Words Liam Friary
Images Cameron Mackenzie
RRP Chamois Cream $19.50 (25ML) | SPF 30+ Lip Balm $17.50 | First Aid Gel $24.50
Distributor That’s It
If you’re spending any decent amount of time riding, chamois cream is worth considering. Simply put, chamois cream minimises chafing between your skin and the chamois pad in your bib shorts.
That’s It Chamois Cream
I believe the use of chamois cream is essential when spending large amounts of time in the saddle, such as during bikepacking trips or long day rides. There’s even a case for using it during indoor training, as you spend most of the time seated and sweating profusely!
While there are many options available, only a few are from our motu. The founders of That’s It hail from South Taranaki and are enthusiasts of the great outdoors and adventure. They decided to create their own natural products when they couldn’t find suitable alternatives. They grow all the Mānuka used in their products on their property and have actively replanted native trees on what was once cleared whenua.
Applying That’s It chamois cream from the aluminum tube is simple and mess-free. I have used other chamois creams before, and they often spread everywhere except where you need them. This tube delivers precisely what you need, allowing you to apply it directly to your chamois or skin. Once applied, it felt comfortable and lasted the duration of each of my rides – from just a few hours to over five hours.
The chamois cream is made from high-grade New Zealand Mānuka Oil. While it functions as a chamois cream, it also helps soothe already chafed skin. This feature is particularly useful when you’re in a rush, have already done a few days of riding, or are in the midst of an ultra-ride. You can apply it to soothe your sensitive areas in these situations. For me, the sore point typically emerges after three consecutive long days on the bike. I applied some of the cream during the evenings to help reduce soreness in the saddle the next day. It worked wonderfully and, while I was still battling fatigue, I didn’t have to expend mental energy trying to ease discomfort in my sensitive areas.
I appreciate the tube design, as it allows me to easily stow the cream on long rides or multi-day bikepacking trips. I’ve used it on several recent bikepacking adventures, finding it fits conveniently into my frame bag, which is easily accessible during rides or before setting off the next day. The cream doesn’t stain and contains no petroleum or added fragrances.
I particularly value supporting a company that not only originates from our shores but also helps revitalise the land I pedal through.
That’s It Mānuka Oil SPF 30+ Lip Balm
This lip balm is a go-to for long days in the saddle or bikepacking trips. Like the chamois cream, it’s super easy to stash due to its aluminum tin. It feels good when applied and helps protect your lips from the sun’s rays. I always get dry lips on riding missions, especially in arid or windy conditions, so having a handy lip balm made with Mānuka oil is welcome. I’ve been using this product before long rides and for daily use whilst sitting at my desk working on my laptop. It’s also conveniently stowed away for when bikepacking trips arise.
That’s It Mānuka Oil First Aid Gel
While this product might be something you’d consider for everyday rides amid city infrastructure, its importance increases significantly when you venture further afield on more challenging terrain. In these situations, the stakes are higher, and safety becomes paramount, often determining whether you have a good day or a bad one. When planning day or multi-day missions, I always carry a mini first aid kit. The That’s It First Aid Gel, like the other products, is made from high-grade Mānuka oil and comes in a nifty aluminum tube. It stashes away easily and is there in case of cuts, burns, bites – or to help heal wounds and prevent infection. The anti-inflammatory properties make it a perfect addition to the adventure first aid kit.
