Smartwool Active Merino vs Saxx Non-Stop Stretch
Buy the Smartwool Active Merino if you want merino's temperature and odor control for hiking, travel or long work days. Buy the Saxx Non-Stop Stretch if you want soft cotton, a fly and the BallPark Pouch for everyday wear. The Smartwool is $40.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026. The Saxx is $34.87 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, though that listing is a 3-pack and the price history is volatile.
Today the Saxx Non-Stop Stretch costs $5.13 less at its best price.
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Smartwool Active Merino
5$40.00at AmazonObserved at 2:56 AM
Choose the Smartwool Active Merino if you need odor resistance and temperature regulation across sweaty, multi-day use.
Pros
- Merino blend resists odor across multiple wears
- Regulates temperature in heat and cold
- Flatlock seams limit chafing
- Rated 5 out of 5 from 68 ratings
Cons
- No fly
- Slim fit may feel tight for some
- Single pair at $40.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026
What separates them
| Smartwool Active Merino | Saxx Non-Stop Stretch | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | 56% merino wool with polyester; recycled content | Cotton and spandex blend with 4-way stretch |
| Fly | No fly | Fly opening |
| Support | Double front panel, slim fit | BallPark Pouch and Three-D Fit 9-panel construction |
| Odor control | Merino resists odor over multiple wears | Cotton blend, no odor claim |
| Temperature regulation | Merino regulates temperature and manages moisture | Lightweight and moisture-wicking |
| Seams | Flatlock seams to reduce chafing | Flat Out Seams to reduce chafing |
| Fit | Slim fit following body contours | Relaxed fit, form-fitting at butt and thighs |
| Pack size | Single pair |
Price history
$73.00$12.00
- Smartwool Active Merino: lowest $35.00 on Nov 2 at Moss Mountain Outfitters; $40.00 on Nov 3.
- Saxx Non-Stop Stretch: lowest $12.00 on Nov 3 at Finnieston Clothing.
Prices at every store
Smartwool Active Merino
- SmartwoolNew
In stock
$40.00Free shippingObserved at 2:56 AM - Zappos.comNew
In stock
$50.00Free shippingObserved at 3:34 AM - REINew
In stock
$50.00+ $7.99 shippingObserved at 3:34 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$40.00Free shippingObserved at 2:56 AM
Also available at
- ModeSensCheck price at ModeSens
- Moss Mountain OutfittersCheck price at Moss Mountain Outfitters
- PoshmarkCheck price at Poshmark
Specs compared
| Spec | Smartwool Active Merino | Saxx Non-Stop Stretch |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyester | Spandex, Cotton Blend |
| Size Type | Regular | Regular |
| Material composition | 56% Merino Wool | — |
| Fit | Slim fit | — |
| Seam construction | Flatlock seam construction | — |
| Waistband | Wide elastic waistband | — |
| Front panel | Double front panel | — |
| Silhouette | Boxer Brief | — |
| Style | — | Boxer Brief 5" |
| Inseam | — | 5-6 13-15 |
| Fabric |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for hiking and travel?
- The Smartwool Active Merino. Merino resists odor and regulates temperature over repeated wears, which matters when you cannot wash often. The Saxx is softer but cotton holds odor.
- Which has a fly?
- The Saxx Non-Stop Stretch has a fly opening. The Smartwool Active Merino has no fly, which some buyers list as a complaint.
- Which is cheaper?
- The Saxx at $34.87 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, and that listing is 3 pairs. The Smartwool is $40.00 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, for one pair.
- Which lasts longer?
- Both use flat seams and stretch fabrics built to hold shape. Merino blends tend to resist odor and wear from repeated use, while Saxx's cotton blend is designed not to bag out. Neither maker publishes a lifespan figure.
- Is the Saxx worth the extra over cheaper boxer briefs?
- The pouch and 9-panel construction are the reason to pay more. At $34.87 for 3 pairs at eBay as of November 3, 2026, the per-pair cost is low, but check the listing is the 3-pack.
- Which is better for hot weather?
- The Smartwool breathes and regulates temperature better in heat. The Saxx is lightweight and moisture-wicking, so it also works, but merino handles sweat and odor over a full day better.