Best Bras for Hiking

Best Bras for Hiking

Sports bras are foundational gear pieces that you will carry along every time you climb the mountains. Finding an ideal sports bra that offers ultimate support, is super comfortable, doesn’t chafe, and is equally inexpensive can be challenging.

Best Bras for Hiking

Fortunately, we’ve taken all all the trouble. We’ve scored the web to help you find the perfect sports bras for hiking with different types of support, strap style, size, and other features. Below are some of the best women’s bras for hiking.

#1.  Patagonia Barely Sports Bra

Patagonia Barely Sports Bra

Specs

  • Racerback strap style
  • Medium Impact
  • Majority nylon
  • Encapsulation support style

Features

  • Non-slip straps
  • Quick-drying fabric
  • The underbust panel offers support
  • Internal cup pockets allow removable pads

Ideal for: All Hikers

This bra is durable, flattering, and super comfortable.

Patagonia’s Barely Sports Bra is quite soft and also stretches, and this makes wearing and taking off the bra quite easy. Moreover, this bra dries very fast. It can double up as a swimsuit top during those hot hiking trips and won’t chafe even when it becomes wet. The bra will last you through the most extended hiking trips and even months later. It’s the best bra for hiking in hot weather.

The bra is cinched at the center, and this makes it more appealing and eliminates uniboob, which other sports bras tend to create. You can use this bra for both hiking and running errands around town, making it the best sports bra for hot weather.

#2.  Ice Breaker Merino Siren Bra

Ice Breaker Merino Siren Bra

Specs

  • Majority Merino Wool
  • Low Impact
  • Encapsulation support style
  • Tank top strap style

Features

  • Odor-resistant fabric
  • The fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking
  • Elastic band provides support

Ideal for: Comfort Seekers

The material of the bra mainly consists of a blend of nylon and Merino wool and feels soft against the skin for outdoor enthusiasts. Icebreakers Siren Sports Bra is ideal for low impact support styles. It, therefore, means that this bra does move with your body as you go about your business and additionally provides maximum comfort.

The bra’s fabric is breathable, making it perfect for summer months. Besides, it also provides insulation on winter seasons, and this means that this bra is ideal for all year round hikes. Ice breakers sports bra can also double up as a t-shirt bra since it comes in a sleek design. Plus, it has no seams on the sides and remains virtually invisible underneath clothing.

However, the support style is low impact meaning that it offers very little in terms of support. It, therefore, is not ideal for those looking to reduce bounce while hiking or even running. This is the best sports bra for large chests.

#3.  Brooks Fiona Sports Bra

Brooks Fiona Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority polyester fabric
  • Medium Impact support
  • Compression and encapsulation support style
  • Tank top strap style

Features

  • The straps are adjustable at the front
  • Hook and eye closure at the back
  • Molded cups help maintain the natural shape

Ideal for: Trail Runners

Brooks Fiona Sports Bra has a perfect fit and is equally super comfortable. It helps reduce bounce while on the train and even when pounding the pavement when you regularly run. It additionally features hook and eye closure at the back, which makes wearing and taking off quite easy. You can comfortably adjust the straps of this bra at the front for a customized fit.

Brooks Fiona Sports bra is ideal for women with medium to more massive breasts who desire ease and security. This is also a good front closure bra for seniors.

#4.  Icebreaker Meld Zone Sports Bra

Icebreaker Meld Zone Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority merino wool fabric
  • Medium Impact support
  • Encapsulation support style
  • Racerback strap style

Features

  • The bra’s fabric is moisture-wicking and odor resistant
  • The armholes are low cut
  • For a customizable fit, the bra has cup inserts

Ideal for: Long-Term Backpackers

Icebreaker Sports bra does what its name suggests, melding the body for a full coverage fit. The fabric of the bra is quick-drying and is made with an antimicrobial material that helps eliminate any odors. You can wear this backpacking bra for long hours with no worries of stinking the tent. The bra’s medium support style is a perfect alternative for women with medium to large breasts who want a bra that is a bit tight yet not too restrictive.

The broad open racerback design and the low-cut armholes help prevent any chafing. They additionally offer a full range of mobility, and this makes it an ideal bra for running and mountain strength training. It’s the best hiking bra for large breasts. Besides, this sports bra for hiking also features flatlock seams (clean cut and finished seams) to help maintain a comfortable fit and prevent any chafing against the skin.

#5.  Oiselle Ballard Sports Bra

Oiselle Ballard Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority of the bra’s fabric is nylon
  • Medium impact support
  • Compression support style
  • Crisscross and racerback strap design combination

Features

  • Mesh lining for ventilation
  • Compression fit offers support
  • Removable pads in the cups
  • Mid-high neckline provides full coverage

Ideal for: Advanced Hikers

Oiselle Sports Bra provides support for women with small breasts from cup sizes A to C. It features a stylish strap design and also lifts the bust when working out. It also helps minimize stress on the shoulders and ensures the straps don’t dig in the skin. The mid-high neckline offers full coverage, and the mesh on top of the bra provides an escape place for sweat when you are adventuring.

The removable cups allow for a customized fit. This best sports bra for hiking is also with both a right and left side, and this makes it easy to know how to place them. The bra’s fabric is quite soft and equally stays dry throughout the day without any thick feel.

#6.  Nike Pro Classic Swoosh Bra

Nike Pro Classic Swoosh Bra

Specs

  • Majority recycled polyester fabric
  • Medium impact support
  • Compression support style
  • Racerback strap style

Features

  • Clean and flat finished seams
  • Compression fit provides support
  • Double-lined chest prevents any nipping

Ideal for: Versatile Hikers

If you want a foundational sports bra for backcountry, then Nike Pro Sports Bra would be a perfect alternative. The front is double-lined to provide security when it grows cold outside. It additionally helps relieve worries about slipping pads or getting lost when washing. Just like other gears from Nike, this sports bra also tends to run small. It’s therefore recommended to go up a size.

The compression fit of the bra will stay on the body tightly throughout the day and doesn’t compromise on comfortability. The bra works perfectly well when it comes to security and support, plus its price is a bit lower. Nike offers flawless designs, and this sports bra isn’t an exception.

#7.  Brooks Fast-forward Free Sports Bra

Brooks Fast-forward Free Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority polyester
  • Low impact support
  • Encapsulation and compression support style
  • Crisscross strap design

Features

  • Stylish keyhole and mesh panels provide ventilation
  • Full coverage of motion with the minimal back coverage
  • Customizable shaping and coverage with the removable cups

Ideal for: Outdoor Fashionistas

The sports bra is both practical and stylish. The keyhole at the front of this bra and the mesh panels on the sides helps ventilate when you are out on an adventure, and also offers a modern look. The band below the bra allows you to move around comfortably and also ensures the bra stays in place throughout the day.

Since this sports bra offers a low impact support style, it would be ideal for short day jogs and hikes. The bra additionally features a flattering scoop neckline, which helps prevents uniboob. The bra’s fabric is moisture-wicking to keep you dry and super comfortable all through the day. However, this sports bra tends to run small; you are therefore advised to go up a size. For longevity, you should hand wash this sports bra.

This is the best sports bra for volleyball.

#8.  Brooks Maia Sports Bra

Brooks Maia Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority of the fabric consists of nylon
  • Medium impact support
  • Encapsulation and compression support style
  • Tank top strap design

Features

  • The padded cups offer additional support for the breasts
  • The bra has encased underwire for shaping and support too
  • Adjustable straps for a customized fit
  • Gel-in straps provide padding for the shoulders
  • Hook and eye closure at the back

Ideal for: Beginners in Hiking

The main objective of this sports bra is to offer support for women who wish to control bounce and also want full coverage for the breasts. It’s quite comfortable and supportive. The gel in the straps on the shoulders prevents any digs in the shoulder. The hook and eye closure at the back and adjustable straps ensure the bra fits perfectly well. The back closure additionally makes wearing and taking off this bra quite easy.

For flexible movement, Brooks Maia sports bra features a band at the bottom. The bra also stays in place all through the day; you, therefore, won’t experience any slips while moving around. Moreover, this sports bra comes in different fun designs but tends to run small.

#9.  Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority recycled polyester fabric
  • Medium impact support
  • Compression support style
  • Crisscross strap design

Features

  • The bra has a moisture wicking fabric
  • The cups are of high density and holds shape
  • The reflective logo helps maintain visibility

Ideal for: Aerobic Hikers

A perfect alternative for hiking and trail running. It’s the best sports bra for working out. Patagonia switchback stays in place throughout the day but doesn’t fit too snugly. The armholes are low cut, preventing any chafing with its super comfortable fit. Patagonia’s products come in different fun designs and colors.

The bra additionally features mesh straps for breathability and ventilation while you are hiking. The bra has a band at the bottom for additional support, and the fabric makes wearing and taking off quite easy.

#10. Patagonia Active Mesh Sports Bra

Patagonia Active Mesh Sports Bra

Specs

  • Majority recycled polyester fabric
  • Medium impact support
  • Compression support style
  • Tank to strap design

Features

  • Non-slip straps
  • Fairtrade approved sewing
  • Seamless construction helps prevent chafing
  • The antimicrobial material helps eliminate odor

Ideal for: Day Hikers

Patagonia Active Mesh Bra is a must-have sports bra in your collection. The bra provides both flexibility and comfort for different outdoor sports activities. The non-slip straps ensure the bra stays in place throughout the day and doesn’t dig in the shoulders. The bra is not too tight or constricting but provides a more comfortable and softer alternative.

The bra’s fabric is odor eliminating, ideal after spending a lot of time outdoors. It can additionally double up as a regular bra underneath a t-shirt. It would be a perfect alternative for a camp, sleep, or lounging bra. It’s also quite comfortable to wear and take off, and this makes it super convenient.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Hiking Bra

Bra Support

Bra support is usually determined in three different categories; high impact’ medium impact’ and low impact. These impact categories often dictate the bra’s fit and whether the sports bra is ideal for bounce control. The different types of impact definitions will help you decide which bra would suit you.

  • Low Impact

For the most comfortable fit, you should always go for low impact support. These bras don’t fit too tight and are a perfect alternative for t-shirt bras and women with small breasts. If you are trying to find a sports bra with bounce control, this wouldn’t be an ideal choice.

  • Medium Impact

Medium impact sports bras usually have excellent balance when it comes to support and comfort. Bras that fall in this category help minimize bounce and typically fit a little tight compared to low impact sports bras. However, the fit doesn’t compromise with comfortability and also features a supportive strap right below the bra. For all your outdoor activities, consider getting a medium impact sports bra.

  • High Impact

If you want guaranteed ultimate support, high impact sports bra would be perfect, especially for women with more massive breasts. These bras are often designed to hold the breasts in place and ultimately reduce bounce. The sports bras in this category fit tightly yet still feel comfortable.

Strap Style

Different sports bras feature different strap styles. There is crisscross, tank top, racerback, halter, hook and eye, to mention a few. Some of these styles are crazily beautiful, and can make you love the sports bra since it has a fun design.

Sports bras with hook and eye closure clasps are usually on tank top designs and offer high-level support. Besides, it helps distribute the weight of the breasts equally on the chest, especially for women with massive busts. Other sports bras are versatile; this means it allows the straps to change to different styles, and this depends on how you want to wear it. To get a strap that suits you, try wearing different sports bras to ascertain which strap provides the support you want.

Fabric

Sports bras have different qualities basing on the material. Merino Wool – is quite soft and grown on merino sheep; for instance, it ensures the sports bra feels soft against the skin. When it comes to nylon bras, they tend to dry very quickly. You should always think about what you need and the intended purpose of the sports bra. Do you need it for long backpacking trips where you plan on swimming in lakes and want a fast-drying bra? Or you only prefer comfortable sports bras? Is there any material that can irritate your skin? Should I wear a sports bra to hike? Ensure you exhaust all angles before settling on any sports bra.

Support Style

The support style falls into two categories, compression and encapsulation. Compression means that the sports bra has a piece of fabric that comprises the front part. On the other side, encapsulation means the sports bra features separate cups. Compression sports bras are perfect for women with small breasts, while encapsulation is ideal for their counterparts with more massive breasts. However, the encapsulation support style offers more cleavage than compression sports bras.

Size

The measurements around your chest will help determine the size of the sports bra that suits you. Usually, cup sizes A and B fit in small, C fits into medium, while Cup sizes D and beyond fit into large and extra-large, respectively.

The strap style is also essential. If you want a more supportive sports bra, always go for one with broad straps since it will help distribute all the breast’s weight equally on the chest. When trying to determine your size, you should also pay attention to the side panels as they come in handy when it comes to support.

 

Price

The right sports bra would cost a pretty penny. However, it’s lifespan will depend on how well you care for it. Excellent sports bra often withstands different outdoor activities for years to come. But you can currently get affordable sports bras in various designs. Therefore, getting a perfect fit at a relatively fair price is possible.

The above is an overview of the best bras for hiking.

 

 

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