Hiking underwear for both women and men is one of the most undervalued pieces of hiking gear. That is, until you’ve experienced painful chafing from underwear that rubs.
Or hiked in uncomfortable underwear soaked in sweat. The right ones will keep you comfortable and dry for the duration of your hike, whether you’re hiking in cold or warm weather.
When you think of hiking gear, underwear is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. You likely think of hiking backpacks, hiking jackets or hiking boots.
If you’ve ever had a bad experience with chafing, whether it be thigh chafing, underarm chafing or somewhere else, you know how important it is. And if you haven’t, trust me, you don’t want to. I’ve had chafing so bad that it actually bled!
There’s even quick-drying and moisture-resistant active underwear, backpacking underwear perfect if you’re doing a multi-day hiking tour and want to keep your load light since you arrive late afternoon; wash it, and it will be dry the morning.
And of course, hiking underwear is your important base layer to keep you warm in cold weather when the temperature dips on winter hikes.
You may also be surprised to learn that the right underwear for hiking can actually keep you cool in hot weather as well.
Underwear for hiking is more expensive than regular underwear, especially cotton underwear, which makes you very sweaty. But the extra price for a pair of hiking underwear is worth it for all the benefits they offer.
I’ve been hiking for over 20 years and after a lot of experimenting, highly recommend merino wool as my top choice because it’s a breathable fabric and much better for the environment than other synthetic materials.
If you’re looking for underwear for hiking at a more affordable price, look for ones that contain a wool blend with synthetic fibres. These will usually be cheaper than 100% merino wool, and are the next best thing in my opinion.
Given its importance, I’ve come up with the best hiking underwear for women and men. Merino wool underwear of course being the best in my book.
I’m a huge fan of anything by Smartwool, Icebreaker, ExOfficio or Patagonia for their high-quality underwear that last but read on to see which one fits you and your needs the most.
Best Women’s Hiking Underwear
SmartWool Underwear for Women
Smartwool uses 100% climate-positive wool which I love. Their base layers help you stay warm and stay out longer. I also love that they offer women’s plus-size base layers, a market that frequently gets left out when hiking underwear should be available for any BODY type who wants to get out on an adventure.
- SmartWool SW015255001M Women’s Merino 150 Baselayer Long Sleeve Black
- Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms Twilight Blue Heather
See more of our recommended hiking underwear for women here.
Related Reading: 14 Best Hiking Sandals for Women
Best Icebreaker Underwear for Women Hikers
I love Icebreakers’ philosophy of the relationship between people and nature, focusing on kinship and not conquering. Driven by the belief that nature has the solutions, they provide products made of natural fibres instead of synthetic-based to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
- Icebreaker Merino Sprite Hot Pants Underwear for Women, Merino Wool Base
- Icebreaker Merino Women’s Siren Thong
See more of our recommended hiking underwear for women here.
Best Exofficio Underwear for Women Hikers
Since 1987, ExOfficio has been making lightweight, wrinkle-free fabrics brilliantly designed with bug, sun, water, and odor protection since1987.
You only need two pairs on any trip since they dry so far, so they’re perfect as high-quality travel underwear or as backpacking underwear. And did I mention how comfortable they are?
- ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go String Bikini, Lupine
- ExOfficio Womens Underwear | Bikini Underwear| Give-N-Go Bikini Brief
See more of our recommended ExOfficio underwear for women here.
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Boots for Men
Best Patagonia Women’s Underwear for Hikers
At Patagonia, alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business for silent adventures that don’t require a motor or cheers from a crowd. The reward is the hard-won grace and moments of connection between us and nature.
Patagonia also donates at least 1% of their sales to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups all over the world who work to help reverse the tide.
While it is expensive, I do love Patagonia Women’s line, and it is high quality.
Patagonia Wild Trails Sports Bra
This hiking bra is excellent for outdoor activities. It offers high-impact support for B/C cups and mid-impact support for D and larger cups. It’s Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. . The elastic band is moisture-wicking to add to your comfort. The fully moulded foam panel provides compression and support that will give you confidence.
Features:
- Racerback construction provides high-impact support
- The fully moulded-foam panel provides the right compression and support.
- 8.6-oz 85% recycled polyester/15% spandex jersey with miDori™ bioSoft for added wicking and softness
Patagonia Active Briefs
Patagonia Women’s Active Briefs are their most popular women’s underwear and are perfect for hiking. They’re lightweight, stretchy and moisture-wicking and even include odour control. And they come in some great colours.
Features:
- Made of stretchy fabric with miDori™ bioSoft for added wicking and softness,
- Include HeiQ® Pure odor control
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. stretchy synthetic blend for added wicking and softness
More Merino Wool Underwear for Women Hikers
- MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Midweight Long Sleeve
- Women’s 100% Merino Wool Midweight Base Layer Bottoms – Thermal Underwear
- LAPASA Womens 100% Merino Wool Base Layer Set Lightweight Thermal Underwear
More Women’s Hiking Underwear
- Reebok Women’s Boy Shorts Underwear – 3 Pack Seamless Long Leg Boyshorts Panties
- Under Armour Womens Pure Stretch Thong Multi-Pack , Black (001)/Black , Large
See more of our recommended merino wool underwear for women here.
Best Men’s Hiking Underwear
The Best Merino Wool Underwear for Men
- MERIWOOL Mens Boxer Briefs Merino Wool Underwear Base Layer for Men
- LAPASA Men’s 100% Merino Wool Underwear Base Layer Lightweight Thermal Pants
- MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants
- Icebreaker Merino Men’s Anatomica Boxers with Fly, Jet Heather, X-Large
See more of our recommended merino wool underwear for men here.
Related Reading: The Best Women’s Clothes for Hiking
More Men’s Hiking Underwear
- Fruit of the Loom Men’s Coolzone Boxer Briefs (Assorted Colors), 7 Pack – Covered
- Under Armour mens Tech 6-inch Boxerjock 2-Pack , Mod Gray Light Heather (011)
- ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief 2 Pack, Granite/Bolero Red, Small
See more of our recommended best men’s hiking underwear here.
Hiking underwear is undervalued as hiking gear. That is, until you’ve experienced underwear soaked in sweat or painful chafing. Now you know why it’s so important, what to look for, and our top recommendations.
Check out our article to learn more about the benefits of merino wool and our article on Winter Hiking Tips.