Had to come off the GAP/C&O a couple years ago bc of saddle sores. Literally limped into Harpers Ferry. Bag Balm in small zip lock baggies for me now and no more issues! Great video!
My "must-have" hygiene product is AMMENS Medicated Powder. I ALWAYS use it on on my feet, between any fleshy folds, and anywhere else that gets sweaty and funky. It really helps prevent and heal rashes or chafing and has a mild (non-menthol and non-baby) fragrance. What gives it an de-funkifying/anti-bacterial "magic" and makes it so especially effective is the ZINC OXIDE -- just like they use in Head and Shoulders shampoo (which I also use). Thanks so much for your blog and videos. You have been very helpful to me as I got started bike-touring. Happy Travels!!
All important and well handled. I prefer Bodyglide's Chamois glide, it comes in a deodorant type of stick which works well for application. Im also a fan of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, I haven't found Bag balm in any of my local stores, but Aquaphor can be found in most drug stores small and large. I believe its the same type of product, works well on healing tattoos too.
Something that works well for making portable small amounts hygiene products is contact lens cases. They seal well, are cheap, and are usually perfect for a short trip.
@@PathLessPedaledTV I got the idea from some travel VLOGs right here on RUclips. Many of the regular travel hacks would likely be of use...packing cubes to keep gear compact and modular for easy storage, removal from bags, etc.
I really hope this works.... so far saddle rash and soreness are my only wall to touring. Had a bike fit, tried 4 different saddles (three of which are very comfortable), use good chamois, keep very clean. Honestly the only things I have not tired are this, and quitting energy drinks to stay hydrated. I ride to work everyday 10 miles one way, and the everyday part is what got me.
Great video, I couldn't agree more. Seriously, I use these exact 3 products! I've tried a lot, but not much beats Bag Balm. It's also great for lips and wind burnt skin in the cold. And baby powder is really useful for cyclists, in socks and gloves; I always powder my inner tubes, so they're easier to install on the road.
I use chamois butter. The single-use aren't bad to carry on a tour assuming you are going less than a week. Also note there's a ladies-specific version now, which is helpful to prevent PH-based issues.
Tea Tree oil and a bag of Wet Ones are great for keeping clean. The tea tree oil is really concentrated, so it's awesome for disinfecting pinpoint areas like the beginning of a saddle sore (overnight, not while riding).
Lavender oil works great for blisters and burns. Tea tree is fantastic for disinfecting as well as repelling or killing any insect. Alternatively, around the house, tea tree oil in a spray bottle mixed with water is great for battling ants.
Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial... the saddle sores are caused by bacteria being forced through the skin. I have been on hundreds of tours and 6-8 hour rides with no sores but recently they've been an issue so.. they are horrible.
Great info! Love those tubs. Only thing I would add is that women shouldn't use talc based powers down there. Gold Bond makes a cornstarch based baby powder that is medicated.
Keeping clean is paramount. Disposable wipes are first order of business. Using them mid ride isn't even a bad idea if you are on a 8+ hour day. The other item I have found works well as a preventative is alcohol on a cloth, tissue, or toilet paper applied to the part of your skin that your sit bones push against when seated on the saddle. That will instantly kill any bacteria there and prevent any of the boil type saddle sores. I sometimes use the alcohol that is primarily used for an alcohol stove, but more commonly use the hand sanitizer I always have with me.
Ethanol (rubbing alcohol, Everclear) is okay to disinfect your skin, but don’t use methanol (HEET, denatured alcohol). That stuff is highly toxic. Hand sanitizer is probably your best bet.
It seems there are two things that people refer to as "saddle sores". One is just general chaffing from too much friction on the skin and the skin gets rubbed raw. I find chammy creams do an ok job and preventing this. But I have a bigger issue with actually getting a hard bump forming. I assume this is some sort of boil or infecting hair follicle. Nothing seems to prevent these from forming and staying off the bike and bag balm are the only thing that seems to help. And I do find that if I have to ride with one of these, Bag Balm is the only thing that I can ride with that doesn't make the bump get worse. I've actually applied bag balm, gone on a long ride and when I am finished with the ride things seemed to have improved.
Wish I knew about bag balm a couple months ago! I had a tour ending rash happen after only a few days of riding, that was definitely the biggest bummer ever.
yep. There is chaffing which i rarely get, but I often get the bumps. I will ride once and they are there. Bag Balm seems to help them go away sooner, but it usually takes a week off the bike or more.
Calmoseptine ointment is amazing for any type of rash or skin problems. I never heard of it until a doctor told me about it for a certain problem I had
I tour a lot. And often in bear country. Nothing that has an aroma (other than me!) goes in my tent. So any creams that smell are a no go for me (coconut oil?!!). I’ve used all types of ‘chamois creams’, and I’m a big proponent of them. But I will do my best to get as odor free as possible. Cheers
I use plain ol’ aquaphor, mostly because I’m too lazy to go to specialty stores or order the specialty stuff. Sometimes aloe or neosporin for out of saddle healing, but usually aquaphor covers it.
Plain petroleum jelly is often good for helping things heal plus cheap and comes in travel sizes. Most antibiotic ointments are petroleum jelly with a bit of obsolete antibiotic. Also the zinc ointment that is used on babies is really good for inflamed areas. I seem to have a hard time finding a good one (lanolin + zinc oxide and no scent) but apparently the Walmart Equate is pretty good.
i had a accident,rode my bike too long,and wore jeans,and pinched the skin on my butt,i hurt,need help plz.how do you even tell your doctor you have this problem.
NOT REALLY EVEN SURE WHAT SADDLE SORES ARE, maybe that's because I use... Coconut Oil: couple of dollops in a sandwich ziplock put into a second ziplock - lasted across the country, never leaked, endlessly malleable into any tight space/compartment (not true for tubes and hard cases) Tea Tree Oil: tiny amount (goes a loooong way) on baby wipe for thorough roadside cleanup - one minuscule dropper bottle lasted across the US
Nice tip on the go tubes\tubs :) "Apply directly to your genitals :P Great video I usually use the assos chamois for my assos :P or Blue morgan, also as a last resort some vaseline and some hydrating skin cream after a long ride.
Used petroleum jelly for my first century a year ago. Seems to work for me. Since the availability of shammy butter in my country is very limited.. 3rd world problems
I don't have a blister or pimple, but I have this sort of hardened area about the size of a nickle - like it's a massive hardened pimple but with no head around my seat bone. Is that a saddle sore?
Had to come off the GAP/C&O a couple years ago bc of saddle sores. Literally limped into Harpers Ferry. Bag Balm in small zip lock baggies for me now and no more issues! Great video!
My "must-have" hygiene product is AMMENS Medicated Powder.
I ALWAYS use it on on my feet, between any fleshy folds, and anywhere else that gets sweaty and funky. It really helps prevent and heal rashes or chafing and has a mild (non-menthol and non-baby) fragrance. What gives it an de-funkifying/anti-bacterial "magic" and makes it so especially effective is the ZINC OXIDE -- just like they use in Head and Shoulders shampoo (which I also use).
Thanks so much for your blog and videos. You have been very helpful to me as I got started bike-touring. Happy Travels!!
All important and well handled. I prefer Bodyglide's Chamois glide, it comes in a deodorant type of stick which works well for application. Im also a fan of Aquaphor Healing Ointment, I haven't found Bag balm in any of my local stores, but Aquaphor can be found in most drug stores small and large. I believe its the same type of product, works well on healing tattoos too.
Something that works well for making portable small amounts hygiene products is contact lens cases. They seal well, are cheap, and are usually perfect for a short trip.
Good tip.
@@PathLessPedaledTV I got the idea from some travel VLOGs right here on RUclips. Many of the regular travel hacks would likely be of use...packing cubes to keep gear compact and modular for easy storage, removal from bags, etc.
I really hope this works.... so far saddle rash and soreness are my only wall to touring. Had a bike fit, tried 4 different saddles (three of which are very comfortable), use good chamois, keep very clean. Honestly the only things I have not tired are this, and quitting energy drinks to stay hydrated. I ride to work everyday 10 miles one way, and the everyday part is what got me.
Great video, I couldn't agree more. Seriously, I use these exact 3 products! I've tried a lot, but not much beats Bag Balm. It's also great for lips and wind burnt skin in the cold. And baby powder is really useful for cyclists, in socks and gloves; I always powder my inner tubes, so they're easier to install on the road.
I use chamois butter. The single-use aren't bad to carry on a tour assuming you are going less than a week. Also note there's a ladies-specific version now, which is helpful to prevent PH-based issues.
Tea Tree oil and a bag of Wet Ones are great for keeping clean. The tea tree oil is really concentrated, so it's awesome for disinfecting pinpoint areas like the beginning of a saddle sore (overnight, not while riding).
I've heard of using tea tree oil, but haven't tried it myself. Thanks again for the reminder. Might look into that.
Path Less Pedaled best for the ingrown hair type. Maybe not as much for blisters. Burns like heck at first 🔥
Lavender oil works great for blisters and burns. Tea tree is fantastic for disinfecting as well as repelling or killing any insect. Alternatively, around the house, tea tree oil in a spray bottle mixed with water is great for battling ants.
Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial... the saddle sores are caused by bacteria being forced through the skin. I have been on hundreds of tours and 6-8 hour rides with no sores but recently they've been an issue so.. they are horrible.
Great info! Love those tubs. Only thing I would add is that women shouldn't use talc based powers down there. Gold Bond makes a cornstarch based baby powder that is medicated.
Keeping clean is paramount. Disposable wipes are first order of business. Using them mid ride isn't even a bad idea if you are on a 8+ hour day. The other item I have found works well as a preventative is alcohol on a cloth, tissue, or toilet paper applied to the part of your skin that your sit bones push against when seated on the saddle. That will instantly kill any bacteria there and prevent any of the boil type saddle sores. I sometimes use the alcohol that is primarily used for an alcohol stove, but more commonly use the hand sanitizer I always have with me.
+Ride Alongside that's a good tip to use hand sanitizer!
Ethanol (rubbing alcohol, Everclear) is okay to disinfect your skin, but don’t use methanol (HEET, denatured alcohol). That stuff is highly toxic. Hand sanitizer is probably your best bet.
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the precision of your political correct dance around the issue. Skillful.
+Carl Eugene Stroud ha. Thanks!
I use Aquaphor. It lubricates and medicated as well! If I start to get some chafe, the medication is all ready working, and I add more for overnight.
Instead of bag balm use A&D baby rash cream. Its readly available and works for me. I use it all the time.
YES I NEEDED THIS!
Bag balm for the win! I believe one can get that stuff in chap stick tubes if you are mor into that.
coconut oil instead of cham buttr - can use it for cooking too
Just don't double dip 🤣
Instead of baby powder, I use Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder. It has menthol in it and it is fabulous!
It seems there are two things that people refer to as "saddle sores". One is just general chaffing from too much friction on the skin and the skin gets rubbed raw. I find chammy creams do an ok job and preventing this. But I have a bigger issue with actually getting a hard bump forming. I assume this is some sort of boil or infecting hair follicle. Nothing seems to prevent these from forming and staying off the bike and bag balm are the only thing that seems to help. And I do find that if I have to ride with one of these, Bag Balm is the only thing that I can ride with that doesn't make the bump get worse. I've actually applied bag balm, gone on a long ride and when I am finished with the ride things seemed to have improved.
Wish I knew about bag balm a couple months ago! I had a tour ending rash happen after only a few days of riding, that was definitely the biggest bummer ever.
hehehe
My saddle sores usually arise from what feels/looks like a pimple. Anyone else get those?.
Jeff Pedals might be folliculitis from bacteria in your hair follicles
@@Bjrn-AndreasLamo what do you use for that
@@joshuamartinez8565 Antibacterial/antiseptic infection creams. Gently clean every night. Try to keep it cool and dry during the day
yep. There is chaffing which i rarely get, but I often get the bumps. I will ride once and they are there. Bag Balm seems to help them go away sooner, but it usually takes a week off the bike or more.
udderly smooth or vaseline. cheap and you can get vaseline can be found any where in all shapes and sizes. baby powder is awsome too.
Thank u.
Calmoseptine ointment is amazing for any type of rash or skin problems. I never heard of it until a doctor told me about it for a certain problem I had
I tour a lot. And often in bear country. Nothing that has an aroma (other than me!) goes in my tent. So any creams that smell are a no go for me (coconut oil?!!). I’ve used all types of ‘chamois creams’, and I’m a big proponent of them. But I will do my best to get as odor free as possible.
Cheers
I use plain ol’ aquaphor, mostly because I’m too lazy to go to specialty stores or order the specialty stuff. Sometimes aloe or neosporin for out of saddle healing, but usually aquaphor covers it.
Plain petroleum jelly is often good for helping things heal plus cheap and comes in travel sizes. Most antibiotic ointments are petroleum jelly with a bit of obsolete antibiotic. Also the zinc ointment that is used on babies is really good for inflamed areas. I seem to have a hard time finding a good one (lanolin + zinc oxide and no scent) but apparently the Walmart Equate is pretty good.
for foot blisters I also carry a small roll of leukotape.
i had a accident,rode my bike too long,and wore jeans,and pinched the skin on my butt,i hurt,need help plz.how do you even tell your doctor you have this problem.
What about if you have preexisting saddle sore I just want them to go away lol
NOT REALLY EVEN SURE WHAT SADDLE SORES ARE, maybe that's because I use...
Coconut Oil: couple of dollops in a sandwich ziplock put into a second ziplock - lasted across the country, never leaked, endlessly malleable into any tight space/compartment (not true for tubes and hard cases)
Tea Tree Oil: tiny amount (goes a loooong way) on baby wipe for thorough roadside cleanup - one minuscule dropper bottle lasted across the US
I always did this but found it wasn't sufficient. Do you apply tea tree and coconut oil before riding?
Morgan Blue cream works for me.
+Karma 7 haven't head of that one but will check it out.
Path Less Pedaled
Hi I live in the UK it may only be available here.
Bag balm, also known as udder budder 🤣 is my go to
Chamois Butter no blisters and no sore rear end
what about tiger balm?
I use brooks b17 & I don't have this problem
Its just painful sit on what do i do about that? I bought a pad put over it still pain
Avoid baby powder and anything else with talc. Too many questions re cancer.
Nice tip on the go tubes\tubs :) "Apply directly to your genitals :P Great video I usually use the assos chamois for my assos :P or Blue morgan, also as a last resort some vaseline and some hydrating skin cream after a long ride.
I usually get a numb nuts when having a long ride.
Used petroleum jelly for my first century a year ago. Seems to work for me. Since the availability of shammy butter in my country is very limited.. 3rd world problems
I'm a petroleum jelly fan myself. I basically use it for almost all my riding - y'know, the whole bit about prevention being better than cure
Bag Balm is dope.
I don't have a blister or pimple, but I have this sort of hardened area about the size of a nickle - like it's a massive hardened pimple but with no head around my seat bone. Is that a saddle sore?
You know , its OK to say balls !!
Recumbent rider here, no special shorts, no creams, no sore joints! Love riding!
Vics vapor rub