Best Hiking and Backpacking Underwear: 5 Pairs Worth Considering

Introduction

Hiking and backpacking underwear needs to do more than everyday underwear. It has to stay comfortable under a hip belt, resist bunching and chafing on long days, dry quickly after a hand wash, and hold up to repeated use. The five pairs below stood out across months of trail testing for their fit, fabric behavior, and practical strengths.

Some are designed for low-rise preferences, others for high-rise coverage, period use, or hybrid wear as shorts. Each pair has a clear role, and the trade-offs are worth knowing before you choose.

What Matters in Hiking Underwear

Comfort is the first filter. Underwear that rolls, bunches, or creates a wedgie will make a long climb feel longer. Durability matters too, especially for fabric that is washed frequently and worn under a pack. Quick drying is essential for backpacking because damp fabric can encourage bacteria and chafing. Fit range, waist height, and multi-use potential also shape which pair makes sense for a given trip.

Best Low-Rise Option: Patagonia Barely Hipsters

The Patagonia Barely Hipsters are a strong choice for anyone who already prefers a low-rise cut. Despite the low waist, they offer generous rear coverage, so there is less rolling, bunching, or wedgie potential during a hike. The fabric is very lightweight and dries quickly after a hand wash and hang dry. Durability also lives up to what many people expect from Patagonia.

The main trade-offs are the limited size range and the very low rise. When sitting down, the low cut can expose the lower back, which is less of an issue with high-waisted hiking pants. At $24, they are not the cheapest pair here, but they are also not the most expensive.

Best High-Rise Multi-Use Option: Tarakaya Mara Briefs

The Tarakaya Mara Briefs take a different approach with a high-rise, full-coverage design that can also work as a swimsuit. The material feels similar to swimwear but lighter, and the wide high waistband sits in the same area as a backpack hip belt, so nothing cuts in. That makes them especially appealing for summer trips where one pair can serve double duty.

The downsides are the small brand’s limited size range, currently 2 to 12, and the $54 price. If your size is available, the multi-use value is clear.

Best Hybrid Short Underwear: Kula Cloth Pika Pants

The Kula Cloth Pika Pants blur the line between underwear and shorts. They have a roughly five-inch inseam and stay down over the thighs without rolling or bunching, which helps avoid the side chafing that boxer-style shorts can cause. They are breathable, handle moisture well, and include a back pocket that fits a phone, key, or snack. The size range runs from XS to 5XL.

The main drawback is visibility: they tend to show under most hiking pants, whether at the waistband or through the leg seam. At $54, they are also a premium option. For anyone who wants underwear that can double as lightweight quick-dry shorts, those trade-offs may be worth it.

Best Period Underwear: Saalt Comfort Brief

The Saalt Comfort Brief is the pick for period wear on hiking and backpacking trips. The Tencel modal fabric feels exceptionally soft, which matters when comfort is already a priority during menstruation. These briefs work well alongside a menstrual cup or disc, and they remain cozy even when they need cleaning. Sizes run from XS to XXL.

There are a few considerations. Tencel modal is not as breathable or durable as nylon or spandex, and the design may not suit front bleeders. At $38, they sit in the middle of this group on price.

Best Overall Value: REI Active Hipsters

The REI Active Hipsters were the biggest surprise and the overall favorite. They use a quick-dry polyester spandex mesh with antimicrobial treatment, and the hipster cut offers full rear coverage without sagging, riding up, or rolling down at the waistband. They are lightweight, airy, and comfortable enough for repeated long days. The fabric has also held up well over months of use with no pilling or visible wear. Sizes run from XS to 3XL, and at $18.95 they are the least expensive pair on this list.

The only real drawback is the limited color selection. If you want one reliable pair of backpacking underwear, these are the easiest recommendation.

Buying Advice for Hiking Underwear

Choose based on waist height and how you plan to use the pair. Low-rise fans will get the best fit from the Patagonia Barely Hipsters, while high-rise and swim-friendly trips point toward the Tarakaya Mara Briefs. The Kula Cloth Pika Pants make the most sense for hikers who want a hybrid short, and the Saalt Comfort Brief is the clear option for period use.

For most backpackers, the REI Active Hipsters offer the strongest combination of price, quick-dry performance, antimicrobial fabric, comfort, and durability. If you prefer a specific cut or need a multi-use piece, the other pairs fill those roles well. Check the size range carefully before buying, since several of these options are limited in that area.

Price is another practical filter. The REI pair is the most affordable at $18.95, the Patagonia pair is $24, the Saalt brief is $38, and the Tarakaya and Kula options are $54 each. None are budget basics, but hiking underwear often costs more because of the fabric and performance demands.

Conclusion

The best hiking underwear is the pair that stays comfortable under a pack, dries fast, and holds up over time. The REI Active Hipsters are the best all-around value, while the Patagonia, Tarakaya, Kula Cloth, and Saalt options each solve a specific preference or use case. Match the cut and features to your trip, and the right pair can make a noticeable difference on the trail.