The gear that gets you there.
Men’s and unisex picks first. Women’s picks on the same page.
Two pairs. Wash one, wear one. Quick-dry briefs that stay comfortable on long days.
Three picks. Updated weekly. That is the whole list. If it is not here, it did not earn a place.
· Top three updated weekly. Listed prices and shop ratings stay live.
Surveys 40% · independent tests 30% · merchant ratings 15% · relative street price 15%. Sources & method
Listed prices and shop ratings stay live once a shop page loads. GEAR UP has the current figure.
Built from published thru-hiker surveys and independent testing — not commissions. Sources & method · Disclosure
Shop the men’s or unisex product.
Swipe — three picks side by side
Quick-Dry Mesh · BallPark pouch
Listed price
8.4 / 10 Thru Picks
Quick-dry brief hikers choose for fit. Stays in place on long days.
Sources: CleverHiker · REI Co-op · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Also at REI →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Give-N-Go 2.0 · quick-dry brief
Listed price
8.3 / 10 Thru Picks
Two pairs, wash one. A long-running thru-hike brief that dries on a hipbelt.
Sources: Treeline Review · REI Co-op · Halfway Anywhere · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Also at REI →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Essential boxer brief · Capilene
Listed price
8.1 / 10 Thru Picks
Light Capilene brief sold at co-ops. Easy to replace mid-trail.
Sources: REI Co-op · Halfway Anywhere · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Shop the women’s product. Unisex cottage pieces are labeled on the card.
Swipe — three picks side by side
Give-N-Go 2.0 bikini
Listed price
8.4 / 10 Thru Picks
Give-N-Go bikini. Wash one, wear one. Dries on a hipbelt.
Sources: Treeline Review · REI Co-op · Halfway Anywhere · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Also at REI →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
REI Active Hipster · quick-dry
Listed price
8.2 / 10 Thru Picks
REI Co-op Active Hipster. Light, quick-dry, sold at co-ops — easy to replace mid-trail.
Sources: REI Co-op · Halfway Anywhere · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Merino Siren bikini
Listed price
8.1 / 10 Thru Picks
Merino Siren bikini. Next-to-skin comfort when synthetics feel harsh.
Sources: REI Co-op · CleverHiker · Treeline Review · Thru Picks method
GEAR UP →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission. Not a paid ranking.
Two pairs. Wash one, wear one. Chafing ends more hikes than weather. Quick-dry beats cotton. Merino is the spare if synthetics feel harsh.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Bikini is first: a long-running thru-hike brief that dries on a hipbelt. REI Co-op Active Hipster is Best Value — light, quick-dry, sold at co-ops. Icebreaker Siren Bikini is the Premium Pick for merino next to skin.
This slot is not required in a Pack Shakedown kit. The ten loadouts still start from the same independent lists.
Two pairs. Wash one, wear one. The fabric has to dry on a hipbelt in an afternoon and stay comfortable at mile 20.
SAXX Quest Quick-Dry Mesh is first: hikers pay for the fit, and it stays in place. ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 is Best Value — a thru-hike brief that has been on lists for years. Patagonia Essential Boxer Briefs is the other value pick: light Capilene, sold at REI. Merino underwear is a personal choice. It is not this ranking.
Rankings and kits are based on published surveys and independent analysis. They are opinions for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for choosing and using gear appropriate to their conditions and experience. Thru Picks is not liable for outcomes related to product use. Terms