The Best Hiking Underwear?

For all the ladies who hike out there, has anyone found a solution to uncomfortable panties on the trail?

A lot of you have provided excellent feedback on the Hiking 101: Underwear page, and I continue to search for that perfect pair of panties!

I’ve trail tested the Patagonia Hipster Briefs, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs, and will soon be testing Icebreaker’s new Spite Hot Pant and the new ExOfficio Lacy Low Rise. I talked with both companies at the Outdoor Retailer show, and apparently ExOfficio changed the cut slightly on the Give-N-Gos in the last year or two. I bought mine about 3 years ago….so perhaps the new cut will be better?

From top left to right: ExOfficio Bikini Briefs, ExOfficio Lacy Low Rise, Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pant, Patagonia Bikini Brief
From top left to right: ExOfficio Bikini Briefs, ExOfficio Lacy Low Rise, Icebreaker Sprite Hot Pant, Patagonia Bikini Brief

What I’m looking for:

  • Comfort! The materials should be soft against the skin and stay in place. No one wants a wedgie on the trail!
  • Quick dry/Wicks well. Good hiking underwear should be made of nylon, polyester, wool, etc.
  • Odor reducing. No one wants to smell…
  • Price that won’t break the bank. Specialized underwear always seems to be pricey… but it should definitely be under $20 per pair. Otherwise that’s just crazy!

Hiking Lady Underwear Reviews:

Reviews coming soon:

I’ll keep you posted about all the fun stuff… fit, odor, wedgies, and more! ๐Ÿ˜‰

Happy trails!

Check out the results! And the Best Hiking Underwear Is…

13 comments

  1. Dena Pate says:

    Hi,
    I was searching for wicking underwear and found your site. I see your last post of October 24, 2011; did you ever finish your study? Please advise.

  2. Hiking Lady says:

    Hi Cyd!
    Great to hear! I will have to look into both the panties and the bras you mentioned! thank you!!!

  3. Cyd says:

    Hooray!!! I found undies without seams, made of microfiber, and you can’t even tell you have them on. I found them yesterday (after I sent my comment to you) at the “Jockey” outlet store at New River Outlet in Anthem, AZ. The ones I bought were $4.99 per pair. They had some really nice ones with a wide seamless waistband 3 for $18…same material but a lot cuter. I’m a plus size gal so those wouldn’t fit me.

    Someone was asking about a good backpacking bra? I wore my Genie bra on the trip and it was so comfortable…I could even sleep in it and still be comfortable. Available at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. You can get a black and nude bra in a package for $19.99.

  4. Hiking Lady says:

    Hi Cyd,
    Thanks for your input. I’ll be on the lookout for underwear without side seams. If I find something I’ll definitely post a review!
    Sorry to hear about your uncomfortable panties on your trip.

  5. Cyd says:

    I just took a backpacking trip at Aravaipa Canyon in Arizona. We were in water the entire time. The only thing that bothered me was my underwear!! The seams on the side kept digging into my skin under my hip belt even though I had them turned inside out!

    Can you also look for something that does not have those terrible seams on the sides? Until I find something better, I’m going to wear men’s underwear next time.

  6. Hiking Lady says:

    Great info Laura! I will have to see if I can track down a pair of those here in the U.S. I looked at them online and they look like a great option for hikers!

  7. Laura says:

    Hi – I’d like to add just plain ordinary Sloggi pants (usually tai sensation) which suit me just fine. They don’t ride up, or nip and are easily washed and dried on the trail.
    They’re also light weight to carry and cheaper to buy than the ‘special’ ones.

  8. Hiking Lady says:

    Hi Bobbi, the kind words are appreciated! I’m glad that you find the website helpful! That’s the goal! ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Bobbi C. says:

    Comfort is the key item for hiking underwear, no doubt about it. Thank you so much for your reviews of the various products-it is such a pleasure to read and see the reviews; personally I really look fwd. to seeing them and have purchased several products because of your reviews.

    Continue to inform us!

  10. Rebecca says:

    Glad you are doing this. I think you should try a boy short cut too. I have found those are more comfortable for workouts.

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