Best Anti-Chafing Cream for Hiking, Running, and Biking
How to avoid (or fix) chafing while running, hiking, backpacking, and biking
June 6th, 2025
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Let’s face it: chafing can ruin a nice hiking, running, or biking experience. What begins as a pleasant excursion into the outdoors can quickly turn into an uncomfortable, burning, stinging, painful time. That’s why anti-chafe creams and powders can be such a game changer for any outdoorsperson.
Our writers spend a lot of time being active outside–from hiking, backpacking, running, biking, climbing, and beyond–and have learned tricks for preventing or treating chafe. No matter where you chafe, one of our suggestions is bound to do the trick for you so you can get back to enjoying your time outdoors.
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Creams for hiking and Backpacking
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
The very first time I went backpacking, I knew nothing about chafing or anti-chafing products. On the cold morning of my second day, my horribly chafed buttcheeks were the only part of me that was warm, and I realized I needed to learn ASAP.
As a very sweaty person who also lives in the humid Northeast, anti-chafing cream is a required part of my packing list for anything from a walk around the neighborhood to a 12-mile long run, to a 25-mile snowshoe adventure or a 400+ mile thru-hike. I need to use anti-chafing cream any time I’ll be sweating heavily, which is during most exercise for me. It goes on my buttcheeks, thighs, groin, shoulders, feet, or any other place where sweaty skin rubs on skin or gear, and the cream helps keep my skin intact.
I tried different products, like Body Glide and Squirrel's Nut Butter, and while they helped hold chafing at bay, they were also expensive and only available at outfitters or similar specialty shops. I had trouble resupplying my anti-chafing cream on thru-hikes, particularly on hikes out west where chafing seems to be less of an identified issue by outfitters. One day at a pharmacy, I saw a Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick for the first time.
It’s the size of a stick of deodorant and only $7; I decided to try it. I was thrilled to find that it worked as well or better than the products I’d tried before. It’s easy to find in person at pharmacies, Walmart, or grocery stores with pharmacy sections across the U.S., or online, and it’s very affordable.
During a thru-hike, using it multiple times a day, each stick lasts me ~14 days. It softens in the heat but never melts, and it’s easy to apply, like a deodorant stick, with no mess or fuss. I’ve used close to 100 of these sticks and I can’t imagine my life without it.
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
As someone who hikes almost exclusively in a hiking skirt, I usually get some thigh chafe early in the season. For years, I preferred to suffer rather than get any lotion or goop on my hands. But as an ultralight hiker, it's difficult to find a chafing cream that is lightweight and has hands-free application.
The Chamois Butt'r Stick is the same size and shape as lip balm with the same hands-free application. But the product inside works on chafe much better than lip balm (believe me, I've tried). The Chamois Butt'r stick creates a glide but doesn't feel thick or goopy. It also doesn't melt in my pack when it gets hot, which is important in the desert. As an ultralight hiker, having a lightweight anti-chafing solution is important to me and at 0.2 oz, this stick is all I need for just-in-case moments.
Chamois Butt'r Solid Travel Size Anti-Chafing Stick
I thought I only chafed in cold and wet conditions until I experienced the warmth and shirt-soaking humidity of Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness in August. The extreme humidity was causing my back to chafe where my pack rubbed against it. So, I spent three days with my Buff wrapped around my torso, which is an effective way to prevent back chafing, but then I couldn’t use my Buff for anything else. So the first chance I got, I picked up a small tin of Squirrel’s Nut Butter salve from an outfitter along the Appalachian Trail.
This chapstick-tin-sized container of anti-chafe magic is small enough to fit in a tiny shoulder pocket on my pack, and it lasted for over 2,000 miles of my thru-hike. It’s a coconut oil and cocoa butter-based salve, so it remains solid at room temperature and never fully melts. A little goes a long way with this salve. Whenever I feel the slightest inkling of chafing, I rub a pea-sized amount on the area and that is enough to lubricate the area. As you rub it into your skin, your body heat softens the salve, making it easier to rub in. It’s all-natural with no added scent, so I feel good about putting it on my body, too.
Squirrel’s Nut Butter Anti-chafe Salve
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste was designed for infants in mind, but it caters to crying backpackers, too. I made this discovery in Virginia while backpacking the Appalachian Trail when the humidity became thick and sticky. The hip belt on my backpack became saturated from sweat, which rubbed my hips with every step. Before I knew it was happening, my skin became red and irritated. I began dreading the idea of putting my pack on in the morning because I knew my hips would burn in a matter of minutes.
Luckily, someone in my trail family had already discovered the wonders of Boudreaux's and lent me a squeeze when I started recounting my trail woes. The thick paste easily applied to my skin, drying out the area and adding a barrier to lock out the moisture. After a few days of regular use, I was nearly back to normal, forever changed by the power of butt paste.
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
My thighs touch, therefore I am extremely familiar with chafing and have had some extreme cases on thru-hikes where I didn’t tend to it quickly enough. A+D Ointment was available in regular grocery stores and gas stations on my PCT thru-hike, which is why I opted to try this for my chafing.
I feel instant relief on my skin whenever I apply this to raw chafing. The whole area calms down. The ointment is thick enough to really cover and protect the irritated skin. It comes in tubes of various sizes and it is safe for delicate areas as well. I like that it is easy to find in stores and that it is thick enough to stay stuck in place once applied, I don’t feel like it rubs off quickly or needs to be reapplied as often as other balms and creams.
I love hiking in a skirt and this tube helps with any chafing. I now keep it in my pack for all trips. For short trips I squeeze some into a mini screw top lightweight container. For longer trips, I will just carry a 2-oz tube and use it liberally.
This ointment can also be used as lip balm or on small cuts and scrapes. It is nice to carry something that has many purposes, which makes it essential in my pack. I have used it on my cheeks in high wind to prevent wind burn and on dry skin, too. I like that it comes in a squeeze tube so I can carry one tube to share with my partner. You just squeeze what you need and the rest of the tube stays clean.
- Sara “Socks” Kruglinski, Operations Coordinator and Contributing Writer
A+D Ointment
Others have mentioned the simple go-tos, like Vaseline, for soothing chafed thighs/underarms/backpack-rubbed areas, and I love these products as well. However, if I’m really in dire straits with itchiness, chafing, burning, heat rash, and/or other skin irritations anywhere on my body, I need Nellie Tsosie’s Piñon Balm.
I received this for the first time as a gift years ago, and now it’s one of those must-have-on-hand-at-absolutely-all-times, ideally-in-all-rooms products in my household. It’s made with hand-harvested piñon sap, coconut oil, and vitamin E, and the packaging and website list its effectiveness against cuts, sores, bites, dry skin, eczema, sunburn, and more. It has basically the same consistency as petroleum jelly, maybe a little more solid, and as you can imagine it smells pine-y and amazing.
I can personally confirm that for skin that’s chafed and burning, this provides the most relief I have ever experienced from a salve or balm (not to mention how great it is on insect bites!).
To be clear, this is a niche product handmade by–you guessed it–Nellie Tsosie, a Navajo woman based in the Southwest. It is on the expensive side, it has to be ordered online (unless you’re in a few shops in Arizona and New Mexico), and I can’t say whether or not it melts at high temperatures. HOWEVER, it’s also 100% worth it, and my family and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I never go anywhere without it–for travel I put it in one of those teeny Vaseline jars (the ones the size of a walnut) and have never had a problem with it leaking out.
Nellie Tsosie’s Piñon Balm
For me, it all started when I had to leave a thru hike due an unbearable blister. Upon my return to the trail, I began obsessively testing all kinds of balms, creams and other products to help prevent blistering and chafing. Enter Body Glide For Her. It wasn’t only life-changing during the rest of that hike, but it has become a permanent companion for all my adventures, my travels, and my everyday life. As a curvy girl, I don’t get to just wear shorts or skirts. I always have to care for my inner thighs or suffer (no thanks!).
Body Glide For Her Anti Chafe Balm stick comes in three sizes, making it portable for most situations you will find yourself in. I keep a 1.5oz stick in my bathroom cupboard, a .8oz stick in my travel toiletries bag, and a .35oz stick in my first aid. Yes, I have collected them all.
I love that For Her Anti Chafe Balm is long lasting in dry and humid conditions; although I will sometimes reapply mid-day (or activity-depending) when humidity is extremely high. I’m talking 90% plus humidity. In dry weather, I tend to only need to apply once at the beginning of the day. I must say, I’m not a very sweaty person which could be a factor in how long-lasting this product is for me. The Body Glide website says the product is for “first use,” meaning they recommend applying it at the beginning of the day or after a shower, to prevent rubbing, blistering, chafing, etc. to the product’s maximum extent.
To keep my Anti Chafe stick clean and solid, I simply wipe the top with tissue paper when needed, and try to store it in a cool place. I will say I’ve had a few of mine melt over the years, but that didn’t stop them from working properly after.
Lastly, let’s appreciate the friendly ingredients of their plant-based formula, which, in contrast with other Body Glide products, include Coconut and Sweet Almond Oils plus Vitamins A, B, E and F. That's not only a preventive formula but an actual nutritious product to put on your skin. I’ve never experienced any rashes or irritation when applying Body Glide For Her Anti Chafing Stick. Bonus points because they never use animal products nor practice testing on animals. A feel good product all around. -Gabaccia Moreno, contributing writer
Body Glide FOR HER Anti Chafe Balm Stick
Creams for Running
Aquaphor / Vaseline
I’m a big proponent of making running, and spending time outdoors, as accessible as possible. Running can get expensive quickly, especially if you fall into the trap of items marketed for running when everyday items will work just as well. When it comes to avoiding chafing, you certainly can buy Body Glide or other running-specific antichafe creams, but I’ve found Vaseline and Aquaphor to be simple, effective, and cost-efficient anti-chafe products.
While Vaseline and Aquaphor are both petroleum-based products, Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly whereas Aquaphor contains additional ingredients that may make it better suited for, say, wound care. I use both products, applying whichever I have on hand in areas I tend to chafe, such as the inner thighs or armpits.
I’ve used Body Glide before and have found it effective, but it hasn’t proven worth the extra cost and shopping trip (i.e., Vaseline and Aquaphor are easier to find at places I’d shop anyway, like a grocery store). And with the cost of outdoor gear, including running gear and accessories, already adding up in your shopping cart, it’s helpful to cut costs where you can. Plus, Aquaphor can be applied to clean cuts and small wounds to help maintain a breathable barrier while they heal, so it can double as part of your first aid kit.
Aquaphor
I found ultramarathon running by way of my thru-hiking adventures. Through years of trial and error, I'd settled on what shoes, socks, and insoles worked best so blisters were rarely a hiking problem for me. However, ultrarunning was a different matter entirely. The mechanics of running meant my feet were more likely to experience rubbing, which quickly turned into hot spots and then blisters when running for hours. And running in wet, rainy conditions was much more challenging than hiking in the same, with a higher risk of skin abrasion and maceration.
At the recommendation of another ultrarunner, I tried Trail Toes in advance of my first ultramarathon race and I fell in love. Unlike other products I’d tried before, Trail Toes is more of a thick salve that can be applied in a thin or thick layer based on need. While I do need to use my fingers to apply it, it’s worth the trouble.
And Trail Toes has a lot of staying power—I only need to reapply it a few times during a 100-mile race. Trail Toes is composed of petroleum, silicone, and beeswax, and lasts a long time even in tough conditions. I’ve used it on my feet as prep for dozens of ultramarathon efforts, including long days snowshoeing in the mountains in wet conditions. Trail Toes helps protect skin from saturation with water and sweat, and helps keep athletes moving forward!
Trail Toes
Creams for biking
Body Glide Cycle
Thankfully I usually don’t have too many problems with chafing while hiking or climbing mountains. But when I’m getting ready to sit on a bike saddle for 10 or more hours in the summer heat, I know there are some consequences: saddle sores, boils, inconvenient ingrown hairs, etc.
I spent years ruing not having something that helped protect my delicate posterior from the salt and sweat of long days in the saddle until I found Body Glide’s Cycle Glide. And, as one who also finds chamois shorts or underwear inconvenient, uncomfortable, and not at all preventive of butt boils, Cycle Glide does prevent the pain.
This vegan, plant-based stick goes on like an invisible butt and taint barrier and is only noticeable for the first few minutes after application—you hardly notice it’s there. However, I’ve found this mildly scented butt balm lasts all day and is effective at significantly reducing the pain of long days of pedaling in the saddle, both immediately and in the aftermath, which sometimes takes days to manifest afterwards.
While I’ll admit I haven’t tried many other products in this space, after using Cycle Glide and checking out reviews and ingredients in other saddle creams, I don’t think I need to.
Body Glide Cycle
What is chafing and why does it happen?
Chafing is skin irritation that occurs when friction, moisture, and heat collide—usually when skin rubs against skin, clothing, or outdoor gear (like a pack strap). It’s common in endurance activities like long hikes, trail runs, bikepacking, and backpacking trips where repetitive motion causes skin breakdown over time.
While it might start as mild redness or itching, it can escalate quickly into painful, raw, or even blistered skin. Salt from sweat can make it sting, and if left untreated, chafing can become infected or leave you too uncomfortable to continue your trip.
Common chafing hotspots:
Inner thighs
Between the butt cheeks (aka, "clown mouth")
Underarms
Chest/nipples (especially for runners)
Lower back (under waist belts)
Feet and toes
Chafing doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone regardless of fitness, weight, or experience level. But with the right preventative steps, it’s totally avoidable.
How do anti-chafing creams work?
Anti-chafing creams work by forming a protective barrier on the skin to reduce friction or wick away moisture. Think of them as a buffer zone: they let your skin glide smoothly against clothing, gear, or other skin, preventing the micro-abrasions that lead to irritation and damage. Or sometimes they remove moisture altogether.
There are a few different ways they do this, depending on ingredients of the chafing cream or chafing powder:
Waxes and oils (like beeswax or coconut oil) coat the skin and create long-lasting slip.
Petroleum-based products (like Aquaphor or Vaseline) seal moisture out and soothe irritation.
Silicone-based formulas reduce friction without feeling greasy or heavy.
Zinc oxide (in diaper creams) creates a breathable, protective film and helps soothe existing chafe.
Some products are designed for preventative use, while others help treat active chafing. The most versatile do both.
How to apply anti-chafing cream
For best results, apply anti-chafing cream before activity—don’t wait until you're already uncomfortable. Use clean, dry hands to apply a thin but thorough layer to any area where skin, gear, or clothing might rub. Focus on known hotspots or areas where you've chafed in the past.
How and where to apply anti-chafing cream by activity:
Hiking/Backpacking: Thighs, lower back, waistline, shoulders, feet
Running: Inner thighs, nipples (for longer runs), waistband, armpits
Cycling: Inner thighs, between the sit bones, and under chamois shorts
Some creams come in stick format for no-mess application, which is ideal on the trail. Others are thicker balms you apply by hand but tend to last longer.
Reapply as needed—especially on sweaty or multi-day trips. For multi-sport adventurers, keep a travel-sized tube or stick in your pack.
And as always: check the manufacturer-recommended application and follow those instructions. If you notice any skin irritation, itching, etc. that you think may be from the ingredients, discontinue use and see a dermatologist or other medical professional.
Best practices for preventing chafing outdoors
Chafing is preventable, even on long-distance hikes or sweltering summer runs. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies we use to help minimize risk:
Wear moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool fabrics. Avoid cotton, which traps moisture and increases friction.
Choose seamless or flat-lock seamed clothing. Seams = friction zones.
Use anti-chafing cream preventatively. Don’t wait for hot spots to appear—apply it first thing in the morning or before your run/ride.
Stay dry. If possible, rinse sweat or salt off skin during breaks or change into dry layers.
Break in your gear and get it sized before you go. Ill-fitting packs or stiff waistbands can quickly cause irritation.
Reapply cream or salve on long days. Especially in humid, rainy, or high-sweat conditions.
Hydrate. Drinking enough water helps minimize salt buildup on your skin.
Minimize salt build up. Use a towel or wet wipes to remove salt throughout the day.
If you’re heading out for a multi-day trip, plan to bring a small container of anti-chafe cream, and apply it as part of your daily routine—just like sunscreen.
Do I need different chafing products for different activities?
It depends. We’ve found that while some anti-chafing creams are versatile enough for any sport, the chafing you will encounter hiking, running, and biking can vary—and so do the best products for each.
Hiking and Backpacking:
We've found that the best formulas are ones that hold up under a pack’s shoulder straps and hip belt, especially during long-distance treks or hot conditions. These tend to be thicker balms that must be applied by hand. Other writers preferred stick-style balms like Gold Bond Friction Defense or the stick version of Chamois Butt'r because they are easy to reapply without using your dirty fingers and won’t melt in your pack.
Running:
Most of our runners found lightweight creams or sticks that don’t feel greasy are ideal. Runners often prefer salves that stay put during high sweat, like Squirrel’s Nut Butter or Chamois Butt’r.
Cycling:
Bike saddles create a unique and tender friction zone. Dedicated chamois creams like Body Glide Cycle or Trail Toes provide long-lasting protection, especially when used with padded shorts or on century rides.
Multi-sport or travel:
If you do it all—or want one product in your kit—look for options that are compact, melt-proof, and multi-use (like Piñon Balm).
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use anti-chafing cream every day?
Yes. Most formulas are safe for regular use. In fact, daily use is recommended if you exercise frequently or live in a hot/humid climate. As usual, check the manufacturer's packaging to make sure frequent use is safe.
Is Vaseline good for chafing?
Yes, it's a solid budget option. While it doesn’t absorb as well or stay in place as long as dedicated products, it’s great in a pinch—especially for running and biking.
Can I use diaper cream for hiking chafing?
Absolutely. Products like Boudreaux’s Butt Paste contain zinc oxide, which calms inflammation and creates a lasting barrier. They’re especially useful for already-irritated skin.
What’s the best anti-chafing product for humid conditions?
Look for balms or sticks that resist melting and stay put on wet skin. Gold Bond, Trail Toes, and Squirrel’s Nut Butter all perform well in muggy environments.
Do I need a different product for treating vs. preventing chafing?
Some products (like Vaseline or Piñon Balm) are more soothing and healing, while others (like Cycle Glide or Trail Toes) excel at prevention. If you’re prone to chafing, carry both a preventative balm and a healing salve.
Why you should trust us / About the authors
Treeline Review writers have spent thousands and thousands of miles and days in the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, running, mountain biking, climbing, and more. They’ve endured hot, humid, muggy days on the Appalachian Trail, backpacked in the Colorado Rockies under intense UV rays, mountain biked in the relentless Arizona heat, hiked in persistent rain in the Pacific Northwest, and trained for ultramarathons in every weather condition imaginable. Throughout it all, they’ve honed their anti-chafing solutions.
