Breathing
All hiking underwear is made from breathable materials–from natural materials like wool to synthetic mesh designed to allow heat and moisture exchange.
Fast drying
Hiking underwear should dry quickly so you can hand wash them in camp on overnight trips or in hostels if you use them as hiking underwear. It’s also helpful to have quick-drying underwear when you’re doubling up as your hiking underwear as a swimsuit or when you’re walking in a storm.
Odor resistance
Hiking underwear often has an odor-eliminating treatment. Merino is naturally resistant to bacteria, so that keeps odor under control. Synthetic materials may have a silver treatment woven into the fabric or other anti-odor technology sprayed onto the fabric. Synthetic treatment washes off after 25 washes or so.
Strength
Hiking is an activity with repetitive motions so if there is a weak spot in your underwear, that may go. Dedicated travel underwear is more expensive than most home underwear, so we checked to see what is suitable for repeated use.
Flexibility
I have only worn underwear for hiking and touring for the past two decades. The moisture control and odor control can’t be beat, and since I live a busy life where I’ll spend half the day working and the other half hiking, it’s nice not having to change underwear every time I decide to go out. What this means for hiking underwear, however, is that it should be flexible. There are no large elastic bands with a foreign brand name. Ideally, I want thin underwear for hiking that won’t have a visible pant line with leggings.
Sun protection
Hear me on this one—the last place you want to get sunburned is down there. There is a lot of sensitive skin. And if you’re like me and ride in a skirt or short shorts, it increases your chances of getting sunburned in places you don’t want it. Plus, the UPF-rated material means you can double up your travel underwear as a swimsuit when you hit the pool.
Easy maintenance
Many hiking underwear are made from technical materials that perform best when left to dry. Some materials, such as wool, may experience some shrinkage when placed in the dryer. Synthetic materials can melt at high temperatures in the dryer. No one wants to spend a ton of time washing underwear, so I’ve given preference to pairs with easy care.
Anti-fade properties
We choose underwear with flatlock seams that reduce chafing. Poorly placed stitches can lead to wrinkling or a scratching sensation in sensitive areas. That’s a dealbreaker.
Elasticity and movement
Hiking underwear should be stretchy to stretch and contract as you walk. It does not lose its shape (it loosens as it grows without contracting leading to swelling). It doesn’t feel tight and tight (no stretch). The fabric stays in place.
Size and body type
We’re looking for underwear with adjustable elastic bands that stay tight without feeling restrictive. If it rolls over or shortens, it may be the wrong size or style for your body type.
Price
Hiking underwear ranges in price from $20 for inexpensive synthetics to $50 for a wool pair.