Best Hiking Underwear for Women
Chantelle KincyWhether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, one thing is for sure: you need good underwear. Hiking can be strenuous, and the last thing you want is to have your underwear chaffing or riding up. So what are the best hiking underwear for women? Keep reading to find out!
Why do you need good hiking underwear?
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it’s important to be prepared before hitting the trails. One essential piece of gear for any hiker is a good pair of hiking underwear. Hiking underwear for women are specifically designed to provide comfort and support while you’re on the move.
They’re typically made from breathable fabrics that wick away moisture, and they often have extra padding in critical areas to prevent chafing. In addition, many styles of hiking underwear feature anti-microbial technologies that help to keep you feeling fresh all day long.
So whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, make sure to invest in a good pair of hiking underwear for women before your next adventure.
What to look for in hiking underwear for women
Choosing the right pair of hiking underwear is a vital step in your hike preparation. You wouldn’t think underwear could have such an impact on your day, but if you choose the wrong kind, you’ll definitely be regretting it part way through your hike!
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing hiking underwear for women:
The right fit
This seems like it should go without saying, but having the right fit is important. You’ll want your hiking underwear to not be too tight, but also not so loose it falls off your hips either.
If there is too much extra room your underwear will move around under your hiking pants, and can cause irritation to your skin.
You also want to avoid hiking underwear that has seams, tags, or scratchy waistbands. While these may seem innocent enough at the beginning of the hike, a few sweaty miles in, you’ll wish you had chosen differently. Seams and tags can dig into your skin and cause irritation.
The right material
When you’re hiking, you want to be as comfortable as possible. That means wearing underwear that will keep you dry. Moisture-wicking underwear is designed to do just that – it draws moisture away from your skin, so you stay cool and comfortable. Hiking can be a strenuous activity, and you don’t want to be dealing with uncomfortable wet underwear.
Avoid cotton underwear while hiking. Instead, you’ll want to look for underwear that is made of synthetic materials such as polyester or merino wool.
A comfortable style
Just as there are many styles of everyday underwear, there are many styles of hiking underwear for women. Wear what you are comfortable with.
If you don’t wear a thong every day, I wouldn’t suggest you try it out on a 10-mile hike. However, thongs weigh less and dry quickly, so if you are comfortable, this may be a good choice.
Boy shorts (like boxers) are especially nice for longer hikes, as they provide protection on your thighs and help prevent chafing.
You can also find women hiking underwear in briefs or bikini style. Bikini underwear has the potential to ride up into wedgie country while hiking, and that can be uncomfortable and annoying. Briefs offer a nice amount of coverage on the rear but aren’t as long as boy shorts.
Odor Control and Antimicrobial Properties
Hiking underwear that features odor control and antimicrobial properties can be a real asset when hitting the trail. By preventing the build-up of sweat and bacteria, these features help to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable throughout your hike. Moreover, they can help to protect your clothing from becoming stained or smelling unpleasant.
Synthetic materials (polyester, nylon, spandex) retain odor. There is no getting around it. If you are going on a long hike and wear synthetic hiking underwear, they will smell at the end of your hike.
Some synthetic hiking underwear is treated with an odor inhibiting layer, but it doesn’t always last, or work that well.
Wool is naturally antimicrobial and controls odor well, even if you are spending a few days on the trail.
Durability
Hiking underwear for women can be pricy. Look for underwear that is durable and will last you a long time.
Synthetics will last the longest. Wool is the least durable but can hold up better if you find a brand that adds some synthetic properties to it.
Recap of Hiking Underwear Material for Women
| Feature | Cotton | Synthetic | Merino Wool |
| Moisture Wicking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Odor Resistant | No | No | Yes |
| Antimicrobial | No | No | Yes |
| Durable | Yes | Yes | Yes, if blended |
The Best HIking Underwear for Women 2024
Women’s ExOfficio Underwear Give-N-Go Full-Cut Brief 2.0
89% nylon and 11% elastaine
These are not only great underwear for hiking, but for all kinds of travel. They are lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking, they repel odors and dry quickly. These are great underwear if you need to wash them in a sink or watersource and hang them to dry.
They have good coverage and don’t ride up, making them comfortable for long trips. I’ve worn these hiking, and kayaking and have loved them. They do seem to run a little small, so take that into account when ordering.
⭐️ Buy ExOfficio Underwear Give-N-Go Full Cut Brief 2.0
Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Boyshort
88% Modal, 12% Lycra elastane
These super soft underwear might end up by being your go to pair even when you arent hiking. With a smooth waistband and chafe resistant flat seams, they don’t dig in even with a pack pushing on your back.
⭐️ Buy Lululemon UnderEase Mid-Rise Boyshorts
Women’s Armachillo Cooling Boxer Brief Underwear
Moisture-wicking jersey knit (91% nylon/9% spandex)
These hiking underwear are super soft, antimicrobial and odor blocking. They are also formulated to keep you cool. The seams are flat, so no digging in. I love the longer legs, they don’t ride up and help prevent chafing after a long day on the trail.
The Aramchillo’s also come in briefs, bikinis and hipsters.
⭐️Click here to buy Aramchillo Cooling Boxer Briefs
Icebreaker Merino Women’s Everyday Boy Shorts
100% Merino Wool
These boyshorts are moisture wicking, antimicrobial and odor resistant. Even though they are 100% wool, they arent scratchy. The waistband is comfy and there are no bands around the legs.
These hiking underwear keep you warm when its cold, and cool when its hot.
⭐️ Order Icebreaker Merino Womens Boy Shorts
Smartwool Women’s Seamless Hipster Boxed
Merino Wool and Nylon Blend
These hipsters have great booty coverage and don’t ride up at all. The wool is soft and not scratchy at all. They keep you temperature controlled in all 4 seasons. Becuase they are wool, they control odor and are antimicrobial.
⭐️ Purchase Smartwool Seamless Hipsters here
How to care for womens hiking underwear on the trail
If you are hiking for a few days, bring a fresh pair of underwear for each day. You can bring a laundry bag to keep your dirties in.
You can also choose to wash your underwear and hang them to dry if you want to bring less pair. Never wash your underwear in the water sources on trail. Bring a dry bag, fill it with water and eco safe soap and wash your hiking underwear in there. Don’t dump the used water into or near the water source.
You can hang your washed underwear on your backpack to dry over night, or while you are hiking the next day.
How to care for womens hiking underwear at home
Hiking underwear can be a bit more expensive than your everyday panties, so you’ll want to make them last as long as possible.
You can wash them in the washing machine with gentle soap on a delicate cycle, but hand washing is better. If you opt for the Merino wool undies, you wont want to dry them. Lay them flat, or hang them to dry to get the most life out of them.
Hiking underwear for women
Ready to hit the trails? Make sure you have the right hiking underwear for women. We’ve listed a great selection of breathable, moisture-wicking undies to keep you feeling your best on the trail. Whether you’re looking for briefs, boyshorts, or hipsters, we’ve got what you need to stay comfortable and confident while exploring nature.
So don’t wait any longer – stock up on some new hiking underwear today and get ready to hit the trails!
If you need some more hiking inspiration, check out some of our favorite trails!
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