Best Hiking Sports Bras of 2026

We asked Treeline Review writers about their go-to sports bras for hiking and backpacking. Here's what they found.

Tera Kaia’s TOURA Basewear Top is one of our favorite hiking and backpacking sports bras, as seen here on a trip in the Sierra.

April 20th, 2026, with an additional sports bra added and to remove discontinued products
Home > Gear Reviews > Apparel > Women’s

A good hiking bra is one of the most underrated pieces of gear in your pack. Unlike sports bras built for the gym, a hiking bra has to work all day, multiple days in a row, under a backpack, in sweaty heat and cold mountain air, and sometimes as a swim top at an alpine lake. That means no bulky padding that holds moisture, no metal hardware that digs into your back under a hip belt, and nothing that makes you want to tear it off the moment you hit the trailhead.

We know there isn't a one-size-fits-all when it comes to something you wear against your skin, so we took a different approach for this guide. We asked Treeline Review writers of different body types, cup sizes, and hiking styles to share which hiking sports bras have actually worked for them, from casual day hikes to week-long backpacking trips, mountaineering adventures, ski tours, and multi-month thru-hikes.

We evaluated each bra on comfort for all-day wear, breathability and moisture-wicking performance, odor resistance over multiple days, compatibility with backpack straps, quick-dry capability, support level relative to activity and bust size, and how well it held up over seasons of real use.

Top Pick: The Branwyn Essential Bralette is our lead recommendation for hiking and backpacking. It stood out for its seamless merino wool construction that resists odor for days on trail, a low-profile design with no hardware or padding to dig under pack straps, and a first-pair guarantee that lets you try it on the trail and return it if it doesn't work for you. Plus, it's by a women-owned brands. Because fit is so personal, we've also included recommendations from testers across a range of body types and cup sizes below.


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Comparison Table

SPORTS BRA WHO RECOMMENDS? SIZES MATERIAL STYLE BEST FOR MSRP*
BRANWYN Essential Bralette Sports Bra Kate Hoch XS-XXL 81% Extra Fine Merino, 12% Nylong, 7% Spandex Adjustable Straight or Racer Back backpacking, thru-hiking, odor-resistant $52
Janji The Long Bra Mary Beth Skylis XXS-XXXL 68% Nylon, 32% Spandex Racerback trail running, road running, hiking $80
Nike Indy Sports Bra Gabi Reyes-Acosta 1X-3X (also XS-XXL) 78% polyester, 22% spandex Adjustable Racer Back hiking, backpacking, plus sizes $55
Smartwool Intraknit Racerback Bra Stasia Stockwell XS-XL Outer 69% Nylon, 17% Elastane, 14% Poly Lining 41% Merino, 35% Lyocell, 11% Elastane Racerback hiking, backpacking, ski touring, odor-resistant $80
Lume Six Cirra High Impact Sports Bra Mary Murphy XS-XXL 76% Recycled Polyester, 24% Elastane, Lining 61% Poly, 35% cotton, 4% Spandex Racerback D cup + up, running, hiking, backpacking $120
Ortovox Essential 150 Sports Bra Sara Kruglinski XS-XL 48% Merino, 30% Lyocell, 14% Nylon, 8% Elastane Adjustable Cross Back B, C, D-cups that want adjustability, odor-resistant $75
Têra Kaia Toura Basewear Top Shawnté Salabert 0-12 82% Recycled Poly 18% Elastane Cross Back hiking, backpacking, climbing, weight lifting, yoga Membership required
BRANWYN Essential Supreme Bra Liz Thomas XS - XXL 81% extra fineMerino wool, 14% nylon, and 5% elastane Adjustable Straight or Racer Back backpacking, thru-hiking, yoga, everyday, odor-resistant $78
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The Best Hiking and Backpacking Sports Bras

Woman wearing the Branwyn Sports Bra while camping
Branwyn Essential Bralette Sports Bra

Best for: hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, climbing
Sizes:
XS - XXL
Material:
81% Extra Fine Merino, 12% Nylong, 7% Spandex
Style:
Adjustable Back Bralette

When the threadbare bra I'd been wearing backpacking and hiking for the last 5+ years finally progressed to having full-on holes in the back, I started panicking. I've had my eye out for my next hiking bra for years. Still, nothing ever seemed to check all of my boxes: supportive enough, acceptable as a bathing suit, minimal enough to dry quickly, no poorly placed hooks or snaps that dig under a pack strap, and no removable padding that just rolls up into little hotdogs after every wash.  

I was so relieved to find the Branwyn Essential Bralette! Its seamless, single-layer fabric design is super comfortable but still supportive enough for low-impact activities (I'm a 34B). I was skeptical that a merino bra would retain its shape and support for more than a few hours, but I've been pleasantly surprised to find that the fit is quite consistent for days on end. It also breathes incredibly well, something I didn't even realize was a fault of my previous bras until I started wearing the Branwyn. At the end of a long, hot climb, only the back of the bra (which is sandwiched beneath my pack) is sweaty.

I have pretty sensitive skin and was concerned about the comfort of the wool fabric. I did find the bra to be slightly scratchy when I first put it on, but after an hour or two of wear, I no longer noticed any irritation. I find the Essential Bralette to be reasonably priced, especially for merino wool. This was also the most popular gear item purchased by Treeline Review readers in 2025.

Branwyn Essential Bralette Sports Bra

If you're unsure about this bra, Branwyn also has an amazing "first pair guarantee." It allows you to try out sizes and styles on your first order with the ability to return after wearing. That's pretty rare in the outdoor industry, so it is worth it just to see if this bra works for you. I like them so much that I own five!

- Kate Hoch, Contributing Writer


Woman wearing a Tera Kaia Toura Basewear sports bra top
Tera Kaia TOURA Basewear Top

Best for: hiking, backpacking, climbing, alpine swimming, weight lifting, yoga
Sizes:
0-12
Material:
82% Recycled Poly 18% Elastane
Style:
Cross back

I’ll admit—social media influenced me to purchase my very first Têra Kaia “bra,” the TOURA Basewear Top. But it was the form, fit, and function that inspired me to purchase a second.

I’d seen photos online of a handful of climbers and outdoorsy friends wearing flattering and colorful sports bras that they swore held up to all sorts of active shenanigans for days on end without accumulating stink. So when I drove past the brand’s Bishop, California storefront while en route to a backpacking trip, I decided to stop in.

The second I slipped on the TOURA, I knew I was walking out with one: because it was comfortable. The straps didn’t dig, the bottom band stayed put without slicing into my ribcage, and a pair of style options—low and high cut—allowed me to find a fit that best contained the girls without creating a dreaded uniboob.

Têra Kaia TOURA Basewear Top

I’ve worn my TOURA for yoga, weightlifting, hiking, backpacking, climbing, general lounging, and beyond. As a C-cup, I prefer a bit more compression for running, but the TOURA has truly become my go-to for all other sports.

I’ve taken it on multi-week thru-hikes; worn it nine days in a row without washing, with nary a whiff of body odor to be smelled; and used it as a swimming top more times than I can count.

Neither one shows any sign of wear or tear after several years of frequent use—no snags, no fading, no stretching. These aren’t the cheapest items in my sports bra drawer. But at the end of the day, supporting a small, women-run brand that supports my medium, woman-owned boobs feels just as good as wearing a TOURA.

- Shawnté Salabert, Contributing Writer


nike indy sports bra

Nike Indy Sports Bra

Best for: hiking, backpacking, climbing, alpine swimming, weight lifting, yoga
Sizes:
1X-3X
Material:
78% polyester, 22% spandex
Style:
Adjustable racer back

There seems to be a myth of the curvy woman that having a larger overall clothing size translates to having a large chest. But small chested fat women exist!

I love the Nike Indy Sports Bra because it’s light, super breathable, and meant for low-impact activity. The racerback in particular feels supportive but not constricting. It’s comfortable enough that I wear the Indy off the trail too, as I work from home and venture out locally.

The Nike Indy is a winner in our Best Sports Bras for A to D cups. Our guide to the Best Sports Bras for D+ Cups is organized by band size and cup sizes and has options for plus size folks with larger chests.

View The Nike Indy Sports Bra

I have medium-sized breasts and often find sports bras designed for a plus size woman to be thick and constricting, better suited towards high-impact workouts for large chests. That isn’t the case with the Nike Indy!

The Indy comes in several colors—I adore the Light Thistle—and it's relatively affordable for a sports bra. Nike still has a ways to go with plus size clothing options, however, as the sizing doesn’t go past a 3X. I do like that this bra is made sustainably, with at least 50% of the polyester made from recycled plastic bottles which, according to Nike’s website, “reduces carbon emissions by approximately 30% compared to virgin polyester.”

- Gabi Reyes-Acosta, Contributing writer


Smartwool Intraknit Racerback Bra

Best for: hiking, backpacking, bike rides, ski tours
Sizes:
XS-XL
Material:
Outer 69% Nylon, 17% Elastane, 14% Poly Lining 41% Merino, 35% Lyocell, 11% Elastane
Style:
Racerback

I am a diehard merino wool wearer, whether it’s a sun shirt while backpacking or baselayers when ski touring. The same goes for my sports bra. For backpacking specifically, when I’m wearing a heavier pack and the same bra for days on end, I like something simple, extremely comfortable, odor resistant, and reasonably supportive. (I save high-impact bras for trail runs and opt for medium impact support when hiking in favor of comfort, and that works well for my D-cup size.) 

The Smartwool Racerback hits all those marks on the nose. The wool blend fabric means I can wear it for an entire trip and not worry about smell, but the added nylon and polyester give the bra a little more support. 

Smartwool Intraknit Racerback Bra

I like the seamless design of this bra, which means you basically forget about it under your backpack straps. I also appreciate the coverage: While many other merino bras I’ve tried are often too low cut, this hits just right without going overboard with extra fabric. I still have the same older version of this bra that I used for years of backpacking and mountaineering guiding, and it remains in my rotation after nearly a decade of use. That’s good durability for a sports bra! 

- Stasia Stockwell, Contributing Writer


Janji The Long Bra 

Janji Long Bra

Best for: trail running, road running, hiking
Sizes:
XXS-XXXL
Material:
68% Nylon, 32% Spandex
Style:
Racerback

I’m a little bit endowed in the boob department, which means that finding a proper sports bra is always an operation for me. I need it to be supportive, secure, and comfortable for long days of use…something like the Janji Long Bra. This bra hugs me in all the right places without pinching my skin. It’s lightly padded for extra comfort (but the padding is also removable, which is nice). The power mesh lining is lightweight and breathable, allowing droplets of sweat to easily evaporate rather than getting trapped and causing chafing. 

Janji The Long Bra 

One feature that I really love on this bra is the phone-carrying pocket. Through the years, I’ve used belts and running vests to secure my phone during long hikes, but they’re usually floppy and difficult to adjust. Being able to slip my phone between my shoulder blades is usually the reason why this bra is my first pick for all of my activities. It entirely removes that floppy phone factor, allowing me to focus on the hike or adventure at hand. Another note:  this bra is long enough to wear as a crop top and provides more coverage than most, which can be a nice option in extra warm environments. 

- Mary Beth Skylis, Contributing Writer


Lume Six Cirra High Impact Sports Bra 

Best for: D cup + up, running, hiking, backpacking
Sizes:
XS-XXL, can mix-and-match cup size and band size
Material:
76% Recycled Polyester, 24% Elastane, Lining 61% Poly, 35% cotton, 4% Spandex
Style:
Racerback

Lume Six’s founder was working as a mountain bike gear designer when she realized something was missing. A capable, durable sports bra that could keep up with her…like climbing a million vertical feet on a mountain bike in one year (which she did in 2020). I wasn’t about to recreate that feat to test this sports bra, but I did make sure it was up to snuff for commuting, trail running, hiking, backpacking, alpine climbing, and a lot of daily activity. 

I’ve worn, tried (and cursed) a lot of bras. In my opinion, most “sports bras” seem to be manufactured for outward appearance, rather than hard, frequent use on the trail by really active people.

Immediately, I noticed this bra is different. The materials feel different, and most importantly, achieve a bra miracle of being thin, lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, and also supportive.

Lume Six Cirra High Impact Sports Bra 

There aren’t zippers or adjustable straps or any bells and whistles — it’s really just a simple, well-made gem of a bra.

There are two models: the “high impact” Cirra model is one I own.

The band size is customizable — you can get one size for the bra and a different size for the band for a better fit. Finally, Lume Six put the seams on the band on the outside — eliminating itching/chafing and perfect for those with sensory issues. Like another tester, I’m also bigger-chested , and while this bra is light, it’s still supportive, especially while running. It’s not like a traditional, bulky, padded bra. It’s wildly better. After two years, I now own two of these Lume Six bras that I rotate, and I swear by them.

- Mary Murphy, Contributing Writer & Editor


Ortovox Essential 150 Sports Bra

Best for: B, C, D-cups that want adjustability, hiking and backpacking, odor-resistant
Sizes:
XS-XL
Material:
48% Merino, 30% Lyocell, 14% Nylon, 8% Elastane
Style:
Cross back

This bra hits all my needs, adjustable substantial straps, merino wool fabric and it is comfortable enough to sleep in.

The first thing I look for in a bra for hiking and especially backpacking is where the straps hit my shoulders and adjustability. I am sure that I am not the only person who can fluctuate between cup sizes depending on my current activity levels, even a short backpacking trip can make me drop a cup size. This bra has easily adjustable straps that aren’t too skinny and don’t dig into my shoulders. I appreciate the crossback style which allows for some flexibility of strap placement on my shoulders, so that they aren’t hitting in the same place as my backpack or creating sores from rubbing in the same spot. 

Ortovox Essential 150 Sports Bra

The merino wool is not itchy and keeps smelling clean for days on trail. In the frontcountry I can wear this bra for several days in a row without washing it. This Ortovox bra is soft enough for sleeping and I can always loosen the straps a bit to make it more comfortable. If you want a little more support in your bra this is a great choice, especially if you hover around a C-cup size and need some adjustability.  

Don’t be afraid of merino wool in summer: it isn’t hot, and this merino sports bra  regulates temperature really well. It does take a little longer to dry out after a swim than some synthetic bras, but that is really the only downside to this one. I would rather spend a little longer waiting for it  to dry out in the sun, than have an uncomfortable stinky bra. This bra has just the right amount of coverage and support without lots of unnecessary extra fabric or length. 

- Sara “Socks” Kruglinski, Operations Coordinator


BRANWYN Essential Supreme

Best for: backpacking, thru-hiking, yoga, everyday, odor-resistant
Sizes: 
XS - XXL
Material: 
81% extra fineMerino wool, 14% nylon, and 5% elastane
Style: 
Adjustable Straight or Racer Back

I've been searching for a hiking sports bra I actually like for years. Despite being an editor on earlier versions of this story, I never contributed because I still had not found anything worth writing home about. That is, until I found the BRANWYN Essential Supreme. 

I love merino in a sports bra because it is naturally odor-resistant, moisture wicking, breathable, and temperature regulating. That's one reason I have a drawer full of merino sports bras. Of those merino bras, the Essential Supreme bra is the softest and most comfortable. 

Not only that, but this thing doesn't get smelly. I've worn it for 12 days straight including 16 hours of hiking and 11 yoga classes and it still smells fine. Now that is what I call a sports bra ready for the long haul!

BRANWYN Essential Supreme

I'm barely an A-cup and don't need a ton of support. You'd think finding a hiking sports bra would be easy. But while there's a lot of removable-cup racerbacks out there, I've found most are too compressive to be comfortable for long-haul hiking. 

On the other hand, there are lots of comfy, lounge-worthy cup-less sports bras available. But most lack the coverage and modesty I want, especially when hiking solo across some state I've never been to before (not that how anyone dresses should influence their safety!). 

While many hikers will prefer the cup-pocket free BRANWYN Essential Bralette, I need the cups, especially if it is cold. I love that the Essential Supreme has everything that all my hiker friends rave about in BRANWYN bras, and it comes with cups. 

The most notable feature of the Essential Supreme is the unique seamless scrunch design for separation. This means you don't get the uni-boob look (and discomfort) of most sports bras. It functions like encapsulation found on more high-intensity sports bras, but feels lounge-level comfy. This level of comfort is important because when I backpack, I never take off my bra at night while I sleep. It's too much work and I'm too cold in the morning to want to deal with it. The soft ultra-fine wool on the Essential Supreme makes it feel like sleeping in my pajamas.

I also like that the straps on the Essential Supreme are adjustable between straight and racerback. I've got both types of workout tanks and it is great to have one bra that works with both.

Although there is no clasp on the Essential Supreme, there is some hardwear on the adjustable straps. Some hikers may worry clasps are a dealbreaker, but I've never had an issue with the hardware digging into my back on this bra and it's the same hardwear as found on the much beloved Essential Bralette. 

It's taken me years, but I've finally found a hiking sports bra I like!

- Liz Thomas, editor in chief


Why do you need a hiking-specific bra?

Here, two of our women's gear testers, Becca Downs (left) and Mary Murphy (right) show why having a hiking-specific sports bra is important.

Here, two of our women's gear testers, Becca Downs (left) and Mary Murphy (right) show why having a hiking-specific sports bra is important.

Most sports bras are built for an hour at the gym, maybe two. Hiking is a different ask entirely. You're wearing the same bra for eight, ten, twelve hours, possibly several days in a row, while sweating, scrambling, swimming in lakes, and sleeping in your tent. The priorities shift pretty dramatically.

The biggest issues we run into with regular sports bras on trail are chafing under pack straps, heat and moisture buildup from excess padding, and that special kind of misery that comes from a bra that smells terrible by day two. A good hiking bra sidesteps all of that: it manages sweat without trapping it, stays comfortable under a hipbelt, and ideally can handle a few re-wears without becoming a biohazard.

It also needs to pull double duty. On a backpacking trip, your bra might also be your swim top, your camp bra, and occasionally your sleep bra. The more it can do without making you miserable, the better.


Treeline Review writer Stasia Stockwell on the trail in a Nike sports bra.

Treeline Review writer Stasia Stockwell on the trail in a Nike sports bra.

What to look for in a hiking bra

Support that matches your body and your trip

This is the most personal variable in the whole equation. Our testers range from AA to DD+ cups, and what works for one person is genuinely useless for another. Think about the type of hiking you do most. A mellow day hike has very different demands than a week-long backpacking trip with a heavy pack and lots of elevation gain. Compression bras work well for smaller busts; encapsulation (separate cups) tends to work better for larger sizes. We break down the difference in more detail in our Best Sports Bras for D+ Cups guide.

Material that handles sweat and doesn't stink

Merino wool is a trail favorite for good reason. It resists odor naturally and regulates temperature better than most synthetics. The tradeoff is that it dries a bit slower. Technical synthetics like nylon and polyester dry faster and often provide more structure, but can start to smell after a couple of days. Some bras use a blend of both, which tends to be a sweet spot for multi-day trips.

Straps that play nice with your pack

Racerbacks are the most common choice among our testers because they stay put and don't conflict with most shoulder straps. If your pack has a trampoline back or a specific harness shape, it's worth thinking about where your bra straps sit. Adjustable straps are a bonus. Writer Sara Kruglinski notes that her cup size can actually change over the course of a backpacking trip as she loses weight, so having that flexibility matters. 

Bra straps can rub or chafe, even under a women's hiking and backpacking packs (which are usually designed to minimize rubbing). Most of our writers find that racerbacks stay put and work well with most sun shirts, base layers, and women’s hiking shirts

A back that won't wreck you

Bulky seams, metal clasps, or thick back bands that seem fine in the dressing room can become genuinely painful under a loaded pack after six hours. One of our writers still has a scar from a metal clasp that dug into her back on a backpacking trip. Smooth, low-profile backs are non-negotiable for us.

Minimal padding

Padding holds moisture, adds bulk under layers, and rolls into little cylinders in the wash (you know exactly what we're talking about). For hiking, most of our testers prefer little to none. Some bras offer removable pads, which is a decent compromise if you want the option.

Sizing that actually fits you

We appreciate brands that offer extended sizing, multiple cup options, or customizable band and cup combinations. A bra that fits well is a bra you'll actually want to wear for twelve hours. See our Best Plus Size Outdoor Clothing guide for more recommendations.

Sustainability and material sourcing

We’re always happy to see bras made from recycled materials, ethically sourced wool, and eco-friendly dyes. Supporting brands that are trying to do better for the planet is just one more reason to feel good about your gear. With sports bras, we find that many brands are women-owned. As a women-owned brand ourselves, Treeline Review is thrilled to support these companies.


Sports bra vs hiking bra: What’s the difference?

The short answer: you can hike in a regular sports bra. Plenty of people do. But after a full day on trail, you'll probably understand why it's not ideal.

Most sports bras are engineered for high-impact, short-duration activity like running or HIIT. They're tight, often heavily padded, and designed to minimize bounce for 45 minutes, not keep you comfortable for ten hours while a pack strap crosses your shoulder. The features that make them great for the gym tend to work against you on a long hike.

Hiking bras trade some of that structure for comfort and practicality. They're usually lighter, less padded, and made with fabrics that handle multi-day wear: merino blends that resist odor, mesh panels that dry fast, smooth seams that don't create hot spots under a pack. They're also more likely to work as a swim top at an alpine lake, which is a legitimately useful feature if you're backpacking.

The other big difference is odor. A gym sports bra is going back in the wash after one wear. A hiking bra might need to last four or five days on trail. That's just a different design problem, and the brands that make good hiking bras have thought about it.


Care and maintenance tips

Hiking bras work hard, and a little care goes a long way, especially if you're spending real money on merino or technical fabrics.

Wash gently. Cold water, mild detergent (wool-safe if you're dealing with merino), gentle cycle or hand wash. Skip the fabric softener. It degrades performance fibers over time and reduces moisture-wicking ability.

Skip the dryer. Heat is rough on elastic and technical fabrics. Most hiking bras dry fast on their own, so just hang them up or lay them flat in the shade. No dryer needed, and your bra will last significantly longer for it.

Rotate on longer trips. If you're carrying two bras, swap them out at night. Even just rinsing one in a creek and letting it dry overnight makes a real difference in odor and comfort. Salt buildup from sweat is harder on fabric than dirt is.

Watch out for Velcro. Many hiking bras use fine knit or mesh fabrics to improve breathability, and those snag easily. Wash them in a mesh laundry bag, and for the love of your gear, don't toss them in with anything that has Velcro closures. We learned this the hard way with a pair of gaiters. Don't repeat our mistake.

Know when to let go. A well-loved hiking bra can last years, but when the elastic starts going or the support noticeably drops, it's time. A stretched-out bra is a chafing bra, and that's a miserable way to spend a long day on trail.


FAQ

  • You can, and plenty of people do. But after a full day on trail with a pack, you'll start to notice the problems: padding that holds sweat, seams that rub in all the wrong places, and a bra that smells terrible by day two. Regular sports bras are built for an hour of high-impact activity, not ten hours of steady movement under a hipbelt. For a short day hike, fine. For anything longer, it's worth having something designed for the job.

  • Depends on the trip. Merino is the clear winner for multi-day backpacking because it resists odor naturally and can go days without smelling bad. Synthetics dry faster and tend to offer more structure and support, which makes them a better fit for higher-output days where sweat management matters more than stink control. A lot of our testers end up with one of each and choose based on the trip.

  • Less than you probably think. Hiking is low-impact, so you don't need the same level of compression you'd want for running. For smaller busts, a light bralette is often enough. For larger busts, medium support tends to be the sweet spot for all-day comfort under a pack. The goal is sustained comfort over hours, not bounce control.

  • Look for flat or seamless construction and no metal hardware anywhere near your back. A low-profile band that sits smoothly under shoulder straps makes a big difference over long miles. Anti-chafing cream applied at known hot spots before you start hiking is also worth the thirty seconds it takes. One of our writers still has a scar from a metal clasp that dug into her back on a backpacking trip. Don't skip this one. We also recommend using anti-chafing cream to prevent chafing—check out our favorites in our Best Anti-Chafing Creams guide.

  • Most of them, yes. Quick-drying synthetics work best for this since they dry out fast after a dip. Merino bras work too but take longer to dry, which matters if it's the only bra you brought. If swimming in alpine lakes is a regular part of your trips, look for a snug fit and minimal padding since thick pads hold water for a long time.

  • For most trips, one is enough if it's made from merino or a technical synthetic. For trips longer than five or six days, a second bra lets you rotate and gives each one time to fully dry out and air overnight. Rinsing in a creek works surprisingly well with quick-drying fabrics, even without a spare.

How we tested and researched 

Some of the sports bras we’ve tested over the years.

Some of the sports bras we’ve tested over the years in the quest for the best hiking sports bras.

We’ve spent the past few years researching and testing hiking sports bras. Some of sports bras we tested were candidates for winners in our Best Sports Bras for AA-D cups guide and Best Sports Bras for D+ Cup guide. Other sports bras offer such low support, we didn’t review them for those guides but knew they needed to be mentioned here.

There are a lot of sports bras out there and fit often depends on your body, your needs, and your goals while hiking—not to mention where you are hiking or backpacking.

As a result, we decided the best way to get an idea of the best hiking sports bras was by asking Treeline Review writers of different body shapes and different hiking styles to test sports bras for hiking.

This included taking sports bras on everything from casual day hikes, overnight trips, week-long backpacking trips, mountaineering adventures, ski touring, snowshoe overnights, to multi-month thru-hikes.

OUR TESTING PROCESS
Treeline Review writers of different body types and cup sizes share the hiking bras that have actually worked for them — from day hikes to multi-month thru-hikes.
8
Top Picks
9
Days Worn Without Washing
AA–D+
Cup Sizes Covered
5+
Testers
🥾 How We Tested
  • Day hikes & week-long backpacking trips
  • Multi-month thru-hikes
  • Ski tours & mountaineering
  • Worn under backpack hip belts & shoulder straps
  • Used as swim tops at alpine lakes
📋 What We Evaluated
  • All-day comfort & support
  • Odor resistance over multiple days
  • Pack strap compatibility
  • Moisture wicking & quick-dry
  • Fit across different body types
🎒
Backpacking
🏔️
Thru-Hiking
⛷️
Ski Touring
🏊
Alpine Lakes

Why you should trust us

To find the best sports bras for hiking, we asked Treeline Review writers of different body shapes and sizes what sports bras had worked for them on casual hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and thru-hikes. Our goal was to capture a diverse set of body types and ways of hiking and backpacking so that you, the reader, can find the best type of sports bras for you. 

This is different than many of our other stories, but after asking our staff what we thought would be the most helpful way to find a hiking sports bra, we decided sharing our experiences as writers who have tested dozens of hiking sports bras was the best way to make this guide most accessible to different types of outdoors people with different body types.