Like all hiking gear, underwear needs to perform. Any layer that doesn’t dry quickly is uncomfortable, so a moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric is essential. As always, that means opt for synthetic or wool and stay away from cotton.
The six pairs of underwear weren’t chosen at random. Four of them because they were available at my local REI. The Branwyn previously sent over some samples. I purchased some from Ridge Merino after hearing how good their products are. There are plenty more options out there, and I’ll try to add to this review.
- There seem to be two types of underwear, beyond the fabric. Some are made of one fabric all over, while others feature fabric between the waist and leg bands. I prefer the former, and my top two choices reflect that.
- I found that all of these have a visible panty line, but my focus is on performance. Most are also available as a thong
- Yes, all of these options are pricy. There are always deals to be had. Less desirable colors often go on sale. There are sales for most holidays and often discounts for purchasing multiple pairs. The price per wear will be low.
- The fit and sizing of underwear vary wildly between brands. I included my height and weight as well as the sizes I tried in the chart.
- As far as wool vs synthetics goes, my conclusion is that the design and fit is more important than the fabric.
Buying underwear is annoying because you usually can’t try it on and even if you can, you need to wash it and wear it to know really now if they’re good. Even with REI’s generous return policy, I’m not going to return briefs. Hopefully this helps in your search for the best women’s hiking underwear.
The Best Hiking Underwear For Women
| Patagonia Active Briefs | Branwyn Essential Briefs | Ice Breaker Siren Briefs | Ridge Merino Boy Shorts | REI Active Briefs | REI Merino Briefs | ||
| Price | $26 | $38 | $35 | $30 | $18 | $30 | |
| Fabric | 88% 4.9-oz nylon/12% spandex | 81% Merino wool/12% nylon/7% spandex | 83% Merino wool/12% nylon/5% spandex | 84% Merino wool/12% nylon/4% spandex | 86% polyester/14% spandex mesh | 48% Merino wool/32% Tencel/15% nylon/5% spandex | |
| Wool Weight | n/a | Not listed | 150g | 180g | n/a | 150g | |
| First Impression | These aren’t worth the money. | I love these! | Looks like underwear that comes in a 6-pack | These seem good. | Feels like wearing nothing, even when sweaty. | I love these! The colors make me happy and the elastic blocks wedgies. | |
| After 6 months | Totally worth it. The sewn-in tag gets itchy sometimes, especially after I tried to cut it out. | I love these! The stretch is holding up and they have never felt itchy. | The stretch in the elastic and fabric are holding up well. | These are good. I should try the briefs. | Starting to get baggy. I should try the medium. | The fit isn’t right for me. It seems to work for some people but not all. | |
| Size + Fit (5’8″/140lb) | L – Good | XL – Sized up but I think L would be fine | L – Just right | L – Good | L – Too big | M – A little tight | |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Counting Down To The Best Wool + Active Underwear
6. REI Co-op Merino Underwear
These are similar to men’s briefs without the flap.
Price
$35
Where To Buy
Pros
Soft merino wool with stretch
Quick dry
No wedgies!
Cons
Thick waistband may not appeal to everyone, but I like it
Fit doesn’t work for all bodies
Fabric stretches over time.
Fabric
48% 150g Merino wool/32% Tencel lyocell/15% nylon, and 5% spandex
Summary
The REI Merino briefs are not “barely there” underwear but in a good way. The thick elastic waistband and fabric stretch comfortably hug the body.
In addition to 48% merino wool, the fabric gets softness and stretch from Tencel, nylon, and Spandex. The little bit of compression prevents any movement or bunching while hiking and also seems to prevent wedgies. For me, that is the most important feature hiking underwear.
If you always wanted to wear superhero underwear but never got to, the contrasting colorways will please your inner child.
This underwear is also available as hipster, bikini, and thong.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for soft women’s wool underwear with a wide elastic waistband.
5. REI Co-op Active Underwear
The stretchy mesh fabric makes these briefs lightweight and airy.
Price
$18
Fabric
86% polyester/14% spandex mesh
Where To Buy
Pros
Ultra lightweight mesh
Dries fast
Cons
Fabric may stretch out over time
Summary
I liked these briefs more at first than after a few months of wear. I wanted to make sure this was a size issue, not a fabric issues so I tried a smaller size. I think these are absolutely worth a try, especially if you’re willing to return them.
Try them as a thong, bikini, hipster, or briefs for the most coverage.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for women’s performance underwear at a lower price point.
4. Ridge Merino Boy Shorts
I bought these boy shorts for an additional layer of warmth for winter hikes. I’m happy to report that they perform as I’d hoped, like wearing long johns without the length.
Price
$30
Fabric
84% Merino wool/12% Nylon/4% Spandex
Where To Buy
Pros
Soft 180g Merino wool briefs
No wedgies
Seam patterns
Cons
Size up
Great customer service
Summary
Natural fibers have the magical quality of keeping you warm in the cold and cooling you off in the heat. Even though I bought these for winter hikes, I wear them year round. The seams are more like bike shorts than underwear so you can get away with wearing these as swimwear.
If you don’t want the full coverage of boy shorts, Ridge Merino also makes thongs and briefs in 170g wool.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for comfortable and durable wool underwear.
3. Icebreaker Siren Women’s Underwear
The Siren may be the most popular wool underwear for women available, with a rating 4.7/5 from thousands of reviews at Icebreaker and REI alone. Check it out as a thong, bikini, or hipster. If you love the fit and fabric, there is also a bralette.
Price
$35
Where To Buy
Pros
83% Merino wool + 12% nylon for durability + 5% Spandex for stretch
Wool naturally wicks moisture + dries quickly
Durable
Cons
Price – so try to get them on sale
Summary
I purchased these knowing I wouldn’t return them, despite REI’s generous return policy. At first, I was disappointed that these $35 panties looked just like the elastic-trimmed underwear that comes in a 6-pack.
After more washing and wearing, I have joined the ranks of 90% of reviewers who recommend Siren briefs. The initial price is high, but the cost-per-wear is competitive and the three style choices make it easy to find a pair you like.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for performance + comfortable wool women’s underwear for hiking, travel, and daily life.
2. Branwyn Essential Underwear
Full disclosure, I wouldn’t have known about these had Branwyn not reached out with some gear to try. I’m so glad they did because I wear both the bralette and underwear as frequently as I can wash them. Yes, I know wool can be worn repeatedly but that’s not my preference as far as underwear bottoms go.
Price
$30
Where To Buy
Pros
Fit + stretch feels like regular underwear
Stay in place all day
Cons
Size up for a looser fit
Fabric
81% extra fine Merino wool/12% nylon/7% Spandex
Summary
Wool underwear usually feels different than regular briefs. Most of them feature a defined waist and leg bands. Somehow Branwyn’s GLDNspun knit blend feels more stretchy than other brands that have a higher fabric content. The fit is snug and doesn’t stretch out. I sized up at their recommendation but don’t I think I needed to. But if you don’t like the feeling of compression, do size up.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for women’s wool underwear with stretch
1. Patagonia Active Briefs
Like most Patagonia products, the Active Briefs are expensive and totally worth it.
Price
$26
Fabric
88% 4.9-oz nylon (40% recycled)/12% spandex
Where To Buy
Pros
High spandex content
Soft + comfortable
Great for exercise + everyday
Cons
Sewn-in tag
May want to size up
Summary
These briefs have the highest Spandex content of the six I’m comparing here and it shows in snug-but-not-tight fit. With all of these new briefs to try, these are the first I reach for every time. I don’t know why, but the hipster style gets higher reviews than the briefs.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who wants to buy women’s underwear and never think about it again.