Best Hiking Underwear For Women of 2024
Best underwear for hiking, travel, backpacking, and outdoor activities
Good women's hiking underwear should stay in place–neither stretch with repetitive movement nor need embarrassing mid-day adjustments. Hiking underwear shouldn't give you a wedgie.
All hiking underwear should be anti-chafing underwear–either seamless or sewn with flat locked seams that won't rub. Hiking and travel underwear should be quick-dry, so you can hand wash in a sink and air dry it on a laundry line from your tent, van, or hostel bed. Like most against-the-skin technical apparel, hiking underwear should wick away moisture so you feel comfortable. It should fit well on bodies of different shapes and sizes while in motion. Lastly, hiking underwear should be stylish and look good on you, so you feel secure and confident to take on a new trail, exercise class, outdoor activity, or travel destination.
To test women's hiking underwear, I hiked the 800-mile long Arizona Trail, Trans Catalina Trail, parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, and wore it on local day hikes. In total, I hiked and backpacked 75 miles in each pair of underwear. My testing goal was to allow adequate time to check for awkward rubbing, fit and comfort, odor, and how well the undies stayed in place.
While I've been wearing exclusively hiking underwear for the past two decades, I've been systematically testing hiking underwear since 2016 with my Travel Underwear guide for Wirecutter. Over the past 9 years, I've tested more than 40 pairs of hiking underwear. This is my most authoritative guide to women's hiking and travel underwear informed by thousands of miles and lots of good and bad hiking underwear along the way.
Looking for men’s hiking underwear? See out guide to Best Men’s Hiking Underwear.
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Women’s hiking underwear comparison table
| HIKING UNDERWEAR | TREELINE AWARD | BEST FOR | FABRIC | SIZES | STYLES | ODOR CONTROL TECH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradis Natural Fiber | Best Overall Read why |
Hiking, other outdoor sports, everyday | 88% Micromodal 12% Lycra | S-XL (runs small) | bikini, thong | naturally anti-microbial |
| Smartwool Merino | Best Merino Read why |
Hiking, backpacking, everyday | 88% merino wool/12% nylon | XS-XL (runs big) | bikini | naturally anti-microbial |
| Paradis Seamless Bikini | Best Synthetic Read why |
Hiking, gym, all outdoor activities | 94% Nylon 6% Spandex | S-XL (runs small) | bikini, thong | none stated |
| Duluth Trading Company Dry on the Fly | Best Plus Size Read why |
Hiking, gym, multi-sport | 85% polyester/15% cotton | S-XL, 1X-3X | briefs | anti-microbial treatment |
| Ex Officio Give n Go II | Best Affordable Read why |
Hiking, travel | 91% Polyester/9% Elastane Mesh | XS-2X | bikini, hipster, thong, full cut brief | HEiQ anti-odor treatment |
The winners
Best overall underwear: Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini
Fabric: 88% Micromodal 12% Lycra
Available styles: bikini, thong
Odor control tech: natural material is anti-microbial
Available sizes: S-XL (runs small)
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
What we liked: no wedgies, very soft material, trail-to-town comfort, versatility, made in USA by woman-owned brand
What we didn’t like: slower to dry than synthetics, limited colors and sizing, sizing runs small
The best overall women's hiking underwear are the Paradis Natural Fiber Bikini. The best hiking underwear is the pair that feels like you're wearing nothing at all while also feeling secure and like things aren't going to move. The Paradis Natural Fiber Bikini is remarkable in its forgettable-ness. The soft-but-thick waistband doesn't roll. It doesn't rub or chafe. We also chose them as best overall because they are a great option for a versatile hiking underwear that transition from trail-to-town and everything in between.
The Paradis Sport underwear are the only pair we tested that come with a No Wedgie guarantee (this is also true for our best synthetic winner, the Paradis Seamless). With buttery soft fabric, they work as well for everyday life as they do for hiking and backpacking. Best yet, they're made in the USA by a woman-owned brand.
This brand only makes underwear and their attention to detail is evident. We were initially hesitant to award two top prizes to a relatively new and small brand, but everyday that was Paradis Sport testing day was the best day. And if we're being honest with ourselves, if we were forced to choose only one pair of undies to wear for both hiking and everyday, these would be them. These are great underwear for hiking and to use as everyday underwear and for that versatility, we award them best overall women’s underwear.
Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini
Bikini
Thong
The Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini has just the right cut to prevent creep along the sides or behind. To be clear: we tested these underwear under our clothes, but like to model underwear like a superhero.
Anti-chafe, anti-rub
The Paradis has a wide waistband that prevents rolling. The waistband is more reminiscent of what you'd find on yoga pants than the thin or thick elastic of many other pairs of underwear we tested (think Calvin Klein of the 90s). It never chafed, rolled, creeped, or created a wedgie. It always stayed in place, regardless of the speed of the hike or the steepness of the climb. It felt secure climbing over blowdowns and in cool and hot temperatures.
The Paradis Natural Fiber underwear uses a special seam called Merrow Activeseam that is a stitch that doesn't rub or chafe. This seam is not as wide as the better known flatlock seam found in most of the other anti-chafe underwear we tested. We didn't notice a huge difference in feel between the flatlock (which is a good thing–they both work). It looks more elegant, though.
The Paradis Sport Natural Fiber has a wide waistband to keep it up, flat stitches to prevent chafing, and super soft fabric.
Cut and Design
The cut, coverage, and ride on the Paradis Sport is ideal for movement. They feel hugged-in and secure. In addition to hikers, their athletes include skiers, equestrians, runners, climbers, cyclists, mountaineers, and pro soccer, tennis, and rugby players. Many of these sports are even more demanding than hiking in terms of the need for mobility and staying in place.
Compared to other underwear we tested, they have more coverage, but they don't look frumpy or even look like they offer much more coverage. It's only when you put it on that you feel the difference. When you compare it to other pairs, you can sense where all the other underwear let your body hang loose.
The Paradis Sport also has no annoying tags that require cutting off, as we experienced with other undies.
The front panel is double-layered, which is different than most pairs we tested. The fabric is thin so it adds some more modesty. Modal is known for its breathability and as a summer fabric, so we didn’t notice any overheating even in the double-fabric area.
Fabric
The Paradis Sport Natural Fiber is made of a Superfine Micro-modal, which is derived from beech trees. Modal is a type of rayon that is known for its breathability and keeping its strength while wet, so comes with extra durability.
Normally, we'd expect such soft fabric to get loose after a while, but that never seemed to happen. Although the brand doesn’t claim it, this fabric didn’t get stinky like the synthetic underwear we tested. According to How Stuff Works, modal is effective at minimizing odor and our testing backs that up.
In our side-by-side tests, the fabric was effective at wicking moisture when we were sweating. In fact, modal is known for absorbing large amounts of water.
However, it is not as fast at quickly drying. This is important to know if you plan to handwash it for travel or while backpacking or are hiking somewhere humid.
It’s worth noting that some hikers specifically avoid Modal because it absorbs moisture so well that it could potentially feel chilly if weather turns cold and wet. If this is a concern, we recommend the similar synthetic Paradis Sport Seamless.
If you want a more active pair of underwear for running or hikes with a lot of up and down or blowdowns, we like the hugged-in feel of the Seamless, too. For shorter hikes in good weather conditions, though, we found the Natural Fiber to be more comfortable.
One thing to know is that these underwear are not designed to be used with hiking leggings or yoga pants. It does not pretend to be seamless. Paradis Sport recommends their Seamless line (our overall winner for best synthetic underwear) or the thong version of the Natural Fiber underwear if you are concerned about visible panty line. However, for my body, these briefs were less noticeable under hiking tights than most of the pairs I tested, including the Seamless line.
Conclusion
Paradis is a small and relatively new woman-owned company based in Lakeville, CT. It's impressive that in just a few short years, they've designed and manufactured a product in the USA that outperforms the large brands owned by multinational corporations that have existed for decades. Despite being a small brand, they're members of 1% for the Planet. We also liked their minimal packaging by EcoEnclose and that rare among any outdoor brand, they have a take-back program to upcycle your old undies (shredded into insulation). They're on the more expensive end of underwear we tested, and yet we think it's worth it for what you get, especially knowing the ethics and sustainability behind the brand.
We're keeping an eye on this brand and are looking forward to seeing their line expand and new products become available. We hope this brand expands their sizing to include more types of bodies and shapes as we think every outdoors person could really benefit from their wedgie-free design.
Best merino hiking underwear for women: Smartwool Merino Bikini
Fabric: 88% merino wool/12% nylon
Available styles: bikini
Odor control tech: naturally anti-microbial
Available sizes: XS-XL (runs big)
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
What we liked: No odor, waistband doesn't roll, waistband is sewn over to prevent digging, feels like wearing nothing, soft fabric, stays put, thin fabric dries quickly for merino
What we didn’t like: Merino doesn't dry as quick as synthetic, merino can feel warm in hot climates, thin fabric not as durable as thicker fabric, sizing runs big
The best merino women's hiking underwear are the Smartwool Merino Bikini. They have the best fit of the merino underwear we tested. It also comes in many colors and even different cuts–from highwaist to thong to boyshort. Due to the natural antibacterial features of merino, it doesn't smell even after days of use.
Over the years, I've tested many iterations of Smartwool underwear. While they've always performed well, the newest version is made of a thinner, softer fabric that feels smoother against the skin and dries incredibly quickly for merino. It has a more casual look that doesn't scream “for outdoors use only!” Yet it still feels just as stay-put, moisture-wicking, and odor-free as previous iterations.
Smartwool also uses ZQ-certfied, ethicially-sourced wool.
Compare prices of the Smartwool Merino Bikini
The Smartwool Merino underwear had better coverage than other merino underwear we tested, preventing rolling or creep. To be clear: we tested these underwear under our clothes, but like to model underwear like a superhero.
Performance compared to earlier versions
I wore previous iterations on the Smartwool Merino Bikini underwear on thru-hikes of the ~800 mile Great Divide Trail across the Canadian Rockies and the 1200-mile Pacific Northwest Trail from Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean in Olympic National Park. Both trails had repeated days of cold and wet weather. Even though I was soaked through to my underpants (to be clear–from rain and snow!), the Smartwool stayed in place, didn't chafe, and didn't roll up. Merino stays warm when wet, and that was something I've appreciated on many hikes.
I tested the newest iteration of Smartwool underwear during a out-and-back thru-hike of the Trans Catalina Trail during a record-breaking storm and found their performance in wet conditions to be similarly good. The coverage isn't quite as much as the older versions. However, it's still the best coverage we found on a merino that avoids creep.
Close-up on the flatlock seams, stitching, and material on the Smartwool Merino underwear as seen from the side waist.
Waistband and fabric
Although we had no problems with the waistband rolling, it isn't as thick as earlier iterations. This could be a problem for folks who have consistently had a hard time keeping their undies up. Additionally, the men's Smartwool Merino Bikini has a fabric sewn over the elastic to minimize chafing. For some reason they left off that feature in the women's version.
While we liked the thin fabric and found these underwear dried remarkably fast for merino, a few customer reviews complained that it is thin and lacked durability. We've noticed that in a different version of Smartwool underwear we tested years ago.
The Smartwool unfortunately comes with tags that require cutting off before use, which has been a problem for me with outdoor apparel. We recommend patiently removing the tag by cutting just the stitches out.
Merino vs Synthetic
One ding against the Smartwool is that many hikers and travelers find that merino in general is not their underwear fabric of choice for hot or humid days. Merino is great at moisture wicking, so I rarely feel swampy in any brand's merino undies. But merino doesn't dry out as quickly as synthetic material, and that's one reason I prefer a synthetic underwear for humid conditions.
However, I found the new thinner material on the new Smartwool to be the fastest drying merino underwear in side-by-side tests. They were quick drying enough to be comfortable in the hot, dry air while hiking in Arizona and Southern California. Still, if I were hiking in the Southeast US or traveling to the tropics, I'd choose a synthetic.
Conclusion
My previous pair of Smartwool Merino Bikini underwear lasted more than 5 years–including months where it was my only pair. It was a sad day when I had to retire them. They still kept their shape, the elastic still stayed up, and there was no lingering odor. However, they developed a hole just below the elastic band in the back, likely where the hipbelt of my backpack rubbed. I'm thrilled that the newest version is even better, and hope they last another 5 days.
Best synthetic women’s underwear for hiking: Paradis Sport Seamless Bikini
Fabric: 94% Nylon 6% Spandex
Available styles: bikini, thong
Odor control tech: none stated
Available sizes: S-XL (runs small)
Quick dry? Fairly fast
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
What we liked: Stays in place, never wedgies, doesn’t ride up, feels secure, no rubbing or chafing
What we didn’t like: Thicker than other fabrics, can retain odor
The Paradis Sport Seamless underwear are the best synthetic women's hiking underwear I've ever worn. The Paradis are a more technical pair of underwear than others we tested and that isn't a bad thing. These are designed for performance and for athletes and it shows in the details of their construction and design.
With the Paradis Sport, I always felt held in and always felt secure–which is remarkable for any pair of athletic underwear. The Paradis Sport underwear are the only pair we tested that come with a No Wedgie guarantee (this is also true for our overall winner, the Paradis Natural Fiber). Best yet, they're made in the USA by a woman-owned brand.
Paradis Sport Seamless Bikini
Bikini
Thong
For big or strenuous day hikes, running, and most aerobic sports, we think the Paradis Sport Seamless is the best option. To be clear: we tested these underwear under our clothes, but like to model underwear like a superhero.
Fabric, Fit, and Performance
The Paradis Sport Seamless remind me of the Patagonia Active Briefs from the old days—they stay in place and have a waistband that never digs in or rolls yet stays up.
The cut, coverage, and ride on the Paradis Sport is ideal for movement. In addition to hikers, their athletes include skiers, equestrians, runners, climbers, cyclists, mountaineers, and pro soccer, tennis, and rugby players. Many of these sports are even more demanding than hiking in terms of the need for mobility and also for the fabric to bounce back to keep its original shape.
We found that in testing, the fabric of most hiking underwear loses its shape and moves over the course of the day, resulting in a wedgie after a few hours. That's not the case with Paradis Seamless. The brand even has a no wedgie guarantee–the only underwear brand we've ever seen do this.
We almost chose the Paradis Sport as the best women's hiking underwear overall but decided we liked the buttery soft Natural Fiber version better for its trail to town feel. The Paradis Seamless feel technical and in many situations, that is exactly what you want.
Waistband
The wide waistband is made of a knitted elastic to minimize rubbing. This reminds me of a feature the old Smartwool underwear used to have and is similar to what Patagonia used to use. This knitted design in a wide waistband has a feel similar to yoga pants so the waistband doesn't dig in.
The fabric on the Paradis Sport is thicker than almost all the underwear I tested. Normally, this would bother me but instead made me feel secure as a superhero. Paradis recommends wearing the Seamless over the Natural Fiber version if you're trying to avoid Visible Panty Line when wearing hiking tights.
Sizes and styles
One thing to note is the sizing tops out at XL. It's a newer brand, so doesn't have quite the variety of cuts and styles of bigger brands, either. We hope that as the brand grows, more options will be available for outdoors folks of different sizes.
The Paradis Sport is also available as a thong for those who prefer to hike in that style. If you aren't sure, see our section below on what type of underwear should I use for hiking?
Odor Resistance
Perhaps this is an unfair test, but after three days straight of wearing this underwear on the Arizona Trail, they held an odor. This is similar to all synthetic underwear we tested, but worth noting if you have plans for backpacking with these undies (or not changing them frequently).
Conclusion
Paradis is a small and relatively new woman-owned company based in Missoula, MT. It's impressive that in just a few short years, they've designed and manufactured a product in the USA that outperforms the large brands owned by multinational corporations that have existed for decades. Despite being a small brand, they're members of 1% for the Planet. We also liked their minimal packaging by EcoEnclose and that rare among any outdoor brand, they have a take-back program to upcycle your old undies (shredded into insulation).
We're keeping an eye on this brand and are looking forward to seeing their line expand and new products become available. We hope this brand expands their sizing to include more types of bodies and shapes as we think every outdoors person could really benefit from their wedgie-free design.
Best affordable hiking underwear for women: Ex Officio Give N Go II
Fabric: 91% Polyester/9% Elastane Mesh
Available styles: bikini, hipster, thong, full cut brief
Odor control tech: HEiQ anti-odor treatment
Available sizes: XS-2X
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
What we liked: Breathes well, among the fastest to dry, variety of cuts and colors, value for the price, widely available
What we didn’t like: Doesn't keep shape, retains odor over time
The Ex Officio Give N Go II is our winner for best affordable women's hiking and travel underwear. I used the Give N Go on more than 10,000 miles of backpacking long distance trails including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. I've also worn the Ex Officio Give N Go while traveling, washing them out while hostel hopping in Europe, Central America, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. and Canada.
They're among the best underwear at being quick dry, reasonably stylish, and come in a variety of fun colors and cuts. They stay up well, have minimal wedging, and are seamless to reduce chafe. They're less expensive than other hiking underwear and travel underwear and are often found as a two-pack on sale.
View the Ex Officio Give N Go II
Fit and Fabric
The Give N Go has some of the best options in colors, cuts, and waistlines of any underwear we tested. Some models, like the full coverage, are available in sizing up to 3X.
We found the mesh fabric works the best in hot climates and especially warm, humid destinations. In our side-by-side tests, it truly is among the fastest to dry taking around 15 minutes on a 70F day. The quick dry is a big benefit for travel and it breathes well.
Shape and Odor Resistance
The Give N Go doesn't keep its shape as well as other synthetic underwear, most notably the Paradis Sport. That's one reason we recommend them more for travel and day hiking vs. a longer backpacking trip (despite our many long trips with them). They will start sagging after a while and if you get a lot of miles in, that sag doesn't seem to bounce back even after a wash. That's usually when I decide to retire my Give N Gos. That, or the odor can get so bad after months of wearing the same two pairs that even a washing doesn't seem to help.
I recommend using a good sports detergent to wash this underwear, like the ones we recommend in our Best Sports Detergent guide.
Though I generally prefer the Give N Go Sport over the standard Give N Go II for its softer fabric and better breathability, the sport mesh can be prone to snagging and I've developed holes on a few pairs that way.
Value
Although the Give N Go II is more expensive than some big box store underwear options, it's almost always on sale, especially if you aren't too picky about color. Even when it isn't on sale, it is still only about half the price of some of the pairs we considered while delivering almost equivalent performance.
Conclusion
The Give N Go II are available in a wide variety of colors and cuts–from full coverage to thong and everything in between. They also have a good variety of colors and sizes and sell matching bralettes. These are a great option for times when you need fast drying underwear and a quality pair that will last.
Best Plus Size: Duluth Trading Company Dry on the Fly
Fabric: 85% polyester/15% cotton
Available styles: briefs
Odor control tech: odor treatment
Available sizes: S-XL, 1X-3X
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
After testing different pairs of hiking underwear available in plus sizes, Treeline Review writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta found the Duluth Traditing Company Dry on the Fly to be the best hiking underwear in plus sizes.
“These are even better than the Duluth Trading Company Buck Naked (a former winner) for folks looking for underwear that is sweat wicking, breathable, and fits well,” says Gabi.
View the Duluth Trading Company Buck Naked Underwear
“The Dry on the Fly briefs go up to a 3X (hopefully Duluth starts carrying higher sizes than just a 3!) and they fit true to size. Unlike the Buck Naked underwear, there is a higher percentage of cotton in the Dry on the Fly underwear, making them even better at wicking sweat and remaining breathable while I’m moving and exerting myself. They also come in colors and prints that Duluth often updates and rotates out, making the line of underwear feel dynamic and plus size customers feel seen, as so often clothes for us are not made with cute prints and colors.”
”There are very few options for technical plus size underwear, especially above a 3X. The Duluth Dry on the Fly underwear fit generously, and could potentially fit someone who typically wears a 4X. I used to swear by my pair of ExOfficio Give-N-Go for hiking and backpacking which goes up to a 3XL, but I did notice that they run small especially after weight gain, so they are a good option for those under a 3X. The fit of the Dry on the Fly pair, although generous, doesn’t feel baggy or saggy after a day of moving. I haven’t found them to bunch in uncomfortable spots, need to be pulled up, and the waistband is smooth and sits comfortably against my skin. I don’t tend to be someone who sweats a lot, but when I do the Duluth underwear keeps me dry. There’s not a wedge in sight with the Dry on the Fly, as it should be.”
Best women’s underwear for hiking in hot weather:
REI Co-op Active Bikini
Fabric: 86% polyester/14% spandex mesh
Available styles: bikini, hipster, brief, thong
Odor control tech: None stated
Available sizes: XS-3X
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
What we liked: Dries the fastest of all the pairs we tested, sizes available, color options, very breathable, lightest weight of the pairs we tested, most minimal packaging of any underwear we tested, price
What we didn’t like: Doesn't always stay up, wedgies
The REI Co-op Active underwear are the best women's hiking underwear for hot conditions. I tested both the hipster version on the REI Active Bikini on 100 miles of the hottest sections of the 800-mile long Arizona Trail during a record-breaking heat wave near Phoenix hiking through multiple days of 100+F degrees. I had a lot of problems those days, but my underwear wasn't one of them. The REI Co-op Active is also the lightest underwear I tested, making it ideal to throw in a pack for travel or backpacking as a just-in-case pair.
The REI Co-op Active aerates well and is hands-down the fastest drying underwear I've tested. That's another reason it is my top-choice underwear for hot yoga classes. Despite its flaws (more on that below), I keep reaching for this pair for hot days or when headed to humid climates.
It's affordable, available in many colors, and is available in sizing from XS to 3X, the best of any pair we tested. It's also available as bikini, hipster, and thong, so you can find the cut that works best for your body.
Compare prices of the REI Co-op Active Bikini
Bikini
Hipster
Thong
Front coverage on the REI Coop Active underwear.
We liked the minimal packaging on the REI Coop Active underwear, the best of any underwear we tested.
Back coverage on the REI Coop Active underwear.
Fabric
The REI Active Mesh fabric is thin and dries within minutes on a warm day. It wicks away sweat and keeps me feeling dry even in hot yoga. The rest of my body feels swampy but oddly my underpants don't.
In comparison, the most similar pair, the Give N Go mesh, use a thicker fabric.
The REI Active fabric comes with an anti-odor treatment that works surprisingly well, especially given that these underwear are the ones that I take to the most bacterial-inducing conditions–the 105F, 40% humidity of my hot yoga classes.
Styles and Cut
The REI Active underwear is available in multiple colors, cuts, and sizes from XS to 3X. I tested the Active Bikini, but it's also offered in hipster, thong, and briefs.
Conclusion
A big caveat with the REI Active underwear: If you have problems with other models of underwear staying up, the REI Active Bikini isn't going to do you any favors. I'm not going to lie–this one gave me a slight wedgie after I wore it backpacking three days straight. But while wedgies are normally a dealbreaker for any underwear I test, the mesh fabric on this underwear is bar none. I keep reaching for these underwear if I know it'll be hot because I think in those conditions, this is the best option out there.
Other women’s hiking underwear we tested
Smartwool Intraknit Bikini
Fabric: 39% merino wool/39% TENCEL lyocell/15% nylon/7% elastane
Available styles: XS - XL
Odor control tech: naturally anti-microbial
Available sizes: XS - XL
Quick dry? Fairly fast
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
We tested the Smartwool Intraknit Bikini on cool hiking and backpacking trips in December, January, and February from snowy peakbagging to a February section of the Pacific Crest Trail. They're the thickest underwear we tested, and are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
We love the idea behind the knit design, which is totally seamless. However, the thicker fabric can cause the waistband and leg holes to roll on these underwear, which didn't happen on the thinner Smartwool Merino Bikini. Still, if you're spending time in colder climates, the Intraknit is a good option to keep your behind warm.
Compare prices of the Smartwool Intraknit Bikini
Fabric: 48% merino wool/32% TENCEL lyocell/15% nylon/5% LYCRA spandex
Available styles: hipster, thong, bikini
Odor control tech: naturally anti-microbial
Available sizes: XS, S
Quick dry? Fairly fast
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
We liked that the REI Active Hipster Merino has a soft fabric, minimal odor, and lots of coverage in the behind. We tried it in both the bikini and hipster variety (they also sell it as a thong).
However, the waistband is thick and rolls and digs into our hip bone. It's available in a good variety of colors with sizing from XS to 3X. The REI Merino line includes thong, hipster, and bikini cuts. If you like underwear with thick (like 1" thick) waistbands and have trouble finding pairs that stay up, this could be a solution. However, it wasn't the most comfortable pair we tested.
View the REI Co-Op Merino
The thick waistband on the REI Co-op merino was not the most comfortable.
Fabric: 83% merino wool/12% nylon/5% Lycra spandex
Available styles: bikini, hipkini, thong
Odor control tech: naturally anti-microbial
Available sizes: XS - XL
Quick dry? Fairly fast
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
The Icebreaker Siren is one of the top-rated hiking underwear. It's a merino underwear with a higher cut bikini and less coverage than most of the other underwear we tested. Ultimately, the cut caused it to roll up in the behind. We liked the soft fabric, which breathes, wicks away sweat and is naturally antimicrobial. However, due to the minimal cut, this underwear tended to bunch more than other merino underwear we tested. Sizing also runs small and tops out at XL. We liked the soft Icebreaker merino and Icebreaker's commitment to sustainability. We just wish these underwear stayed in place better.
View the Icebreaker Siren
The Icebraker Siren are higher cut along the leg holes than most bikini underwear we tested.
Fabric: 88% nylon (40% recycled)/12% spandex (solids), 81% nylon (29% recycled)/7% polyester/12% spandex (stripes)
Available styles: hipster, brief
Odor control tech: HeiQ® Pure
Available sizes: XS - XL
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
When I've reviewed women's hiking underwear in the past, the Patagonia Active Hipster has been a long-time favorite for best women's synthetic hiking underwear. However, in the last few years, the fabric has changed to be thinner and feel less soft while also not feeling as held in and secure as previous models. We like that the Patagonia is made from 40% recycled nylon material in a Fair Trade Certified factory. We also wish it was available in sizes larger than XXL. We think the Paradis Sport does the best job of replicating the old Patagonia Active Hipster.
View the Patagonia Active Hipster
We like the thick waistband on the Patagonia Active hipster but the new cut is skimpier and doesn't stay in place as well.
Fabric: 4-oz 89% nylon (48% recycled)/11% spandex
Available styles: hipster
Odor control tech: HeiQ® Pure
Available sizes: XS - XL
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
The Patagonia Barely Hipster is one of the fastest drying underwear we tested and works well in hot and humid climates. However, we liked the coverage and thinner fabric on the REI Active Bikini better. We also found the REI Active dries more quickly and is less likely to stretch out than the Barely Hipster. We also found that the new model of the Barely Hipster feels scratchy.
As with the Patagonia Active, we like that the Patagonia is made from 48% recycled nylon material. The Patagonia is also sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory. We wish it was available in sizes larger than XXL.
View the Patagonia Barely Hipster
Fabric: Merino wool, elastane, nylon
Available styles: Brief
Odor control tech: naturally anti-microbial
Available sizes: XS - XXL
Quick dry? Fairly fast
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
When I've written about hiking and travel underwear in the past, the Ibex Brief was my upgrade winner–the choice I would recommend if cost were not an issue. When the brand went out of business, I purchased every pair I could find and wore them for 5 years until they developed holes. The newest iteration doesn't feel nearly as secure. It has a thinner waistband and looser fabric. We like Ibex's commitment to sustainability and responsible animal husbandry. We wish it fit like the previous pair.
View the Ibex Natural Brief
Fabric: 90% Nylon(66)/10% Elastane
Available styles: Hipster
Odor control tech: None stated
Available sizes: XS - XL
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
Though I generally prefer the Give N Go Sport over the standard Give N Go II for its softer fabric and better breathability, the mesh can be prone to snagging and I've developed holes on a few pairs that way. They're still great underwear, especially for travel and any time when you are handwashing and line drying your undies. We just find the original Give n Go II to last longer.
Compare prices of the Ex Officio Give n Go Sport
Duluth Trading Company Buck Naked Underwear
Fabric: 93% nylon/7% spandex
Available styles: briefs, boxer briefs
Odor control tech: odor treatment
Available sizes: XS-XL, 1X-3X
Quick dry? Yes
Anti-chafe (seamless or flatlock seams): Yes
Treeline Review writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta says:
“In my first write up for Treeline on plus size outdoor clothes, I highlighted the Duluth Trading Co. Buck Naked Underwear. In the few years since that initial writeup, I have added the Duluth Dry on the Fly underwear, and find those to be even better for folks looking for underwear that is sweat wicking, breathable, and fits well.”
Still, there’s a lot to like about the Duluth Buck Naked. They don’t chafe at the top seam or inner thighs, nor do they roll down under my leggings."They contain zero cotton, and the nylon and spandex fabric make them perfect for moving and sweating. During a backpacking trip in Mokelumne Wilderness, Gabi wore them and was able to rinse and dry them in just a few hours; pulling them back on, they felt fresh and ready to go.
They come in a few different color and pattern options, which are rare in moisture-wicking underwear and even rarer for plus-size athletic underwear. They’re also a good price. They are now available from 1-3X, matching the best sizing we've seen in outdoors underwear. Gabi says, "These seem true to size—I’m generally a 2XL in clothes, and these fit me well."
Why do you need specialized hiking underwear
Hiking often means sweating, walking in the rain, fording rivers, and swimming in lakes for fun. This means getting wet. Hiking underwear differs from home underwear because it is often made of a material that offers superb moisture management. This means that sweat, water, (or if we're being honest, pee) that ends up near the undies will get wicked up, dispersed across the surface area of the underwear, and dry quickly so you'll feel more comfortable.
Those quick-drying properties come in handy when you're handwashing your hiking underwear in camp on overnight trips or at hostels if you're using them as travel underwear. It's also handy to have quick-drying underwear when doubling your hiking underwear as swimwear.
While I hope all your underwear is comfortable, it's especially important to have comfort and support in hiking underwear. When you're hiking, your legs are making a repetitive motion. That means any uneven seams or rolling or digging-in waistbands are going to have more opportunities to rub. Ultimately, this can lead to hot spots, chafing, and can even draw blood. It sounds extreme but believe me–I've been there. That's why having comfortable hiking underwear is non-negotiable.
Hiking underwear is more breathable than some regular underwear. Back to that repetitive motion–if the heat generated from movement doesn't have a place to escape, it's going to get in the way of you wanting to do more miles. Breathable underwear also makes it more quick-drying and less likely to keep odor. Which brings me to my last point: hiking underwear is often treated with an anti-odor spray or weave.
Which gets to one of the reasons why humans wear underwear to begin with: Underwear keeps your outer garments cleaner and you smelling better, since it's easier to wash underwear than pants.
Even within styles, there is a lot of variation. The Ibex natural underwear is a brief that has less frontal coverage than other options we tested.
Women’s hiking underwear styles
Just like your home underwear, hiking underwear is available in different cuts. Choose what is best for your body shape and style, movement, and what makes you feel confident outside.
Briefs
Briefs have a higher riser and ride at the belly button or just below, run along the pelvis to the crotch, and fully cover the butt in the back. These are some of the highest coverage underwear styles out there.
Boyshorts
Boyshorts are designed to look similar to men's boxer briefs, but are lower cut. They cover the hip, similar to a hipster.
Bikini cut
Bikini cut underwear rides at your hips. It has a full covered back but less coverage on the sides.
Thongs
Thongs are designed without coverage on the behind with fabric. They are preferred by some hikers who do not want to feel fabric rolling up on their backsides.
Hipster
Hipsters ride lower than other styles, usually several inches below the belly button. The waistband is at the hips.
Mid-rise and high-rise
Mid-rise underwear rides at the belly button and high-rise is the belly button or higher.
Compression shorts
Compression shorts are designed to be worn alone as underwear. Although this story doesn't cover compression shorts, you can read about compression shorts in our Best Women's Running Shorts guide or Best Women's Mountain Bike Shorts guide.
Mesh or ventilated styles
Some underwear markets itself specifically as "mesh" or "ventilated," but I would argue that almost all of the synthetic underwear for hiking we tested is made of a mesh-like fabric designed for ventilation. This doesn't refer to the cut or design so much as the fabric.
Some of the hiking underwear we tested in the original packaging. This gives you an idea of differences in packaging and transport costs associated with different pairs of underwear.
What to look for in women’s hiking underwear
Comfort and fit
First and foremost, this means no wedgies. It means it doesn’t ride up or down (on all kinds of bodies). It has a pliable elastic waistband that stays up but isn’t restricting. Leg holes are correct size (not too big or constricting). It fits snugly without impacting your ability to move freely.
High rise or low inseam hiking underwear exists, but when hiking, you've got to think about movement. We found that overwhelmingly the best underwear for hiking is designed to ride on the waist and extends to the bottom of the crotch.
The thick waistband on the REI Co-op merino elastic was not the most comfortable.
Moisture-wicking fabric
Good hiking underwear dries quickly. This helps manage sweat so you spend less time feeling like you're walking in a diaper. This also makes it far easier to handwash your underwear in camp each night so that you can have a clean pair of underwear for the next day.
Seamless design
Dedicated hiking underwear tends to have flatlock seams and strategic seam placement, making it less likely your undies will rub in sensitive areas.
No Tags
The tab on the Smartwool Intraknit underwear before removal. It is so long it comes out the leg hole.
It's not always avoidable, but many pairs of underwear from bigger brands have a sewn-in tag. These require cutting off before use, which has been a problem for me with outdoor apparel. Once, I cut so close that I made a hole in a brand new bra. Another time, I cut too far from the edge of some underwear and felt the sharp edges of the tag dig into me for weeks. We recommend patiently removing the tag by cutting just the stitches out.
Close-up on the breathable material on the REI Co-op Active underwear.
Breathability
All hiking underwear is made of breathable materials–from natural materials like wool to mesh synthetic material meant to allow for the exchange of heat and moisture.
Quick-drying
Hiking underwear should be quick drying so you can hand wash them in camp on overnight trips or at hostels if you're using them as travel underwear. It's also handy to have quick-drying underwear when doubling your hiking underwear as swimwear or when hiking in a rainstorm.
Odor-resistance
Hiking underwear often has an anti-odor treatment. Merino is naturally resistant to bacteria, so that keeps odor in check. Synthetic materials may have a silver treatment woven into the fabric or another anti-odor technology sprayed onto the fabric. Treatments on synthetic materials wash out after 25 washing or so.
Durability
Hiking is an activity with repetitive motion so if there's a weak spot on your underwear, that is likely to go. Dedicated hiking underwear is more expensive than most home underwear, so we tested to see what holds up to repeated use.
Versatility
I've been wearing exclusively hiking and travel underwear for the past two decades. The moisture management and odor control can't be beat, and since I lead an active lifestyle where I'll spend part of the day working and the other part hiking, it's nice to not have to change underwear every time I decide to go outside. What this means for hiking underwear, though, is that it must be versatile. No big elastic bands with the name of an outdoor brand. Preferably, I want thin hiking underwear that won't have a visible panty line with leggings.
Sun protection
Hear me out on this–the last place you want a sunburn is down there. There's a lot of sensitive skin. And if you are like me and hike in a skirt or some shorty shorts, it increases the possibility of sunburn in places you don't want. Plus, UPF-rated material means you can double your hiking underwear as a swimsuit when you hike to a lake.
Easy care
Most hiking underwear is made of technical materials that do best if left to hang dry. Some materials, like wool, may even have some shrinkage if put in a dryer. Synthetic materials may melt at high heat in the dryer. No one wants to spend a ton of time washing underwear, so I gave preference to pairs with easy care.
Anti-chafing features
We prefer underwear with flatlock seams that minimize rubbing. Poorly-placed seams can lead to chafing or feelings of scratchiness in sensitive areas. That's a dealbreaker.
Elasticity and movement
Hiking underwear should stretch to expand and contract as you move. It doesn’t lose its shape (becoming loose as it expands without contracting leading to drift). It doesn’t feel stiff and constricting (no expansion). Fabric stays in place.
Sizing and body type
We looked for underwear with pliable elastic waistbands that stayed up without feeling restrictive. If it rolls over or constricts, it may be the wrong size or style for your body type.
Value
Hiking underwear ranges in price from $20 for inexpensive synthetic to $50 for a wool pair.
Sustainability and ethical treatment
We liked the minimal packaging on the REI Co-op Merino underwear.
We appreciate when brands make strides towards using more eco-friendly materials and have fair trade sewing practices. Examples are underwear made from materials like nylon made from recycled bottles or merino wool that is compostable after use (not as common as you'd think). We make a note of brands that are making efforts to use more sustainable materials and that have fair trade sewing certification.
Buying Advice
What style of underwear do you prefer?
A good rule of thumb is to wear the same style of underwear for hiking as you do for daily use. If that style works for your home underwear, make sure it also feels comfortable with your hiking pants or hiking leggings. We would recommend staying away from underwear with extra compression like control briefs or anything meant to slim or hold the body in.
How much do you want to spend?
Hiking underwear is more expensive than regular underwear because it is made of technical materials. Women's hiking underwear ranges from $20 to $40.
What's your activity level?
If you're going on shorter hikes, you may be able to get away with home underwear without feeling too much discomfort or chafing. The longer your hike, the more you'll want a technical pair of hiking underwear. If you're on a multi-day trip or are traveling and walking around all day, you'll also want a pair of underwear designed for more active use.
What will the weather be like?
I like wool underwear for cooler weather. I often like synthetic hiking underwear for warmer days because it dries more quickly. If it's raining and I'm likely to get soaked through to my undies, I usually opt for synthetic underwear.
How to care for hiking underwear
Start by reading the instructions. Some merino underwear can't go in the dryer. Others can be tumble dried. In general, whether merino or synthetic, I try to line dry my hiking underwear. Some synthetic underwear can melt at high heat.
Most hiking underwear can be cleaned with normal detergent. However, when I've been out a couple days or a had a particularly hard workout, I use a Sport Detergent or a booster to reduce the chance that odors will linger after a wash. So far, it's worked out really well!
As with any outdoor apparel, check for holes and repair them while you can. You'll want to use a needle and thread and hope that your knots are good enough that it doesn't cause rubbing. Underwear is definitely one of those "stitch in time" things where if you catch it early, you can prevent having to retire your underwear early.
FAQ
How do I prevent chafing during hikes?
Choosing a good pair of hiking underwear is your first line of defense against chafing. Monitor for any rubbing and stop immediately after you notice. Apply a chafing cream of your choice–Bodyglide, Chamois Butt’r, or Trail Toes (more for just toes). If that area keeps getting chafing, as is common in the inner thighs, figure out a way to cover it up with a smooth and slick material. For example, many hikers will wear a pair of bike shorts under a hiking skirt to reduce chafing.
What materials are best for hiking underwear?
Merino wool and synthetic polyester are best. Cotton takes a long time to dry, so you'll want to avoid it for hiking.
Can I wear regular underwear for hiking?
Sure! Don't let underwear be the thing that stops you from going on a hike. However, the more hikes you go on, the more you may want to invest in a dedicated pair that is moisture wicking, breathable, and quick drying.
You may also notice features about your home underwear that become annoying when wearing them for movement all day. For example, while sitting at the office, a rolling waistband may be a minor inconvenience, but can feel like the end of the world on a hike. Use your training hikes in home underwear to point you towards the features you want the most from hiking underwear, and then use this guide to choose what meets those needs.
Can I use hiking underwear for activities other than hiking?
Heck yes. I've been wearing hiking and travel underwear exclusively since I was a teen. Still, you'll want to tailor it for your activity. For example, I wear a wool pair of hiking underwear for snow sports. I wear a synthetic pair of hiking underwear for hot yoga. If I'm dressing up, I'll opt for a thinner pair of hiking underwear.
What's the difference between moisture-wicking and quick-drying underwear?
Moisture-wicking refers to the material's ability to absorb sweat away from your skin. When sweat is left against the skin, it can make you feel clammy and cold from evaporative cooling.
Quick-drying refers to the underwear's ability to take that moisture and spread it out over the surface area of the material so that water molecules have more opportunities to evaporate.
How many pairs of underwear do you need for hiking?
The amount of underwear you need for hiking depends on the hiker, what you're doing, and the length of the trip.
For travel: My hero Rick Steves recommends that travelers headed on multi-week European hostel-hopping adventures carry 5 pairs of underwear. I've followed his advice and hand washed my undies daily in the sink.
For day hiking: If you day hike once a week, you'll be fine owning one pair of hiking underwear.
For backpacking: Many hikers will carry 1-2 pairs (in addition to the one they are wearing). You can hand wash your underwear in camp and dry it during the day by attaching it to the outside of your backpacking pack. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles while washing underwear—don't do it directly in the water source and use your biodegradable soap at least 200 feet away from lakes, streams, creeks, and ponds.
How we researched and tested
I've been testing hiking underwear since 2016 for various publications and have tested more than 50 pairs over the past 9 years. For this story, I tested each pair of underwear for 75 miles. I thru-hiked the Arizona Trail and Trans Catalina Trail, backpacked in Montana, and day-hiked in Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and California.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Liz Thomas is editor-in-chief at Treeline Review. A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, she has also hiked the PCT and CDT and is a Triple Crowner. She’s co-founder and editor in chief of Treeline Review. You can read all her gear articles here and on her personal website, as well as on Wikipedia.
