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Comment from jLo
Time: 17 June 2007, 10:28 pm

Wait! You can’t raise a fundamental issue like that and not tell us how it was resolved! What did you go for - one week? Did you calculate how often you’ll be able to do laundry and work from there? I always wonder about the optimal solution to problems such as these…

Comment from Miss B
Time: 18 June 2007, 12:28 pm

The male/female dichotomy was solved in our situation by the agreement that as my beloved’s underpants are about 3 times the size of mine, and therefore 3 times as heavy, I could afford to take three times as many of mine along. I have to side with Kate though - nuttin’ worse than running out of clean undies, especially when you’re struck with a dose of dodgy bottom.

Comment from David
Time: 18 June 2007, 1:26 pm

Do you really want to have to wash your undies every 4 days when you’re travelling?! I take 8: wash once a week plus a spare.

Comment from andrew
Time: 18 June 2007, 1:45 pm

I am pretty ruthless when it comes to packing. In the toss up between weight and convenience, I tend to err towards the former. One to wear, and three spare! (Besides, you can always turn your undies inside out to get an extra day’s wear out of each pair.)

Comment from Kate
Time: 18 June 2007, 2:09 pm

Nothing ruins a holiday like having to take time out to wash your undies every two days, especially when you could be off exploriing Pyramids, sunning on the Turkish coast, or visiting the Taj Mahal.

I usually have the same policy as Davo, one for each day of the week plus the pair you’re wearing. I have made a concession and agreed to go with 7. Anything less is risky (or possibly risque depending on washing facilities).

Comment from mike
Time: 18 June 2007, 4:05 pm

go outback… go inside out! oops, andrew already had this idea. Actually, I usually do what David does though I’ve never backpacking b4

Comment from Nathan
Time: 21 June 2007, 7:45 am

I tend to overpack on underwear (say 10), and reuse outer garments as much as possible. IMO, the aim is to run out of all clothing types at the same time so your washing cycle is constant.

Of course, that didn’t work too well the time a laundromat in Mexico lost all my underwear simultaneously. (That or they decided to spare human lives and just throw the bag of dirty washing out…)

Comment from G Francis
Time: 22 June 2007, 12:08 am

Some of sweetest memories are in the world’s greatest laundrettes. It’s not all temples and culture - buying washing powder is as valid a cultural experience as high-fiving the pope.

Comment from Anth
Time: 24 June 2007, 6:23 am

Yep, this is definitely an issue where partners tend to differ. I mounted the same defence as that outlined by Miss B and succesfully got away with bringing 11 pairs - AndrewB packed a weeks worth (yes, this is 7 pairs). As Nathan said - I may only have two shirts that I have been wearing for 3 months but my undies are ALWAYS clean!

Comment from Jackles
Time: 25 June 2007, 9:53 am

I love that the most commented on post is about…underpants.

Comment from Jess
Time: 23 July 2007, 2:53 pm

And cause I have to put in my two cents worth - my theory is that underpants are the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on when packing. They weigh bugger all, and they’re the one thing you really can’t wear two days in a row (or at least not without discomfit). Go the 11 pairs of undies!

Comment from jj
Time: 25 July 2007, 4:25 pm

Andrew washes his underpants?

Comment from Megan Mallen
Time: 14 April 2008, 4:22 pm

I am pissing myself laughing at the debate (i know its old but whatever). We backpacked for 18 months and our email address resulted from our very own underwear debate. threepairsofjocks. Whenever i am asked for my email i also have to explain why it is what it is. Always gets a laugh though. Are you still travelling?