Some hikers never put underwear as a priority when shopping for hiking gear. However, they should know that picking the best underwear for hiking can make a world of difference on their hiking adventure. When it comes to underwear, never be stingy! As it’s directly in contact with your skin, you must purchase the highest quality possible, especially if you’re going on long hiking trips. The best hiking underwear will fit tight around your skin, dry fast, and is breathable. You’ll also be able to walk for hours or days without ever causing discomfort. That said, in this article, we’ll help you pick the right model. Whether you’re searching for the best thermal underwear for hiking or the best anti chafing underwear for hiking, stay tuned as we’ve got you covered!
Are you also looking for other hiking gear? If so, feel free to read our list of the 13 best waterproof hiking pants, the 13 best snowshoes for hiking, and the 13 best hiking hats!
How To Choose The Best Underwear for Hiking
To make sure you get the best underwear for your hiking needs, there are some features you should always keep in mind. Those features include:
Material
Merino wool and synthetic fibers (polyester or nylon) are 2 of the most common materials used to make the best underwear for hiking. Both of them are great at keeping you insulated when wet, fast-drying, and have great moisture-wicking traits. When it comes to merino wool alone, it’s super soft and has amazing odor resistance. However, it’s quite pricey. Meanwhile, synthetic fibers are cheaper and more durable. But compared to merino, they’re not as soft.
Design
In terms of design, you should always opt for underwear that has flatlock seams. The best anti chafing underwear for hiking will have this feature and it’ll prevent chafing. It’s also a good idea to avoid seams in places that could rub under your pack’s pressure.
Durability
Durability is a factor that you might have to consider a trade-off. Like we said earlier, synthetic underwear is more durable than merino wool underwear (don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying that merino underwear isn’t durable at all). However, the latter also offers many great pros. So, if durability is more important than comfort and odor resistance, you should go for synthetic underwear.
Odor resistance
If odor resistance is very important to you, then you should totally choose merino underwear. That’s because those made from synthetic materials don’t provide the same advantage. While some brands treat synthetic fibers with an antimicrobial coating to enhance the odor resistance of their underwear, they tend to fade after a couple of washing.
Why cotton is bad for hiking?
Cotton underwear is bad for hiking in cold conditions as it’s often soaked with sweat and therefore it leads to rapid body heat loss. In severe cases, it can even lead to hypothermia, which is the last thing you want to happen when you’re hiking.
Is bamboo underwear good for hiking?
Of course, it is. Although not as common as merino wool or synthetic materials, bamboo underwear is breathable and more quick-drying than cotton, making it great for hiking.
R RUXIA Women’s Hipster Underwear
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Here we have one of the best underwear for hiking with a blend of spandex and nylon. The R RUXIA Women’s Hipster Underwear offers you the best outdoor gear with all the important features such as comfort and a snug fit. Featuring full coverage, it also boasts an elastic waistband that enhances the comfort when you’re wearing it.
Another thing worth mentioning is that it has no tags! That means no irritating scratching and it’s great for everyday wear. Since one pack consists of 5 underwear with different colors, this product is a nice choice for multi-day hikers. Because it’s breathable, sweating a lot is also not a problem. You don’t have to worry about being smelly too as this underwear is odor-resistant.
What We Love
A very stretchy and comfortable option that’s true to size.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Stretchy and comfortable materials
- Available in different colors
- Offers full coverage
- Tagless
Cons:
- Since it’s a bit thin, it’s not ideal for winter hiking
Saxx Underwear Men’s Boxer Brief
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As one of the best underwear for hiking, the Saxx Underwear Men’s Boxer Brief is also crafted for intense and high-performance activities. What makes this model very popular and desired by many hikers is because it has excellent antimicrobial benefits and amazing moisture-wicking capability. Aside from that, it also provides amazing support by using nine shapely fabric panels to make a flexible structure as well as the addition of the ballpark pouch for added comfort to your private part.
Thanks to its food compression, this underwear also provides the right balance that makes it ideal multisport underwear. When it comes to the fabric, it’s very soft and offers you great ventilation. It also provides you a snug-fit feeling. Moreover, the 3D fit will give you amazing support around your hamstrings, quads, thighs, and glutes.
What We Love
This underwear is super comfortable and will last for a very long time.
Pros:
- Very soft and comfortable fabrics
- Ergonomic nine-panel construction
- Easy to clean
- Offers great ventilation
- Provides nice support around hamstrings, quads, thighs, and glutes
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a fly
32 DEGREES Heat Women’s Lightweight Thermal Baselayer Legging Pant
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Budget-conscious ladies will totally delight in the 32 DEGREES Heat Women’s Lightweight Thermal Baselayer Legging Pant. Considered by many as one of the best thermal underwear for hiking, it performs excellently in cold weather and comes with an affordable price tag to boot. Ideal for everyday wintry activities, this snug-fitting model also offers maximum stretch, allowing for full freedom of movement.
We also appreciate the fact that it’s available in 3 neutral shades, which are charcoal heather, stormy night, and black. That way, you can pair this product with any outfit! It’s also made of a warm blend of polyester and spandex that can wick away moisture. Plus, it’s lightly brushed on both sides, which gives it a soft and cozy feel that’s smooth to the touch.
What We Love
It’s a very cheap and soft model that will keep you warm and comfortable when hiking during winter.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Offers a snug fit
- Stretchable
- Available in 3 neutral shades
- Great moisture-wicking capability
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
Minus33 Merino Wool 702 Acadian Men’s Lightweight Boxer Brief
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Offering a great combination of performance and comfort, the Minus33 Merino Wool 702 Acadian Men’s Lightweight Boxer Brief is a must-have for hiking enthusiasts like you. This model is made of merino wool fabric, making it ideal for all-year-round use. It’s very comfortable and soft against the skin too, which we really love. As one of the best underwear for hiking, it also offers exceptional odor resistance, moisture-wicking capability, and breathability.
Yes, this is the perfect choice for intense activities like hiking, but you can also use this underwear even when you’re just going to the office. Apart from that, we also love the flatlock seams that allow for exceptional comfort, preventing chafing, and enabling your clothes to move simultaneously with you. Even better, it’s also easy to wash and maintain. Don’t worry, even after washing it plenty of times, it’ll still look good as new. It won’t fade, shrink, or lose shape!
What We Love
The comfort that this underwear offer is among the best.
Pros:
- 100% merino wool
- Machine washable
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Excellent quality at a reasonable price
- Exceptional odor resistance
Cons:
- Some feel it’s a bit too thick to wear year-round
ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6” Boxer Brief
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The ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Sport Mesh 6” Boxer Brief is a very popular option among outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. As one of the best underwear for hiking, this model is crafted from nylon with a small percentage of lycra spandex. Thanks to these materials, this underwear feels breathable and comfortable. The sport mesh model is also fast-drying, which is a huge plus.
Furthermore, the manufacturer offers this underwear in 3 different inseam lengths, which are 3 inches, 6 inches, and 9 inches. Of course, the best-selling model is the one with a 6-inch inseam. All in all, if you love durable underwear and don’t want to spend much money on merino, then this model is a good choice. After all, it’s not only ideal for hiking but also for different kinds of outdoor activities, so you don’t have to buy plenty of underwear for different activities.
What We Love
It’s an affordable model that’s very versatile and will last for years.
Pros:
- Well-ventilated mesh
- Quick-drying fabric
- Gives you a snug fit
- Chafe-free flatlock seams
- Can be used for other outdoor activities
Cons:
- Itchy tag
ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Sport 2.0 Bikini Brief
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Thanks to the performance of the ultra-light diamond-weave mesh fabric that’s very breathable and odor-resistant, the ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Sport 2.0 Bikini Brief has managed to land a spot on this list! Apart from that, this best underwear for hiking also has a great moisture-wicking capability and is quick-drying. Along with the perfect fit, low rise, and flatlock seaming, your hiking will be more enjoyable!
Don’t worry, this underwear is very easy to take care of! If you’re tired, just throw it inside your washing machine! Plus, the wide waistband won’t stretch out or lose shape even during long days of wear. When you’re not hiking, you can still use it for other activities. You’ll also love the fact that this hiking underwear is available in several different colors.
What We Love
It’s a very comfortable product that’s pretty versatile and easy to take care of.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Offers a perfect fit
- Available in many colors
- Great moisture-wicking capability
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
Cons:
- Itchy tag
Icebreaker Men’s Anatomica Boxers with Fly
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Don’t think that Smartwool is the only manufacturer that’s capable of producing top-notch merino clothing! Here we have the Icebreaker Men’s Anatomica Boxers with Fly, one of the best underwear for hiking that won’t disappoint you. It’s high-quality underwear that offers a comfy waistband, flatlock seams, snug fit, and like its name suggests, an open fly. Plus, by utilizing core-spun merino along with a nylon core, this underwear is very durable.
This amazing model is also designed to offer you amazing breathability during an intense hiking session. Aside from the naturally breathable properties of merino wool, it also has added panels of core-spun eyelet mesh in key areas to give optimal airflow during high-output activities. All in all, we can confidently say that this underwear is undoubtedly a great pick that offers great value for your hard-earned money.
What We Love
Because of its comfortable material, it’s one of the best picks for those who prefer to go on a hike after a long day.
Pros:
- Excellent odor resistance
- Flatlock seams prevent chafing
- Comes with a fly
- Stretchable
- Incorporated with core-spun fabric for improved durability
Cons:
- A bit expensive compared to other best anti chafing underwear for hiking
Icebreaker Women’s Siren Merino Wool Bikini Underwear
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Another top product that you can find on the market right now is none other than the popular Icebreaker Women’s Siren Merino Wool Bikini Underwear. As expected from one of the best underwear for hiking, this underwear is comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. You should note that it’s a little narrower. But if you have a smaller rear or are comfortable in a slightly narrower bikini, then this model is great for you.
To make this underwear, the manufacturer uses a lightweight merino fabric wrapped around a nylon core, which is referred to as core-spun fabric. This fabric provides next-to-skin comfort and retains merino’s odor-resistant properties. Meanwhile, the nylon core will increase the underwear’s durability.
What We Love
This underwear is great for women with a smaller rear or those that prefer narrower underwear for hiking.
Pros:
- Comfortable and breathable
- Lightweight
- Odor-resistant
- Very durable
- 5 different sizes
Cons:
- Some women find it too thin
Balanced Tech Women’s 6 Pack Seamless Hipster Brief
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For multi-day hiking, the Balanced Tech Women’s 6 Pack Seamless Hipster Brief might be the best underwear for hiking you can purchase. Made of synthetic fabric, this underwear will guarantee you unbeatable comfort. This mid-rise underwear will also offer you full coverage and doesn’t compromise on comfort. With its moisture-wicking capability, it’ll prevent any odor and you’ll always be comfortable all day long.
Personally, we really like the seamless and tagless waistband. It makes wearing this underwear way more comfortable and hikers won’t have to feel itchy. With the absence of seams, this underwear won’t show panty lines, which is another added bonus that you’ll certainly like. Plus, the comfy material is very stretchable, which means it won’t restrict your movement when you’re hiking.
What We Love
It offers nothing but comfort and dryness all day long.
Pros:
- One pack consists of 6 underwear which is ideal for a multi-day hiking
- Very durable materials
- Dries quickly
- Available in many colors
- Breathable
- Seamless and tagless waistband
Cons:
- More expensive compared to some of the best thermal underwear for hiking
Smartwool Merino 150 Bikini
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Every women hiker out there should definitely have this amazing hiking underwear. The Smartwool Merino 150 Bikini is one of the best underwear for hiking women can find out there, and it’s naturally odor-resistant! Just like other best anti chafing underwear for hiking, it also has flatlock seams to prevent chafing. With your comfort in mind, this underwear can wick away moisture and keep you warm and comfortable all day long.
What surprises us is how lightweight and breathable this underwear is. Perfect for hiking and other active use, it’ll still feel very comfortable even when you’re sweating it out on the climb up the mountain. Yes, they may not be the cheapest option on the shelf. In fact, they may well be amongst the most expensive. But considering this underwear’s impressive performance, it’s certainly worth the money.
What We Love
A premium and comfortable option that’s designed specifically for women who want merino underwear.
Pros:
- Offers a comfortable fit
- High-quality merino
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Naturally odor-resistant
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
Cons:
- Expensive
EYUSHIJIA Men’s 4 Pack Comfortable Bamboo Fiber Modal Boxer Brief
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With its cotton-like feel, it’s hard to ignore the EYUSHIJIA Men’s 4 Pack Comfortable Bamboo Fiber Modal Boxer Brief. This very popular option boasts bamboo fabric that’s very similar to modern merino wool. It has excellent antibacterial properties and moisture-wicking capability that makes it one of the best underwear for hiking. The bamboo fabric is made of 5% spandex and 95% bamboo, so you can expect it to offer you an excellent fit. That’s not all, as this underwear is also eco-friendly, UV-protecting, and hypoallergenic. Pretty awesome, huh?
Aside from hiking, this amazing product is also suitable for daily use. Compared to other best underwear for hiking on this list, it’s safe to say that this one is quite unique. That’s mainly because it’s incorporated with dual supportive pouches that separate your bits into their respective comfortable cradles. Even better, all of those great benefits come wrapped in a pack of 4 at a price range lower than most solo pairs of underwear out there!
What We Love
An affordable option with a great pouch design and comfortable bamboo fabric that’s pretty rare to find.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly, UV-protecting, and hypoallergenic
- Comes in a pack of 4
- Very durable
- Suitable for daily use too
- Great moisture-wicking capability
- Excellent antimicrobial properties
Cons:
- Too big for some people
Duofold Men’s Midweight Double-Layer Thermal Pant
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If what you want is the best thermal underwear for hiking during winter, then look no further than the Duofold Men’s Midweight Double-Layer Thermal Pant. It’s the perfect choice for those searching for a budget-minded pick. Its 2 layers consist of a 100% cotton inner layer that provides unrivaled softness along with merino wool in the outer layer for natural insulation.
We also like the anti-microbial fabric that’ll keep smells out, while the moisture-wicking tech will keep you warm and sweat-free at all times. No matter what you’re up to, the flatlock seams will prevent chafing, making it one of the best anti chafing underwear for hiking. Another huge plus is that the tagless label won’t irritate or itch your skin. But keep in mind that you should always wear this product under a thicker outer layer as it’s not windproof.
What We Love
Arguably the best thermal underwear for hiking you can find out there.
Pros:
- Wallet-friendly
- 100% cotton inner layer
- Merino wool for natural insulation
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Flatlock seams to prevent chafing
- The tagless label won’t irritate your skin
Cons:
- Might run a bit short for people with long legs
Smartwool Men’s Merino Sport 150 Boxer Brief
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Made from merino, the Smartwool Men’s Merino Sport 150 Boxer Brief is very comfortable against the skin and very durable. As one of the best underwear for hiking, this boxer brief uses a slim fit but also provides enough ventilation so that your private part can receive some air when you’re on a very intense trip. That’s not all, as its airy fit is also perfect for days of hiking trips. Furthermore, this underwear utilizes flatlock seams to reduce the chances of chafing, making it one of the best anti chafing underwear for hiking.
You’ll also like the fact that its wide waistband won’t rub and irritate your back due to your backpack pressure. Apart from that, you can also enjoy the benefits of merino wool like outstanding odor resistance and moisture-wicking capability. Although many are skeptical about the durability of merino products, you can rest assured knowing that this underwear is very durable. However, you should know that compared to other best thermal underwear for hiking, this one is a little bit more expensive. But for what it has to offer, you won’t regret buying this underwear!
What We Love
This underwear is very comfortable and the material is nothing but high-quality.
Pros:
- Suitable for warm and cold weather conditions
- Outstanding odor resistance
- Moisture-wicking capability
- Flatlock seam construction to reduce chafing
- Double front panel for additional support
- Ample ventilation
Cons:
- A little bit more expensive than other options
