyester can absorb about 1 percent of its own weight in moisture, while natural merino wool can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight. In addition, the wool is very odor-inhibiting and does not lose its warming properties when wet. Nevertheless, polyester takes less time to dry, is simple and has good shape retention.
- Polyester (PES)
- Merino wool
- Polyamide (PA)
- Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene does not absorb moisture and, accordingly, starts to smell faster. There is no antibacterial protection here. In contrast, polyamide is very robust and durable. Most soft, skin-friendly clothes are made from the fabric. Like polyester, the fabric is light, quick-drying and absorbs about 4 percent of its own weight.
Natural fibers at a glance: Care instructions
With synthetic fibers, no special handling is usually required. You can easily wash them in the washing machine. With natural fibers, such as merino wool, care instructions can usually be found on the label. Most of the time, you should choose a gentle wool wash program and detergent. Be careful: Merino wool should only be dried in the shade and protected from pests, moths and insects.
This is how you care for your functional underwear:
- Synthetic fibers: Uncomplicated care & easy machine washing
- Natural fibers (e.g. merino wool): Follow care instructions, usually use wool wash program & special detergent
- Drying merino wool: Dry in the shade, protect against pests, moths & insects
Reading Tips! Outdoor Clothing when Camping
So that you are guaranteed to be prepared for everything for your vacation in nature, you can read more articles about the right outdoor clothing here. These are the things you use to build your onion look and keep yourself warm safely.
Outdoor jacket: 3-in-1 function, wind & waterproof
Regardless of whether it is a short weekend trip or a longer trip – a suitable jacket is essential to avoid freezing on vacation. Regardless of the season, it is therefore advisable to always have an outdoor jacket with you to protect yourself from rain, wind and cold.
Read here everything about the different variants and advantages of an outdoor jacket when camping:
Outdoor pants: short, rain pants & zip off
So that you don’t just stay dry and warm on top, you should also think about suitable outdoor pants when packing your clothes. These effectively protect you from rain, wind and the vagaries of nature.
Find out everything about practical and suitable pants for your camping adventure here:
Trekking and hiking boots: Outdoor shoes
Finally, the feet! Regardless of whether you are only traveling for a short time, planning sporty leisure activities or generally spending time at the campsite – the right shoes are crucial for a carefree and eventful vacation. Therefore, this should definitely be on your packing list!
Find out more about suitable shoes for camping here, so that you can step in puddles without getting wet feet:
