For this article, we tested 11 women’s hiking underwear options, including top brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker, Paradis, and BRANWYN, over several weeks of varied outdoor activities. 

Our testing covered hundreds of miles of hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing in Central Washington’s Cascade foothills and mountains, primarily during the winter season (updates for longer-term testing to follow). We evaluated each pair using metrics like moisture-wicking and dry time, breathability, comfort and fit, durability, odor resistance, and packability to identify the best options for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Underwear

Check out this quick list of our favorites, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best women’s hiking underwear with in-depth reviews.

Best Women’s Hiking Underwear Overall: BRANWYN Essential Hipster ($40)

Best for Lasting Comfort Hiking Underwear: Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini ($32)

Best Hiking Underwear for Moisture Control: Smartwool Women’s Everyday Bikini Boxed ($34)

Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Underwear: Icebreaker Women’s Merino 150 Siren Hipkini ($40)

Best Mineral Hiking Underwear: Huha Bikini ($24)

Best Synthetic Hiking Underwear: ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief ($38)

Best Fabric Patterns: Duluth Buck Naked Hipster ($15)

Best Hiking Thong: Grankee Breathable Seamless Thong 6-Pack ($25)

Best Budget Underwear: Balanced Tech Moisture Wicking Brief Bikini 3-Pack ($15)

Best Boy Short Style Hiking Underwear: Ridge Merino Boy Shorts ($35)

Analysis & Results

What Underwear offers the best value?

When we compared price to overall performance, we found that the Paradis Sports Natural Bikini, Smartwool Women’s Everyday Bikini Boxed, and the Grankee Breathable Seamless Thong 6-Pack all offered the best value.

We really liked the Paradis underwear because they performed so well in our tests. They are one of the softest models we tried, and also pack down very small. Price-wise, they are on the moderate-to-higher end, but we think they are well worth the cost for this pair of underwear. That is especially true given they are made from sustainable materials, which typically cost more to manufacture.

Another favorite is the Smartwool underwear. They were a top performer in both packability and moisture control, making them a great choice for longer backpacking trips where space and trips to the laundromat are limited. The Smartwool underwear is also made of wool and lyocell, both of which help with odor resistance. Again, they are priced in the moderate-to-higher end, but given the materials and overall performance, we think they are a good choice.

Finally, for a budget pair of underwear, we really liked the Grankee thong. This model is sold in a six-pack, and after doing the math, they only cost a few dollars per pair. This makes it convenient when hiking frequently because there is always another pair available to rotate out without needing to do laundry. Even though they scored a bit lower in our tests, we found them to be a great choice for hiking, trail running, and everyday wear.

What Underwear Has the Best Moisture Wicking Abilities and Dry Time?

Moisture management and quick-drying capabilities directly impact comfort, prevent chafing, and improve performance during outdoor activities. With that in mind, the Icebreaker Merino 150 Siren Hipkini, Smartwool Women’s Everyday Bikini Boxed, and ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief are our top picks when moisture wicking is paramount. The Icebreaker Merino 150 Siren Hipkini has the fastest dry time among the tested products and does the best job of wicking moisture away from the skin while in use. This performance makes it an excellent choice for high-intensity hikes, humid conditions, or multi-day trips where fast drying is a top consideration.

Likewise, the Smartwool Bikini Boxed was right up there with the Icebreaker Hipkini. It has one of our fastest drying times in the side-by-side test and earned top marks in our rankings. Part of this is due to the wool materials, which naturally help to wick moisture. We have recognized it as the best underwear for moisture control due to its natural properties, its performance in our quantitative tests, and its performance in the field.

Similarly, the ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief excelled at moisture management thanks to its nylon-spandex blend. After a full soak, it dried within an hour. While it did not dry as fast as the Icebreaker Hipkini and Smartwool Bikini Boxed, it is more affordable and performs similarly.

What Underwear is the Most Breathable?

Breathability and proper airflow reduce sweat buildup, minimize the risk of chafing, and help regulate body temperature. The Smartwool Everyday Bikini Boxed and Icebreaker Siren Hipkini earn high marks in this category due to the inherent breathability of Merino wool. Both products allow for excellent airflow, even during extended wear. The natural temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool also help keep wearers comfortable.

The BRANWYN underwear offers moderate breathability. Because it is made of wool, the fibers offer natural breathability. This is due to the crimp in the wool fibers, which allows air to flow. While wearing the BRANWYN underwear on test hikes, we noted that it felt more breathable than most of the other models we tested. That said, it is made of thicker Merino wool fabric and provides less airflow than the lighter Smartwool and Icebreaker options.

Which Underwear is the Most Comfortable and Has the Best Fit?

Ill-fitting or uncomfortable underwear designs can lead to chafing, irritation, and distraction on the trail.

The BRANWYN Essential Hipster is by far the most consistently comfortable, thanks to its seamless construction and soft, stretchy fabric. The absence of seams makes them unnoticeable during long hikes, and the snug fit keeps the underwear in place without rolling, bunching, or riding up. The design also works for a range of body types.

The Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini also shines in this category, with a close fit, excellent stability, and a tendency to stay in place. Its soft fabric is comfortable against the skin and may have the softest feel of all the underwear we tested. However, its tighter fit may require some users to size up for optimal comfort, particularly those with curvier body types.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief provides reliable comfort, but the sizing runs slightly large, which may result in a looser fit for some users. This could lead to minor shifting, but it’s a minor gripe for a dependable and budget-friendly option. Overall, we really like that they come with flatlock seams to prevent chaffing, and they do not roll at the stomach like some other models we tested while hiking.

Which Underwear Has the Best Durability?

No one wants to invest in underwear that gets holes after just a few weeks of wear. Even worse is having a limited number of underwear with you on a long-distance trek and having them fall apart.

BRANWYN Essential Hipster’s Merino wool blend and seamless knitting technology proved exceptionally durable, maintaining its shape and elasticity after multiple washes. We’ve worn BRANWYN for over a year, and even our oldest pair has no noticeable fraying or pilling, and the fabric’s integrity remains intact.

We also really like the Ridge Merino Boy Shorts when durability is a concern. The material on them was thicker than most of the other pairs we tried, and though that was a detriment in some areas, it really helped durability. The Boy Shorts are likely thicker due to Ridge Merino’s patented (m)Force Technology. Their wool products are made by wrapping a wool fiber around a nylon filament, which keeps the properties of the wool while increasing strength. 

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini Brief is extremely durable thanks to the synthetic nylon fabric. Many hikers have relied on these for thru-hikes. Its synthetic materials resist wear even after extensive testing and countless washes. With all this in mind, it is one of our top picks for durability.

Which Underwear Has the Best Odor Resistance?

Even if you change underwear daily on the trail, you aren’t showering, sometimes not swimming, and can end up with quite an odor. Odor resistance isn’t just about smell, either, and as women, minimizing bacteria growth can prevent infections.

Natural fibers perform the best in this category. Merino wool’s natural properties gave the Smartwool Women’s Everyday Bikini Boxed, BRANWYN Essential Hipster, and Icebreaker Women’s Merino 150 Siren Hipkini a significant advantage. They consistently managed odor throughout long days of hiking and maintained freshness even after multiple wears without washing. However, Huha Bikini’s zinc-infused lining provided decent antibacterial protection, but odor resistance diminished after extended use.

Which Underwear is the Most Packable?

When packing several pairs of underwear into your bag, you don’t want them to take up too much space or weigh you down.

The lightweight and compact design of the Icebreaker Women’s Merino 150 Siren Hipkini made it the most packable option. It is compressed easily and fits seamlessly into tight spaces. It was also the smallest when we folded it and measured the dimensions.

Smartwool Women’s Everyday Bikini Boxed and Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini also scored highly, offering slim profiles and lightweight fabrics ideal for ultralight packing. When we measured these models packed down, the dimensions were very close to the Icebreaker Siren Hipkini. Having thinner fabrics really makes a difference for packability, which is part of why these were our top performers.

How to Choose Women’s Hiking Underwear

There are many aspects to consider when choosing the best pair of underwear for a woman, and understanding these features and tradeoffs can help you make an informed decision.

What Material is The Best for Hiking Underwear?

The material of your hiking underwear directly impacts moisture management, breathability, and odor control. An often overlooked aspect of the materials women should consider is whether they are tested for harmful chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). 

These chemicals have been shown to be absorbable through the skin (read this article) and are known endocrine (hormone) disruptors. We suggest purchasing from brands that avoid or test for these substances.

Merino wool is one of the best choices for hiking underwear thanks to its natural moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and odor resistance. It’s particularly beneficial for longer trips where staying dry and fresh is essential. 

However, merino wool can be more expensive and may not be as durable as synthetic materials. Most Merino underwear options are a blend of materials to increase durability.

Synthetic blends, typically made from nylon, polyester, or spandex, offer durability, quick-drying capabilities, and affordability. However, they don’t manage odors as effectively as merino and are more likely to contain toxic chemicals.

Natural fiber blends like bamboo, Tencel, or mineral-based fabrics provide comfort and a more sustainable option without relying entirely on animal-derived materials. However, they may not perform as well in extreme conditions.

How Does Hiking Specific Underwear Help With Moisture Control?

Moisture-wicking properties help prevent chafing and keep your skin dry while you’re on the move. Fabrics like Merino wool and Tencel naturally draw sweat away from the skin, helping to prevent irritation and discomfort.

When choosing hiking underwear, the fabric’s dry time may also be a factor worth considering. If you like to take a quick dip in an alpine lake or are on a multi-month trip and need to wash clothes on the trail, dry time matters.

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon typically dry the fastest. 

Lightweight merino wool blends also offer good moisture-wicking properties, but dry more slowly than synthetics. Hot tip: if you can, try to dry your undies in the full sun (hang them on your pack or set up a drying line in the sun). This helps nuke the stinky stuff better.

How Do I Know a Pair of Underwear is Breathable?

Breathability helps regulate your body temperature during high-intensity activities. Fabrics that allow for good airflow will help keep you comfortable by preventing overheating and moisture buildup.

Lightweight materials and mesh panels are particularly effective for enhancing breathability, making them ideal for warm-weather hikes. Keep in mind that increased breathability can sometimes mean less warmth. So, if you’re planning to hike in cold weather, a fabric that can continue to insulate when wet, like wool, may be better.

What Should I Look For To Ensure My Underwear is Comfortable?

Comfort is key when it comes to hiking underwear. You want a pair that feels like a second skin and minimizes distractions like wedgies, chafing, bunching, or scratchy fabric. Seamless underwear or those with flatlock seams can reduce friction, prevent chafing, and be more comfortable.

Choose a style that works best for your body type and preferences. Something that fits one person well won’t be comfortable for another body type.

Don’t forget to consider the rise of the underwear, whether you prefer low, mid, or high-waisted options, and the leg cut, whether you prefer bikini, briefs, or boy shorts.

Is DURABILITY Important?

Hiking underwear should withstand frequent wear, washing, and use on extended hiking trips. Hang-drying, especially when made with natural materials, is one easy way to prolong the life of your underwear.

Synthetic fabrics tend to be more durable and abrasion-resistant, but Merino wool is more comfortable and odor-resistant. Most Merino underwear contains a small percentage of synthetic materials to improve fit and durability. Reinforced stitching and high-quality materials will also contribute to the underwear’s overall longevity.

How Can I Make Sure My Underwear is Odor-Resistant?

Odor resistance is a key feature for long hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. Merino wool and other natural materials like Tencel are naturally antimicrobial, making them excellent at resisting odors.

Some synthetic fabrics, like those treated with Polygiene, can also feature odor-reducing technology. Mineral-treated underwear can also improve odor resistance.

If you plan on being on the trail for several days, choose underwear with good odor resistance and consider packing a new pair for each day. If you’re on a long trek, pack at least two pairs so you can wash them often.

Is PACKABILITY Important?

If you’re an ultralight hiker, that doesn’t mean you have to go commando. Look for compact and lightweight underwear. Thin, lightweight fabrics, like Merino-based ones, are great for minimizing pack weight while providing the comfort and performance you need on the trail. These types of underwear are easy to pack, dry relatively quickly, and are well-suited for those looking to save space and weight in their gear.

Why Trust CleverHiker

At CleverHiker, we bring expert, hands-on experience to our gear reviews. The lead tester for this article, Meg Carney, is an outdoor and environmental writer with over eight years of experience writing for outdoor industry publications. 

With firsthand experience on the trails and in the field, Meg has hiked thousands of miles and tested gear in various conditions, from weekend backpacking trips to remote wilderness adventures. Her coverage and research into sustainable product design, environmental issues, and outdoor gear make her uniquely qualified to help readers find more sustainably focused and high-performing hiking gear. 

Bailey Bremner is a Colorado-based adventurer with over 9,000 miles on some of America’s most rugged and remote thru-hikes. Whether she is hiking the CDT or an obscure wilderness in the southwest, she knows the importance of a good pair of underwear. She has enjoyed using her experience to help other hikers find the best piece.

Meg and Bailey’s expertise ensures that CleverHiker readers receive honest, thorough advice on the best women’s underwear for their needs.

Testing Methodology

How Do We Test Moisture Wicking & Dry Time?

We assessed moisture-wicking by conducting controlled tests. We wet all the underwear options and timed how long each took to dry. We also wore the underwear during high-intensity hikes, measuring how effectively they managed sweat and kept the skin dry. We aim to determine which options wick moisture away from the skin and dry the fastest.

How Do We Assess Breathability?

We tested breathability by wearing each pair of underwear in a range of hiking conditions and during all our favorite outdoor activities. While wearing the underwear, we noted how well the fabric allowed airflow, preventing discomfort.

The ideal pair should keep you cool and dry during high-energy activities, minimizing sweat accumulation and chafing.

What Do We Look at For Comfort and Fit?

We assess comfort and fit during long hikes (at least 6 hours) and daily activities. We pay close attention to how well the underwear stays in place without chafing, rolling, loosening, or riding up.

The waistband and seams are specifically checked for irritation, and we assess the fit against the labeled size. Any discomfort, such as chafing or the need for constant adjustments, is recorded. The goal is to identify which pairs offer the most comfortable and secure fit over extended wear.

How Do We Test Durability?

We test for durability by wearing each pair on at least three different hikes and by washing them 10 to 15 times following the manufacturer’s care instructions. We check to see how well they maintain their elasticity, shape, and fabric integrity. We check for signs of wear, such as fraying, pilling, or loss of structure.

While we’ve been wearing some of these brands for many seasons, we test the latest version to give an accurate review of the model that’s on the market this year. With more long-term testing, we update this guide regularly.

How Do We Assess Odor Resistance?

Each pair was worn for a full day of hiking or cross-country skiing to evaluate odor resistance. After the activity, we assess odor levels and test how well the fabric neutralizes odors after 24 hours of airing out. Additionally, we evaluate the fabric’s performance after multiple washes to see how well it continues to manage odor and whether it retains odors even after washing. The best underwear should resist odor buildup, keeping you feeling fresh even on extended hikes.

What Do We Look At For Packability?

Packability is tested by folding or rolling each pair of underwear into the smallest possible size. We then measure the dimensions of the folded underwear and compress it further by placing it under mild pressure in a stuffed backpack. We also evaluate how easily the underwear fits into compact dry bags for packing on long-distance hikes. 

Conclusion

We work hard to provide expert, thorough product reviews to help you make informed decisions about your hiking gear. Our testing process is designed to assess all the critical factors, from comfort and durability to moisture management and odor resistance. We’ve carefully researched and tested a variety of women’s hiking underwear to bring you the top options currently available.