We all know that boots are a very integral part of climbing or hiking. Especially during a long hike, having suitable footwear will help you navigate the treacherous terrain further while protecting your feet. But when it comes to other accessories, such as essential shirts, people tend to overlook their importance and make a mistake by buying the wrong kind of clothing pieces.
This guide features some of the best hiking shirts in existence and lists out what to look for in a good shirt. There are majorly three types of shirts available. These include the half-sleeved ones, full-sleeved and the ones with buttons.
And just like the many weather and terrain conditions you are likely to encounter, you will find an even broader array of shirts to choose from. All that is left is to look for the one that suits your aesthetic sense and matches the features and capabilities you want.
Top 5 Best Shirts For Hiking 2023
1. Columbia Zero Rules Tee
Are you looking for a shirt that is durable yet easy on the skin? Do you want a sweater that grants freedom of movement while protecting you from the perils of your surroundings? Then you have come to the right place.
The Columbia shirts have always been known to be built-to-last. This durable shirt works miracles as a layering fabric and perfectly covers your skin. Moreover, this is a smart fabric. It reacts with sweat to lower the temperature, thereby keeping you cool. The patented OMNI-Freeze zero feature has blue rings that help carry out this function.
In addition to all this, it also features the OMNI-Shade feature, which allows the fabric to protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Stopping these rays prevents sunburns and long term skin damage.
The quick-drying polyester gives it a sleek and stylish look while preserving its durability and enhancing its already exceptional features. The keen attention to detail attests to its expert craftsmanship and premium materials used. These features and facilities make this one of the best shirts for hiking on this list.
Pros
- The blue rings are a great way to counter temperature rise while whisking away sweat.
- The fabric blocks UVA and UVB rays.
- Its material is made of quick-drying polyester.
- It is highly durable and can withstand all the tests that it might be put through.
Cons
- The synthetic fabric might react badly when put on for extended amounts of time.
- It can become quite smelly due to the absorption of so many waste materials.
2. Smartwool Merino 150
Do you want a shirt that is light in weight but still retains all its features? Are you looking for a shirt that delivers on all its promises yet feels like a second skin? Smartwool Merino created their latest entry keeping this specific demand in mind.
Smartwool utilized their prowess with Merino wool and Nylon to create a fabric that retains both of its predecessors’ properties while incorporating new ones that further improve its deliverability in terms of features durability.
The fabric barely weighs anything while offering one hundred percent warmth of the original materials and is built to be exceptionally durable, making it the ideal choice for all outdoor-related activities. Additionally, the flatlock seam construction design minimizes chafing and discomfort, providing nothing but comfort and warmth.
They removed the uncomfortable sleeves, allowing for all-round comfort and flexibility around the shoulders and upper back.
This shirt can be the perfect outdoor wear for your hikes, treks, and climbs on a cold and wintery day or for an outing in a high and relatively cold place. These are also perfect for just wearing at home or even some casual trips. It doubles as a beautiful layering piece or even a standalone piece of clothing.
And finally, the cherry on the cake is its UPF rating of 20. It allows easy storage, cleaning, and using the shirts without worrying about any adverse effects. This shirt?s high versatility makes it one of the best hiking shirts on this list.
Pros
- It has a light fabric that retains its parent fabrics? durability and versatility.
- The flatlock seam design reduces chafing and makes it more comfortable.
- It has a UPF rating of 20, making it suitable for washing and cleaning at home.
- It is hot, even during icy climbs, and doubles down as a layering fabric or even a standalone shirt.
Cons
- The synthetic material might not be suitable for everyone.
3. Starter Men’s Athletic-Fit Short Sleeve Shirt
Are you looking to expand your shirt collection but don’t want to hurt your wallet while doing so? Does your heart race at the thought of sales on your favorite hiking shirts? Then worry not. Starter’s range of hiking shirts is here to deliver some of the best hiking shirts for a very affordable price.
It is a well-known fact that good quality hiking shirts can cost a lot. But with this entry, you can plan your hikes and treks without having to worry about your budget or capital. Sporting a polyester-based design, this shirt has smooth seams and minimal chafing and provides distraction-free fits.
It also has an excellent cooling technology, which allows you to remain cool and dry even during the heaviest workouts. Going a step further, with the elimination of backtags, this shirt is geared towards providing the best in class comfort at the lowest possible cost.
It lacks the feature of being antimicrobial. But either way, this is a perfect shirt to have if you are planning hikes and treks on a tight budget. The athletic and snug fit ensures maximum movement without compromising quality or comfortability.
And the cherry on top is the various sleeve options that it offers. This way, you can always stock up on all the different varieties available without having to worry about costs or search for better fittings in other brands or sizes.
Pros
- It is very economical and affordable.
- It provides a high return on value for a shirt at this price range.
- The polyester fabric makes it incredibly durable.
- It is very effective at siphoning of sweat and cooling your body.
Cons
- It does not have an antimicrobial layer.
- It does not have a good UPF rating.
4. Icebreaker Tech Lite Short Sleeve
Are you looking for a mainstream brand? Do you want to play it safe and choose the brand that will not disappoint? Do you fancy yourself as a centrist and are a firm believer of the phrase ?Old is Gold?? If so, then Icebreaker would not disappoint you.
The brand is a firm follower of the mainstream hiker t-shirt lineups. You will notice that it is not so different from many other entries on this list. It uses the merino fabric with a nylon core to increase its strength and durability (they do this by wrapping around the merino fabric on a nylon string). The 150-gram material used provides the ideal balance between durability and breathability.
The introduction of flatlock seams prevents chafing, making your trek and climb better and far more comfortable than some of its competitors. The excellent craftsmanship and the large variety of options and colors available for these shirts propel it towards the top spot on this list of best shirts for hiking.
While many others on this list offer only crew neck, the Icebreaker Tech Lite SS is available either as a crew neck or a V neck (depending on your tastes and style).
Pros
- It builds upon the tried and tested formula of making good hiking shirts.
- The merino wrapped nylon core increases its durability while maximizing breathability.
- The flatlock seams deter chafing and make for a comfortable option as a layering material.
Cons
- It is a very mainstream option; hence some people might want to avoid it.
- The lack of sleeve options might bother some people.
5. Columbia Silver Ridge Lite
Are you looking for a classic addition to your already chic collection of hiking shirts? Do you want a brand that delivers and a shirt that holds up to all that it promises? If that is the case, Columbia is here to the rescue.
This is a classic long sleeve button that looks as stylish as functional. And as is the case with many of the brand’s shirts, these shirts are made from the highest quality materials. Thanks to its Omni wick ridge lite fabric, this shirt is anti-microbial and prevents the body’s moisture from drying quickly by pulling the water away from the body.
This also prevents the build-up of any microbes or odor. It also has lots of zip pockets that can store away your climbing paraphernalia without you having to fear for their loss or damage.
This shirt features front button closures and adjustable control down cuffs. This means that everything in this shirt can be customized as per your preferences.
The tightly woven fabrics have a UPF rating of 40. This means that this shirt can take a lot of the punishment dished out by the sun without having adverse effects on your skin.
It provides safety and protection from the sun?s harmful UVA and UVB rays and works hard to stop sunburns and long-term sun damage. Finally, with a rod organizer, several low-profile pockets, and roll-up sleeves, utility features on the shirt make fishing life a little simpler.
This long sleeve men’s shirt incorporates some of the most famous inventions designed for outdoor avoidance and Columbia safety. Their signature wicking fabric makes the shirt breathable in conjunction with the mesh-lined vented back. The unique fabric acts to draw moisture away from the body so that sweat can evaporate effectively and rapidly.
Pros
- It has an excellent UPF rating.
- The fabric is incredibly durable yet breathable and provides adequate ventilation.
- The availability of lots of pockets allows you to store your paraphernalia without having to worry about losing them or damaging them while climbing.
Cons
- It might be on the pricier end of the spectrum for some people.
What Should I Look For Before Buying A Good Hiking Shirt?
Before you finalize your choice of shirts, you need to consider a few factors. There are many such factors to consider, and given below is a small summary of all that you need to consider before buying a good hiking shirt.
1. Comfort
Whenever it comes to your shirt’s convenience, there are many features that you should take into account. The overall fit, style, flexibility, and even the smallest details, such as how the seams are sewn together, can make a massive difference in your shirts’ performance.
Nowadays, most hiking shirts feature the ‘flatlock’ seam design. This means that the seams do not overlap (and, as a result, do not stick out). This helps in preventing chafing and blisters.
Moreover, you can choose from a variety of options available. Choosing a fitted style would make your shirt stick close to you, while looser fits allow more excellent breathability and ventilation. So choose accordingly.
2. Sun Protection
This feature might not be high up on the list of many hikers looking to buy shirts. This is because all shirts come with some level of inherent sun blocking.
However, people whose skin does not react well to the sun, or hikers looking to venture into more sunny areas, might want to look for a shirt with a higher than average UPF rating.
The first question that comes to mind is, “What is UPF rating?”. A UPF rating in clothing is analogous to the SPF rating for skin in sunscreen. It tells you how useful your item is at blocking the sun?s harmful ultraviolet rays.
A higher UPF rating means better protection from the sun. However, if a garment has a UPF rating of less than 15, it is not considered ultraviolet protective.
Many factors decide the setting of the UPF rating in your garments. These factors include your garment color, the garment’s overall construction, and its specific fiber make up. It is a well-known fact that darker colors are famous for absorbing more UV rays while lighter colors help repel them.
In terms of fabrics, polyester and nylon are the best at blocking ultraviolet rays, while cotton is the least effective (and hence not preferred when shopping for hiking shirts). But, when buying a UPF rated garment, it is essential to keep in mind that each garment needs to be washed differently. Your way of handling them while washing can easily affect their UPF ratings.
3. Design
There is a wide variety of hiking shirts to choose from. These types broadly include two necks- V necks and crew necks. As with any other feature, both types have their pros and cons.
And most people prefer one type over the other. Furthermore, designs with zippers, roll-up tabs, pockets, and built-in vents can run up the sides, under the arms, or directly along the back.
A polyester T-shirt would be better for trail running, hiking during the day, or participating in sports-related activities. A button-up shirt would be ideal for longer thru-hiking (because most styles are durable yet comfortable) as the fabrics do not need to be washed as often.
Button shirts also bring in the option of having zippers, snap, or button pockets. This allows you to store your hiker paraphernalia without having to worry about losing it in the heat of the adventure. On the other hand, these added features make the shirt warmer than other shirts.
4. Additional Functions
If you are going for a longer than average hike, look for a fabric with strong antimicrobial properties. It will help keep you and your shirt from smelling stinky and prevent bacteria accumulation.
On the other hand, if you are looking to traverse through areas known to be infested with mosquitoes and other bugs, then picking a shirt with built-in insect repellent technology would be an easy game changer and a definite lifesaver.
Best Hiking Shirts – Conclusion
It is difficult to assign the tag of ?best hiking shirt? to any shirt or brand in particular. Every brand has something new and unique to bring to the table. Each shirt is manufactured using different fabrics and using other methods.
Shirts help you to complete your climb with relative ease. Indeed, a lousy shirt choice would not affect your trek much, but it could very well be the difference between you enjoying your hike and you hating every moment of it.
Shirts absorb your sweat and keep your body relatively cool, thereby increasing your efficiency and decreasing fatigue, all the while protecting you from the deadly perils of the environment.
As a rule of thumb, any shirt that suits your tastes and helps you in your hikes is the best hiking shirt. It is not a universal tag, and you can also have multiple shirts that you find best. All that matters is the features that you want in your shirt, your investment power, and the fashion looks that match your aesthetics.
FAQs on Hiking Shirts
Q1. What Types Of Fabrics Should I Keep In Mind Before Buying A Good Hiking Shirt?
1. SYNTHETIC
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are usually an excellent choice for your climbs in wetter regions. Along with being cheap and durable, these fabrics are incredibly moisture-wicking. And on the off chance that it does get wet, it dries up quickly, thereby preventing you from having to deal with wetness and blisters while on a trek or a hike.
It is one of the most commonly used fabrics that any outdoor clothing material features. The only drawback that it might have is the lack of strong microbial properties. This means that if your shirt is a bit stinky due to your sweat and other environmental factors, it will not eliminate the stink-causing bacteria unless you wash it with soap.
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2. Merino Wool
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This is unarguably the most expensive option of all the fabrics available. And for good and sound reasons as well. This kind of wool specializes in being exceptionally breathable and wicking water away from your skin.
A bonus is that it has naturally added antimicrobial properties that prevent the build-up of smell causing bacteria and getting rid of any odor that might arise due to them.
So, if you are heading out for a longer than an average hike, or a more challenging than the typical climb, then this could be a perfect choice to invest your capital in (as an added benefit, you won?t even have to wash it for quite some time).
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3. Blends
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It is said that, usually, mixing two different compounds will give rise to a compound that contains the characteristics of both of its parents as well as some new ones. That is the same case with blends.
A hiking shirt mixed with a blend of nylon and spandex will be far more durable and flexible than a sweater composed of polyester alone.
Therefore, if you are looking for a garment that perfectly fits you, is flexible, and can move quickly with your body while being comfortable, then picking a hiking shirt with a higher blend makeup will be the way to go. On the downside, they provide a lesser degree of breathability and odor control than merino wool and synthetic fibers.
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4. Cotton
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Finally, wrapping up this list is cotton. We have all heard about the great uses and features of cotton. And although cotton can be great for many things, being used as the material for your hiking shirts isn’t one of them.
Contrary to popular belief, cotton provides low breathability and can prevent your sweat from evaporating. If this fabric gets wet, it stays wet for a far longer time than standard materials, thereby increasing the chances of blisters and sore spots.
The only time where it might be a good idea to don a cotton shirt while on a climb would be in scorching places (such as deserts) because wearing a cotton shirt would allow it to soak your sweat and then cool your skin. But any other time, it is a good idea to stay away from such shirts.
Q2. What Are The Different Kinds Of Hiking Shirts Available In The Market?
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1. Short-Sleeve Athletic
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This type of shirt is synonymous with versatility and comfort. It is excellent for warmer and moderate climbs and is also fabulous when used as a base layer for extra warmth on those tundra climbs.
These shirts? more excellent range of movement makes them a desirable option for people who want comfort and features without compromising on build quality.
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2. Long-Sleeve
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These are usually the extended versions of the short-sleeved ones. It is mostly used by hikers who have sun-sensitive skin or trekkers who might be climbing through brush and bushes. And rightly so. With its tendency to cover up the entire arm, it protects your body parts from all the small scratches and blemishes that go unnoticed when going on such climbs.
Besides protecting you from environmental harm, it also protects you from the temperature changes? beatings, providing an extra layer of insulation to retain the heat.
And if you get too warm, roll up the sleeves, and you can easily control the amount of insulation it provides, with its high versatility in usage and application.
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3. Button-Shirt
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This is the most versatile type of shirt amongst all three types. It is usually suitable for everything from temperature control to sun-blocking (including layering and protection from environmental factors).
With the button ?technology? and collars, you can pop your collar for added protection from the wrath of the sun while keeping temperatures at bearable levels.
And finally, it comes with a horde of pockets to hold your valuables and belongings in (some even having the highly sought after ?zipper? pockets).
Q3. Where And How Should I Plan My Hikes?
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1. Temperature
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Cold (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit):
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When going on relatively colder climbs, dressing in layers will be the best way to combat the cold winds and the chilly environment in general. Usually, having a solid merino wool base layer (paired with a good hiking shirt) will help regulate your body’s temperature. It will keep you warm and your body insulated.
Stay away from cotton. They are only useful in places with a lot of dry heat and otherwise are not suitable for cool or cold terrains.
Moreover, if the cotton gets wet, you will not be able to dry it out, and it will cause a lot of problems during the climb and post-climb. Therefore, choosing a synthetic fiber or a synthetic blend would be the best course of action to combat the relentless cold and winds.
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Cool (40-60 degrees Fahrenheit)
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This is a tricky temperature range to trek within. Everyone reacts differently to the change in temperature, and hence, everyone requires different prerequisites from their shirts.
Usually, it is essential to pick a shirt that you are comfortable in, be it warm or cold. It would be best if you were able to remain calm while climbing but stay warm enough for it not to become uncomfortable.
A lightweight, polyester blend shirt should usually be your pick. They can easily regulate your body temperature (even if you are warming up while hiking or trying to keep calm when going down the hill or mountainside) and are suitable for a vast range of temperature differences.
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Warm (60-80 degrees Fahrenheit)
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For a hike in warm environments, a light, synthetic (or blend) hiking shirt would be the right choice as it would easily pull the moisture away from your body. The sleeve length adjustment is a convenient feature to have, and the built-in vents would be of great benefit for quick and easy alteration.
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Hot (80-100 degrees and above Fahrenheit)
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Usually, a thin and short-sleeved shirt should be able to see you through when trekking through more desirable areas. They will help you remain calm and comfortable while providing uncompromising breathability and ventilation. `
Fabrics such as nylon and polyester help prevent chafing due to your backpacks, and looser fits provide a nice breathing room between your body and your shirt’s fabric.
Opting for a light-colored shirt would be the right choice, as light-colored shirts reflect a lot of heat, thereby keeping you warm. This is the one niche where cotton hiking shirts excel in deliverability and features.
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2. Sun
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When going on treks, it is essential to consider the amount of sun exposure your body might get. These days, shirts with an adequate UPF rating are the best choice for countering the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure. Add another rule of thumb; it is a good idea to wear lightweight, breathable, and long-sleeved shirts to keep your body well covered while not making it overly hot or congested.
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3. Humidity
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Hiking in wet terrains is a tough challenge in itself. But one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself is to stay away from cotton. Cotton holds water, and your fabric retains moisture while climbing is one of the worst nightmares of any hiker.
Therefore, picking a good shirt containing synthetic fibers such as polyester, wool, or nylon will help you remain dry and comfortable while battling the environment.
Q4. What Are The Meanings Of All The Terminologies Related To This Niche?
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1. Wicking
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In layman’s terms, wicking refers to your fabric’s ability to pull the moisture away from your body and transfer it to the surface. This is suitable for base layer clothes, which need to remove the water and sweat away from your body and push it to the surface so that it can evaporate there. This allows you to sweat as much as you can without feeling clammy or chilled.
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2. Insulating
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This feature refers to your fabric’s ability to regulate and keep the body heat trapped inside. It is usually essential for mid-layer clothes. It is a well-known fact that clothes do not generate heat and trap the ambient heat inside.
The better a fabric is at storing heat, the better it will retain heat and make you feel warm. Therefore, a shirt with an efficient insulation system would be a godsend gift when trekking in chillier climates.
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3. Waterproof And Windproof
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This feature refers to your shirt’s ability to protect you from winds and water. This is usually looked at in an outer layer of clothing and prevents the elements, such as rain and wind, from saturating your clothes.
Jackets that are water and wind-resistant are not entirely able to block winds and water. So look for shirts or fabrics that are waterproof and windproof, as they would be much more efficient at holding back the elements than their “resistant” counterparts.
4. Breathable
This refers to your shirt?s ability to allow your skin to breathe. This factor is essential in all the layers and helps in wicking layers dry out more quickly. If you don’t have layers that collectively breathe, sweat and moisture get locked up between the layers and cause a lot of odor and fleeing of clamminess and unease.
5. Waterproof/breathable
This is a “best of both the world” kind of deal. Advancement in technology has made it possible to create shirts and fabrics that are waterproof and breathable at the same time. This does not compromise on its ability to deliver either of the features. It is seen as a better alternative to all the other combinations. But the downside can be their cost of procurement. Going for a cheap option can be detrimental to your pockets and your skin.
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6. Sun Protection
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This refers to your shirt’s ability to block out the harmful rays of the sun. It is denoted by UPF (Ultraviolet Light Protection factor) and generally lies between 20 and 50. The higher the UPF rating, the higher would be the protection offered. But these shirts require care when being cleaned, as washing them changes their UPF rating considerably.