Our Favorite Sports Bras at Title Nine
The 3 Best Title Nine Sports Bras for Running, Hiking, and High-Impact Days
June 25th, 2026
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For people with boobs, sports bras are the first next-to-skin layer—before any wicking t-shirt or sun hoodie, and that means they need to fit and feel comfortable too. You wouldn’t want there to be any doubt in the durability of your shoes or shirt, so why should we settle for non-durable sports bras that can’t keep up with us in the outdoors? We deserve better!
After testing on the trail, at the gym, in CrossFit, and in everyday life, our three favorite Title Nine sports bras are the 3 Reasons Bra for high-impact support, the Tech Athena 2.0 for a bigger bust, and the Wanna Sweat Racerback Bra for low-impact, A–B cup comfort. Each one earned its place by staying put through a measured testing protocol, not by marketing claims.
Title Nine has been making sports bras for women, by women, since 1989, and they're one of the few retailers that sizes by band and cup rather than a vague small-medium-large. That matters: the single biggest reason a sports bra fails isn't the bra, it's the fit. A bra that locks down a B cup will crush a DD, and a bra built for a DD will swim on an A.
So instead of crowning one "best" bra, we tested across the cup-size spectrum and matched each pick to the body and the activity it actually serves. We ran in them, did jumping jacks in them, sweated through interval workouts, wore them through full work-and-trail days, and washed them repeatedly to see what held up. Below, three of our testers (each testing the bra best suited to her size and sport) share exactly how they held up.
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Comparison Table
| Sports Bra | Price | Best For | Cup Range | Support Level | Closure | Removable Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Reasons Bra | $65 | High-impact running, larger cups | C–DD (band 32–40) | 4/5 High impact (C–D) | Velcro-adjust front straps + hook-and-eye back | ❌ |
| Tech Athena 2.0 | $65 | Bigger busts, lockdown support | C–DD (band 32–40) | 4/5 High impact C–D, mid DD+ | Adjustable straps + adjustable back closure | ❌ |
| Wanna Sweat Racerback | $55 | Low-impact, everyday, A–B cups | A–B (XS–XL) | 1/5 Low impact | Pullover racerback, adjustable straps | ✔ |
Our Testing Protocol
We tested each sports bra using a standardized battery of tests as well as letting each tester do their own sport of choice. Here, Treeline writer and tester Kate Hoch tested the Title Nine Wanna Sweat Racerback while doing ring muscle-ups. Photo by Kate Hoch.
We tested each sports bra through the same standardized battery of tests so our verdicts are comparable across cup sizes and styles. Each tester wore her assigned bra for the activities it's actually built for, then scored it on bounce control, comfort, wicking, durability, fit, and more.
The bounce test (to test support)
30 seconds of continuous jumping jacks: the fastest way to expose vertical bounce and strap slip.
A flight of stairs at speed, up and down, three times: tests support during impact plus directional change.
A subjective 1–5 "do I have to think about my chest" score during each.
The run test (sustained impact)
To test sports bras, we road ran and trail ran in every sports bra to compare support and lateral movement. Photo by Mary Murphy.
A measured one-mile road run at a steady pace to assess support over sustained, rhythmic impact.
A 3–5 mile trail run with rooty, uneven terrain to test support during lateral movement and varied cadence.
We noted chafe points, strap dig, and any band ride-up at the halfway and finish marks.
The sweat-and-wick test
We tested the Title Nine Tech Athena 2.0 sports bra while strength training and also for yoga. Photo by Mary Murphy.
A 30-minute interval or hill workout to fully saturate the fabric, then a check at 0, 10, and 30 minutes post-workout for how fast it dried and whether it stayed cool or went clammy.
Tested in real conditions (humid mornings, hot afternoons) rather than a climate-controlled gym.
The all-day wear test (comfort + versatility)
Tester Mary Murphy taking a candid photo after a trail run workout while wearing the Title Nine Tech Athena 2.0 Sports Bra. Photo by Mary Murphy.
A full 8+ hour day of mixed activity—desk, errands, a walk, kid-wrangling, or a travel day—to see whether it's comfortable enough to leave on, and whether it's discreet under regular clothes.
Noted seam irritation, clasp poke, and whether we wanted it off by hour three.
The fit test (across sizes)
We ran a fit test for all the sports bras based on band-and-cup sizing. Here, Mary Murphy is fit testing the Title Nine Tech Athena 2.0 Sports Bra. Photo by Mary Murphy.
We followed Title Nine's band-and-cup sizing and assessed true-to-size accuracy, band roll, cup gapping or spillage, and strap adjustability range.
The durability test (wash and wear)
A minimum of 8 wash cycles following care instructions (cold water, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry), checking for elastic fatigue, pilling, fabric thinning, and clasp/Velcro wear.
Continued wear through the full test window to catch anything that degrades only after repeated use.
The pack strap layering test
A layering test under a pack's sternum strap and shoulder straps (great for our hiking audience and a natural Treeline differentiator most other reviewers don’t offer).
The temperature range test
Cold-morning start vs. peak-heat for wicking and breathability
The put-on / take-off test when sweaty
Does it close in the front or pull over? We tested how quickly and easily we could get these sports bras on and off without getting arms, head, shoulders, or other parts stuck or caught. We also tested how easy it was too take off a sweaty sports bra to change at the end of a run.
3 Reasons Bra (High Impact)
High-impact, C–DD, for people who run/move hard and want adjustable lockdown
Band sizes: 32 – 40
Cup sizes: C – DD
Price: $65
Best for: High impact
Support level: 4/5
Fabric: 72% nylon, 15% elastane, 13% polyester
Closure: Hook and eye back closure
Removable cups: No
Wireless: Yes
Stasia Stockwell is a mountain biker, gravel rider, trail runner, hiker, and skier who loves to strength train in the gym to complement all of these outdoor activities. She’s been a runner for more than 15 years, primarily interested in trail running and mountain adventures in the high alpine. She’s also tested and reviewed sports bras for Treeline Review for several years.
As someone who has always had a larger cup size, finding a good sports bra to support all her activities has always been a challenge. This is even more true now after having a child, and now being pregnant with her second.
Before having children, Stasia was a C cup. But after becoming a mom, she’s now a DD. So, no matter the activity, but especially for running and high-impact interval workouts, good support and a good sports bra matters greatly, which is why she chose to test the high impact 3 Reasons Bra.
3 Reasons Bra
Treeline writer and tester Stasia Stockwell tested the Title Nine 3 Reasons sports bra while trail running in the alpine zone in Colorado. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Fit
The 3 Reasons bra has multiple fit adjustments, including a 3-setting hook and loop closure that has three hooks on each adjustment row for a secure fit. The straps have a Velcro tab in the front that can be adjusted across the entire length of the strap. We found ample adjustment options in our testing, but it’s worth noting that this bra runs small, particularly in band size, so we’d recommend sizing up.
Protocol testing results
Close-up on the clasp on the Title Nine 3-seasons sports bra. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
Our first test with this bra was the fit check. We followed the size chart and ordered according to that, and found that the bra runs small. We had to send it back for the next size up. The bra is challenging to clasp closed like you normally would, reaching around to your back—and this was true for our tester with reasonably good shoulder mobility who rarely has issues with this. So, to get the bra on, she had to clasp it on backwards before spinning around and pulling the straps up.
For the bounce test, we did jumping jacks and stair repeats to test for support. This bra offered support on the high end of the medium range, but we would not say it was truly high support for our DD cup size tester. None of the adjustments on either the band or straps came loose during this test, but because this is not a racerback design, the straps can slide off the shoulders.
For a 1-mile road run, this bra offered adequate support and did not chafe. But on a longer 4-mile trail run, it left us wishing for a little more support and we started to notice rubbing from the Velcro straps.
After a hot and sweaty hike on one of Colorado’s hottest days, the bra saturated with sweat, particularly around the band and lower front part of the bra. The fabric wicks sweat fairly well and it was not uncomfortable to wear when the sweat started dripping. We jumped into an alpine lake with the bra on, totally soaking it, and after about an hour of hiking, it was still partially wet.
When it comes to hiking or wearing a running vest, the straps aren’t terribly noticeable under backpack straps, and not really noticeable at all under a light running vest. But it’s the same story with those Velcro adjustments: If you are very sensitive, these might bother you.
We also wore this bra for a full day of activities: a morning strength workout, bike commuting, and hiking with a toddler and dog. While it wouldn’t be our first choice for all-day wear, it was comfortable enough and did offer good support and breathability throughout the day.
Lastly, as far as wear, after all those days outdoors and in the gym and eight rounds in the washer, we have yet to see any notable wear and tear. While we haven’t noticed it yet, based on our years' of sports bra testing of other brands and designs, we think that likely the first component to wear on this bra will be the Velcro adjustments on the straps.
Pros
Close-up on the tag and Velcro closure on the 3 Reasons Sports Bra. Photo by Stasia Stockwell.
There is a lot of adjustability in this bra, which is great. Whether you want to adjust the straps and band depending on your workout, or simply as your body changes, there is room for that with this bra. The fabric of this bra is also fairly light and silky, and does not chafe (aside from some chafing from the Velcro adjustment). We also love that this bra can work as a maternity and nursing bra, which is a very rare find in a supportive sports bra.
Cons
There are a couple of cons we encountered during our testing. The first is that the Velcro straps may bother some folks. On longer workouts or for people with sensitive skin, the straps may cause chafing.
Second, we think that this bra offers high-impact support for C- and D-cup sizes. But for DD+ cup sizes, it is more like medium-impact support, and there are more supportive bras out there for long-distance running or high-intensity workouts with lots of jumping and bouncing.
Who the 3 Reasons bra is for
The 3 Reasons sports bra is best for C and D cups looking for high-impact support, and works well for DD+ cups who need medium to high impact support with good coverage overall. This is also a great option for folks who want a solid sports bra with plenty of adjustment options. We also think this is a great outdoors and athletic sports bra option to use as a nursing bra.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think the 3 Reasons bra is a great option for folks with larger cup sizes looking for solid support and adjustment in their sports bra. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to consider others that don’t have Velcro strap adjustments. But aside from that, we think this bra is a solid choice for high and medium-impact support.
Tech Athena 2.0 (High Impact for D+ Cups)
For people with a fuller bust who need maximum lockdown
Band sizes: 32–40
Cup sizes: C–DDD
Price: $65 (with 60-day return/exchange policy)
Best for: High impact up to D, mid-level for DD+
Support level: 4/5
Fabric: 72% nylon, 15% spandex, 13% polyester
Closure: Adjustable back closure, four pairs of hook-and-clasps
Removable cups: No
Wireless: Yes
Mary has been testing gear and apparel for nearly 10 years. Mary has specifically sports-bra and fit-block tested for numerous companies and publications. An avid hiker, backpacker, and trail runner, she is no stranger to the struggles of finding a comfortable sports bra that can still provide high-impact support for a bigger bust (the same goes for well-fitting sternum pack straps for women’s packs!).
Some people with larger busts struggle so much to find a well-fitting sports bra with enough compression and support that they double up (does wearing two sports bras sound fun? No! It’s not!). To test the Tech Athena 2.0, Mary wore it trail running (currently training for ultras), camping, hiking, backpacking, yoga, and for daily use. She tested it in cool weather, high heat, and full sun, and in as much humidity as she was able to find in Colorado.
The bulk of Mary’s testing was in Colorado’s mountains and Front Range, as well as in the New Mexico desert. She tested it in 50° mornings up to 95°F in full sun, after rainstorms (for some humidity), and all-day while camping, working, and traveling.
Tech Athena 2.0
Band fit and front view of the Tech Athena 2.0 sports bra. Photo by Mary Murphy.
Performance in the Field
The Tech Athena 2.0 has a very nice liner that wicks and dries fast. However, the thicker band takes longer to dry out than the fabric body of the bra and straps. This is fair though, since the band contains a layer of elastic and two layers of fabric. Our first impression overall after reading the specs and beginning our testing was that the 2-inch band seems shorter than 2 inches; that being said, it’s comfortable, and doesn’t slide, pinch, or roll.
Fit
Back view of the fit and closure of the Tech Athena 2.0 Sports Bra. Photo by Mary Murphy.
Everything fits securely without feeling too tight or pinching or rolling in any places. The straps are adjustable and secure, but may not be long enough for those with wide shoulders or longer torsos. If that’s you, double check measurements or consider sizing up.
The back closure is more similar to a traditional bra than a pull-over sports bra. However, this closure is redundant with a set of three clasps, and offers adjustability too. The band sits comfortably on the front and back, and in testing, we encountered no riding up, budging, or rolling anywhere across the band, and no side boob gap thus far. This bra stays put!!!
Whether or not this bra works for you will depend on making sure you measure, and fine-tune the fit. Though the straps potentially could run a bit short for some people, they are adjustable. This bra offers a decent to great level of high support for C up to DD+ cups.
Protocol testing results
Side view of the shape and fit of the Tech Athena Sports Bra on our tester while running. Photo by Mary Murphy.
After our thorough testing, we wholeheartedly agree with Title Nine’s 4 out of 5 barbell support rating for this bra (read more about how that rating system works here).
We completed an onslaught of standardized testing results, which included stress-testing the Tech Athena 2.0 through jumping jacks, a steadily paced three-mile road run, and lapping a set of stairs. We also performed a workout that included 30 sec jumping jacks/30 sec burpees/30 sec wall ball toss/and 3 cycles goblet squats. This test yielded lots of sweating, but no bra annoyances or discomfort.
The COOLMAX lining performance was amazing during the sweat test, and truly felt comfortable even after wearing it while camping, in high-heat temps, and all day. The band of the bra seems to take longer to dry out than the lining and fabric, but the COOLMAX lining performed beautifully (and no stretching out or signs of wear after wash cycles).
We also did a 7-mile trail run test to test support on uneven terrain, compared to our 3-mile road run (at a faster tempo pace). This was to test for stability, comfort, and versatility across different activities (which for me, is mainly running).
On the same day as as short run, we also completed a full day of working remote and errands (8+ hours of wear), and a yoga test to finalize our checks for general support, see if straps dug in/slipped/etc. (they did not), and confirm range of movement. The bra worked great throughout our yoga test. Plus wearing it for two or three days of all-day 8-hour wear helped continue testing comfort, bounce, support and fit.
Back bra silhouette of the Title Nine Tech Athena 2.0 sports bra. Photo by Mary Murphy.
And for rigorous durability and longevity testing, we aimed to wash the garment at least eight times. So far, we’ve washed it six times and handwashed once—with no fraying, twisting, shrinking, or pilling or any noticeable weardown so far.
Finally, we did a pack strap test—wearing this bra with a daypack with a sternum strap and hipbelt, and also with a 30L hiking pack with a sternum strap. One pack test was adjusted just for fit and comfort, and one was a full test with our daypack with a laptop added. The bra was comfortable and the straps did not rub or budge while wearing said pack.
Pros
Testing the Title Nine Tech Athena 2.0 sports bra while on a trail run. Photo by Mary Murphy.
This bra offers real lockdown without a wire, with a wide non-rolling band (especially the wider band in the back), strong wicking powers, no sweat soaking through and no pinching or rubbing at the clasps or strap adjustment points, and a decade-plus track record for DD cups.
Cons
Some of the outline in the front of the bra is noticeable under certain fitted tops. Photo by Mary Murphy.
The bra has seemed to sell out several times and only comes in limited colors (1-2, plus black).
Also, some of the outline in the front of the bra is noticeable under certain fitted tops (as well as a thinner-fabric mesh top our tester owns), but that also depends on your body shape and bra size.
Finally, for sizes DD and DDD it is mid-impact rated, so set expectations for the highest-impact activities (like jumping jacks and weighted wall throws).
Who the Tech Athena 2.0 is for
The Tech Athena is great for C–DD+ bra wearers who need serious, no-bounce support and have struggled to find it in a wireless option.
Our Verdict
This bra was amazing once we got used to the higher level of compression and support—the fit and comfort is perfect for larger busts, especially for hard workouts and lots of high-impact running. Overall, this sports bra is very comfortable, fits true to size, and offers a strong level of support with no wires, no digging in.
Wanna Sweat Racerback Bra (A–B Cups, Low Impact)
For people who want barely-there, everyday comfort
Band sizes: 32 – 40
Sizes: XS – XL
Price: $55
Best for: Low impact for A-B cups
Support level: 1/5
Fabric: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex
Closure: n/a (pullover)
Removable cups: Yes
Wireless: Yes
Kate Hoch is a gym-bro gal who lifts weights and does CrossFit style workouts 5+ days a week. She also likes to run, hike, paddle, and generally be active. When she’s in the gym, her sessions are typically 90 minutes, and since her smaller boobs don’t require a ton of support, she prefers wearing a low-impact bra for general comfort and easy breathing.
Wanna Sweat Racerback Bra
Fit
The Wanna Sweat Racerback bra’s super stretchy fabric made it easy to put on and take off, even when super sweaty after a workout. The bra is intended for A-B cup sizes. As a B-cup, I found the fit quite roomy and think even C-cups would find it comfortable for low impact activities. The straps are easily adjustable with front sliders and the racerback style prevents any strap slipping.
The seamless fabric is silky and comfortable on the skin. Gathering in the front creates a nice shape and separation. The Wanna Sweat has good coverage—no worries about showing too much in a downward dog or handstand pushup. I found the cut to be rather high under the arms, digging into my lats and pecs.
I personally tend not to be a fan of removable pads, and the Wanna Sweat’s were particularly bad. They’re a rounded shape that’s quite a bit smaller than the pocket, and they just don’t stay in place. After the initial fit testing, I did all my activities with the pads removed.
Protocol testing results
Close-up on the back straps on the Title Nine Wanna Sweat Racerback sports bra. Photo by Kate Hoch.
As a smaller-boobed person, I found the Wanna Sweat to be adequate even for the jumping jacks and stairs tests. It would not be my first choice for a pure running workout, especially during periods of higher breast tenderness. However, the tradeoff of having a little bounce during shorter runs as part of CrossFit workouts is worth the extra comfort of this bra for me.
Full view of Treeline writer and tester Kate Hoch wearing the Title Nine Wanna Sweat Racerback sports bra while doing ring muscle ups in CrossFit. Photo by Kate Hoch.
I wore the Wanna Sweat for multiple high-sweat gym sessions (no AC!) where I was thoroughly soaked by the end. I appreciated the separation of the boobs with this bra, which helped with airflow and not feeling too sticky. I was skeptical that the double layer of fabric would not hold onto moisture, but was glad to discover it does dry out quite quickly.
Close-up on removable inner cups on the Title Nine Wanna Sweat Racerback sports bra. Photo by Kate Hoch.
While the body of the bra is seamless construction, the top edges are finished with binding. I found this stiff edge combined with the high cut under the armpits to cause irritation and chafing when worn for more than a couple of hours. I definitely remembered I was wearing it and wanted it off halfway through my all-day test day. It disappears nicely under all but the thinnest of shirts, where the front ruching may show through.
The front sliders make the adjustable straps easy to get the right fit while wearing the bra. For me, the sliders ended up sitting below my collarbone, so I didn’t experience any discomfort while wearing a backpack or running vest. However, for other users needing a shorter strap length, I could see potential for discomfort if the sliders were positioned higher up and sandwiched between collarbone and pack straps.
Pros
All of the components of the Title Nine Wanna Sweat Racerback sports bra. Photo by Kate Hoch.
The super stretchy fabric makes it easy to take on/off and doesn’t feel constrictive and allows for breathing easily and deeply
The racerback style makes for straps that don’t slip off.
Front slider straps are easy to adjust while I'm wearing it.
Good separation through the front, which helps airflow and keeps me from feeling sticky.
Dries faster than I expected for a double-layer fabric.
Genuinely versatile.
Cons
The binding on the top edge creates a chafing point on an otherwise great seamless design.
The removable pads are among the worst I've tested.
It's low-impact only. It's fine for the jumping jacks and stairs tests and for the short runs inside a CrossFit workout, but I wouldn't reach for it on a dedicated run, especially during higher breast tenderness.
The front ruching can show through the thinnest shirts.
Who the Wanna Sweat Racerback Bra is for
A–B cups who want comfort-first, everyday support that disappears under clothes. This is also a great replacement option for those who liked the discontinued Patagonia Barely Bra, and it’s even better with the adjustable straps.
Our Verdict
If you've been mourning the discontinued Patagonia Barely Bra, this is the closest replacement I've found — and I say that as someone who loved the Barely Bra too.
I'd actually stopped being able to wear my old Patagonia Barely Bra once my shoulders got bigger, since those straps weren't adjustable, and that's exactly where the Wanna Sweat improves on it: the adjustable front-slider straps mean it can keep fitting as your body changes.
For a B-cup like me who lives in low-impact bras for comfort and easy breathing through 90-minute gym sessions, it's an easy daily pick. Just know the binding edge limits it for true all-day wear, and plan to ditch the pads.
FAQ
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Generally yes, Title Nine sizes by band and cup rather than S/M/L, which makes fit more accurate than most athletic brands. The 3 Reasons Bra and Tech Athena 2.0 run true to size in 32–40, C–DD; the Wanna Sweat Racerback uses S–XL with band/cup ranges, so check the chart for your exact band-and-cup combination.
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The Tech Athena 2.0 is Title Nine's go-to for a bigger bust. It carries a 4-of-5 barbell support rating, uses stabilizer straps and a 2-inch chest band to prevent ride-up, and has a COOLMAX lining for wicking—all without a wire. It's rated high-impact for C–D cups and mid-impact for DD.
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For high-impact running, the 3 Reasons Bra and the Tech Athena 2.0 are the top picks. The 3 Reasons Bra offers Velcro-adjustable front straps and a hook-and-eye back for a custom lockdown fit, while the Tech Athena 2.0 prioritizes maximum support for fuller cups.
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Title Nine rates support on a 1-to-5 barbell scale, where 1 is low-impact (yoga, walking) and 5 is maximum high-impact (running, HIIT, jumping). The Tech Athena 2.0, for example, is a 4-of-5, so medium to high impact support depending on your bra size. Match the barbell rating to your activity and cup size.
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Yes—all three of our picks are wireless. The 3 Reasons Bra and Tech Athena 2.0 deliver high support without a wire, and the Wanna Sweat Racerback is a soft, seamless, wire-free pullover.
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The Wanna Sweat Racerback Bra is the best low-impact pick for A–B cups. It's seamless, silky, and featherlight with removable cups and adjustable straps—ideal for yoga, walking, travel, and everyday wear.
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The 3 Reasons Bra doubles as a maternity or nursing bra thanks to its adjustable Velcro front straps and soft, no-chafe construction, making it a flexible option for new and expecting moms who stay active.
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Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent when you can. If you machine wash, use cold water, the gentlest cycle, and a lingerie bag with the clasps fastened, then lay flat or hang to dry—never tumble dry, which breaks down elastic. Rotating three bras also extends their lifespan.
Why You Should Trust Us / About the Authors
Our testing team logs serious miles—between us, we've thru-hiked multiple long-distance trails, raced trail ultras, logged countless CrossFit workouts, backcountry skied across the world, packrafted in the desert, scaled steep via ferratas, mountain biked all across North America, and spent more days than we can count moving hard in the backcountry. We know what a bra failure feels like 12 miles from the trailhead, and we test accordingly.
Stasia Stockwell
Stasia Stockwell has been testing and writing about gear and outdoor apparel for more than 12 years. She’s been testing sports bras specifically for Treeline Review since 2022, and in that time has tested dozens of bras, from low impact bralettes ideal for yoga, to the most high impact out there. As someone with a larger cup size, she likes to find sports bras that strike a fine balance of support and coverage with as minimalist of a feel as possible—no underwire or bras that feel like body armor for her.
Stasia is primarily a mountain biker, cyclist, skier, hiker, and occasional trail runner who also loves to spend time strength training in the gym to support all these activities. Living in the mountains and getting out into them almost every day, she basically lives in sports bras.
Find more of Stasia’s work on her Treeline Review author page.
Mary Murphy
As an active outdoorsperson, I will absolutely not wear underwire bras—they just don’t make sense. I’ve also tried several different minimalist bras from REI, Branwyn, PAKA, Prana, and more, and for someone with a bigger bust…they just don’t work (trust me, I would absolutely love to be a ‘bralette’ girlie, alas, I am not!). So for all the bigger-chested hikers, thru-hikers, and athletes out there…I hope my testing helps you get informed and choose the right bra for you. My sports bras need to handle weekly training and trail runs, rock climbing sessions, commuting, hiking in the mountains, multi-day backpacking trips, and heavy, manual-labor trailwork.
I’ve tested several bras for Treeline during everything from 10–16-mile runs, weekend warrior backpacking trips, 14er climbs, and on international travel (with no access to laundry).
Find more of Mary’s work on her Treeline Review author page.
Kate Hoch
Kate Hoch is a thru-hiker, climber, mountaineer, CrossFit enthusiast, and outdoor writer based in the Pacific Northwest By trade, she’s a mechanical engineer who designs and builds machines to test fitness equipment. She’s put this engineer’s mindset to work when refining gear choices over the years, honing in on details, learning about the nuances of material and design choices.
When she’s been unable to find what she want in gear, she uses her engineer’s mind to MYOG (Make Your Own Gear), either modifying existing gear to include features she wants, or in the case of her current long distance backpack, taking her favorite elements of several different packs, and combining them into her dream pack built from scratch.
Kate has backpacked and thru-hiked 10,000 miles, including the entire Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, the Trans Catalina Trail, San Diego Trans County Trail, Three Sisters Loop, the Wonderland Trail and California Riding and Hiking Trail.
She’s also hiked multiple off-trail routes including the Hayduke Trail (including Buckskin Gulch to Lee’s Ferry), Oregon Desert Trail, and Sierra High Route. She also has multiple mountaineering ascents of Cascade Volcanoes including Mt. Hood and Rainier.
Find more of Kate’s work on her Treeline Review author page.