TOP 6 LIST: Best Hiking Bra in 2023
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The bra you wear on the go can make or break your day while hiking. Although hiking is a medium to low impact activity, it is not without sweating, and you may need a bra that keeps you dry all day and prevents chafing while giving you the support you need. In this article, I have highlighted some of the best hiking bras in the market. These sports bras provide structured support and moisture-wicking for hiking and are comfortable for all-day wearing.
What is the Best Hiking Bra?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Hiking Bra and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available bras for hiking that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these hiking bras.
We also wrote a brief hiking bras Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 6 bras for hiking based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Fittin Racerback Sports Bra for Women
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Fabric: 62% Nylon, 30% Polyester, 8% Spandex |
Fittin Racerback Sports Bra for Women is an excellent choice if you want a hiking bra that you can wear without a top. Its full-coverage design allows you to wear it without a workout blouse or t-shirt on top. However, if you are self-conscious it may be awkward to wear it alone because the removable bra padding is visible through the material.
For those who need a fitting XXL size this bra might be what you need. Even the large sizes fit comfortably for those with a big chest. The wide shoulder straps offer a supportive fit for all-day comfort during the trek.
Pros
- Soft and quick-drying fabric,
- Wide shoulder straps for supportive fit,
- Efficient moisture-wicking technology,
- Racerback for extra support,
- Comfortable fit for all sizes
Cons
- Padding visible through the white bra material
2. Panache Women’s Underwired Sports Bra
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Fabric: 48% Polyamide, 38% Polyester, 14% Elastane |
For those who do not mind spending a few more coins to get premium quality, the Panache Women’s Underwired Sports Bra may be a great option. Even with underwire construction, the bra offers a comfortable fit with its encapsulating design that supports each breast individually. Its cushioned shoulder straps and racerback style offer additional support where you are planning to engage in vigorous activities. For those with a small bust, the back is adjustable with a hook and eye closure to help you achieve a comfortable fit. However, some users have complained that the underwire pops out too soon, which might be disappointing. The underwire may also be uncomfortable to wear for hiking because it is an extended activity, unlike gym exercises and running.
Pros
- Encapsulating design for lift and structure,
- Cushioned shoulder straps for comfort,
- Features ventilating mesh panels, Provides support that minimizes bounce,
- Comfortable fit for all sizes
Cons
- Underwire pops out too soon
3. Hanes Women’s Comfort Evolution Bra
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Fabric: 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex |
Hanes Women’s Comfort Evolution Bra is an ideal option for anyone on a budget. Despite the comfort and support it offers, this bra costs less than most sports bras available in the market. It has no underwire and features a comfortable seamless construction that allows some users to wear it as a sleeping bra. The Hanes Evolution bra comes with a hook and eye closure that provides adequate support for women with well-endowed chests. The construction material features a blend of spandex and polyester that is quick-drying and stretchy. It is comfortably fitting without feeling tight, which makes it ideal for hiking.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable fit,
- No underwire but adequate support,
- Provides plenty of coverage,
- Lightweight and quick-drying fabric,
- Ideal for people with large breasts,
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The straps are not adjustable
4. WAMA Triangle Bralette
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Fabric: 53% hemp, 44% organic cotton, 3% spandex |
The WAMA triangle bralette is a flattering and supportive option. Unlike other sports bras, the WAMA triangle bralette is much more delicate-looking and is compatible with low-cut shirts.
Though it has no underwire, the flexible band is sturdy enough to keep you supported all day long, whether you’re hiking or not. Even reviewers with larger breasts said they did not worry about falling out of the bralette, which can be hard to find.
The fabric of this hemp bralette is soft and comfortable, though it isn’t as moisture-wicking as other sportswear. Because it is made of hemp, it may take longer to dry than other materials would.
Since hemp is a sustainable material, the WAMA triangle bralette is a great choice for eco-friendly hikers wanting to feel good while looking good.
Pros
- Made from hemp, a sustainable material,
- Flexible yet sturdy band to support all sizes,
- Flattering low-cut design,
- No underwire,
- Adjustable and convertible straps
Cons
- Absorbs moisture easily and dries slowly, cooling the fabric against your skin,
- Doesn’t dry as quickly as other sports-oriented fabrics
5. Running Girl Sports Bra for Women
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Fabric: Cotton and Lycra |
If you are looking for a stylish hiking bra, the Running Girl Sports Bra for Women might be it. The cross-back design not only provides additional back support but is suitable for wearing without a workout top. This bra fits comfortably for people with large busts as it is stretchy enough to prevent tightness. It also comes with removable cups for structured fitting and is ideal for low and medium-impact activities such as hiking. The thick fabric wicks away moisture, keeping your chest area cool and dry.
Pros
- Crossback design for extra back support,
- Stylish construction with moisture wicking fabric,
- Thick fabric with removable cups,
- Soft underbust elastic prevents chafing,
- Comfortable fit for all sizes
6. Wacoal Women’s Underwire Bra
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Fabric: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex |
Wacoal Women’s Underwire Bra is designed like a regular bra with features like hook and eye closure, adjustable straps, and encapsulating design. The outside underwire frame is one of the unique features that sportswomen might be excited about. The construction not only supports the boobs individually but also offers extra support during vigorous activities.
It makes a great t-shirt bra for those who may not want to hide their bra under the tank. Nevertheless, some sizes may feel too big, and you might want to check the manufacturer’s guide before buying one.
Pros
- Mesh back helps with ventilation,
- Outside underwire frame reduces bounce,
- Two-ply fabric cups for extra support,
- Encapsulating design ideal for big busts
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Hiking Bra is below:
Overall best hiking bra out there: Fittin Racerback Sports Bra for Women
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: WAMA Triangle Bralette
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Hanes Women’s Comfort Evolution Bra
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying hiking bras
Overview
Hiking bras are less constricting than the traditional sports bra, which allows you to wear them all day without discomfort or chafing while supporting your chest. Below are the features you need to consider before buying a hiking bra.
Hiking Bra Fabric
The ideal fabric for a hiking bra is moisture-wicking and quick drying. Merino wool and bamboo fabrics naturally have moisture-wicking properties and are comfortable on the skin which is why many hikers prefer them. These materials are also ideal for other hiking gear such as bamboo socks and hiking underwear. However, these materials are blended with nylon or spandex to offer additional support and stretching. Other synthetic fabrics such as polyester can also make good hiking bras as they dry quickly. Even then, they need to be blended with wool fabrics to improve their moisture-wicking properties.
Compression
A good hiking bra should offer good support to hold your boobs in place so that you can jump, walk, or lunge without worrying about any bounce. On the same note, you might not need a bra that offers high compression because it may be uncomfortable to wear for several hours. It is also important to consider options with adjustable straps and hand-and-eye closures to achieve a good fit.
Breathability and Durability
Airflow pulls away moisture from the skin, leaving your chest area feeling cool and wool fabrics such as merino wool are highly breathable and antimicrobial to prevent sweat odors. On the other hand, synthetic fibers like spandex and nylon last longer compared to wool and cotton. Getting a blend of merino wool and polyester may be a great idea if you want something durable.
Construction
Wearing a backpack may put extra pressure on your bra straps and lead to discomfort. For this reason, it’s advisable to go for bras with seamless, non-adjustable straps if possible. If you must wear a hiking bra with hardware, be sure to adjust the plastic or metallic parts of your bra straps so that they are on your chest or upper back instead of directly on top of your shoulders.
Underwire
An underwire bra might not be an ideal option for hiking because it may be too constricting, putting a lot of pressure on your chest causing discomfort. Nevertheless, if you still want a bra that encapsulates your breasts, you can go for the underwire bra.
Padding
Wearing padded bras during a hike is known to reduce breast pain caused by movements. A padded hiking bra restricts breast movements, minimizing the discomfort that comes with the motion. Depending on your cup size, you may consider light or heavy padding. For those with small cup sizes, heavy padding would be ideal for additional support. However, less padding may allow breathability better to prevent stuffiness on a hot day.
Style
Style is a matter of preference, and you can get brightly-colored and flower-patterned bras instead of the typical solid colors. Other style considerations include the different strap styles, which affect the fit and support the bra provides. The racerback straps are the most ideal because they offer great support for petite hikers, while the hook and eye closure straps are suitable for big chested women because they have firm support. Therefore, go for what you feel comfortable wearing.
Questions and Answers About hiking bras
Can I wear a normal bra or should I wear a sports bra to hike?
No. A sports bra is meant to wick away moisture and keep you fresh when hiking. By design, it is breathable and lightweight to enhance cooling and dryness. However, a normal bra lacks these features and will make you feel uncomfortable after sweating.
How do I clean my hiking bra and maintain it in good condition?
Use ordinary or performance detergent with cold water to wash your hiking bra. Avoid hot-washing or heat-drying as this degrades the elastic as well as the bra’s fabric.
