Mountain Hardwear Advance Brief
September 5, 2008
In the world of outdoor gear, underwear is known as “base layer”. Uh huh. Not here on Geargals – these are panties, everyone. Undies. Delicates. Unmentionables. Pants, if you’re British. But these are not just any undies – these are uber-undies. They are so great that ever since I got the sample pair waaaay back in oh, April or so, I have been waiting with bated breath for them to hit the market this fall so I could buy more. I wish Mountain Hardwear would make a bikini bottom just like these undies, they are so fab. Don’t tell my friends, but I am considering wearing these as a bikini bottom anyway, since they’re so cute and fit so perfectly.
They feature a wide, non-digging-into-flesh waistband that never leaves a mark and never rides up or down. The leg holes are cut so that panty lines (oh sorry, “base layer” lines) are minimal and there’s no creep factor or wedgie issue. They’re awesome, just awesome.
I do have to warn you about one thing, though – they aren’t as stretchy as some undies you might be used to, so they have to be cut a little bigger. When they come out of the package they look rather granny-ish. Give them a chance! Put them on! They are cute and comfortable, I promise!
The other thing to consider – and I hate even bringing this up for such a great product – but these are not cheap. I am a woman and therefore have gotten used to paying through the nose for underwear. Men can get 6 pairs of briefs for $8, but we have to pay $18 a pair, minimum. Explain that to me, someone. But even $18 won’t buy you a pair of Advance Briefs – these puppies go for a whopping $30 MSRP. $30! For underwear! I won’t say they aren’t worth it, but I will say that I guess one pair is enough for me after all. Well…maybe two pairs. But, a note to Mountain Hardwear – THIS is how bikini bottoms should fit. If you folks at MHW are ever bored with the whole “snow” and “climbing” and “backcountry” thing, and feel like whipping up some swimwear, I think you’ll already have a winner.
