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Hiking Shirts

Top Picks

How we choose: The best hiking shirts highlighted here were selected based on 84 reviews of 64 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

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ExOfficio Air Strip Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Perhaps I'm being a bit nit-picky here because after all this is a very durable, lightweight shirt that still is able to maintain a heavy feel to it. It can offer warmth when combined with layers and yet can be very breathable and cool for use in the heat. It also offers great UV protection, and dries very fast but it fits very large and isn't quite as soft as I was hoping.

Reasons to Buy

  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Fits extremely large
  • Soft, but not super soft

OK, I bought this shirt sight unseen over the internet, and while overall it serves its function very well, I was a bit disappointed with how it fit. I'm not usually picky about my clothes, but I want them to fit right and I felt like I was swimming in this shirt even though I ordered a medium (my normal size). Overall - it's a fantastic shirt and I can't complain too much. Fit & Comfort: Like I mentioned, it is a baggy shirt, but some people might like that. At least it doesn't constrict you in anyway, which would be worse.

Read more: ExOfficio Air Strip Lite Long Sleeve Shirt reviews (3)

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shirt Long Sleeve

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (4 reviews)

Great use of mesh venting, easy roll up sleeves that can be buttoned down, and a quick drying fabric combine for an ideal hiking shirt for 3 seasons. The shirt is well designed, functions fantastically, and on top of that looks great.

Reasons to Buy

  • Fast dry
  • Stay cool with mesh venting
  • Lightweight
  • Good looks
  • Good value
  • Buttons to hold rolled-up sleeves

Reasons to Avoid

  • Potential longer term durability of mesh vents

The Mountain Hardwear Canyon long sleeve shirt has excellent fit, true to size (at 5 10 and a half, and 200 lbs, a size large fits perfectly without being tight or restricting of motion), very comfortable. There are no points of abrasion/chaffing anywhere along the inner seams. The construction appears solid, and the design is nice. The mesh venting is well placed without being at all obvious until you begin to inspect the shirt, and it works well for keeping you cool during hot days or high exertion.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shirt Long Sleeve reviews (4)

Columbia Super Tamiami Long Sleeve Shirt

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

The Super Tamiami is an incredibly light feeling shirt that keeps you cool and helps protect from the sun. If you're going to be out on the water, this is the shirt to get!

Reasons to Buy

  • Light feel
  • Omni-shade (UPF 40)
  • Omni-wick
  • Pockets

Reasons to Avoid

  • Any breeze is felt

The Super Tamiami is super light! It has such a light feel to it that it feels like you have nothing on. The only 'con' I give this shirt is that it is so breathable that you can feel every bit of cold and breeze, but that's a good thing since this is a summer shirt intended to be worn on hot and sunny days. You just want to be sure the temps are not going to drop very low at all.  This is a great shirt to wear out on the water or for any other outdoor thing where you know it will be hot and the sun will be shining.

Read more: Columbia Super Tamiami Long Sleeve Shirt review (1)

Pendleton Trail Shirt

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

One of my best purchases ever, technical or not! This wool shirt has been on many explorations, hikes, and mountain bike rides. It's warmer than it looks, but never clammy thanks to the natural fibers.

Reasons to Buy

  • Quality wool material
  • Breathability and warmth
  • Classic mountain style

Reasons to Avoid

  • Unsure about cleaning... so I haven't. Say it's "washable," but I've seen a handful of these that look wrecked from regular washing.

The overall fit of Pendleton seems athletic, meaning room to move. Definitely not fitted. But not baggy either, as some of their vintage shirts are. The material and design are the real standouts here. The wool material is not too thin, not too thick. I don't find it itchy. And I especially like that it's 100% wool, so I'm not shedding a breadcrumbs-trail of plastic fibers along the trail. I originally bought it with light duty in mind. But I soon realized that it's great for just about everything. I've competed in mountain bike races in it. And worn it for trail maintenance days in the forest. It's been a wool midlayer. In cooler weather, I wear a merino LS shirt underneath. If really cold, I can put a wool zip-up over that.

Read more: Pendleton Trail Shirt review (1)

Columbia Tamiami II Short Sleeve Shirt

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

Lightweight, breathable shirt perfect for day hikes or backpacking. It is quick drying and doesn't wrinkle easily also making is perfect for traveling. Soft fabric and snap closures which make it difficult to snag on branches or gear.

Reasons to Buy

  • Soft fabric
  • Strong snap closures instead of buttons
  • Breathability
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Sunblocking fabric

Reasons to Avoid

  • Thin fabric makes me unsure of longevity

I found this shirt on the sale rack at Bass Pro Shops and picked it up for hiking trips. I would say it runs mostly true to size but a little on the large side. Normally I wear women's Medium size shirts but the small version of this shirt fits me perfectly. Because it is specifically a women's shirt, it is tailored as such and has curves on the sides which I like over the straight-sided men's or unisex shirts. The fabric is very soft and breathable. The shirt also has a back vent which is nice.

Read more: Columbia Tamiami II Short Sleeve Shirt reviews (2)

Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Love everything about it, would give it 6 stars if I could.

I own a number of fishing shirts and this one stands out as the classiest so far. The material is very very soft, light, and really comfortable, ideally suited to hot weather — but not recommended for cool weather use since the material is so light. Unlike some other fishing shirts, the vents on the back of this one are only placed vertically along the sides of the shoulders instead of running horizontally all the way across the back. The horizontal vents probably do the best at maximizing airflow, but they also look goofier when you're not on the water.

Read more: Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt review (1)

Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Shirt

user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1 review)

Hiking shirt for hot weather. Heavy for its intended purpose yet offers good ventilation due to the weave of the material.

Reasons to Buy

  • Well made
  • Offers excellent ventilation
  • Large pockets
  • Stretchy material

Reasons to Avoid

  • Heavy for a hot-weather shirt
  • Made primarily of odour-prone polyester

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Shirt Fjallraven's Abisko Trekking Shirt is meant for hiking in warm weather. Its material is 84 percent polyester and 16 percent elastane, which makes it comfortably stretchy. The shirt is heavy for a summer garment, with the medium weighing in at 325 grams (11.5 oz) according to the official specifications. Other hiking shirts tend to weigh no more than 250 g (9 oz). However the material on this shirt has an unusual weave, with tiny points of very thin material arranged in a dense square pattern.

Read more: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Shirt review (1)

Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sol Patrol Shirt

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Designed for warm temperatures, the 50+ UPF Sol Patrol shirt is comfortable, quick-drying, and highly sun-protective. Best suited for fishing, hiking/backpacking, and general travel, this relaxed fitting button-up is ideal for many outdoor activities. Current testing shows top quality performance, even though some features seem unnecessary.

Reasons to Buy

  • Men's and women's models!
  • Cool and comfortable
  • Well thought out features
  • Quick drying
  • 50+ UPF sun protection

Reasons to Avoid

  • White color shows stains
  • Zippered chest pockets may be overkill

It gets muggy here in the mid-Atlantic. Much of the Appalachian range is considered a temperate rainforest. Typical hiking under the canopy here is nearly 100°F and 100% humidity. Loose fitting shirts like the Patagonia Sol Patrol have become my personal favorites for nearly any summertime activities, especially when hiking/backpacking.  UPF sun protection in apparel has been very important to me, as I try not to use chemical protection on my skin for outdoor activities. Patagonia products have become a mainstay in my preferred clothing for quite some time.

Read more: Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sol Patrol Shirt reviews (3)

Mountain Hardwear Chiller Long Sleeve Shirt

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Chiller Long Sleeve shirt is designed to help you stay cool when it is hot out while providing SPF 40 protection from UV rays. At just 9 oz. /255 g. its special cooling fabric with ventilated panels, roll up sleeve tabs, and special collar make this highly functional shirt great for backpackers, hikers, bikers, paddlers, or fishermen. The quick drying, packable shirt kept me cool and comfortable, while providing protection from the sun and bugs – I would recommend it without hesitation.

Reasons to Buy

  • Cool Q ZERO cooling agent on the fabric keeps you cool when you sweat.
  • Large vented panels on the sides & underarms
  • Flip-up collar w. extension for protection from the sun
  • SPF 40 protection from UV rays
  • Roll-up sleeve tabs with snaps
  • Large zippered pocket outside and large pocket inside
  • Shirt is soft, comfortable, and wicks well.

Reasons to Avoid

  • No lapel buttons, or extra buttons
  • Both pockets in same place — see video.
  • Sleeve cuff could use another button.
  • A little pricey

Me getting ready to take a nap in my hammock. I’ve never been one to shy away from unpleasant conditions like heat, cold, sweat, mud, snow, or bugs in order to enjoy the great outdoors; having said that I dislike heat and humidity the most. During the hot summer months I can most often be found looking for a shady spot, or experimenting with ways to keep cool. So when I was given the chance to test out three garments from Mountain Hardwear that use a new fabric technology designed to help keep you cool, it peaked my interest to say the least.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Chiller Long Sleeve Shirt review (1)

Top Short Sleeve Performance Top / Hiking

REI New Route Henley T-shirt

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

This merino/nylon blend shirt is the pleasant surprise of the season. Though advertised for casual wear, it is a fine shirt for warm weather hiking.

Reasons to Buy

  • Airy mesh weave
  • Breathable
  • Quick drying
  • Comfortable
  • Great looking
  • Machine wash and dry

Reasons to Avoid

  • Cut is a bit short for my long torso

                A warm spring day in the foothills Being a Merino wool lover, I was looking for a casual henley style shirt for everyday wear. Seeing that it was described as having a "Merino Wool/nylon blend mesh" weave, I thought it might be a comfy shirt in warm weather, so I ordered it up. After wearing it a couple of times, I thought I should take it out hiking to see how it performed. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the 86% merino/14% nylon weave worked in changeable weather conditions.                  Airy mesh merino/nylon weave The fit is close and a little bit "athletic" for a shirt marketed as casual.

Read more: REI New Route Henley T-shirt review (1)

More Reviews of Hiking Shirts

Trailspace reviewers have shared 84 reviews of 64 different hiking shirts.

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Short Sleeve Performance Tops

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