The Best Hiking Bras

May 30, 2023

For many people, bras are a necessary nuisance. The straps, cups, wires and clasps can be uncomfortable and annoying. In the outdoors, practical sports bras are typically a better choice than underwire or push up bras, but it can be difficult to find one that doesn’t over-compress, interfere with backpack straps or feel uncomfortable after a few hours on the trail. A cinched-in, too-tight bra can cause discomfort and even pain—and a too loose, unsupportive bra can do the same.

Every body is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all hiking bra. It might take some trial and error, but you can find the right mix of supportive and comfortable that works for you.

Low-Impact Hikes

Kari Traa Var Bra

^MEC.ca

This bra is perfect for low-impact hikes with fully adjustable racerback straps, a wide underbust elastic and removeable cups. It offers light support for relaxed days on the trail when you want to forget that you’re wearing a bra. As long as you’re not jumping, scrambling or running, a low-impact sports bra like this one will work well for easy to moderate hiking trails. The thin straps and V-neck design won’t show under most tank tops or T-shirts. It’s made of polyester and elastane and can double as a chilling-at-the-campsite bra.

Buy it here: mec.ca

Backpacking Trips

Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Bra

^MEC.ca

Carry everything and the kitchen sink with this versatile bra featuring not one, not two, but three ingeniously integrated pockets. The two side pockets are perfect for stashing your keys and cards and the hidden pocket on the upper back can fit an iPhone 14 Pro. The high neckline wards off sunburn and the integrated bottom band supports and moves with you as you hike, climb and set up camp. Size up as it’s extremely supportive, and compressive sports bras can start feeling too tight on an extended or overnight trek.

Buy it here: mec.ca

Mountain Climbs

Lululemon Energy™ Bra

^lululemon

If you’re scaling mountains and scrambling up ridges, you’ll want something supportive and comfortable with ample freedom of movement. This bra provides moderate support for a B-D cup and is made with Luxtreme™ fabric with four-way stretch and added Lycra® fibre so you can reach your next hold. The material wicks away sweat and feels cool and smooth to the touch, even when you’re sweating up a storm. It has sturdy straps with an interesting criss-cross back design and removeable cups.

Buy it here: lululemon.com

Quick, Steep, Strenuous Trails

Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0

^MEC.ca

If you’re pushing your legs up a difficult, hour-long trail—something like North Vancouver’s Grouse Grind—you might want to look for a high-impact sports bra like the Brooks Dare Crossback. A moderate- or high-impact bra like this can be worn on adventures when you’re going to be actively bounding up steep, technical trails. This bra features a strong bottom band and built-in (non-removeable) cups molded to offer on-the-trail support. This nearly seamless bra is made from a breathable, sweat-wicking DriLayer® HorsePower nylon and spandex to get you to the top of the mountain in record time.

Buy it here: mec.ca

Trail Running

Lululemon Run Times Bra

^lululemon

Whether you’re tackling the trail at a sprint or going for a joyful jog through the forest, this high-support bra keeps you comfortable and held in place so you can focus on your pace. High-support sport bras are perfect for trail runs because you’re going to experience more bounce and impact. This bra is made from sweat-wicking, quick-dry fabric and features build-in (non-removeable) thin cups. Perforated panelling encourages airflow and adjustable, padded straps keep your shoulders comfortable. The back hood-and-eye closure cinches everything together.

Buy it here: lululemon.com

Multi-Use Adventures

Lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra

^lululemon

So, you’re a multi-adventure-type—you like to cycle, hike, paddle and run all in the same day? Zip into this supportive bra for A–DDD(E) cups. Multi-use adventure bras should be well-fitted and versatile, and ideally, something you’re comfortable wearing as a swimming top. This bra is made for comfortable support on intense multi-adventures with smooth, sweat-wicking, quick-drying Ultralu™ fabric. It features a bonded underband to stay in place while you move and lightweight, built-in, non-removeable cups. The zipper is on the front, so be careful when zipping it up—fasten the small hook closure first.

Buy it here: lululemon.com