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Reviews > Clothing > Base Layers and Undies > Icebreaker Siren Hipkini > Owner Review by Andrea MurlandIcebreaker Siren
Hipkini Tester Information
I began hiking frequently in 2006 and have since hiked in Western Canada, Australia, and spent two months backpacking in the Alps. I spend most weekends either day-hiking or on 2-3 day backpacking trips, with some longer trips when I can manage them. I also snowshoe and ski in the winter, and prefer to be hut-based for overnight trips. Elevation is typically 500-3,000 m (1,600-10,000 ft), in the Canadian Rockies and the Selkirk, Purcell, and Monashee ranges. I try for a light pack, but I don’t consider myself a lightweight backpacker. Product Information
Care Instructions (from tag):Machine wash inside out with similar colours, do not use softeners, do not bleach, line dry in the shade, do not tumble dry, warm iron, do not iron design or labels, do not dry clean Description The Icebreaker Siren Hipkini are bikini-style underwear made from 150-weight merino wool and 4% elastane. They are low-rise (but not extremely so) and cut to provide full coverage in the back. The waistband is 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide and elastic. The leg holes also have elastic edging. The crotch area has a second layer of fabric on the inside that is sewn at the back and sides and open at the front. The side seams of the underwear are regular seams.Note that the Hipkini has been discontinued by Icebreaker, replaced by an updated model. The Hipkini is still available from third-party retailers. Field Conditions I bought my first two pairs of Siren Hipkini underwear in 2012 and now have six pairs. I have two pairs that I wear frequently, a couple more that are towards the bottom of the drawer, and a couple still in the boxes. I would estimate that the two older pairs have each been worn for about 40 days and 10 nights, in all seasons. This includes temperatures ranging from about -25C to 30C (-13F to 86F).Review Comfort & Fit:These are my favourite underwear of anything in my drawer. I reach for them first when I’m dressing for any significant outdoor activity in any season. On overnight or multi-day trips they’re absolutely coming. The size medium fits me perfectly, with no sliding around, wedgies, or discomfort. For reference, my waist measurement is 31 in (79 cm) and my hip measurement is 39 in (99 cm). The fabric is soft and comfortable, the waistband or leg openings don’t dig in anywhere, and I don’t notice the seams. In short, I put them on and forget about them. Moisture & Odour Control: These underwear do a good job of managing sweat and temperature. They’re comfortable in all seasons, and I don’t get cold in the winter when I’m sweating in them. I also don’t overheat in the summer. When hung to dry after washing or use they dry quickly. I don’t know if the odour management is significantly better than other options, partially because for anything longer than a half-day trip I always wear them so I can’t really compare. Durability: The oldest pairs of my Hipkinis are starting to be noticeably thinner than the newer ones. However, they have no holes and aren’t stretched out. I have always washed them with my regular laundry (regular detergent, no fabric softener, no bleach) and hung them to dry. Summary The Icebreaker Siren Hipkini are lightweight merino wool underwear that are comfortable and do their job. I love them and hope that they continue to last for years.Thumbs Up: Comfortable! Good moisture management – cool in summer and warm in winter Good durability Thumbs Down: Absolutely nothing Read more gear reviews by Andrea Murland Reviews > Clothing > Base Layers and Undies > Icebreaker Siren Hipkini > Owner Review by Andrea Murland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||