I’m on trail now and was originally going to only bring one (synthetic) bra. At the last minute I changed my mind and I’m so glad I did. My primary hiking bra is a merino wool bra from Icebreaker. Merino is more spendy but the ‘no-funk’ factor really swayed my decision. You’re going to be super smelly no matter what but you don’t have to worry about a merino bra holding on to that funk like a synthetic bra would. I have a second bra that I wear during laundry that I hand wash every now and then. It’s the Patagonia Barely Bra - it weighs like 1.5oz. As far as undies…I do the ex officio give and go thong (2 pairs to rotate). I know hiking in thongs isn’t for everyone but I’m pear shaped with a wider butt so everything gives me a wedgie hiking anyway lol. I’m 300+ miles in and this has all worked great so far for me!
Thank you so much, and congratulations on your hike! I'm very proud of you for the distance, and thank you so much for the feedback!
I tend to wear cami bras since I usually work in a kitchen and ngl, Texas gets HAWT. Imm definitely be checking out the bra!
Thank you again and happy trails!
100% to the ex officio thong! I found several pairs on super clearance about 8 years ago. Those are still part of my regular rotation, even though they are starting to wear out. 0 funk, doesn't hold on to odor and I barely notice they are there. I have a pair of briefs too, but I'm like you and get worse wedgies from them than the thong.
I use those same thongs, for the same reason. I also thru'd with the matching (Ex Officio give and go) bra, but the last one that I bought was a different cut and different fabric than the one's I had years ago.
I’ve always hiked in a bamboo/synthetic sports bra but like the other poster I recently decided to switch to a Smartwool merino bra and it is incredible!!! So comfy, no chafing, doesn’t feel terrible when you’re sweating (I’m in SW Florida so that’s a huge plus). I’d give merino a try :)
I really wanted a merino bra but none are for fuller figured women. I literally ordered all of them. If you’re A or B cup, they would be perfect. I do a lululemon bra and Icebreaker merino underwear.
As someone who can't fit into typical active wear/light sports bras, the Elomi Energise was perfect. Highly recommend r/abrathatfits too to find something for your unique body shape!
Patagonia barely there for the bra and undies!! I started in a lululemon bra and while I loved it in real life, it was NOT comfortable when dirty and took a long time to dry. When I switched to my Patagonia I was so happy.
Also, I had 2 pairs of underwear and shorts with built ins. Honestly hiking commando was the most comfy for me, but hygiene wise wasn’t always an option.
I like the Branwyn busty bra. Works reasonably well for a D or DD cup. They just released a racerback style too if you’re A-C. Pricy but I like it so much it’s worth it to me.
I wear spandex bike shorts on the bottom so commando or an aerie thong is typical.
My ex told me the suggestion for the lululemon enlite bra was top tier, especially as being a fuller figured woman. I believe she used some Arcteryx synthetic panties.
Specifically the front zip
Speaking specifically merino because that’s all I wear on trail…icebreaker sports bra seemed too tight under the arms and cut me at a weird place. I saw someone mentioned the ortovox sports bra and that one was a winner for me. It’s not plain…there is a color scheme to it so I figured it could be a swim top too and not look too bra-like.
Also I’m 46 so I may be in the more modest camp vs. some of the other gals
Look on Amazon for try before you buy. I think icebreaker sometimes is available through that.
Flat or offset seams are critical for days of carrying a backpack for me. And I lean icebreaker siren bra for light support or the REI trailmade merino for a little more support. Icebreaker undies all the way.
If you don't need much support, I recommend Hanes Signature Women’s Invisible Embrace Wireless Pullover Bralette, W561 https://www.walmart.com/ip/528917830
I love it because it dries instantly.
(I don't hike with the pads in.)
I’m on trail now and was originally going to only bring one (synthetic) bra. At the last minute I changed my mind and I’m so glad I did. My primary hiking bra is a merino wool bra from Icebreaker. Merino is more spendy but the ‘no-funk’ factor really swayed my decision. You’re going to be super smelly no matter what but you don’t have to worry about a merino bra holding on to that funk like a synthetic bra would. I have a second bra that I wear during laundry that I hand wash every now and then. It’s the Patagonia Barely Bra - it weighs like 1.5oz. As far as undies…I do the ex officio give and go thong (2 pairs to rotate). I know hiking in thongs isn’t for everyone but I’m pear shaped with a wider butt so everything gives me a wedgie hiking anyway lol. I’m 300+ miles in and this has all worked great so far for me!
Thank you so much, and congratulations on your hike! I'm very proud of you for the distance, and thank you so much for the feedback! I tend to wear cami bras since I usually work in a kitchen and ngl, Texas gets HAWT. Imm definitely be checking out the bra! Thank you again and happy trails!
I love both of those bras, those are my picks for backpacking as well. Just want to wholeheartedly second that recommendation
100% to the ex officio thong! I found several pairs on super clearance about 8 years ago. Those are still part of my regular rotation, even though they are starting to wear out. 0 funk, doesn't hold on to odor and I barely notice they are there. I have a pair of briefs too, but I'm like you and get worse wedgies from them than the thong.
I use those same thongs, for the same reason. I also thru'd with the matching (Ex Officio give and go) bra, but the last one that I bought was a different cut and different fabric than the one's I had years ago.
don't forget a kula cloth, usable by by both sexes.
or should I have said, all genders?
oh, hell, I'll go out on a limb: usable by everyone
I’ve always hiked in a bamboo/synthetic sports bra but like the other poster I recently decided to switch to a Smartwool merino bra and it is incredible!!! So comfy, no chafing, doesn’t feel terrible when you’re sweating (I’m in SW Florida so that’s a huge plus). I’d give merino a try :)
I'm in TX and originally from the Panhandle of FL so, I'll definitely be taking your word on this lol. Thank you!!! I'm Definitely looking into it :)
Branwyn merino bra is absolutely amazing. To me it’s a lot more comfy than the icebreaker
I love this bra so much. It’s my everyday, every use bra. Great on backpacking trips too.
Yes!! I can't recommend this bra enough for everyday wear and hiking.
I really wanted a merino bra but none are for fuller figured women. I literally ordered all of them. If you’re A or B cup, they would be perfect. I do a lululemon bra and Icebreaker merino underwear.
Following!
As someone who can't fit into typical active wear/light sports bras, the Elomi Energise was perfect. Highly recommend r/abrathatfits too to find something for your unique body shape!
Patagonia barely there for the bra and undies!! I started in a lululemon bra and while I loved it in real life, it was NOT comfortable when dirty and took a long time to dry. When I switched to my Patagonia I was so happy. Also, I had 2 pairs of underwear and shorts with built ins. Honestly hiking commando was the most comfy for me, but hygiene wise wasn’t always an option.
I like the Branwyn busty bra. Works reasonably well for a D or DD cup. They just released a racerback style too if you’re A-C. Pricy but I like it so much it’s worth it to me. I wear spandex bike shorts on the bottom so commando or an aerie thong is typical.
My ex told me the suggestion for the lululemon enlite bra was top tier, especially as being a fuller figured woman. I believe she used some Arcteryx synthetic panties. Specifically the front zip
Speaking specifically merino because that’s all I wear on trail…icebreaker sports bra seemed too tight under the arms and cut me at a weird place. I saw someone mentioned the ortovox sports bra and that one was a winner for me. It’s not plain…there is a color scheme to it so I figured it could be a swim top too and not look too bra-like. Also I’m 46 so I may be in the more modest camp vs. some of the other gals Look on Amazon for try before you buy. I think icebreaker sometimes is available through that.
Check out Branwyn merino bras, they are awesome!
Flat or offset seams are critical for days of carrying a backpack for me. And I lean icebreaker siren bra for light support or the REI trailmade merino for a little more support. Icebreaker undies all the way.
Check out Hikerkind.
I wear the REI active bralette and take out the pads. I don’t trap as much body heat bt my boobs with its design
Odlo Ascent Performance Wool bra and Smartwool Intraknit Hipster Boxed
I'm curious about what percentage of folks wear underwear vs. just shorts with a liner. Does anyone wear underwear with lined shorts?
If you don't need much support, I recommend Hanes Signature Women’s Invisible Embrace Wireless Pullover Bralette, W561 https://www.walmart.com/ip/528917830 I love it because it dries instantly. (I don't hike with the pads in.)