sit bone pain on bike packing trip

[sirtirithon]

So I went on my first bike packing trip this week and it was amazing aside from the pain that developed in my sit bone area after the first 8 hours or so. I am a die hard commuter and ride 2-3 hours a day year round with no real issues. I am riding a WTB Rocket V saddle with compression shorts and athletic shorts over top. I sometimes wear Pearl Izumi Elite shorts but the padding causes chafing on my inner legs after a couple hrs.  I rode 160 miles over two days on this trip and the pain became so intense I had to stand the last 50 or so. I experienced zero numbness or other issues. No sores or chafing, just the tissue over my sit bones felt destroyed. Is this something you can work through?? I want to do the tour divide someday and this experience was pretty disconcerting. Thanks for any help! BTW I have tried a ton of saddles and the Rocket V has been the best as far as eliminating numbness etc.

[ImAFred]

How heavy was your backpack? One of the major reasons for trying to get all the weight onto your bike is the extra pressure a pack puts on that area after hrs of riding. Did I read it correctly that you do not use padded shorts? if chafing is the only reason.... have you tried a chamois cream?

[wahday]

Sit bone pain and numbness, at least for me, result from different pressure areas. Still could be a saddle fit issue. But backpack weight can really bring you down. I had this same experience recently and it was a drag. I have both lightened my pack and got a new improved saddle since then.

As for the shorts, try the cream at least. The pads do wonders in distributing weight and pressure. Also not having seams in that zone will make you much happier on long rides. Even seams outside you chamois from another pair of shorts can cause problems if you ride long enough.

[JRA]

The 2-3 hours of commuting is quite different from 8+ hours rides.  And I would assume that the 2-3 hours is split between to an from work.
I would be surprised if you hadn't experienced at least some discomfort.  If you start to incorporate a longer ride every week (4-5 hours straight) I'll bet the bulk of your discomfort will gradually dissipate.