Hiking is an amazing experience until you are distracted by underwear problems. Waistbands and elastics digging into you, undies falling down or riding up in the rear, camel toe, or sweating down there due to poor fabric breathability.
It shouldn’t be like that!
If you wear the appropriate hiking underwear, you could have the most carefree hiking adventure.
However, with plenty of choices in the market, what is the best hiking underwear for women?
To narrow down your search, I’ve researched the best undergarments for women. Remember, the idea is to wear underwear and forget about it the entire day until you have to change it later on.
Before we delve into the hiking underwear reviews, I’d like us to consider the most important factors to consider when purchasing these undergarments.
This buyer’s guide can make your shopping an absolute breeze.carefree
Quick Answer - Editor's choice...
[amazon link="B0036S86P4" title="ExOfficio Women's Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs" /]
Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight mesh fabric to allow enough air ventilation
- Odor-resistant technology to keep you fresh
- Available in a plethora of styles to suit personal preferences
- A blend of nylon and spandex, which makes it durable and more comfortable
- Comfortable and non-constrictive waistband
- Easy to dry since it is made of synthetic fabrics
Best Hiking Underwear Comparison Table
What to Look for When Choosing the Women’s Underwear for Traveling or Hiking?
Given how broad the product range for undergarments, it helps to get tips about the most important factors to consider when buying your undergarments.
The purchase of the best women’s underwear for traveling can be daunting to master.
When buying travel undies online, in particular, it becomes an overwhelming experience due to the impossibility of examining the fabric before purchase.
So, knowing which material to choose, size, and other features lessen the burden.
Fabric Materials
Well, many of you are accustomed to wearing cotton-made undergarments due to the warmth and cost-effectiveness they have.
For regular wear, yes that’s okay. It’s a different story when coming to hiking activities because hiking is a sweaty outdoor adventure.
You need a moisture-wicking and odor-repellant fabric to help manage your inevitable sweat when hiking amid hot conditions.
The underwear should dry faster after hand washing, ready to wear in an hour’s time unless you are planning to bring lots of pairs along.
Looking at the aforementioned features, cotton does not satisfy them.
Cotton takes time to dry should it get wet and it does not manage moisture well.
If you’d noticed, cotton clothes become itchy after getting wet; this is mainly attributable to cotton’s failure to wick away the moisture. It retains it. Cotton absorbs most of the sweat and does not have odor control, which lead to bacteria formation, leaving your underwear musty and foul smelling in the long term.
What are the best underwear materials to look at?
Among others, silk, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, spandex, and merino wool are the ideal fabrics to consider.
In short, pay more attention to the typical material of backpacking underwear for women.
Comfort
I know it seems practically impossible to gauge the comfort of hiking underwear when buying online.
However, by considering the intricacies of comfort such as fit, the softness of the material and how stretchy the fabric is, you can anticipate how comfortable it will be. Opt for flatlock seams in choosing your travel garment to ensure easy stretch feature and better performance.
The comfort of the underwear is enhanced by a blend of different materials that work in synergy to bring out the best comfort intricacies.
As you read through the reviews, you will notice different materials such as nylon, spandex, and polyester combined. This achieves the best comfort.
By referring to comfort we mean the underwear should not chafe or feel itchy when wearing it. Ideally, you should wear and forget about it for the rest of the day.
To add on comfort, you need a non-constrictive waistband that can press into your skin when having a backpack.
It may not be an issue when you start but the discomfort may intensify for longer hikes.
To prevent this discomfort, look for a flat and tagless waistband. There’s no point in getting a bulky and thick waistband.
Fit
One might think this is the same as comfort. It is not!
Precisely, the fit is about the size and the shape of the best women’s underwear for hiking.
You do not have to constrict your movement with tight-fitting legs or an uncomfortable waist.
Women are in love with thong underwear.
This may not be bad for a regular day but hiking is a demanding outdoor activity and therefore thong underwear is not ideal.
Undergarments with better full coverage such boy short and hipster have proven to work perfectly.
Watch out for full coverage underwear for a better fit during hiking.
Also important is to ascertain your waist size before making a purchase.
Durability
Is the undergarment durable enough to last for a long time without getting torn easily?
This feature overlaps with material choices.
Materials should be of top-notch quality to reassure you the underwear will last a long time.
However, the best hiking underwear for women should be soft and lightweight and at the same time durable.
Seams or seamless?
Seams that stick out may be problematic in long underwear where they might end up chaffing or itching you.
The best way to opt for seamless underwear or flat lock seams, because these garments are made for extraordinary stretch and performance.
Breathability and antimicrobial feature
The other important feature to consider is how breathable and antimicrobial the undergarment is.
When hiking, you will inevitably sweat and that moisture buildup could lead to an unbearable odor.
It is therefore important to consider breathable and antimirobial underwear.
Merino wool, in particular, has a natural antimicrobial feature. Cotton, sadly, is void of this feature. Because of the prevalence of synthetics in our modern undergarments, there are enhancements to control odor.
Style of the underwear
The best women’s underwear for traveling is available in different styles. I have touched on this but felt I can highlight it more.
First of all, the style of undergarment is a personal preference. Others may feel comfortable with boxer shorts, bikinis, briefs, thongs, or boy shorts.
The bottom line, however, is to check how comfortable the style you chose is. This goes back to the fit of the underwear.
The picture below gives an idea about the types of hiking underwear to choose fro
What are the significant features that make a comfortable women’s hiking underwear?
Backpacking underwear for women should be chosen in line with the demands of a sweaty hiking adventure. It should be snug but not too tight that it will irritate your skin.
Also, it should not be bulky. On the flip side of the coin, big underwear will let in enough ventilation but not dissipate sweat like a snug fit. Go for a snug fit.
Carefully select the right fabric material. Cotton is a no-go area, whereas merino wool and synthetic fabrics are the best choices. Other worth considering features including packability, which entails the compactness and weight of the undergarment.
The Best Hiking Underwear for Women Reviewed
[amazon link="B0036S86P4" title="ExOfficio Women's Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs" /]
Lightweight, comfy and provides full coverage.
Comfort/Mobility
Drying time
Fit
Durability
Packability
Best offer for today
[amazon fields=”B0036S86P4″ value=”price” /]
Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight mesh fabric to allow enough air ventilation
- Odor-resistant technology to keep you fresh
- Available in a plethora of styles to suit personal preferences
- A blend of nylon and spandex, which makes it durable and more comfortable
- Comfortable and non-constrictive waistband
- Easy to dry since it is made of synthetic fabrics
Reasons To AVOID
- Only one pair - you may have to buy numerous pairs for multi-day hiking
[amazon link=”B0036S86P4″ title=”ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs” /] is a renowned brand synonymous with quality best women’s underwear for hiking. My first impression with this undergarment was the blend of 94% nylon and 6% spandex. These are synthetic fabrics and they possess great characteristics of hiking materials.
Spandex is used to enhance comfort. It makes the underwear to stretch effectively.
To add on, the underwear is antimicrobial, meaning it will contain odor even after repeated wear. Obviously repeating underwear is a bad hygienic decision. Either way, this underwear dries quickly.
Also notably good is how breathable the mesh fabric is. It allows enough air circulation to wick away moisture caused by sweating. With the added antimicrobial technology on the fabric, the undergarment is also good in controlling odor to keep you fresh.
The comfortable waistband with flat seams will make your hiking endeavor worth taking as it prevents chafing and itching.
If you are more into a variety of styles, this underwear gives you that exposure. It’s available in bikini brief, thong, Cami, Hi-Cut Brief, Full Cut Brief, and bikini. Keep in mind the amount of coverage you want. Thong underwear is the least in coverage so I wouldn’t recommend it.
The other feature of this undergarment is its packability. Thanks to its lightweight diamond mesh. It will therefore not be cumbersome when wearing it or when packing others for your journey.
[amazon link="B075QNPGRQ" title="Balanced Tech Women's Hipster Panties " /]
Incredibly comfortable and quick drying.
Comfort/Mobility
Drying time
Fit
Durability
Packability
Best offer for today
[amazon fields=”B075QNPGRQ” value=”price” /]
Reasons To Buy
- A pack of 6 panties ideal for a multi-day hiking
- Made of quality synthetic materials: nylon and elastane to last you for many years
- Dries quickly because of synthetic fabrics
- Available in a variety of colors in a pack
- Breathable undergarment to let in enough air and to dissipate sweat
- Seamless and tagless waistband so your movement will not be compromised
Reasons To AVOID
- Quite expensive but worth the value for money since it is a pack of 6 panties
- High waist panty appears above your pants
For multi-day hiking, here I have a 6 pack of [amazon link=”B075QNPGRQ” title=”Balanced Tech Women’s Hipster” /]. Also made of synthetic fabric, they guarantee you comfort and a quick dry. You may wash underwear and wait for about an hour to wear it. Thanks to a combination of 8% Elastane, 92% Nylon.
These mid-rise bikini panties offer you full coverage while not compromising their moisture-wicking properties. The help you manage sweat and prevent any odor.
Also, thanks to a seamless and tagless waistband. It makes life interesting for a hiker as you do not have to feel itchy or pressed when you wear a backpack. Well, my only downside is that the underwear is sort of high rise, it often appears above pants when you bend down. But, that’s not a deal-breaker.
With the absence of seams, the underwear will not show panty lines more especially when wearing tight dresses. That’s an added bonus.
The blend of synthetic materials makes this underwear comfortable and stretchable for a proper fit. Thanks to the nylon-elastane fabric. It makes the panty conform to your body without restricting your movement.
There is a variety of 3 colors in a pack. This gives you a room to choose according to your taste.
[amazon link="B076D6RJMM" title="Ruxia Women's Hipster Underwear" /]
Affordable. Breathable.Comfortable
Comfort/Mobility
Drying Time
Fit
Durability
Packability
Best offer for today
[amazon fields=”B076D6RJMM” value=”price” /]
Reasons To Buy
- Pack of 5 undergarments in different colors
- Made of synthetic fabrics: spandex and nylon
- Wicks away moisture and control odor
- Affordable underwear
- Breathable and comfortable with an elastic waistband
- Low rise panty
Reasons To AVOID
- Low rise panty may sack over time if you wear it for a prolonged time
- Not ideal for winter hiking
Yet another blend of spandex and nylon. You’d swear my reviews are about this blend only. One reason I love about nylon, polyester, and spandex is their unparalleled comfort when compared to other fabrics. Polyester is great but fairly expensive compared to nylon. Think of all these features integrated in your hiking clothing and you get better performance,more agility and carefree explorations.
Composed of 10% spandex and 90% nylon, this backpacking underwear for women clothing offers you the best outdoor gear with all important features such as comfort and snug fit. Because it is a hipster panty, it offers full coverage than a thong style. It has a soft cotton gusset lining which may be problematic when wet. Elastic waistband enhances the comfort of wearing this undergarment.
There are no seams that could compromise your comfort with their chafing and itching features. One other important consideration is that the underwear is low-rise yet still offering full coverage. Unlike my previous review, it will not be visible on top of your hiking pants.
This is a pack of 5 underwear with different colors. That’s an added bonus to multiday hikers. If you sweat a lot, it’s not a problem because this fabric is breathable, thus letting in enough air. It also helps you control odor.
The fit, on the other hand, will only depend on the right size you choose.
[amazon link="B0036SDCWG" title="ExOfficio Give-n-Go Full Cut Brief" /]
Made of high quality fabric that offers ease, comfort and full coverage.
Comfort/Mobility
Drying time
Fit
Durability
Packability
Best offer for today
[amazon fields=”B0036SDCWG” value=”price” /]
Reasons To Buy
- Made by a reliable brand ExOfficio
- Lightweight underwear
- Available in various colors
- Seamless and tagless waistband
- Quality blend of spandex and nylon
- Breathable fabric to enhance air circulation
- Full coverage undergarment
Reasons To AVOID
- Only one piece of an underwear
I wrap up my reviews with yet another ExOfficio product, but this time a full cut brief. ExOfficio provides the best hiking underwear for women. A full cut brief underwear gives you a much-needed full coverage to have a great hiking experience. No need to be pulling your underwear up or to be feeling itchy.
[amazon link=”B0036SDCWG” title=”ExOfficio Give-n-go Full Cut Brief” /] has an antimicrobial treatment that helps manage odor. The breathable mesh also adds to microbial resistance you allowing plenty of air to keep you cool. Odor-causing microorganisms are triggered by sweat in non-breathable underwear.
Meanwhile, the waistband keeps the shape of this underwear and resists stretching. This increases durability. Once you notice a blend of spandex and nylon, you know that you comfortable hiking underwear worth the value of money.
Minimalists will love this lightweight undergarment wear. It dries quickly, thanks to the exclusion of cotton fabrics. But, I wish it was coming in a pack for a multi-day hiking adventure. I guess one has to buy numerous of them even though expensive.
To suit your personal taste, the underwear comes in different colors. Grab pairs of travel underwear without worrying how it will make you feel. These travel must-haves will make your hiking experience an ordinary stroll.
[amazon link="B019X2NGII" title="Thermajane Women's Thermal Underwear" /]
A solid option for winter hiking.
Comfort/Mobility
Drying time
Fit
Durability
Packability
Best offer for today
[amazon fields=”B019X2NGII” value=”price” /]
Reasons To Buy
- Long undergarment for winter hiking activities
- Made of durable fabric materials: spandex and polyester
- Comfortable underwear that stretches effectively to prevent chafing and itching
- Two pieces for the entire body
- Available in many colors
Reasons To AVOID
- This undergarment is not ideal for summer hiking
- Not as breathable as other short undergarments like my aforementioned review of Ex Officio.
- Relatively costly for a single pair of underwear for hiking
It is not always that you will hike in normal conditions. For this reason, you need to be considerate of harsh weather conditions and therefore purchase long underwear. [amazon link=”B019X2NGII” title=”Thermajane Women’s Thermal Underwear” /] could be your ideal choice of the best hiking underwear for women.
Coming in two pieces, that is a t-shirt and a pant, this set affords you the privilege to hike irrespective of winter conditions. These undergarments fit snugly under your clothes. They are available in an assortment of colors.
Likewise, you need to take into account the significant features needed to buy these undergarments for your hiking activities. Thermajane employs a blend of 8% spandex and 92% ultra-soft polyester. These are, of course, synthetics and are effective in dealing with outdoor elements.
I like the softness of polyester and the comfort of spandex. They make this underwear a complete deal for winter hiking. Even if you have opted for small undergarments, you still need this long undergarment to add an extra layer of warmth to withstand treacherous winter conditions.
Despite being long underwear, it still wicks away moisture to keep you cool. All thanks to the company for not infusing any cotton fabric as it would take time to dry the garment.
Final Decision: What are the best hiking underwear for women?
I have come to an end of the most comprehensive guide about women’s hiking underwear. Although these products seem overwhelming to choose one due to their impressive features, my choice goes to [amazon link=”B0036S86P4″ title=”ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs” /]. Looking at the features to look for when buying hiking underwear for ladies, this underwear ticks most of the boxes.
It is made of synthetic nylon and spandex. The blend of these fabrics brings you worth-having underwear to withstand hiking activities.
Although it comes as a single item in various colors, I still find it worthwhile to pop your money. If you are into packs of numerous undergarments, I have selected for you. There is an option for a pack of 5 and a pack of 6.
Realizing how fluctuating weather conditions are, I have also included long thermal underwear that can add an extra layer of warmth if you are hiking in winter.
There are a plethora of women’s undergarments for hiking. That said, you need to take into account the important feature to avoid buying the wrong product you would regret thereafter. Things like comfort and a snug fit should top your features’ list.
Do not be fooled by price tags. Not every expensive underwear is of good quality, and the converse is true. In most cases, people buy the brand not necessarily the product. As an alert outdoor enthusiast today, I wish you make informed decisions about your hiking undergarments.
