13 Best Hiking Underwear for Women in 2023 [with Buying Guide]

Looking for the best hiking underwear for women?

Then you’re in the right place.

Planning your dream hiking trip does not only mean having high-quality hiking accessories, but you must invest in the best hiking underwear for women as well. 

There are a lot of factors and options that you have to consider, which is why I made this comprehensive guide for you. 

From the best fabric and material to buying tips and product recommendations, I’ve covered everything to help you plan your next hiking trip.

TOP PICKS: Best Women’s Hiking Underwear

13 Best Hiking Underwear for Women

Briefs

1. Best Hiking Underwear for Women – Top Choice

Starting off this list of the best hiking underwear for women is the Patagonia Active Briefs. 

These briefs are one of my favorite hiking underwear I’ve tried and tested.

They’re made with a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with permanent odor control, so I always feel clean and fresh even after hours of long sweaty hikes. 

This amazing material is why this is one of the most popular underwear choices for women hikers.  

These hiking panties are lightweight, and I found them very comfortable when I tested this on a hot day hike.

The best part is that it stayed in place, it didn’t ride up or dig in. These durable briefs seem to run a little small, so you might want to size up.

This is also my go-to underwear when I go camping, as I can easily wash it, and it dries very quickly.

2. Best Travel Underwear for Women

If you’re on the hunt for the best hiking and travel underwear, these ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport 2.0 Bikini Briefs should be a serious contender. 

I’ve worn it several times on backpacking trips and found that it was effortless to wash, and it dries within a couple of hours.

This ExOfficio women’s underwear is made of durable, lightweight fabric that is comfortable and abrasion-resistant. 

One downside of this quick-dry underwear for me is the waistband. 

Compared to the original, the new elastic waistband on the 2.0 are tighter, which makes it less comfortable to wear and a bit unflattering.  

Besides that, I can attest to this underwear’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties because of its ultralight mesh material, as I’ve also tested it on long, sweaty runs.  

I wore these briefs for a long-haul flight to Thailand and used them for long hikes in the Eastern Sierras, making them the best travel and hiking underwear for women.

They held up well and dried fast after hand washing which provides all the validation necessary for why ExOfficio has such a good reputation.

3. Best Backpacking Underwear

If you’re going on a hiking trip or searching for the best backpacking underwear for women, the Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs is a great choice. 

To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to try this Merino wool underwear thinking that it might be itchy. However, I was completely mistaken.

The ultra-lightweight fabric is actually extremely soft, stretchy, and comfortable to wear.

Because it’s made with Merino wool, this underwear is anti-microbial, meaning you can wear it multiple times without harboring any bacteria or odor. Great for backpacking.

But you can also wash it, and it will dry very quickly!

I’m a big fan of Icebreaker, and it is known for its quality, but it also comes at a premium. 

But whether you’re going camping, backpacking, hiking, or just lounging around your house, I believe this is a great pair of underwear to invest in. 

For me, the Siren Hipkini is one of the best women’s underwear for hiking, as you can see from the reviews. 

I find that it’s as durable as they are comfortable, and its versatility makes it great underwear for any outdoor adventure.

4. Hiking Underwear for Cold Weather

For those planning on hiking somewhere cold, the Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pants is one of the best women’s hiking underwear for cold-weather adventures.  

This Merino wool underwear is durable and strong but still soft at the same time. 

With side seams that are slightly frontward, it provides chafe-free comfort and warmth while you’re hiking in cold weather. 

The Sprite Hot Pants have a lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric that is naturally odor-resistant since it’s predominantly Merino wool.

The cut is more like boy shorts, so you will have full coverage.

However, it’s expensive and only comes in two colors, but its exceptional quality makes up for these shortcomings.

⭐Do you need a hiking jacket for your winter hike? Check out the best ones in the market that we’ve tried and tested.

Hipster Briefs

5. Seamless Hiking Underwear

Another popular choice for hiking underwear for women is this Patagonia Active Hipster. 

This seamless underwear is perfect for those who don’t want visible lines while wearing tight-fitting bottoms while hiking.

Made with stretchy synthetic fabric with a moisture-wicking finish, it dries quickly and stays put throughout the day. 

Because of its narrow waistband that lies flat, there’s no rolling or binding, and the crotch construction is quick-drying.

This is one of my go-to’s for long hiking days since I know I stay dry and comfortable, especially on warm days.

6. Anti-Microbial Hiking Underwear

If you’re looking for the best anti-microbial underwear for women, the Merino Hipster Underwear from REI won’t let you down. 

Merino’s antimicrobial properties prevent any odor buildup, so it keeps you smelling fresh all day long.

It’s also made of stretchy polyester, which makes it very lightweight and quick-drying.

The wide hip band sits comfortably on your hips and helps them stay in place.

The leg holes are also big enough, so it doesn’t dig into your skin.

Even after a long sweaty day of hiking, other fabrics will be soaked through, but these definitely stayed dry and breathable. 

7. Seamless Underwear for Hiking

For those who prefer full-coverage women’s hiking underwear, make sure to give the Reebok Women’s Seamless Hipster Briefs a try. 

This seamless and tag-free underwear will be comfortable throughout your hike. 

This underwear has a relaxed waistband that sits naturally on your hips and forms to your body, making it extremely comfortable to wear for hiking. 

It also has a very soft fabric that feels nice and snug on the skin. 

There are several options to choose from, as this Reebok underwear comes in multiple colors and styles. 

It’s not as durable as the other pricey underwear on this list, but it’s extremely comfortable and will give you excellent value for your buck. 

Bikini

8. Best Women’s Wool Underwear

For those who have never tried Merino wool hiking underwear before, the Icebreaker Siren Bikini is a great place to start. 

This high-quality underwear has all the benefits of Merino wool and is a favorite amongst women’s hiking & backpacking communities.

The material is soft and not itchy and has a nice flattering slim fit. 

Due to Merino’s antimicrobial properties, you can wear them for several days straight without washing and there won’t be any smell to it, which makes it one of the best women’s underwear for backpacking.

They ride low enough and stay in place so it doesn’t rub against the hip belt of your hiking backpack (no chafing here!).

This is one of the best Merino wool underwear for women that you can buy or give to your loved ones who love to hike or go backpacking.

9. Hiking Underwear to Prevent Chafing

Perfect for summer hikes and hot and humid weather, the Merino Bikini from REI Co-Op is a great option to consider when choosing the best underwear for hot weather. 

I find that they stay in place when I wear them for hiking, running or working out as they don’t pinch, bunch up or chafe.

Since the material is made with a Merino wool blend, you get antimicrobial and odor-resistant properties. 

It feels extremely soft and also wicks moisture, and dries quickly. 

They fit a bit more like a hipster, but the elastic doesn’t dig into my hips, so it’s very comfortable. 

It’s pretty expensive, but you will definitely be getting the bang for your buck with these undies. 

This is one of the best underwear for hiking or any trip to the outdoors.

10. Budget-Friendly Women’s Underwear for Backpacking

The New Balance Ultra Comfort Performance Seamless Hipster is one of the best underwear for hiking in hot weather.

I love how comfortable they are and how they breathe really well in scorching hot conditions.

This lightweight hipster underwear is made from a nylon and spandex blend, which makes it very stretchy and durable. 

It also eliminates odor and absorbs moisture, keeping you fresh and comfortable all day long.  

The only downside is this underwear does run really small so make sure to size up or it won’t fit right. 

These are very affordable, although the design is not 100% seamless, so it does show when I’m wearing yoga pants.

11. Quick Dry Women’s Hiking Underwear

For the best moisture-wicking underwear for women, nothing beats the Balanced Tech Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini. 

Although not the cutest, these are lightweight and comfortable so it works great for working out, running, and hiking.  

This affordable underwear will keep you dry and also has odor resistance, keeping you dry and fresh while hiking. 

It’s not only great at moisture-wicking, but it’s also quick-dry underwear, which makes it the perfect choice for those looking for high-quality travel underwear that is breathable as well.

However, this mid-rise bikini does run small and is not 100% seamless, so it will show some panty lines if you’re wearing something tight.

Thong

12. Icebreaker Siren Thong Underwear

If you’re trying to find the best backpacking underwear for women to use or give as a gift, you can never go wrong with the Icebreaker Siren Thong Underwear. 

This high-quality underwear is one of the best thongs for hiking in the market.

It fits snug so it feels secure without digging into your hips.

These are perfect for wearing under skin tight yoga pants or even just everyday wear since they are that comfortable. 

Made with a quick-drying and moisture-wicking Merino blend, this underwear is lightweight, breathable, and odor-resistant. 

Yes, they are expensive but they also last for a long time. Do yourself a favor and spend the money on the good stuff.

13. Balanced Tech Women’s Seamless Thong

Another budget-friendly option in this list of the best women’s underwear for hiking is the Balanced Tech Women’s Seamless Thong. 

Known for its sleek and flattering fit, this workout underwear is comfortable and lightweight.

If you’re looking for a pair of thongs for hiking that stays in place and doesn’t need to be adjusted constantly, then check this one out.

Made from super-soft stretch fabric, this underwear has a seamless design with a mid-rise fit.

These thongs for hiking have the ideal crotch width and lays flat so it never digs into your skin.

It does shrink a bit after a couple of washes so maybe order one size up for the perfect fit.

Styles of Hiking Underwear for Women

There are four styles of hiking underwear that you can choose from. If you want more coverage, you can wear boy shorts or briefs. 

Thongs are a perfect choice if you want something that won’t be noticeable while wearing tight leggings and bottoms. 

The bikini style is the most common for everyday wear. 

Each style has seamless options, so it’s really up to what’s comfortable for you. 

• Briefs

Briefs have above-average coverage, and there are high-waist and low-waist options. 

Briefs also provide good support and act as a barrier for those wearing high-waisted shorts or pants. They may also have a slimming effect. 

• Bikini

The bikini style is arguably the most common style of hiking underwear, also known as “cheeky” underwear. 

They typically have a lower rise on the hip, and some have a higher cut on the legs. 

Although they don’t offer as much coverage as briefs, they can still provide plenty of coverage and can pair well with nearly every style of bottoms. 

• Thong

Thongs offer zero coverage on your backside, and some even find them quite uncomfortable to wear. 

However, if you don’t want any panty lines, they are the best style to grab. 

While there’s a lot of seamless bikini-style or brief-style underwear than can provide a virtually invisible fit, nothing can beat thongs in that department. 

• Boy Shorts

Boy shorts offer full coverage that can even double as loungewear. 

Because of that, this style does not pair well with skin-tight-fitting bottoms. However, if you’re not wearing tight bottoms when hiking, they’re perfect for layering during cold weather. 

These also pair well with hiking shorts and add extra warmth and protection from chafing while hiking. 

How to Choose your Hiking Underwear

You have to take into consideration, the fabric, comfort, fit, the antimicrobial properties, durability, and washability of your hiking underwear. 

These are basic and important factors to consider so you can enjoy your hiking trip and avoid any hassle and discomfort. 

Some of these categories will be more important depending on what you plan to use the underwear for. 

If you are going to be hiking on hot trails, moisture-wicking fabric will be at the top of your list. 

If you plan to hike on a backpacking trip, quick drying will be important as you will need to wash them while on the trail. 

If you are not sure what your plans are, buy one of the premium pairs that cost more, but perform well in all categories.

Fabric

Fabric is one of the most important factors in choosing your hiking underwear. 

There is a myriad of choices for fabric, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. 

The most common fabric for women’s hiking underwear is Merino wool, and synthetic materials such as polyester blends. 

Underwear made of synthetic materials is usually durable and quick-drying, but they usually retain odor. 

On the other hand, Merino wool has odor-resistant features, but it wears out faster and is pricey compared to synthetic options.

The best of both worlds is a Merino and polyester blend so you get the antrimic 

• SYNTHETIC  

Nylon, polyester, spandex, and satin fall under this category. 

They are usually quite durable and can be very stretchy and elastic. 

The best thing about them is they are quick-drying and are easier to wash and take care of. 

Synthetic options are often reasonably priced compared to the more expensive merino wool.

The downside to this fabric is it doesn’t have odor resistance features meaning that you will need to wash or change it several times on a backpacking trip. 

All in all, if your primary consideration in a pair of trail underwear is that are quick-drying and highly durable, then this is the best option for you. 

• MERINO WOOL

Merino wool is the best choice for you if you don’t mind spending a little bit on hiking underwear. 

The extra cost will get you a pair of underwear that will outperform any other material. 

It has great moisture-wicking capabilities, which means it’s perfect for long, sweaty hikes in warm weather or any kind of physical activity. 

It’s also considered the best anti-microbial underwear and has natural odor-resistant features. 

However, since it’s made of wool, it can quickly wear out over time compared to those made of synthetic fibers. 

They also need special care when washing, so it might not be the best option for traveling.

• WHY NOT COTTON?

Cotton is what we use for our everyday fare. However, it’s a poor choice for hiking underwear. 

First, cotton absorbs water and moisture easily and once its wet, it stays soaked and does not dry easily. 

In worst-case scenarios, wearing cotton during hiking trips can even lead to hypothermia in worst-case scenarios where you get sweaty and the temperature dips..

Cotton can also cause skin chafing since the moisture absorbed can make the skin softer, making it sensitive and easy to damage your skin barrier. 

Comfort/Fit

As always, comfort is king. You cannot deny how wearing comfortable clothes can make a difference in any physical activity. 

This is not just for aesthetic purposes, but it is also for health reasons. 

In looking for the best underwear for hiking, the fit must not be too tight or too loose. 

If you have tight-fitting underwear, it can cause hot spots or chaffing. 

On the other hand, wearing loose hiking underwear will cause it to bunch up, ride-up or give you a wedgie.

If you encounter problems such as inner thigh chafing, the boy shorts style of hiking underwear is the answer because it provides enough coverage. 

Also, good-fitting hiking underwear increases the chances of moisture wicking.  

You must always remember that comfort and fit must always be considered when choosing the best hiking underwear. 

Anti-Microbial Properties

Any physical activity such as hiking can make us sweat, leaving us feeling uncomfortable and stinky. 

Investing in hiking underwear that is anti-microbial helps a lot in odor resistance. 

Sometimes, there can be odor buildup on the underwear fabric that will make you stink while hiking. 

Merino wool naturally has antimicrobial properties which works great for long, sweaty hiking days.

It also has moisture-wicking capabilities that will help you feeling fresh all day long.

Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider. 

Generally, synthetic fabric lasts longer than natural fabrics such as a 100% Merino wool. 

Although natural fabrics are more comfortable and have more features, synthetic fabric is still deemed to be more durable than natural fabrics.

At the end of the day, it comes down to how well you take care of your underwear and what matters most to you when it comes to the features. 

Washability

When you’re out in the woods, you’ll need hiking underwear that is low maintenance, since access to water may not always be available.  

When it comes to Merino wool underwear, it must be washed only in cool or warm water. 

If you’re washing it at home, you can’t throw it in the dryer since that will cause it to shrink but it dries pretty fast when you hang dry it. 

For those made of synthetic fabric, no special care is needed so it makes it more convenient.

They also dry quickly if you end up handwashing them while you’re out backpacking.

Things to Consider when buying Hiking Underwear 

• Weather

During winter, invest in hiking underwear that would give proper insulation. During summer, hiking bras or underwear that can regulate temperature and wick away moisture is the best choice. 

• Length of Hike

The longer the hike, the greater the chances of chafing, so make sure to invest in extremely comfortable underwear that is itch-free, chafe-free, and has excellent moisture-wicking features. 

• Access to Washing

When it comes to washing, you should choose quick-drying underwear. Cotton hiking underwear should be avoided since it absorbs moisture quickly and takes a relatively long time to dry. 

How to Prevent Chafing when Hiking 

Chafing is the norm when hiking for long periods. But it does not mean that you cannot do something about it. 

Aside from wearing snug underwear to prevent chafing, some soothing lotions and creams can help alleviate the pain. 

This anti-chafe salve from Squirrel’s Nut Butter and Bodyglide are considered the best out there for preventing chafing, so make sure to get them before going on a hike. 

Ultra runners that can travel well over 100 miles in under 24 hours swear by these chafe salves. 

If it works for them it will work for your hike or backpacking trip.

When dealing with chafing, you should clean the area with mild soap or baby wipes when dealing with chafing. 

Alcohol and other harsh substances should be avoided since they could further dry and irritate the area. 

FAQs

Is Merino wool underwear good for hiking?

Yes. Merino wool is one of the best fabrics to use for hiking underwear. Merino wool regulates your temperature, wicks away moisture, and naturally resists odor. 

This combination makes it versatile, meaning you can wear it any season. Its superfine fibers make it very soft and comfortable to wear all day long.

How do you stop chafing when hiking?

When hiking, always make sure that you are wearing the right apparel for the trip. Your clothes and underwear should not be too tight and ill-fitting. 

Keep the area dry as much as possible, and invest in high-quality anti-chafing balms for added protection.

Wrap-Up: Best Hiking Underwear for Women

Choosing the best hiking underwear for your next trip will be a breeze now that you know what factors should be considered.

If you’re still undecided, the top choice for the best women’s hiking underwear is the Patagonia Active Briefs. 

Now go and plan your fun hiking trip!