ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh Review

Overview

The Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh is ExOfficio’s open-weave update to the sink-wash-and-rewear underwear that helped define travel packing. It targets hikers, travelers and gym-goers who sweat through standard briefs and want a pair that dries by morning. ExOfficio says the fabric is up to 4x more breathable, 50% more moisture-wicking and 25% quicker-drying than the original Give-N-Go. The trade-off is a snug, low-rise fit and a mesh that wears faster than denser synthetics.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	36.7–115.1 g depending on style
Fabric	90% nylon / 10% elastane mesh
Men’s styles	3”, 6” and 9” boxer briefs
Women’s styles	Bikini brief, hipster, thong, bralette
Construction	4-way stretch, flatlock seams, antimicrobial treatment
Fit	Snug, low rise; no fly on the boxer briefs
Care	Delicate cycle, low heat, dye- and perfume-free detergent
Price	Roughly $28–$35 per pair depending on style

Performance

Breathability and drying. The fabric is a fine, jersey-like mesh that moves air far better than cotton or a tight-knit synthetic brief. That matters most on humid climbs, when a pack’s back panel and hip belt are already sealing in heat. Owners who wear them on long hikes report that they wick quickly and stay free of odor. Some retail reviewers describe drying in well under an hour after a sink wash. Others, hanging a pair in a still room, report closer to several hours. The realistic expectation is a pair rinsed at camp and hung in the vestibule that is ready to wear by morning.

Odor. The antimicrobial treatment is a long-standing ExOfficio strength. Owners and reviewers consistently describe the pairs as staying fresh through multi-day wear. That is what makes the one-or-two-pair trail system workable.

Fit. This is where the Sport Mesh differs most from the original Give-N-Go. A reviewer comparing the two found the mesh version clings closer and gives more support, while the standard Give-N-Go leaves more room. Chafe-reducing flatlock seams and 4-way stretch keep the pair from bunching or twisting under a pack. One gym-goer who had worn the classic version for years found the Sport Mesh cooler and drier during hard workouts, but looser at first.

Sizing advice from men’s owners is not entirely consistent. Several long-time wearers of the 6” and 9” boxer briefs recommend dropping a size from the usual choice, with one saying a medium fit far better than his usual large. ExOfficio’s own customer reviews on the men’s brief mention a slightly generous cut. One recent 6” buyer says current sizes run smaller than pairs bought in 2020. Anyone between sizes should check the size chart closely before ordering several pairs.

Women’s reviewers report a similar split. Hipster wearers praise how the pair stays put through workouts and say the mesh feels open and cool. Some find the waist runs large, and one hiker complained that it still rode up. The bikini brief is cut higher than its name suggests. One reviewer said it sat over the navel, and thigh bands felt tight to some wearers after a few hours. Another found the waistband different from earlier versions of the product.

Durability. Reviews are mixed. Some owners report several years of regular wear and repeated washing without trouble. Others, particularly 9” boxer brief buyers, say the fabric breaks down quickly with friction. An open mesh this fine will fail first at the points where a hip belt and thighs rub. It is not a fabric for a loaded pack over a 2,000-mile walk.

Price. At about $30 a pair, these cost several times more than cotton. Reviewers who like them argue the cost is fair for underwear that can be washed and worn daily on a trip.

Choosing a Version

The Sport Mesh line splits into men’s boxer briefs and women’s cuts, and each style changes coverage more than performance.

• Women’s (36.7 g): The lightest option, in bikini brief, hipster, thong and bralette styles. The hipster is the best-reviewed for active use and stays in place during movement. The bikini brief runs high and snug at the waist and thigh for some, so wearers with a larger waist-to-hip ratio should look at the hipster first. The thong suits those who want zero seam lines under a hip belt.
• Men’s 6” Inseam (115.1 g): The middle length, and the most widely reviewed of the men’s styles. It covers enough thigh to prevent chafing without sitting under shorts. Buyers report good support and a snug cut. Size down if between sizes.
• 9” Boxer Brief (51 g): The longest leg, for people who chafe in running shorts or hike in short-inseam shorts. Reports suggest the leg grips well and stays put. The same friction complaints about fabric wear appear most often here. Some buyers find the 9” cut too short for their own build, which suggests checking the size chart.

A 3” men’s boxer brief is also available for hot-weather hiking and under short shorts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very light, from 36.7 g per pair
• More airflow than the original Give-N-Go, per ExOfficio’s claims and owner reports
• Dries overnight, often faster
• Flatlock seams and 4-way stretch keep chafe low
• Antimicrobial treatment controls odor over multiple days
• Wide range of men’s and women’s cuts

Cons

• Snug, low-rise cut that is inconsistent across buyers’ sizing experiences
• Mesh wears faster than denser synthetics at friction points
• About $28–$35 a pair
• No fly on the boxer briefs
• Some women report the bikini brief runs high or tight at the thigh, and a few say the hipster rides up

Who Should Buy This

Hot-weather backpackers, section hikers and travelers who run warm will get the most from the Sport Mesh. It suits anyone who wants to carry one or two pairs and wash them daily. Thru-hikers who put long miles on a tight hip belt, and anyone who wears a pair until it dies, should look at heavier nylon-blend or merino options, or carry a spare. Those who want a looser, roomier fit should stay with the standard Give-N-Go 2.0.

Verdict

The Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh delivers on breathability, speed of drying and odor control in a pair that weighs next to nothing. It is a clear step up from the original for warm-weather use, but it is a consumable, and the sizing needs care. Rated 7.5/10: recommended for summer hiking and travel, less so for high-friction, high-mileage use.