Choosing a good hiking shirt is important, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. From the way a shirt fits to the way it feels or the features it may have, some shirts are better suited for certain situations than others. Here are some important things to keep in mind when looking for a hiking shirt.
Discover your personal needs and preferences
A lot of choosing a hiking shirt is about personal preference. For example, my tendency to get hot means I gravitate towards shirts with more breath control, like the loose fit and button closure of the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Hoodie or the Columbia PFG Tamiami II short sleeve shirt. These shirts feature lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric to keep you cool. However, if it’s cold, a thick or well-fitting shirt like the Arc’teryx Rho LT Base Layer Hoodie will let some air in and keep you warm.
Keep your sun sensitivity in mind as well. Long-sleeved shirts with thumbholes protect your arms and the backs of your hands from sunburn when you’re out in the open. The fabric with good UPF protection and long sleeves with good thumb holes have the ability to make sun gloves and frequent use of sunscreen unnecessary.
Related: read our review of Best Men’s Hiking Shorts.
Understand the geography and climate
An important point to consider: when will you go out? The right shirt to fit into will vary from person to person.
Knowing the weather where you will be is important to understanding what to bring, including the shirt you will be riding in. You’ll probably want something light and cool to stay cool. A heavy shirt that fits the body will help you stay warm in cold conditions. (Bonus: see more tips in our warm weather hiking guide!)
It is also important to understand the topography of where you will be in order to know how much sunlight you are likely to experience. If you’re in an exposed situation without much tree cover, a hiking shirt with long sleeves, a hood, and UPF protection is an easy step to take to avoid sunburn. The extra coverage can keep bugs out – something you’ll appreciate when you’re checking out t-shirts during black fly season in Maine, like I did.
Experiment with different styles and types
As with any other type of shirt, trying different styles and types is key to finding which one works best for you. Your preferences for everything from pattern to cut to fabric texture are worth considering. You’ll want a comfortable, non-restrictive shirt that doesn’t make you look like a doofus — and thankfully, there are plenty of options that fit that bill.
Consider budget constraints
The items in this guide fall on a price list. And throughout this list, you can find a high-quality hiking shirt that will serve the purpose you need it to – and perhaps become a wardrobe staple, as the Columbia PFG Tamiami II shirt did for me. Also, many of the items in this guide can be found on sale from time to time, so keep an eye out for sales from retailers like REI. Check out our Deals page in cases where these Treeline Review tested winners are sold.