Hiking in summer is both fun and tough, especially when it gets hot. The key is choosing the right gear to stay comfortable and perform well on trails. Breathable hiking shirts are essential. They are not just clothes but tools. They wick away sweat, protect against the sun, and keep hikers cool and dry.
Thanks to new fabric technologies, hiking shirts have gotten much better. Synthetic fabrics are great because they’re light, breathe well, and dry quickly. This is perfect for hot weather hikes. Although long sleeves are better for sun and bug protection, they now have features like mesh for air flow and pockets for handy storage.
It’s also crucial to consider sun protection when picking hiking apparel. Shirts with UPF ratings protect against harmful UV rays. For instance, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie has a UPF 50+ rating. And so does the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve. These shirts let you enjoy hikes in sunny places like California, North Carolina, and New Hampshire without sunburn worries.
Whether you hike often or you’re just starting, a quality breathable hiking shirt is vital. It offers comfort and sun protection, letting you focus on the adventure. Are you ready to find your next favorite hiking shirt for the summer? Let’s explore some top choices for breathable hiking shirts.
Top Picks for Breathable Hiking Shirts
In hot summer weather, the right breathable shirt is key. Here are my top five picks for breathable hiking shirts. They offer comfort, sun protection, and advanced fabric tech.
Outdoor Research Astroman Air Hoodie
The Outdoor Research Astroman Air Hoodie is loved for its light design and sun protection. It’s only 5.6 oz, perfect for long hikes. Despite great breathability, some noted odor issues. It costs $99, a good investment for those valuing comfort and protection.
Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve Tee
The Ibex Paradox Long Sleeve Tee mixes merino wool, Tencel, and nylon. It weighs 6 oz and costs $90. Its UPF-rated fabric is soft and resilient, good for any weather. This shirt is a top choice for its breathability and durability.
Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Utility Shirt
The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Utility Shirt has a new design with recycled material. It’s 7 oz and costs $60. It’s lightweight, durable, and a go-to for moisture-wicking fabric on long hikes.
Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket
The Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura Jacket uses Polartec Alpha Direct for warmth and breathability. It weighs 13.4 oz and costs $180. It’s great for cooler conditions where breathability matters. The fabric wicks moisture, keeping you dry and warm.
BlackStrap Brackish Button-Up Shirt
BlackStrap’s Brackish Button-Up Shirt works well for hiking and casual wear. It weighs 9.8 oz and costs $80. Though heavier, its stretchy, durable fabric makes it a great choice. It’s perfect for an easy transition from trails to casual settings.
Why Breathable Fabrics Matter for Summer Hiking
Choosing the right fabric can really affect your comfort and how well you do on a summer hike. Breathable fabrics help control your body heat and keep you from getting sweaty. This way, you can stay cool and dry, even when it’s really hot outside.
Merino Wool
Merino wool comes mainly from sheep in Australia and New Zealand. It’s great at moving moisture away, letting your skin breathe, and stopping bad smells. It keeps you warm even if it gets wet, which is good for when the weather changes. Merino wool feels soft against your skin, helping to avoid any rubbing or scratching. But, it can be pricier than some other options.
Synthetic Options
Polyester and nylon are good synthetic choices for summer hiking. Polyester dries quickly and moves sweat off your skin, which makes your hike more comfortable. Nylon is very strong and good for tough trails. These materials are cheaper than natural fibers like merino wool, saving you money.
Synthetics are great at keeping you cool by evaporating sweat fast. But, they might start to smell sooner than Merino wool, so you’ll need to wash them more.
Whether you pick Merino wool or synthetics depends on your hike’s demands and the weather. Merino wool is perfect for long trips because it’s comfortable and doesn’t smell fast. Polyester and nylon are best for short hikes in the heat because they dry quickly. Knowing about these fabrics helps you choose right, so you can enjoy your summer hikes more.
Features to Look for in Hiking Shirts
When choosing a hiking shirt, think about comfort and function. The right features make your hike better. They help you stay comfy and let your shirt work well outdoors.
Layering Capabilities
Layering is key for hiking clothes. A good shirt makes it easy to layer. This keeps you warm or cool as needed. Look for shirts that are easy to layer, like the Columbia Tamiami. It has a mesh back for extra air. This is vital in changeable weather.
Fit and Comfort
Your hiking shirt should fit well. It shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy. Shirts with options like roll-up sleeves add comfort. The Columbia Tamiami shirt is perfect. It’s comfy and practical, with big pockets. Also, materials like nylon last longer and feel lighter.
Additional Functionalities
Functional features are a must. Look for shirts with extra perks like pockets and UV protection. Venting, like the back panels on Columbia or REI’s Sahara shirts, is great for cooling. Nylon and polyester are quick to dry, perfect for damp or hot hikes. Features that help manage your temperature are a big help in the summer. To learn more about hiking gear, check out this forum thread.
Breathable Hiking Shirts for Summer
I tested breathable hiking shirts in various weather conditions. I focused on comfort and durability. The goal was to see how these shirts would do in different hiking settings and climates.
Testing Conditions
Our tests were thorough and took place in different landscapes and weather. For two months, 17 testers walked over 400 miles. They went from the cool outdoors of Alaska to the very hot areas near Boise, with temperatures over 100 degrees.
Testers also faced mixed weather in California and North Carolina, checking the shirts’ durability in rain and sleet. There were testers of all sizes and experience levels. They recorded every detail to evaluate the shirts’ performance well. These tests showed us how the shirts handle heat and tough conditions.
Performance Metrics
We looked at several things when testing for breathability. Testers noted comfort, ease of use, and how long the shirts lasted. They paid close attention to how the shirts kept cool in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Features like cooling fabrics and drawstrings were popular among testers.
The REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt stood out as a great value at $40. The Patagonia Men’s Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt, at $36, was liked for being light, perfect for hard hikes. Both shirts scored well in breathability tests.
- REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt: $40
- Patagonia Men’s Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt: $36
- Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility Lite Long Sleeve Shirt: $60
- Smartwool Men’s Active Ultralite Long Sleeve: $65
- Proof 72-Hour Merino UPF Long Sleeve T-Shirt: $98
- Kuhl Airspeed: $70
- Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt: $145
- Vollebak Equator Shirt: $395
In the end, every shirt we chose got an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. We also considered user feedback, like issues with the draw cord at the hem getting stuck in gears. This gave us a full view of our hiking shirt test.
Conclusion
In our search for the best summer hiking shirts, we’ve looked at lots of options for hot weather. We found great choices like the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Hoodie. And the Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Utility Shirt. They show the importance of clothes that let your skin breathe when hiking.
These shirts are made of materials like polyester, merino wool, and mixes of synthetic fabrics. They are great because they keep moisture away and let air flow. So, they keep hikers cool and dry even when it’s really hot outside. For strong sun protection, polyester and synthetics often have UPF 30+, and merino wool has UPF 20+.
But, it’s not just about shirts. Great hiking gear also includes items like the KUIU Ultra Merino 145 Zip-T. It protects well from the sun and doesn’t hold bad smells. And there’s the Outdoor Research Women’s Echo T-Shirt. Also, don’t forget bottoms like the Prana Men’s Slope Short and the Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short. They have moisture-wicking features and protect from the sun.
Getting breathable clothes for summer hikes changes the game. They keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure, whether you’re on a desert trail or in the woods. With the right clothes and gear, you’re set for a fun and cool hiking experience.
