14 Best Hiking Underwear of 2026

The 9-inch inseam is the key feature here, giving hikers with powerful thighs the coverage they need to avoid rubbing on long climbs. The lack of a fly is a design choice that works for those who don’t mind the absence, and occasional seam splitting has been noted under heavy use. This option suits hikers who prioritize chafe prevention over per-unit cost and can accept the fly omission.

The bamboo viscose blend feels noticeably softer against the skin than typical polyester blends, making this a strong option for short, low-abrasion hikes where comfort is the priority. Compared to the top pick’s focus on durability and value, this pair trades some toughness and faster drying for a next-to-nothing feel. On warm days the fabric stays breathable and cool, and the no-ride-up design works well for most builds. However, bamboo is inherently slower to dry and may show wear sooner when exposed to abrasive conditions or repeated use — best kept for day hikes rather than multi-day backpacking trips.

The Niksa Compression Shorts offer a side pocket that fits most smartphones securely, a feature uncommon in base layers and useful for hiking without a belt pouch. Compared to the top pick’s balanced compression and sizing, these shorts run small and provide lighter muscle support — better for carrying essentials than for heavy compression. They suit hikers who prioritize hands-free phone storage over compression fit, and who don’t mind ordering up a size.

The BAMBOO COOL 7-pack delivers exceptional softness and breathability at a budget price, making it a strong value for day hikers. While the top pick offers more durable construction for rugged use, this set prioritizes comfort and airflow. Best for budget-conscious hikers who want a soft base layer for mild conditions, though the thin fabric may not survive abrasive gear or extended backpacking trips.

These bamboo boxer briefs are exceptionally soft and breathable, with a waistband that stays flat and doesn’t roll. The bamboo fabric prioritizes comfort over rapid drying, making it suitable for moderate day hikes. Some wearers may experience occasional ride-up, which is a known tradeoff for this style. Overall, a practical choice for hikers who value softness and a cool feel.

The softest bamboo fabric in this roundup delivers a comfortable, cool feel ideal for short day hikes or daily wear. Moisture wicking works well in moderate conditions, though the bamboo weave dries slower than synthetics. Crotch seam splitting has been noted under heavier use, which alongside the high price makes this a better fit for comfort-focused hikers on easy trails rather than multi-day trips.

The 3D pouch provides good support and separation, paired with a very soft bamboo fabric that breathes well. On shorter hikes and casual outdoor activities, these boxer briefs keep things comfortable and cool. That said, the fit can shift after hours of movement, and the fabric may thin faster under heavy use, making them less suited for long-distance backpacking or rugged terrain.

These boxer briefs deliver exceptional breathability and a light-as-air feel that stands out in hot conditions. The mesh fabric moves air freely and dries quickly. However, seams may tear after a few wears, and sizing can be inconsistent across packs. This makes them a reasonable choice for short, hot-weather hikes where you don’t mind replacing them often, but not for multi-day trips or any use requiring longevity.

These boxer briefs provide solid moisture-wicking and breathability for day hikes. The 6-inch inseam stays out of the way on warm weather treks but offers less chafe protection than longer versions, making them better suited for hikers with slimmer thighs or shorter distances. The fabric and build quality hold up well over multiple washes.

Lightweight and breathable at a budget-friendly price, these trunks work well for warm-weather day hikes where a fly isn’t needed and thigh coverage isn’t a priority. The short inseam and no-fly design limit their usefulness for longer or more demanding trails, but for casual, hot-weather outings they deliver comfort and moisture wicking.

These low-rise briefs dry fast and pack tiny, making them a smart choice for ultralight travel or short day hikes in warm conditions. The supportive contour pouch and moisture-wicking fabric keep you comfortable on the move. However, the brief cut leaves thighs fully exposed, which can invite chafing on longer treks or for hikers who prefer more coverage.

At under $19 for a five-pack, these shorts are the cheapest base layer option for light hiking. They feel comfortable under loose shorts and wick moisture adequately. Sizing runs small — better suited for short, moderate trails than serious backpacking.

The Hanes Total Support delivers a supportive contour pouch and moisture-wicking fabric at a budget-friendly price. Its durability is a tradeoff for the low cost, and the pouch sizing may not suit everyone. For light day hikes and daily use where price is the priority, it’s a reasonable choice.