If this sound like the most random article ever then I’m sorry, but it’s not. This is me imparting some knowledge that will seriously improve the quality of your backpacking life. I’m totally alive with excited energy as I type this because I simply believe this is one of the greatest lessons I have learned in my, ahem, twenty-something years on this earth. Okay, a bit OTT, but read on for why you need to embrace the sports bra…

THEY LOOK PRETTY GOOD THESE DAYS

They’re an actual, legit fashion item now. Forget those grey elastic over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, today’s sports bras come in myriad colours, patterns and designs and they’re really flattering on most people. This means you can wear it as a fashionable crop top as well as a bra. Score. I love a multi-tasking item.

YOU CAN SWIM IN IT

Speaking of multitasking, your sports bra will double as a bikini top, and you won’t look weird, I promise. In fact there are bikinis that specifically and truly double as sports bras these days – I know because I bought one, and it said. (Not the bra, that would be weird, the online description).

THEY WICK MOISTURE… WELL, SWEAT

Let’s not beat about the bush you sweaty traveller, you’re combating some serious heat, ain’t nobody gonna judge you for sweating cobs (UK expression – it means perspiring profusely). Luckily sportswear is designed by space-scientists, probably, and the fabrics do all sorts of magic things. This means it’ll dry super quick and you won’t feel gross wearing it.

A SPORTS BRA IS WAY MORE COMFORTABLE THAN A REAL BRA

Come on ladies, am I right? Bras can be so indescribably painful, I mean what do men wear that is so uncomfortable that they look forward to going home just so they can take the offending item off? Sports bras don’t have wires, they won’t suddenly go all weird, they’re easy to wash – I could go on.

THEY’LL SUPPORT YOU

Hopefully parts of your travelling will involve some action and/or adventure. Hiking up a mountain, bungee jumping, potholing, whatever. Even the act of lugging a backpack around is pretty physical, and if you ever need to dash to make that flight, you’ll be glad you’re wearing your most supportive item of clothing. It will also strap your tits down so there is no danger of them popping out in a religious country, in the company of men (bad western woman) or on a sleeper train.

Now do you see? They’re the most versatile item in your whole backpack. To summarise: They can be worn as a fashionable crop top. They’re supportive. Comfortable. Sweat wicking. Hard wearing. Less revealing than a wire bra and your tits definitely won’t pop out. Plus you can run up a mountain in Sri Lanka with ease. Three cheers for the sports bra!