While you might feel like throwing on a regular ‘ol t-shirt before a hike, it’s not your most ideal option. Even seasoned hikers like myself are guilty of this, but choosing the right gear is incredibly important.
This applies especially to shirts—wearing a dedicated hiking shirt will regulate your body temperature, wick sweat and provide protection from the sun.
There’s a reason some shirts are made specifically for hiking—they’re designed to meet the very specific needs of hikers and backpackers who are typically spending hours (or days!) outdoors.
But with so many different options available, finding the right hiking shirt can be daunting. To help make your search as easy as possible, I’ve put together this list of the best hiking shirts in a few different categories.
Why Should You Invest in a Hiking Shirt?
Hiking shirts are no regular tops—they’re shirts specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of hikers and backpackers. While they are generally great for outdoor adventures, many are also well-suited for general wear.
So whether you plan on hiking in Asheville, North Carolina or enjoying a family barbeque, a great hiking shirt will have you looking and feeling good.
Dedicated hiking shirts have a number of benefits which make them better suited for hikes than regular cotton t-shirts. Here are some key benefits:
Lightweight and Packable
The best hiking shirts are generally much lighter than cotton shirts. Moreover, because of the materials used, they generally pack easily and take up considerably less space inside your suitcase or bag. They’re typically ideal for light backpacking. Hiking shirts are also highly versatile, and are well-suited to day hikes, overnight backpacking, and traveling.
Keeps You Cool and Dry
Most dedicated hiking shirts offer you good ventilation and breathability. This is important as it allows heat and perspiration to escape. These shirts do a great job at keeping you cool for longer periods, even when engaging in strenuous activities.
Many of the best hiking shirts feature a vented panel along the back which keeps your back dry, even when you’re carrying a backpack.
No Odors or Smells
As hiking shirts are generally moisture-wicking, they prevent odors and smells from developing. Some shirts also feature antimicrobial properties, which prevents the development of bacteria in the clothing, and subsequently, the build up of any smells.
Many of the best hiking shirts are made with merino wool. This material has natural antimicrobial properties that keep it fresh longer than synthetic or cotton fabrics. Merino wool garments will be much more comfortable on long backpacking trips where you aren’t able to do laundry for days on end.
For longer trips, hiking shirts are great as they can often are useable for multiple days between washes.
Durable
Unlike regular cotton t-shirts, hiking shirts have a high capacity to withstand the intensity of the environment. Made from high-quality materials, they tend to last for quite some time, while enduring the tough conditions of the outdoors. No need to worry about your shirt ripping on a rogue branch or rock.
In addition to being able to withstand Mother Nature, good-quality hiking shirts also fare well in washing machines. Generally, they are able to maintain their properties after regular washing. While these shirts are durable, they still uphold their promise of providing premium comfort, as well as freedom of movement.
Versatile
An often overlooked benefit of hiking shirts is versatility. Being able to serve you on the most strenuous of adventures, but also on a relaxing weekend picnic, is truly a wonderful feature.
With the versatile design of the best hiking t-shirts, you can head to a coffee shop following your hike without feeling underdressed. In addition to being versatile in terms of fashion, some hiking shirts are also ideal for multiple climates, serving well in both hot and cold weather hiking conditions.
What to Know Before You Buy a Hiking Shirt
Before you begin your search for the perfect hiking shirt, there are a few things to consider. The first is how to prepare for different types of weather (hint: it’s more than just simple layering).
To ensure that you’re prepared for any weather or temperature changes, we recommend using the three-layer clothing system. This includes the base layer, the midlayer, and the outer layer.
Base Layer
This is the layer that sits against your skin. It’s responsible for regulating your body temperature and wicking away moisture from your body. The materials used for this layer of hiking clothes influence its ability to perform this function.
Wool vs. Synthetic
A good base layer is generally made from wool or synthetic fibers. Wool is the best hiking shirt material because it’s smooth and does not lead to itching or chafing. It’s also lighter and naturally odor-resistant. Synthetic base layers are a good option as well; however, they tend to hold body odor. For multi-day hikes, I recommend going with wool.
One of the best things about synthetic shirts is their ability to dry fast. This makes them a good choice for day hikes, especially if you get caught in the rain. Just know that the odor resistance won’t be as good.
Why Not Cotton?
If you’re a new hiker, a cotton t-shirt may be your first quick-grab option before heading out on the mountain. While this may be okay for shorter hikes, a cotton shirt is just not ideal.
Cotton tends to trap body heat and sweat. As you head higher up the mountain, and temperatures begin to fall, your sweat will attract the cold air. This will draw heat away from your body, leading to other complications like hypothermia. This may sound extreme but believe it or not, hypothermia can happen in even the mildest of temperatures.
Midlayer
Moving outwards from the base layer is the midlayer. This layer’s key function is insulation, which it does by trapping body heat and allowing swear vapor to make its way through the layering system.
A good midlayer fabric is fleece. The thicker the fabric, the more heat it traps. As such, whether you need a midweight or lightweight fleece will depend on the temperature and weather conditions.
Outer Layer
Also known as the shell layer, the outer layer shields you from the wind and rain. It is also the final layer that the sweat vapor needs to pass through before exiting the layering system.
Two types of fabric often used for the shell include Gortex and coated nylon. Gortex is ideal for adverse weather conditions and high-impact activities. Coated nylon is better for more passive activities like short walks. While cheaper, it’s not your best option if you plan on attempting a more strenuous trail, as it’s not as breathable as other membranes.
Things to Consider When Buying a Hiking Shirt
The primary purpose of a hiking shirt is to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your trek. That means you want a shirt that’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying. Along with this, the best hiking shirts are super soft and last a long time.
Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, a quality hiking shirt is a must-have. While throwing on old clothes may sometimes fit the bill, this is seldom the case for longer hikes. Below are several factors to consider when selecting the right apparel for your next hike.
Materials
If you’re a new hiker, a cotton t-shirt may be the first option before heading out on the mountain. While these may be okay for shorter hikes, they’re not ideal. Conventional wisdom nowadays is to avoid cotton for hiking clothes wherever possible
Cotton tends to trap body heat and sweat. It doesn’t wick moisture well, which is bad for hiking clothes. As you head higher up the mountain, and temperatures begin to fall, your sweat will attract the cold air. This is not fun as you may spend the rest of your hike shivering, and it can be downright dangerous in cold weather as you start to risk hypothermia.. For this reason, hiking shirts made from good quality materials are best.
Most hiking shirts are made from polyester. This material does not retain water and dries quickly. It is also lightweight, breathable, and comfortable
Other great materials for hiking shirts are nylon and merino wool. Nylon is typically used for button-up shirts, making them very durable. A hiking shirt made from nylon should last for years to come.
Merino wool has exploded in popularity recently, and for good reason. While it’s not as durable as synthetic fabrics, merino is a natural material with a host of properties that make it perfect for the outdoors. Merino wool is effective at regulating your body temperature in both cold or hot weather. It’s breathable and dries quickly. It also has natural odor resistance, so it will stay fresh longer. If you want the best fabric for hiking clothing, look for merino.
Overall, good quality hiking shirts ensure a comfortable journey and can last a long time without needing to be replaced.
Comfort
Along with good quality materials comes high levels of comfort. Fabrics such as nylon, polyester and merino wool generally feel soft and smooth against your skin.
In addition to the materials used, the overall comfort of the shirt will depend on the overall fit, style and stretchiness. Even the more minor details such as the way in which the seams were sewn together makes a difference.
The majority of good quality hiking shirts feature a flatlock seam. The seams don’t overlap, which reduces friction, preventing chafing and blisters. Seams taped at the shoulder are also great for improved comfort when carrying a backpack.
The best fit will depend on your personal preference. Fitted shirts generally stick closer to your body and can be easily layered. Looser fitting tops, on the other hand, allow for improved ventilation and breathability.
Sun Protection
While most shirts come with some level of inherent sun blocking, hiking shirts go the extra mile, often featuring higher than average UPF ratings. If your skin is very sensitive to the sun, or if you’re planning to tackle a hot, sunny trail, a quality hiking shirt is highly recommended.
If you’re unfamiliar with UPF ratings in clothing, these are similar to that which exists in sunscreen. It suggests how effective your product is at blocking out the sun’s harmful UV rays. The higher the UPF rating, the better the product is at protecting your skin. Note that a rating of less than 15 is not considered to be effective.
Factors which influence the UPF rating in your clothing are the color, overall construction and fiber makeup. With regards to color, lighter colors are better as they reflect white light, absorbing less heat. In terms of materials, synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are best at blocking out UV rays.
Obviously a short sleeve shirt isn’t going to protect your arms, no matter how good the fabric is at blocking the sun. If you want the best sun shirt, look for a long sleeve shirt.
Shirt Type
There is a wide variety of hiking shirts to choose from. Long sleeve, short sleeve, button-ups, t-shirts, v-necks, crewnecks and many more. All have their pros and cons; however, what is best will come down mostly to personal preference.
When deciding between long sleeves and short sleeves, the most influential factors are temperature and sun protection. Be sure to take into account the height of the mountain you’re planning to climb as temperatures tend to fall the higher up you go.
Even on the warmer summer days, a short sleeve shirt may not be ideal for higher elevations. Moreover, for those who are more prone to sunburn, I recommend a long sleeve as it provides extra coverage.
For longer hikes, button-up hiking shirts are often the best as they are durable, comfortable and the fabrics used generally do not require frequent washing. On the other hand, hiking t-shirts are better for trail runs, day hikes and other sporting activities.
Additional Features
Lastly, you will want to look for any additional features, from pockets to antimicrobial properties.
Pockets can be really useful as you’ll be able to hold your smaller valuables. In some cases, large pockets may take away from the shirt’s appearance for everyday use. The number and size of pockets comes down to personal preference—there is not necessarily a right or wrong.
If you’re headed on a longer hike, or a backpacking adventure, look for a hiking shirt with strong antimicrobial properties and odor resistance. This will prevent bacteria accumulation, smells and odor, as well as keep you feeling fresh throughout your journey. The best material for this is merino, though some companies are incorporating treatments for odor resistance in synthetic fabrics.
Other useful features include roll-up tabs and built-in vents. Roll-up tabs do a great job at keeping your sleeves out of the way, should you need the extra mobility. Built-in vents provide adequate airflow, keeping you cool and refreshed while hiking.
Final Thoughts on Buying the Best Hiking Shirts
With a dedicated, quality hiking shirt, you will be able to enjoy every outdoor adventure to the fullest. No worrying about sunburn, skin damage, smell or chafing as these functional shirts cater for each problem, and more.
With so many different options to choose from, finding the perfect hiking shirt can be a challenge. Hopefully, this detailed list of the best hiking shirts helps you find the best option for you and your needs.
Whether you opt for a long sleeve, short sleeve, button-up or t-shirt, a good quality hiking shirt will have you looking and feeling good throughout your journey.
Unsure of what else to get along with your hiking shirt? Take a look at this article on what to wear hiking.
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