Underwear is the piece of kit most hikers overthink last and regret first. A reviewer at The Trek — an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker with several thousand miles on her legs — spent a summer putting Branwyn's merino wool Essential Supreme Bra ($76) and Essential Hipster underwear ($40) through trail runs, multi-day backpacking trips, swims, yoga classes and 12-hour healthcare shifts in East Tennessee.
Both pieces are made from 81% merino wool blended with nylon and elastane, using 17.5-micron fibre certified under ZQ+, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and REACH — so animal welfare and chemical safety are covered, and the wool itself is renewable and biodegradable. Sizes run XS–XXL across six to seven colourways.
The Supreme Bra skips underwire in favour of a 2.5-inch support band, a seamless 'scrunch' design for gentle separation, and adjustable straps you can wear straight, crossed, or halter-style. Removable pads add coverage for daily wear and come out to save weight on trail (spares cost $9.50, or $4.50 bundled with a bra). The Hipster is the higher-rise option in Branwyn's range, sitting below the belly button with fuller coverage at the back.
The verdict? Comfort and odour resistance are the standout wins. The reviewer wore both pieces for days between washes in summer heat and was surprised how little they smelled — a genuine advantage when you're counting every gram and trying to pack light. Seams and tags never caused irritation, nothing rode up under a loaded pack, and the garments survived accidental machine cycles and dryer mishaps without shrinking.
The catches: neither piece dries quickly. After a midday swim, both were still damp at camp and the next morning, needing hours of direct sun. If you wash-and-wear on consecutive days or hike in humid climates, that's a real drawback. The bra's metal clasps and sliders also dig in when you lie down on a sleeping pad — annoying if you sleep in your bra at camp. And the Hipster's high waistband peeked above some shorts, though the reviewer found rolling it down worked and stayed put.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: if your priority is comfort and being able to rewear gear for days without odour, this merino set earns its price. If fast-drying is non-negotiable — think tropical trips or hut-to-hut treks with overnight washes — look elsewhere. At $116 for the pair, it's an investment, but one built for people who'd rather think about the summit than their socks-and-underwear drawer.
Review via The Trek.
