Best Hiking Bras for Adventures in the Mountains
We spend a lot of time talking about various hikes, scrambles, bikes, paddles, and road trips you can enjoy in the Canadian Rockies. On top of that, we occasionally touch on topics such as recommended gear, shoes, and clothing, but it’s pretty rare that we talk about a core article of clothing for women – specifically, sports bras.
I’ve been wearing Handful sports bras for a long time, and they’re now the only sports bra brand in my closet. Their lineup of sports bras is excellent and designed to move with you, not against you. They’ve become essential for me on our days on the trail in Banff and Canmore.
Why Wear A Sports Bra
There are several reasons why we do not recommend wearing traditional clothing when exploring the Canadian Rockies. The main reason we suggest technical wear is due to comfort, which makes a significant difference on a long day. However, safety also plays a role when it comes to layers and apparel.
For easy days, we suggest you head out in whatever is comfortable. However, a smart strategy regarding clothes is still a good idea. A great starting point is the layers closest to your skin. Socks, underwear, and sports bras make a huge difference in terms of comfort on the trail. Plus, they’re often the most affordable investments you can make in terms of hiking apparel.
We recommend using synthetics or natural materials for the layers that come into contact with your skin. Cotton is a classic material, but it absorbs moisture and is slow to dry, often leading to discomfort, chafing, and even blisters as it rubs against the skin.
This is especially true with bras, and I’m always in a sports bra when exploring the mountains. Handful’s sports bras have kept me pretty much comfortable on every adventure we’ve ever had in the Rockies. They’re super comfy and made to move with you, not against you! It’s pretty much my non-negotiable essential for any day on the trail – I have been using their bras (and leggings) for nearly 10 years now!
Why I Love Handful Sports Bras
When it comes to mountain sports in the Rockies, I consider my comfort essential. If I’m hiking, scrambling, paddleboarding, climbing, or biking, I probably have a sports bra on during the activity.
That said, sports bras can be tricky as some are too restrictive, some don’t provide enough support, and most aren’t designed to transition beyond the trail.
What we’ve liked about Handful is how they’ve struck a balance between performance and wearability. I pretty much spend all my days, all year long, in a Handful bra and wear them on most travel days when we’re not at home.
- Quick-dry fabrics: Whether you’re powering up Ha Ling Peak or cooling off with a dip in Two Jack Lake, Handful bras dry fast and don’t cling uncomfortably when you’re sweaty.
- Soft, breathable feel: Long days under a backpack require fabric that won’t chafe. These bras are smooth against the skin and feel good even after hours of movement.
- Versatile design: You can wear them on the trail, to yoga, or layered under a tank for a casual coffee. A few styles even double as swim tops, which is perfect for those spontaneous swims in alpine lakes.
- Flattering fit: Support is key, but it doesn’t hurt that the design feels flattering and confidence-boosting both during and after the adventure. I love that several of their designs still leave me feeling like a woman.
- Travel-friendly: Lightweight and easy to pack, they don’t take up much space in a hiking pack or suitcase. As several of their designs blend the line between sports bra and a classic one, they’re extremely versatile for travel.
- Conscious Impact: Handful is committed to producing sustainable and ethically conscious activewear. They do this by utilizing recycled materials in their products, reduced packaging, and a partnership with a woman owned factory to produce their garments.
My Favorite Handful Sports Bras
Handful Adjustable Bra
This is the “do-it-all” bra in the lineup. With adjustable straps and a versatile fit, it works well for long travel days, layering under hiking tops, or switching from a morning ride to an afternoon hike, to an evening out on the town.
The adjustability makes it easy to dial in comfort, whether you’re carrying a pack or moving light and fast. I wear this bra all the time and have taken it on countless mountain adventures and trips. I have it in a lot of colors, so I can wear a white or nude one even under a dress for a nice dinner out!
Handful Fav Bra
True to its name, the FaV Bra is easy to love. It’s a simple, supportive style that feels good for everything from casual hikes to camp mornings. It’s soft, comfortable, and reliable.
It’s my go-to piece for those days when I want something I can wear all day without a second thought. I also love that the bra still shows off some cleavage and doesn’t turn my ladies into one. Because of its design, I find I get much less boob sweat on those hot days in the mountains.
Handful Y Back Bra
Made for movement, the Y Back design shines when you’re carrying a pack. The straps sit in a way that minimizes rubbing and stay put when you’re climbing, scrambling, or biking.
It’s breathable, streamlined, and great for active days when you really want the support without bulk. This is my go-to bra when I need something that delivers reliable support for a seriously active day (like summitting a massive mountain here in the Canadian Rockies).
The Gametime Bra
When the plan involves a trail run, summit push, or any other high-impact activity, the Gametime Bra is the one to grab. It offers the most support in the line but still feels soft and comfortable all day long.
Think of it as the secure, stay-put option for when the adventure gets a little more intense. Like on a trail run or mountain bike when there is lots of bouncing involved! It’s a great bra for those who need extra support, but most days I find all the bras listed above provide everything I need in a more freeing package.
Readers Can Grab A Discount With My Code!
If you’d like to try Handful’s awesome products out, you can get a discount of 15% off your purchase using my code “TWP15” at checkout.
Adventures I Went On With Handful
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is my favorite way to enjoy the amazing lakes in the Canadian Rockies. I most often hit the water in nothing but my sports bra on a warm summer day. While a sports bra isn’t a requirement, the synthetic materials, good coverage, and support make paddling a breeze. They are also fun to jump in the water with and dry quickly afterward in the sun.
Hiking
We love a summit on a good summer day. On big days where we often spend all day on the trail I appreciate the comfort and support of the Y Back Bra. It moves with my body and reduces the chances of any uncomfortable chafing on my boobs.
Climbing At The Local Crag
We just picked up climbing this year, and it’s been a blast. With all these steep mountains and limestone there is no shortage of spots to go for an evening climb in the area.
When it comes to climbing, I like a sports bra that is comfortable and moves with my body. As it’s not high impact, I like a more comfortable bra like the Handful Adjustable or Fav Bra. It helps that the material breathes a little better and reduces the dreaded “boob sweat.”
Relaxing Along a Glacial Lake
Sometimes you just want to relax along the lakeshore and enjoy a relaxing walk. I find the bras so versatile that’s it pretty much all I wear these days and this includes casual days around town and traveling. The latter is something we know quite well as we’re on the road almost half the year working on business ventures abroad.
Biking Highwood Pass
Gravel biking is my favourite fitness activity and I go for bike ride along the Legacy Trail around once a week. However, my favourite bike ride every year is when the snow clears off of Highwood Pass before they open it to vehicle traffic.
With no vehicle we can enjoy an epic ride along Canada’s highest paved road. It’s a huge day without a lot of elevation gain on the bike so comfort and support are essential!
Readers Can Grab A Discount With My Code!
If you’d like to try Handful’s awesome products out you can get a discount of 15% off your purchase using my code “TWP15” at checkout.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- We now have an interactive map! With over 350 stops and pre built itineraries around the Canadian Rockies, our personal map and guide is your one stop shop to an epic trip here.
- Recommended Winter Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies in the winter, but our top recommendation is to up the Banff Gondola – a must do experience. Other great experiences are the Johnston Canyon icewalk, or go snowshoeing on top of the world!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Discover Car. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy. Don’t forget the Guide Along Audio App for driving the Icefields Parkway (Use our link for 25% off!)
- We can help you plan your 2026 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, and PERSONALLY go over your plans and itinerary (or help you craft an itinerary), and will save you time and money with our personal recommendations. Calls are followed up with detailed trip notes afterward that I write myself. See our services here.
