Australian Hiker

Rating

Icebreaker Women's Merino Sprite Racerback Bra Review

Icebreaker has been producing outdoor adventure clothing from natural fibres since 1995 and at that time, all outdoor performance clothing was made of synthetic fabrics made from petrochemical plastics. The fibres used by Icebreaker are 100% merino – that’s why Icebreaker gear works equally well through freezing winters and scorching summers.

It would be fair to say I’m a huge fan of merino hiking gear – I pile on the layers to keep me warm and peel them off during the day. I’m also a fan of Icebreaker so when I’m hiking I even wear Icebreaker underwear! And not just Icebreaker for outdoor activities – you’ll find me in Icebreaker gear when relaxing at home, on my morning run or having lunch out. I did say I am a BIG fan!

What’s the attraction? Well, it’s a long list…. the fine merino wool is soft on my skin…the great fit…the durability….the versatility…the smart styling…..

I could go on so let me focus on the Sprite Racerback Bra to help convince you. For the blokes reading this article, feel free to tune out now although if you continue reading you may well learn something new!

The stylish Sprite Racerback Bra as the name suggests is a racerback style that comes in four colours — Vibrant Earth (or orange to you and me), Green Glory, Grape (looks brownish), and Black (yep!). There are five sizes — XS, S, M, L and XL.

I have the Vibrant Earth, Grape and Black colours and I wear size S with my usual bra size being 12B.

This is a very comfortable bra to wear when hiking – more so than a traditional bra or sports bra. The Sprite Racerback Bra maintains freshness over several days of (really) hard hiking. It’s easy to wash and very quick to dry on the trail. When traditional bras and sports bras get wet through sweat or washing they take a long time to dry. Wearing a damp bra is not fun. Many sports bras also have underwire which I find doesn’t work well with a pack harness.

This bra is made from 83% merino wool and 5% Lycra corespun fabric and features improved cup shaping and an open back design for freedom of movement. The breathable corespun fabric uses 12% nylon fibres wrapped in merino wool for added strength and durability that maintains next-to-skin softness. There is a power mesh lining to improve moisture management and comfort, and the no-side-seam design prevents underarm chafing.

There is even a pocket each side to insert bra cups is you’re so inclined!

Now despite not being particularly well-endowed in the boob department, I don’t wear this bra when running or doing impact sports because it doesn’t provide sufficient support for medium or high impact activities.

I tend to sleep in this bra given the comfort level. When I need to take a wee walk in the middle of the night, I don’t feel the need to put more on (other than my hiking shoes) unless it is blowing a gale.

I purchased my first Icebreaker bra more than 15 years ago and it lasted until last year. The main reason I buy more is because I can’t resist the new season colours!

One of the criticisms I often hear about Icebreaker generally and in particular about the underwear, is the cost. At AUD $74.99 RRP, the Sprite Racerback Bra is quite comparable to the price of a quality sports bra, but I’ve never had a sports bra last for the same length of time.

The Sprite Racerback Bra is a fantastic addition to your hiking under-clothing and is suitable for all types of hiking and trail walking during very cool and through to very warm days and nights. You can also wear this bra for a range of other low impact activities.

And I have to ask the blokes who continued reading, did you learn anything?

We Like

• Slim fit which means there are no bulky layers to make you uncomfortable
• The stylish cut ensures comfort and support throughout the day which is really important on the long hikes
• The merino and lycra corespun fabric ensures this bra breathes, resists odours and is durable for years to come
• The single back strap on the bra accommodates an extreme range of motion
• The cup construction of the bra ensures enhanced fit and support, and no side seams will prevent underarm chaffing

We Don't Like

• Some say the price but I’m not convinced – once you buy one, you’ll be hooked

Best Uses

• Low impact activities such as hiking, walking and yoga

Buy One

You can purchase the Icebreaker Women’s Sprite Racerback Bra from Wild Earth

We may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $74.99 RRP

Other Versions

Other styles available from Icebreaker:

• Women’s Merino Queens Clasp Bra
• Women’s ZoneKnit Merino Sports Bra
• Women’s Merino Siren Bra

Icebreaker Merino Sprite Racerback Bra in Vibrant Earth colour

Icebreaker Sprite Racerback Bra rear view in Green Glory colour

Icebreaker Sprite Racerback Bra in black colour and a glimpse of the cup insert

Icebreaker Sprite Racerback Bra front view in grape colour

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

Last updated

17 March 2024

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