How to Find the Best Hiking Bra

Are you a day-trip hiker who enjoys well-worn trails at your local Audubon sanctuary, or do you yearn for a physical challenge such as scrambling or rock climbing on rough terrain? Whichever it is, some forethought is needed to find the best hiking clothing and other gear to keep your outdoor experience enjoyable, safe and comfortable. Active women who love to hike as part of their regular workout need a high-quality sports bra that can hold up to the rigors of a hiking adventure while providing optimal support and comfort.

What Are the Special Requirements of a Sports Bra for Hiking?

When you’re hiking, you need to be ready for anything, from hot weather and a steep climb to unexpected rain. Clothes must be able to wick away sweat from the body to keep you cool and comfortable, and the fabric must dry quickly so you avoid hypothermia when the temperature drops. Tips for beginner hikers recommend staying away from cotton — which traps sweat, dries slowly and makes you feel clammy — and using synthetic materials such as spandex. The SugarSports SugarShock® sports bra is made from premium fabric that wicks away sweat, keeping every hiker dry and cool. 

Another key consideration is breast movement. Whether you’re trail running, trekking on a challenging journey or just walking at a good clip, any jarring impact can put strain on the chest. The smart choice for your hiking adventure is a well-designed sports bra that provides real support by controlling movement. 

Other important requirements for a hiking bra include:

• Secure yet comfortable fit

• Smooth design with no hardware to chafe skin as you move

• Comfortable shoulder straps and a wide rib cage band that doesn’t ride up

The SugarShock® bra has a unique design that stops breast movement, while the moisture-wicking, breathable fabric and smooth form keeps you dry and comfortable, even during rigorous hiking.

The Importance of a High-Impact Sports Bra for Hikes

Even if you’re not running up trails, breast movement may be distracting and possibly even painful, if your bra doesn’t provide proper control. This is especially true for women with a large cup size. But a standard support bra doesn’t fix the problem of motion. Women’s breasts have little natural support, making them especially acute to movement. Wearing a sports bra that significantly reduces breast motion will prevent possible tissue damage from the multi-directional movement and make you more comfortable so you can enjoy your hike. Only the revolutionary design of the SugarShock® bra does this.

Why Does the Average Sports Bra Not Work to Stop Breast Motion?

The standard sports bra relies on one of three methods for support — compression, encapsulation or adjustment. None of these methods work to control breast motion! Compression only makes the breasts flatter but does nothing to control the motion. Encapsulation, with a separate cup for each breast, also doesn’t work. And adjustable shoulder straps, in addition to not stopping the movement, have hardware that can irritate skin and cause chafing. The best bras for active women must be able to effectively stop the movement.  

SugarShock’s patented design uses the manufacturing concept of shock absorption to create a next-generation sports bra with significantly reduced movement and zero bounce! In fact, university tests recorded an average of 68% less up and down motion. A special Shock Band is specifically sewn into every bra. It lies across the top of the breast tissue and keeps breast weight down while absorbing the momentum and displacing the energy around the body. This is unlike any other bra you’ve owned.

SugarShock. It Feels Different Because It Is Different. ®

Why the SugarShock Sports Bra is the Best Hiking Bra

The SugarShock® sports bra seems like it’s specially made for the active hiker, but it’s ideal for any workout or sports activity where impact can be jarring to the breasts. But it isn’t just the motion-stopping design that makes this bra great for a hiker. It’s also the sweat-wicking fabric, generous front panel, soft lining and smooth lines.

Our SugarShock bra:

• Stops movement with a control band that’s specifically sewn into the fabric

• Is made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabric that dries quickly

• Has extra material in front for added coverage

• Includes a soft lining

• Stretches to match your moves

• Doesn’t have zippers or hardware that can irritate skin

• Is designed to fit snugly yet comfortably

What is Your Hiking Passion?

Leisurely Hiking – To be a hiker is to walk a considerable distance, usually in the woods. Hiking is a relaxing leisure activity that can either be on man-made trails or roads. Thru-hiking trails include the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT). 

Mountaineering (mountain climbing) – A more physically demanding activity than a leisurely hike, traversing a mountain is a multi-day adventure that involves mixed terrain and various environmental conditions. Mountaineering requires technical equipment and special skills (climbing, scrambling, ice climbing, etc.).

Scrambling (alpine scrambling) – Considered to be somewhere between hiking and rock climbing, these are off-the-trail adventures, often on rock or snow. The destination is a “non-technical summit” that can be reached without climbing gear, and it doesn’t involve glaciers or very steep slopes. However, you might have to cross streams, navigate through dense vegetation and walk across snow-covered expanses (which may require a helmet, crampons and an ice axe).

Trekking – In terms of difficulty, think of this as between hiking and mountaineering. Trekking is a multi-day outdoor experience that is far more athletic and challenging than a simple hike.

One Bra for Many Activities

Hiking can involve many activities, including trail running, scrambling, rock climbing, swimming and having to cross streams and perhaps get your clothing wet. There might also be unexpected weather conditions like a sudden rain shower, extreme cold or sweltering heat. The best sports bra for hiking will keep your breast movement in control, and keep you dry and comfortable throughout it all. Experience the difference of the SugarShock® sports bra and embrace your next adventure!