11 Best Hiking Underwear For Men And Women
Are you tired of sweaty nether regions and wedgies that seem to take all the fun out of your hike every time you hit the trails? Speaking from personal experience, finding the best hiking underwear can make all the difference you need – especially for a breezy, wedgie-free hike.
Your undergarments act as a base layer to the clothes you wear on your hikes, and with proper hiking underwear, you’ll never have to worry about the nasties again.
Without proper hiking underwear, sweat, inadequate support, and chafing will lead to discomfort on your hikes and thus, potentially ruining the whole experience.
Without proper breathability and support, you may experience odor issues, painful chafing, and irritation while you hike.
With the right pair of hiking underwear, you can be sure your hiking experience will be a lot more stress-free as it fits snugly, dries quickly, and is more breathable, you probably won’t even notice it’s there.
To find the right pair for you, check out our list of the best hiking underwear for men and women, for a stress-free, breezy hike.
11 Best Hiking Underwear For Men And Women
Women
1. Icebreaker Women’s Siren Merino Wool Bikini Underwear
2. Balanced Tech Women’s 6 Pack Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties
3. Fruit of the Loom Women’s Seamless Panties
4. Reebok Women’s Underwear – Seamless Hipster Briefs (5 Pack)
5. ExoOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Brief
6. Wealurre Seamless Underwear
Men
7. Under Armour Men’s Charged Cotton Boxerjock
8. ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs 2.0
9. New Balance Men’s Mesh 5” No Fly Boxer Briefs
10. Eyushijia Men’s Bamboo Fiber Boxer Briefs
DISCLOSURE
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Best Hiking Underwear for Women
1. Icebreaker Women’s Merino Siren Wool Bikini Underwear
Materials: 85% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 5% Lycra Elastane
Made of Merino wool, the Icebreaker Women’s Siren Merino is one of the best contenders for the best hiking underwear for women.
Merino wool is made naturally and is lightweight, soft, and breathable.
Using the lightweight Merino material wrapped around a core made of nylon, this hiking underwear provides next-to-skin comfort, remarkable odor-resistant properties, and ultimate comfort in any weather; it stays warm when it’s cold, and cool in the heat.
What we like:
- Odor resistant #nopong
- Comfortable fit
- Breathable
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Cut runs narrow – not suitable for hikers looking for wide coverage #buttflossing
2. Balanced Tech Women’s 6 Pack Seamless Hipster Brief Bikini Panties
Materials:
- Space dye: 65% Polyester, 27% Nylon, 8% Elastane,
- Solids: 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane
Created with individual taste in mind, the Balanced Tech Women’s Briefs is one of the best backpacking underwear for women and is available in a range of colors to suit your preferences.
It also features a 4-way ultra-stretch nylon elastane fabric that is comfortable and retains the shape of your body to provide mid-rise support for freedom of movement.
This pair of underwear also offers full coverage in the front, and intermediate seat coverage whilst keeping you dry with the use of smooth, fine, nylon fabric that repels moisture and breathes to keep you dry and cool after a long hike.
What we like:
- 4 stretch adds flexibility
- Seamless design and no tags used for labeling
- Odor resistant and breathable
- Comes in a pack of 6 pieces
What we don’t like:
- The dye in the colored briefs tends to bleed when washed
3. Fruit of the Loom Women’s Seamless Panties
Materials: 100% Nylon
Made of 100% Nylon, these Fruit of the Loom hiking underwear guarantee to keep your lower regions dry and safe from microbial infections by wicking away sweat and excessive moisture.
It also features an effortless design with its seamless build and no irritation, tag-less seams that makes them the best ladies hiking underwear for perfect fit and comfort.
When worn under your clothes, it provides an exceptional fit that is supportive and lightweight. It also has a flat ribbon elastic on the side seams to diminish panty lines and minimize irritation.
What we like:
- Machine washable and easy to care for
- Seamless design and tag-free
- Great stretch in the fabric for the perfect fit
- Comes in a pack of 6 pieces
What we don’t like:
- The material tends to snag easily
4. Reebok Women’s Underwear – Seamless Hipster Briefs (5 Pack)
Materials: 95% Nylon, 5% Elastane
Designed for women who enjoy training and intense workouts such as hiking, this Reebok Women’s Underwear is one of the most recommended for women who enjoy hiking in style without compromising performance.
This underwear highlights the built-in stretch performance that promises optimum comfort and a relaxed waistband that lies flat without rolling and binding to fit the hips naturally.
One of the best panties for hiking and perfect for intense workouts, the tag-free design also enhances the comfort level for a seamless experience without any discomfort under your workout clothes.
What we like:
- Machine washable and easy to care for
- Tag-free design for seamless comfort
- Doesn’t slip easily
- Soft and stretchy
What we don’t like:
- Waistband seams tend to unravel after washing
5. ExoOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Brief
Materials: 94% Nylon, 6% Lycra Spandex
Similar to the other hiking underwear made for women, the ExoOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs also sports a seamless feature and breathable material to help maintain freshness and keep you dry on your hikes.
Known to be one of the best anti-chafing underwear for hiking, it is made of a combination of nylon and spandex and enhanced with lightweight mesh to enhance airflow and microbial protection for hygiene and reduce odor.
The waistband on the other hand is designed to stretch and retain the shape to ensure proper fit and lightness on your adventures.
What we like:
- Good odor resistance
- Dries quickly
- Doesn’t slip easily
- Soft and breathable
What we don’t like:
- Sizes can run too big or too small for women with different bodies of different shapes
6. Wealurre Seamless Underwear
Materials: 86% Nylon, 14% Lycra Spandex
Boasting enhanced breathability with its 96% viscose and 4% spandex lining, the Weallure Seamless Underwear is the perfect quick dry underwear for hiking or any intense workouts like running or even just stretching.
Its seamless design also comes with decent stretch to avoid panty lines and having the waistband digging into your skin. Its comfort and laser-cut design allow for more versatile use with your hiking clothes or for just lounging at home.
What we like:
- Doesn’t ride up when moving
- Breathable
- Feels almost invisible
- Soft and plush material
What we don’t like:
- Not suitable to wear with panty liners
Best Hiking Underwear For Men
1. Under Armour Men’s Charged Cotton Boxerjock
Materials: 57% Cotton, 38% Polyester, 5% Elastane
For men looking for the ultimate comfort in their hiking underwear, Under Armour Men’s Charged Cotton Boxerjock might be the one for you. It uses the Charged Cotton technology that replicates the feel of cotton but stretches more and dries faster.
It also integrates the 4-way stretch to enhance flexibility and enable you to move in every direction without discomfort.
It has excellent moisture-wicking properties and also incorporates a seamless design for maximum comfort.
What we like:
- Doesn’t ride up when moving
- Provides great support
- Excellent fit and endurance
- Comes in a 3-pack combo
What we don’t like:
- The waistband loses its elasticity quickly
2. ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs 2.0
Materials: 94% Nylon, 6% Lycra Spandex
Known for their durable, lightweight, and comfortable clothing, the ExOfficio’s Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief is still one of the best hiking underwear for men.
Featuring enhanced breathability to keep you dry on the trails, these underwear use diamond woven mesh to improve airflow to keep it dry and retain its shape when worn.
It also has anti-odor properties to keep microbes away from your lower region and maintain hygiene to keep you fresh in addition to the flatlock seams that minimize chafing when you hike.
What we like:
- Doesn’t stick to the skin
- Dries quickly
- Very comfortable
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- Sometimes tend to bunch up at the thighs after a few washes
3. New Balance Men’s Mesh 5” No Fly Boxer Briefs
Materials: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex
One of the best backpacking underwear for men is the New Balance Men’s Mesh 5”. It promises to deliver supreme comfort and breathability despite being compression underwear.
It combines a seamless design without tags, improved airflow, and soft materials to give you the best comfort possible while keeping you fresh and dry.
They are also one of the best walking underwear for men and features a no-ride inseam and an elastic waistband with added flexibility to ensure they sit comfortably on the waist for movements.
In addition to that, it is also extremely durable, and highly resistant to fading which helps it last longer too.
What we like:
- Supportive pouch for ideal fit
- Articulated mesh panels keep the material cool
- Very comfortable
- Provides support while still being breathable
What we don’t like:
- Seam in the middle of the crotch pouch can be uncomfortable
4. Eyushijia Men’s Bamboo Fiber Boxer Briefs
Materials: 95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex
The only bamboo hiking underwear on the list, Eyushijia’s Bamboo Fiber Boxer Briefs that comes in a pack of 4 will give you the softest, silkiest sensation on your skin with its cozy material made of organic composition.
Just like all the best hiking boxer briefs, it features a soft waistband that eliminates binding and pinching as well as minimal to no ride-ups along the legs when walking. Lightweight and double stitched for durability, this underwear also showcases its 3D Pouch with Open Fly for a better and defined fit around the body.
What we like:
- Uses recyclable and sustainable materials
- Super light and soft
- The front flap is roomy and breathable
- Affordable with good support
What we don’t like:
- May tend to lose shape after a few washes
5. Minus 33 Acadian Boxers
Materials: 100% Merino Wool
A favorite among hikers and mountaineers alike, the Minus 33 Arcadian Boxers offers stellar performance making it one of the best boxers for hiking there is for men.
Made of 100% Merino wool, the material offers a cotton-like feel with added breathability and softness for guaranteed comfort.
It offers great moisture-wicking properties and odor resistance keeping you dry and active all day. For complete ease and comfort, this best long underwear for hiking also features flatlock seams and a fly to secure fit and support for physically demanding activities.
What we like:
- Moisture-wicking
- Microbial properties
- The wool insulates when wet
- Easy to clean and dry
What we don’t like:
- Leg openings can be a little snug around the thighs
What Type Of Fabrics Should I Look For When Buying Hiking Underwear?
Synthetic fabrics:
Normally, most hiking underwear is made with synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon. Some may use rayon, polypropylene, or a mix of fabrics and even spandex to give the material a nicely fitting stretch.
Hiking underwear made with synthetic materials have the following characteristics:
- Durable
- Quick-drying
- Good odor retention
Merino Wool:
Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by Merino sheep which is softer and thinner than the usual wool used for clothing.
It is commonly blended with other fabrics to enhance fit, durability, and flexibility and is also itch-free making a premium choice to add to your athletic wardrobe.
Hiking underwear made of Merino wool has the following characteristics:
- Good moisture-wicking properties
- Cooling
- Average durability
- Odor resistant
What Kind Of Underwear Designs Are Best For Hiking?
The style of underwear you prefer is mainly a personal choice and it may take some time to experiment and find out what style suits you best when you’re on the trails. Eventually, your comfort is of utmost priority when finding the right style for you.
For women:
1. Boxer briefs
- Provides a lot of coverage
- Longer cut that extends to the thigh
- Added coverage can assist with minimizing inner thigh chafing
2. Bikinis
- Provides less coverage
- Has a thinner, lower rise waistband
- Higher cut for legs
3. Briefs
- Provide good coverage in the front and back
- Sits above the hips
- Has a slightly higher rise and more coverage on the hip
For men:
1. Boxer briefs
- Provide good coverage
- Minimizes skin on skin rubbing
- More supportive fit
2. Boxers
- Loose fit
- Added coverage to prevent inner thigh chafing
- Can cause bunching
3. Briefs
- Provides good support
- Little coverage
May potentially contribute to chaffing
What Are Some Features You Should Consider Before Buying A Pair Of Hiking Underwear?
- Moisture management
Your hiking underwear should be particularly quick drying so, the type of material used for the underwear plays a big role in ensuring that it wicks moisture effectively.
- Durability
One quick way to know if your underwear is durable is to see if it can be washed in a machine. Going through a washing machine will determine if they’re durable enough to be worn on the trails.
- Odor management
Make sure the materials used are made to wick out moisture and provide breathability to keep you dry and fresh on the trails. Look out for the best quick-dry underwear for hiking with antimicrobial properties or highly breathable materials to provide the ultimate comfort.
- Flatlock seams
Scratchy seams can be annoying when you’re on the go. Make sure your hiking underwear has wide and flat seams that won’t press against your skin.
- Comfortable waistband
The waistband may not seem like an essential factor to consider when finding the best hiking underwear but when carrying a backpack, the waistband can press against your skin and cause discomfort while you hike.
Ensure that your waistband is flat and thin and sits comfortably on your body to maximize comfort.
Best Hiking Underwear for Men and Women Within Budget Range
Low
Men’s: New Balance Men’s Mesh 5” No Fly Boxer Briefs
Women’s: Fruit of the Loom Women’s Seamless Panties (6-pack)
Mid
Men’s: Under Armour Men’s Charged Cotton Boxerjock
Women’s: Balanced Tech Women’s 6 Pack Seamless Hipster Briefs
High
Men’s: Minus 33 Acadian Boxers
Women’s: Icebreaker Women’s Merino Siren Wool Bikini Underwear
Why Shouldn’t I Wear Cotton Underwear When Hiking?
Cotton underwear is great for day-to-day wear and your daily activities around the house or at the office. However, it is not one of the best types and doesn’t breathe very well.
Plus, even though it feels great dry, when it’s wet, it stays wet.
Cotton has very limited moisture-wicking properties and is not lightweight, to begin with, so it’s important to take these factors into account when deciding the type of material you want your hiking underwear to be.
Is Polyester Underwear Good For Hiking?
For the most part, yes. Polyester is very resilient and is a moisture-wicking material that is great when used in hiking underwear as it can help lessen moisture absorption in your nether regions for a drier and more comfortable hike.
However, if you are allergic to synthetic fabrics, they can be itchy and cause a lot of discomfort when doing day-to-day activities or when being active.
Is Bamboo Underwear Good For Backpacking?
Bamboo rayon has very similar properties to cotton but is a lot more breathable.
The bamboo fabric used for underwear often has good breathability, is soft, comfortable, and does a decent job wicking moisture away.
However, it doesn’t dry very easily and can get heavy when it’s wet which is why it may not be a suitable first choice when looking for good hiking underwear.
If You Are Allergic To Certain Fabrics, What Can You Do?
If wool or polyester makes you itch, you may have textile dermatitis which is a condition where your skin reacts to the fibers in your clothes.
When combined, tight-fitting fabric and sweat can irritate the skin as it rubs against you. This is less common and is called irritant dermatitis; looks similar but has different causes.
To prevent this, you can wear more natural fibers and loose outfits to help lessen how much you sweat. Also avoid clothing items that are labeled “wash separately”, as they will likely bleed and cause irritation to the skin.
Conclusion
We hope this list helps you find the right pair of hiking underwear for you.
With guaranteed comfort and breathability and paired with the perfect underwear, your hiking adventures will be a lot more comfortable and stress-free; no more sweaty nether regions, no more discomfort, and definitely no more stinky underwear for all your hiking journeys.