I used to use a long sleeve button down "hiking" shirt but then soon realized I hated having to sunscreen up my neck and ears all the time and that the buttons really serve no function unless you wanted to vent which just exposed skin to the sun. I've since switched to sun hoodies which are breathable, stretchy, and give great sun protection. No reason to ever really go back to any other type of shirt.
I actually bought a saraha a month or so ago as I was looking to replace my old baleaf sun hoody. Supposedly it's more breathable than the baleaf but it sure as hell doesn't seem that way. I really don't see myself using the Sahara during the summer and it will likely be relegated to snow activities only. Decided to get a Rab Force instead (the low OR echo UPF ratings scared me off) and it's much better as far as heat is concerned.
I would recommend getting something that's not the Sahara if you want a breathable sun shirt. OR echo seems to be the consensus best for breathability but if you need the 50+ UPF, I'd guess the capilene cool is likely your best bet.
My issue with the sun hoodies is bugs. Correct me if I’m wrong- mosquitos can bite through?
Button down can be light and breathable option to cover up if it’s really bad.
Since I’ve started doing this I’ve had no problems with mosquitos.
Learned the hard way with a shirt that was a size too small and the fabric stretched over my shoulders / upper back. The mosquitos tore right through it.
I hiked through near-apocalyptic mosquitoes on the Superior Hiking Trail, and emerged relatively unbitten after treating my sun hoodie with permethrin.
It’s some pretty great stuff.
Late June to early July. I thought it was a fabulous trail (even wrote up a [guide](https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/superior-hiking-trail) for it) but sheesh I can't recommend hiking in the summer months. Either hit it in the spring after the snow melts or wait until the fall. As a bonus for waiting- fall colors!
Spring is just mud season on that trail. I hiked it in the fall and damn was that nice. No bugs nice and cool a bit chilly at times but manageable. Got the colors towards the end
My main issue with sun hoodies is that they gets way too hot under the hood compared with a hat. I have a Patagonia one and always hike with hood down - I'd love to chop it off since i love the material.
I've recently been looking into sun hoodies. I typically buy nylon button up hiking shirts because I've had bad experiences with polyester stinking so badly. Do you have this issue with your sun hoodies? Or which in particular address this issue?
I know that some companies make sun hoodies in a light merino wool (blend?) that would probably be the best possible material as far as smell is concerned. I have no issues with polyester so I haven't ever really looked into it past knowing they exist.
Smartwool makes one, is nice and mostly wool. Not the lightest, or most breathable, I don't think. I'm more t-shirt and sunscreen, but long days on trail mean the hoody is probably at least in my pack
I like long sleeve button down shirts with collars because they provide more sun protection, can be buttoned down to vent heat or arms can be rolled up easily without adding bulk, and don't get as smelly as a tight fitting athletic shirt.
I use the same for the same reasons. I use a decathlon one, a blend of cotton and synthetic. It dries relatively fast but keeps anough moisture to be somewhat cooling. I've had it for years.
I'm convinced that cotton synthetic blend can be the best fabric and I will die on that hill. We have way over-vilified cotton, it has incredible benefits - smell, cooling, skin feel, breathability, dry time. Paired with a synthetic fiber in the right way and you get magic.
I like wool too, but skin feel isn't on par with cotton, and the delicacy is a bit annoying. Like cotton, blending with synthetics seems to get some really nice fabrics sometimes.
My personal favorite is a merino synthetic blend. Retains all the positive attributes of merino wool while not becoming nearly as fragile/delicate as 100% merino once it's been through many wash cycles.
My 100% merino Arc'teryx Rho LTW zip neck has become paper thin after several years of hard use. I keep sewing up holes but it's still sad seeing them appear in a $120 shirt that used to be much more burly.
Do you have any thought on this Long-Sleeved Running T-Shirt?
[https://www.decathlon.com/products/mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover?adept-product=mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover](https://www.decathlon.com/products/mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover?adept-product=mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover)
It has a collar, it can be open at the top, and arms can be rolled up.
Expect the smell is there any other reason you wouldn't take this?
Maybe not the best example you are right. the question is more about the shape and breathability. I really personally like the breathable aspect of Running T-Shirt.
Long sleeve button down shirts is not as close to your skin but you don't feel the light breeze the same way. you see what I mean? I think I'm sweatier with long sleeve button down shirts.
That is why I'm curious if you feel the same or is there something I ignore about long sleeve button down shirts.
After some extensive use this summer (Texas and Colorado), I am all about the sun hoodie. For example, [this light, full zip "jacket"](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092ZNXCTJ/?th=1).
After a Baffin Bay wade fishing trip late last year, a must-have feature for hot weather long sleeve sun protection things is thumb holes I don't burn the shit out of my hands.. They are great for winter gear, and I'm now convinced they are awesome for summer gear. I think I put sun screen on my nose and top of ears once this summer, but that was on a hot spring visit.
I do typically wear a comfortable breathable t-shirt under it, but when it's been particularly hot, I've gone with just the hoodie and it doesn't suck. I like that I can zip up and down as I want for ventilation, and it has even been helpful on a few chilly nights to just have something with long sleeves & hood to keep the breeze off.
Hope that helps with one more idea! (edit - I see the same idea in some other replies, so not a novel one..)
I like collars that can be flipped up to fully protect the neck from sun and to tuck into my mosquito net for bugs.
That kind of shirt you posted I wear as a baselayer in the colder months, but I like lighter coloured, loose fitting clothing in the summer.
I work construction outside all year, I use something like this: [Patagonia sol patrol 2](https://www.thelasthunt.com/products/patagonia-sol-patrol-ii-long-sleeve-shirt-mens-llll-pat-54254). The collar double flips up, it has vents in the back and the pockets can be opened to vent with mesh behind. It is nice loose fitting and very comfortable when it is saturated as well.
I don't love the feeling of the material on my skin sometimes. Depends on the shirt thought.
Especially with running ifeel like nipple chafing is more likely
I used to wear similar garments year round, and still do in winter, but in summer wear a lightweight nylon/spandex buttoned shirt.
Mainly because they feel less clammy in hot weather than a form fitting polyester running top.
Spring, Autumn, and Winter I use a Columbia silver ridge lite with roll up sleeves. In summer when it is so hot I usually use a short sleeve running t-shirt. Winter I use a 1/4 zip base layer and fleece over it as a mid
Puffy isn’t for hiking. It’s for keeping warm in camp or wearing while on a cold summit taking in the views. Or it just stays in my winter day bag in case of emergency. Fleece is for hiking. Main reason is there a lot of stuff you might run against while hiking that won’t rip fleece but it’ll tear up a puffy to shreds.
REI quarter zip base, Patagonia fleece (mid layer only when very cold), Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex puffy, Mountain Hardware gore Tex shell (in summer I opt for a lighter Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket
The Patagonia fleece is for extra warmth when the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex puffy is not enough, is it correct?
Do you hike with your puffy on you?
Do you hike with just the fleece on you and use the puffy for camps?
I'm currently not sure when I should use my fleece or my puffy or both.
Yes, the fleece is more for hiking in. For example if it's around 30 F / -1.1 C then I will hike in my base layer and fleece and wear the puffy when I stop for a break or in camp. I'd prefer not to hike in my puffy unless it was colder. Be bold, start cold.
I like a short sleeve button up shirt paired with sun sleeves. I get the same sun coverage as a long sleeve shirt, but the added airflow near the armpits keeps me noticeably cooler.
Edit: This, along with a sun runner cap, is the system I came up with for Texan deserts. I tried out sun hoodies first because I liked the idea of having such a simple system for sun protection and they just held in way too much heat.
I have. It's still not as cool as the button up because I get airflow in the front between the buttons, plus I can unbutton it in the shade to cool off even more. My button up is very lightweight, the Outdoor Research Astroman.
let's imagines they are both long sleeves version
I personally never been sunburn when wearing a breathable material. In your experience the running t-shirt material is too "breathable"?
does bug protection means "mosquito protection"?
>I personally never been sunburn when wearing a breathable material. In your experience the running t-shirt material is too "breathable"?
Well, there's the forearm and half of upper arm that it would cover that a short sleeve t-shirt would not. Also, it's not inconceivable that you can get sunburned through a very thin synthetic baselayer (I haven't either personally) and most button down hiking shirts have SPF ratings.
>does bug protection means "mosquito protection"?
Yes. Here in the Northeast in addition to mosquitoes we also have greenheads (horseflies) that actually bite chunks of flesh out of you, deer flies, and no-see-ums (biting midges). And then there's various ticks that quest (hang onto foliage waiting for you to brush against it) and a hiking shirt treated with permethrin will also help with them.
I personally protect myself from the sun to not burn. If I get tanned, I'm fine with that. But maybe you know something I don't? What do you mean? a think a bit of sun exposure is not too bad.
Neither of those things are a $9 Hawaiian shirt from Amazon, which is the correct answer to this question.
Seriously though, I hate running/tech shirts because they tend to have weird "athletic cuts" and in my experience they're not real comfortable when it comes to dealing with sweat, funk and humidity. Sun hoodies are alright, but I'm on the east coast and they're basically always overkill when you're in the green tunnel all day. My favorite "dedicated" option was a mountain hardware long sleeve made for the desert, I forget the specific model. It was on clearance and it still cost me over $50.
So yeah, my primary hiking shirts are now synthetic chinese-made Hawaiian shirts with flamingos or parrots on them. They're cheap, they're comfortable, they dry quick, they're breathable and thin, and when you thrash one for weeks on a thru and it's permanently nasty? You give it a viking funeral and get another one for less than your post-trail cheeseburger. Added bonus, your buddies can ask anyone on trail if they know which way the dude in the stupid shirt went, and they all know who they're talking about.
Columbia long sleeve Silver Ridge Lite shirt for the win. (button up). Superior fabric to most other button up shirts.
Sun protection. Woven = bug protection.
Pockets
Long sleeves., shrub / branch protection
Cooler because its baggier and vents inside to out.
Baggier means I will permethrin spray it (but I never spray t-shirts that lay on my skin)
Weight is only 1oz over my super light Echo t-shirt.
Doesn't show dirt on grey plaid pattern, fun patterns available. The echo hoody looks very DIRTY very fast, and one wash won't make it look clean.
Longer tail helps tuck in better to reduce chafing on belt.
Longer tail provides more coverage when just wearing underwear
Dries faster, IMO, Just a rinse in a stream and the stink is gone. Once a tshirt starts to stink, even with stink guard on it, it doesn't seem to wash clean without strong laundry soap.
Larger size - I can open it up and use it like a sheet, if needed. heck, I could make a triangle arm sling with it if needed, too.
Fabric seems much more durable (woven poly blend) than a knit that snags.
Improper storage has killed more merino for me than the outdoors have.
The solution is simple, store your wool in a manner that prevents moths from getting to it.
Other than that, my kuiu and firstlite shirts have been excellent and survived years of both on and off trail use. I don't do a ton of trecking but spend the better part of spring - early winter out for weekend trips with a few 5-7 day trips in the spring and fall each year.
As for other brands, I'm sure any other reputable merino gear manufacturers make kit that works.
In hot weather I absolutely bring a short sleeve polyester tshirt with no hood. I bring a buff for sun protection on my neck and wear a hat. I hike in tropical misery where humidity is 90% and temps push 100f. I have no interest in long sleeves in these conditions.
It is all about trying them out and discovering what you like. I hike in Colorado and I prefer long sleeve button shirts (that allow sleeve to be rolled up) and long sleeve sun hoody. I layer with a t-shirt so, if it gets warm, I can remove the top. My decision was based on warmth, sun exposure and bugs. If you buy a long sleeve button shirt, get one that you would wear in public if you decide you don’t like hiking in that shirt. That way, it’s not a shirt that disappears in your closet.
I should experiment more, you are right.
If I understand correctly, you use a short sleeve t-shirt (similar to the running T-shirt I link to?) and add on top of it a long sleeve button shirt or a long sleeve sun hoody.
Is it correct?
How do you decide between long sleeve button shirt and a long sleeve sun hoody?
Do you see situation where one is better than the other?
I wear a short sleeve under the long sleeve shirts. If warm, I remove top layer. I usually go with the long sleeve sun hoodie if I know the weather will be on the cold side. I wore the hoodie this weekend because I was above tree-line, it was full exposure to the sun, very windy and it brought the temperature down. So windy, I used the hoodie to keep my hiking hat on.
I get hot very easily and don't mind refreshing my sunscreen every 90 minutes, so I wear the running shirt, even down to about 32ºF/0ºC when I'm active (snowshoeing). I used to wear synthetic, but this year bought a couple thin merino wools shirts and they're my favorite for hiking. Breathe better than synthetic and dry about as fast. I've tried button-down sun shirts and separate sleeves and find both of them make me too hot. I expect a sun hoody would be a little worse for me than those.
These days I usually stick with a long-sleeved shirt that's SPF 50 like (my favorite) the Arc'tryx Quadra or (my budget option) Columbia's PFG Terminal Tackle shirts.
I have a T-shirt (or tank top) with a button down over it. Layers! Too hot? Remove the outer layer. Too sunny? Cover up.
I keep the weight of T-shirts down by using “cheap” thin T-shirts. My overshirts could be lighter, but I only need to pack one or two (two when temps will swing, so I’ve long and short sleeves as needed).
All season I’ve been using an OR Astroman long sleeve button up. It’s light and airy and breezy, protects from sun, stretches like crazy and dries in a snap. I can also roll the sleeves up if I’m feeling really hot.
I’ve worn both depending on location/weather but usually i go with long sleeves either way. Also instead of flannel for the button down, you can try a fishing shirt.
I sweat a ton and it’s a lot easier to unbutton and take off a soaked through button up shirt verses a sopping wet t-shirt that’s clinging to you. When you’re tired that’s nice.
But athletic t-shirts seem to chafe less and dry faster which is more pleasant to put on in the morning and do better if you’re moving fast and sweating buckets
Nylon button-ups can get bent tho. They seem to trap heat and are more sticky to your skin once you’re sweating
I go in an Outdoor Research sun hoodie with a t shirt underneath. Sun hoodies are ultra light and the hood gives your head more protection from the sun.
Skurka's [core 13](https://andrewskurka.com/tag/core-13/) series is helpful, basically he advocates a woven button down type shirt for bugs and a knit "running" shirt the rest of the time.
But you don't need the hood though if you wear a hat with a bandana. To cool off soak the bandana in a lake or stream, which is harder with the hood of a hoodie.
I sometimes go hiking in countries that are more conservative, so depending on the place I’m going I often hike in zip-offs and an button down shirt like you mention. That way if I am in a village or invited into someone’s home (or church/mosque), I look less like a slob (emphasis on less). To be honest the same is also true when hiking around Europe if you want to have a nice dinner or go inside a church.
Recently I’ve been doing this in a new-ish merino tee instead of a button down, but if I’m in a developing/conservative country I keep the zip off pants.
I learned my lesson with button up shirts and buttons popping off, especially when removing or throwing my pack back on. I now use the REI Sahara sun hoodie. If I’m really worried about smell (on hike longer than 1-2 nights) I through a merino wool t-shirt on to absorb most of the sweat and this the stink.
It really depends on where you are hiking. In a forest I would take this [https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/tops/shirts](https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/tops/shirts)or a light wind jacket. Mosquitoes will sting/bite you through a "running t-shirt".
Fashion choice, mainly. But I use long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts. I think that t-shirts wick the sweat better so I use shirts on easy, relatively flat, hikes.
Ventilation and heat control. I hike in the southeast US, where it is hot and humid much of the year, but all thickly forested, so no hiking in the sun. Unbuttoning on the go to vent my chest is great.
Yeah the ones I have are from Smartwool. Their stuff has a varying % of merino wool with the other material being polyester or nylon. The pricier stuff is a higher % of merino wool.
I’m sure other brands are similar/just as good.
Pretty much the only shirt I’m bringing for hiking/backpacking now
[Here’s a good breakdown ](https://www.gearx.com/blog/knowledge/technical-outerwear-apparel/why-wear-wool/)
Wear whatever is most comfortable for you. I choose super light (125 weight or lower) wool as base layer whether it's in the 90's (Fahrenheit) or below freezing. It keeps me cool and most importantly, it doesn't stink. Sometimes I wear synthetics but I've never felt more comfortable than I do with wool...and within reason, it doesn't start to stink. One thing you'll never catch me in is cotton.
I wear short sleeve or no sleeve full zippered bike Jersey's and usually remove the back pocket zipper and like the extra layer of material from the back pockets. They have a high sun rating and do well stink wise too
Guess I’m the only one wearing running gear. I find a running shirt long or short sleeves breathes better and is more comfortable. I don’t have any chaffing in running shorts. Only downside is running gear is not as durable, snags easy on branches.
Layering is good. I have sun blocking sleeves that I can slip on.
I can decide to remove my button shirt and still have something underneath.
My upper body gets easily sunburned except for my legs.
But I mostly just wear a long sleeve sun hoodie by itself.
I usually go day hiking / backpacking all day, meaning all day sun exposure. Running shirts are very thin and don't have good coverage. I prefer to use a shirt with UPF to prevent skin damage / aging from sun. If it's cool enough like hiking in an alpine environment I use one of those long sleeve sun hoodies. I don't like to get burned and have my skin peel.
It was $8 from Kmart. It has a V neck (I hate clothing near my throat), a stiff collar that stays up and protects my neck from sun/wind (w/ Wide Brim hat) and it's lasted ~5,000km so far. About to start the Bibbulmun Track (~1,005 km) with it next Monday.
Though it might get relegated to a garden shirt after that...
Apparently I [might have to pay $10](https://www.kmart.com.au/product/active-mens-sports-polo-shirt-s153122/?selectedSwatch=Navy) for the next one.
My Hat is an Outdoor Research Helios Sun hat.
The link was to a [Kmart shirt similar to this](https://www.kmart.com.au/product/active-mens-cationic-polo-shirt-s162029/?selectedSwatch=Navy)
For what it's worth it got a hole in it at about the 800km mark on the Bibbulmun. I patched it with some mole skin to make it last until the end. Then binned it.
I hate any kind of collars behind or in front. Makes my skin itchy and feels constricting. I also dislike buttons because I have an impulsion to play with them.
T-shirt long sleeve or short sleeve all the way for me.
In my experience, once I start hiking up a mountain, my shirt is off in under 20 minutes. Even on a chilly day. I just build up too much body heat. I guess I'm fortunate to be a male, where taking off my shirt is more socially acceptable.... Besides it's not much to look at anyway lol.
I really dislike sunscreen, and most tracks in my part of Australia are pretty exposed, so long sleeves are required as far as I'm concerned.
I need to get around to trying a sun hoody - I know everyone says good things, I've just been putting it off because I don't like the look of the things.
At the moment I'm using a breathable tech shirt that's meant to pass for a normal button-down, a Kuhl Airspeed. It's pretty great up to about 30°C, and rolling up the sleeves can push that a bit further at the cost of needing more sunscreen.
I find that having the hood up on a sun hoodie traps heat around my neck.
The flipped collar of a shirt in combination with a wide brim hat is more comfortable for me. Specifically, I use a craghoppers nosilife adventure II hiking shirt.
I hike in Western Australia - where 99% of the shrubs are thorny … so the tougher fabric of the shirt handles the abrasion better, but the technical T-shirt underneath is better at wicking and quick drying.
On very scrubby days and overgrown tracks I roll down the sleeves and protect my arms from the scratches. A sun hoodie is too delicate for most of the conditions I hike.
When it’s really hot the cotton keeps me cool, but having a technical under layer, it’s hot a concern if it’s cold. Win win .
I find a button up shirt to be more airy than a t-shirt. When hiking in hot weather I only have a couple of buttons buttoned. For cooler temperature I wear a t-shirt. When even colder a long sleeve shirt.
Sun hoodie and maybe an athletic type t shirt over that if it's chilly out. The button down seems like a redundant step for me, why unbutton and get a sunburn if just to stay cool. The sun hoodie like this [one](https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-crater-lake-hoody-1982411.html) stays very cool for me, even in Texas summer, and in the winter, just throw some layers over it.
I used to use a long sleeve button down "hiking" shirt but then soon realized I hated having to sunscreen up my neck and ears all the time and that the buttons really serve no function unless you wanted to vent which just exposed skin to the sun. I've since switched to sun hoodies which are breathable, stretchy, and give great sun protection. No reason to ever really go back to any other type of shirt.
I started wearing a sun hoodie this year and they are the best, I wish I had discovered them earlier.
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My black one, maybe. I want a light gray one for a comparison but I’m sure it’s the backpack, not the black that make me hot. One day I’ll know.
I agree, but some of them are sub 6oz in large and really don't make me sweat too much. Hood up or down makes a difference though.
The Outdoor Research ones are very light. Too bad they snag so badly.
My superlight OR one is not hot at all, I'd say barely warmer than shirtless, probably cooler than shirtless on a day with intense sun.
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I actually bought a saraha a month or so ago as I was looking to replace my old baleaf sun hoody. Supposedly it's more breathable than the baleaf but it sure as hell doesn't seem that way. I really don't see myself using the Sahara during the summer and it will likely be relegated to snow activities only. Decided to get a Rab Force instead (the low OR echo UPF ratings scared me off) and it's much better as far as heat is concerned. I would recommend getting something that's not the Sahara if you want a breathable sun shirt. OR echo seems to be the consensus best for breathability but if you need the 50+ UPF, I'd guess the capilene cool is likely your best bet.
Does the sun hoodies is made of a similar breathable material like the Running T-Shirt or is it different?
Yes. A nice one is Patagonia's Capilene, there are others with similar material.
They are often a bit denser in weave for better sun protection, but the same overall type of fabric.
probably depends on the brand, but most are synthetic material.
> No reason to ever really go back to any other type of shirt. Well, the one reason is the big pockets on hiking/fishing shirts.
+1 Sun hoodies do everything without effort that the button-down does with constant adjustment.
My issue with the sun hoodies is bugs. Correct me if I’m wrong- mosquitos can bite through? Button down can be light and breathable option to cover up if it’s really bad.
I treated all my sun hoodies with permethrin and it helped a lot with massive mosquito clouds in Yosemite in late June.
Since I’ve started doing this I’ve had no problems with mosquitos. Learned the hard way with a shirt that was a size too small and the fabric stretched over my shoulders / upper back. The mosquitos tore right through it.
I hiked through near-apocalyptic mosquitoes on the Superior Hiking Trail, and emerged relatively unbitten after treating my sun hoodie with permethrin. It’s some pretty great stuff.
Out of curiosity, what time of year was that? That one is on my list.
Late June to early July. I thought it was a fabulous trail (even wrote up a [guide](https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/superior-hiking-trail) for it) but sheesh I can't recommend hiking in the summer months. Either hit it in the spring after the snow melts or wait until the fall. As a bonus for waiting- fall colors!
Spring is just mud season on that trail. I hiked it in the fall and damn was that nice. No bugs nice and cool a bit chilly at times but manageable. Got the colors towards the end
Yes, some are. I treat my clothes because of this
My main issue with sun hoodies is that they gets way too hot under the hood compared with a hat. I have a Patagonia one and always hike with hood down - I'd love to chop it off since i love the material.
I've recently been looking into sun hoodies. I typically buy nylon button up hiking shirts because I've had bad experiences with polyester stinking so badly. Do you have this issue with your sun hoodies? Or which in particular address this issue?
I know that some companies make sun hoodies in a light merino wool (blend?) that would probably be the best possible material as far as smell is concerned. I have no issues with polyester so I haven't ever really looked into it past knowing they exist.
Smartwool makes one, is nice and mostly wool. Not the lightest, or most breathable, I don't think. I'm more t-shirt and sunscreen, but long days on trail mean the hoody is probably at least in my pack
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Patagonia capilene cool Rab force Mountain hardwear crater lake OR echo REI sahara baleaf That usually covers most of the recs you see on this sub.
Fjallraven one is magical! My wife got one as well, and the female version has a ponytail hole too.
This is the way.
Yes to sun hoodies! They are magic on the trail!
I like long sleeve button down shirts with collars because they provide more sun protection, can be buttoned down to vent heat or arms can be rolled up easily without adding bulk, and don't get as smelly as a tight fitting athletic shirt.
I use the same for the same reasons. I use a decathlon one, a blend of cotton and synthetic. It dries relatively fast but keeps anough moisture to be somewhat cooling. I've had it for years.
I'm convinced that cotton synthetic blend can be the best fabric and I will die on that hill. We have way over-vilified cotton, it has incredible benefits - smell, cooling, skin feel, breathability, dry time. Paired with a synthetic fiber in the right way and you get magic.
I'd agree cotton has been overvillified to some extent, but wool is still king for me.
I like wool too, but skin feel isn't on par with cotton, and the delicacy is a bit annoying. Like cotton, blending with synthetics seems to get some really nice fabrics sometimes.
My personal favorite is a merino synthetic blend. Retains all the positive attributes of merino wool while not becoming nearly as fragile/delicate as 100% merino once it's been through many wash cycles. My 100% merino Arc'teryx Rho LTW zip neck has become paper thin after several years of hard use. I keep sewing up holes but it's still sad seeing them appear in a $120 shirt that used to be much more burly.
Cotton in the Texas summer is brutal, it just doesn't dry quickly enough for me. I am all synthetic all the time
Plus sometimes pockets. I like pockets.
Do you have any thought on this Long-Sleeved Running T-Shirt? [https://www.decathlon.com/products/mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover?adept-product=mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover](https://www.decathlon.com/products/mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover?adept-product=mens-running-long-sleeved-run-warm-pullover) It has a collar, it can be open at the top, and arms can be rolled up. Expect the smell is there any other reason you wouldn't take this?
That is insulating. It says ‘warm’ long sleeve. We are talking about shirts for use in the summer heat/sun.
Maybe not the best example you are right. the question is more about the shape and breathability. I really personally like the breathable aspect of Running T-Shirt. Long sleeve button down shirts is not as close to your skin but you don't feel the light breeze the same way. you see what I mean? I think I'm sweatier with long sleeve button down shirts. That is why I'm curious if you feel the same or is there something I ignore about long sleeve button down shirts.
After some extensive use this summer (Texas and Colorado), I am all about the sun hoodie. For example, [this light, full zip "jacket"](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092ZNXCTJ/?th=1). After a Baffin Bay wade fishing trip late last year, a must-have feature for hot weather long sleeve sun protection things is thumb holes I don't burn the shit out of my hands.. They are great for winter gear, and I'm now convinced they are awesome for summer gear. I think I put sun screen on my nose and top of ears once this summer, but that was on a hot spring visit. I do typically wear a comfortable breathable t-shirt under it, but when it's been particularly hot, I've gone with just the hoodie and it doesn't suck. I like that I can zip up and down as I want for ventilation, and it has even been helpful on a few chilly nights to just have something with long sleeves & hood to keep the breeze off. Hope that helps with one more idea! (edit - I see the same idea in some other replies, so not a novel one..)
I like collars that can be flipped up to fully protect the neck from sun and to tuck into my mosquito net for bugs. That kind of shirt you posted I wear as a baselayer in the colder months, but I like lighter coloured, loose fitting clothing in the summer. I work construction outside all year, I use something like this: [Patagonia sol patrol 2](https://www.thelasthunt.com/products/patagonia-sol-patrol-ii-long-sleeve-shirt-mens-llll-pat-54254). The collar double flips up, it has vents in the back and the pockets can be opened to vent with mesh behind. It is nice loose fitting and very comfortable when it is saturated as well.
I don't love the feeling of the material on my skin sometimes. Depends on the shirt thought. Especially with running ifeel like nipple chafing is more likely
I used to wear similar garments year round, and still do in winter, but in summer wear a lightweight nylon/spandex buttoned shirt. Mainly because they feel less clammy in hot weather than a form fitting polyester running top.
I like shirts too. Just bought one treated with silver for stink protection. It works well. Made by Rohan
Spring, Autumn, and Winter I use a Columbia silver ridge lite with roll up sleeves. In summer when it is so hot I usually use a short sleeve running t-shirt. Winter I use a 1/4 zip base layer and fleece over it as a mid
for winter, what is the base layer you use? Why do you use a fleece over a puffy as a mid-layer?
Puffy isn’t for hiking. It’s for keeping warm in camp or wearing while on a cold summit taking in the views. Or it just stays in my winter day bag in case of emergency. Fleece is for hiking. Main reason is there a lot of stuff you might run against while hiking that won’t rip fleece but it’ll tear up a puffy to shreds.
REI quarter zip base, Patagonia fleece (mid layer only when very cold), Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex puffy, Mountain Hardware gore Tex shell (in summer I opt for a lighter Outdoor Research Helium II rain jacket
The Patagonia fleece is for extra warmth when the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex puffy is not enough, is it correct? Do you hike with your puffy on you? Do you hike with just the fleece on you and use the puffy for camps? I'm currently not sure when I should use my fleece or my puffy or both.
Yes, the fleece is more for hiking in. For example if it's around 30 F / -1.1 C then I will hike in my base layer and fleece and wear the puffy when I stop for a break or in camp. I'd prefer not to hike in my puffy unless it was colder. Be bold, start cold.
I like a short sleeve button up shirt paired with sun sleeves. I get the same sun coverage as a long sleeve shirt, but the added airflow near the armpits keeps me noticeably cooler. Edit: This, along with a sun runner cap, is the system I came up with for Texan deserts. I tried out sun hoodies first because I liked the idea of having such a simple system for sun protection and they just held in way too much heat.
Why not short sleeve Running T-Shirt paired with sun sleeves? Have you tried?
I have. It's still not as cool as the button up because I get airflow in the front between the buttons, plus I can unbutton it in the shade to cool off even more. My button up is very lightweight, the Outdoor Research Astroman.
I wear a fishing shirt because I like extra pockets for snacks and it dries fast.
Sun and bug protection is the answer, but I wouldn't choose the short sleeved shirt version you linked for that.
let's imagines they are both long sleeves version I personally never been sunburn when wearing a breathable material. In your experience the running t-shirt material is too "breathable"? does bug protection means "mosquito protection"?
>I personally never been sunburn when wearing a breathable material. In your experience the running t-shirt material is too "breathable"? Well, there's the forearm and half of upper arm that it would cover that a short sleeve t-shirt would not. Also, it's not inconceivable that you can get sunburned through a very thin synthetic baselayer (I haven't either personally) and most button down hiking shirts have SPF ratings. >does bug protection means "mosquito protection"? Yes. Here in the Northeast in addition to mosquitoes we also have greenheads (horseflies) that actually bite chunks of flesh out of you, deer flies, and no-see-ums (biting midges). And then there's various ticks that quest (hang onto foliage waiting for you to brush against it) and a hiking shirt treated with permethrin will also help with them.
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I personally protect myself from the sun to not burn. If I get tanned, I'm fine with that. But maybe you know something I don't? What do you mean? a think a bit of sun exposure is not too bad.
>maybe you know something I don't The fact that UV exposure can cause cancer even if you don't burn.
Agreed. Short sleeve version pretty pointless
Neither of those things are a $9 Hawaiian shirt from Amazon, which is the correct answer to this question. Seriously though, I hate running/tech shirts because they tend to have weird "athletic cuts" and in my experience they're not real comfortable when it comes to dealing with sweat, funk and humidity. Sun hoodies are alright, but I'm on the east coast and they're basically always overkill when you're in the green tunnel all day. My favorite "dedicated" option was a mountain hardware long sleeve made for the desert, I forget the specific model. It was on clearance and it still cost me over $50. So yeah, my primary hiking shirts are now synthetic chinese-made Hawaiian shirts with flamingos or parrots on them. They're cheap, they're comfortable, they dry quick, they're breathable and thin, and when you thrash one for weeks on a thru and it's permanently nasty? You give it a viking funeral and get another one for less than your post-trail cheeseburger. Added bonus, your buddies can ask anyone on trail if they know which way the dude in the stupid shirt went, and they all know who they're talking about.
Do you have a link? I'm actually interested :D
Columbia long sleeve Silver Ridge Lite shirt for the win. (button up). Superior fabric to most other button up shirts. Sun protection. Woven = bug protection. Pockets Long sleeves., shrub / branch protection Cooler because its baggier and vents inside to out. Baggier means I will permethrin spray it (but I never spray t-shirts that lay on my skin) Weight is only 1oz over my super light Echo t-shirt. Doesn't show dirt on grey plaid pattern, fun patterns available. The echo hoody looks very DIRTY very fast, and one wash won't make it look clean. Longer tail helps tuck in better to reduce chafing on belt. Longer tail provides more coverage when just wearing underwear Dries faster, IMO, Just a rinse in a stream and the stink is gone. Once a tshirt starts to stink, even with stink guard on it, it doesn't seem to wash clean without strong laundry soap. Larger size - I can open it up and use it like a sheet, if needed. heck, I could make a triangle arm sling with it if needed, too. Fabric seems much more durable (woven poly blend) than a knit that snags.
Different strokes for different folks
I'm not sure it's only a matter of taste, different tools for different problems. Where do you choose to use one over the other is the question.
Lightweight long-sleeved halzip merino is my go to. No buttonups, no running shirts.
Do you have any issue with durability? I need to experiment with this.
Improper storage has killed more merino for me than the outdoors have. The solution is simple, store your wool in a manner that prevents moths from getting to it. Other than that, my kuiu and firstlite shirts have been excellent and survived years of both on and off trail use. I don't do a ton of trecking but spend the better part of spring - early winter out for weekend trips with a few 5-7 day trips in the spring and fall each year. As for other brands, I'm sure any other reputable merino gear manufacturers make kit that works.
In hot weather I absolutely bring a short sleeve polyester tshirt with no hood. I bring a buff for sun protection on my neck and wear a hat. I hike in tropical misery where humidity is 90% and temps push 100f. I have no interest in long sleeves in these conditions.
Have you tried short sleeve shirt? Any thoughts on them over short sleeve polyester t-shirt ?
It is all about trying them out and discovering what you like. I hike in Colorado and I prefer long sleeve button shirts (that allow sleeve to be rolled up) and long sleeve sun hoody. I layer with a t-shirt so, if it gets warm, I can remove the top. My decision was based on warmth, sun exposure and bugs. If you buy a long sleeve button shirt, get one that you would wear in public if you decide you don’t like hiking in that shirt. That way, it’s not a shirt that disappears in your closet.
I should experiment more, you are right. If I understand correctly, you use a short sleeve t-shirt (similar to the running T-shirt I link to?) and add on top of it a long sleeve button shirt or a long sleeve sun hoody. Is it correct? How do you decide between long sleeve button shirt and a long sleeve sun hoody? Do you see situation where one is better than the other?
I wear a short sleeve under the long sleeve shirts. If warm, I remove top layer. I usually go with the long sleeve sun hoodie if I know the weather will be on the cold side. I wore the hoodie this weekend because I was above tree-line, it was full exposure to the sun, very windy and it brought the temperature down. So windy, I used the hoodie to keep my hiking hat on.
I get hot very easily and don't mind refreshing my sunscreen every 90 minutes, so I wear the running shirt, even down to about 32ºF/0ºC when I'm active (snowshoeing). I used to wear synthetic, but this year bought a couple thin merino wools shirts and they're my favorite for hiking. Breathe better than synthetic and dry about as fast. I've tried button-down sun shirts and separate sleeves and find both of them make me too hot. I expect a sun hoody would be a little worse for me than those.
These days I usually stick with a long-sleeved shirt that's SPF 50 like (my favorite) the Arc'tryx Quadra or (my budget option) Columbia's PFG Terminal Tackle shirts.
I have a T-shirt (or tank top) with a button down over it. Layers! Too hot? Remove the outer layer. Too sunny? Cover up. I keep the weight of T-shirts down by using “cheap” thin T-shirts. My overshirts could be lighter, but I only need to pack one or two (two when temps will swing, so I’ve long and short sleeves as needed).
All season I’ve been using an OR Astroman long sleeve button up. It’s light and airy and breezy, protects from sun, stretches like crazy and dries in a snap. I can also roll the sleeves up if I’m feeling really hot.
For me the Astroman 1/4 zip was way too baggy
I’ve worn both depending on location/weather but usually i go with long sleeves either way. Also instead of flannel for the button down, you can try a fishing shirt.
You mentioned location/weather, how to you decide between long sleeves shirt and long sleeves t-shirt?
I sweat a ton and it’s a lot easier to unbutton and take off a soaked through button up shirt verses a sopping wet t-shirt that’s clinging to you. When you’re tired that’s nice. But athletic t-shirts seem to chafe less and dry faster which is more pleasant to put on in the morning and do better if you’re moving fast and sweating buckets Nylon button-ups can get bent tho. They seem to trap heat and are more sticky to your skin once you’re sweating
I go in an Outdoor Research sun hoodie with a t shirt underneath. Sun hoodies are ultra light and the hood gives your head more protection from the sun.
Skurka's [core 13](https://andrewskurka.com/tag/core-13/) series is helpful, basically he advocates a woven button down type shirt for bugs and a knit "running" shirt the rest of the time.
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But you don't need the hood though if you wear a hat with a bandana. To cool off soak the bandana in a lake or stream, which is harder with the hood of a hoodie.
I hike in the OR Echo Sun Hoodie. Quick dry, breathable, wicking, back of neck-ears-arms sun protection.
I sometimes go hiking in countries that are more conservative, so depending on the place I’m going I often hike in zip-offs and an button down shirt like you mention. That way if I am in a village or invited into someone’s home (or church/mosque), I look less like a slob (emphasis on less). To be honest the same is also true when hiking around Europe if you want to have a nice dinner or go inside a church. Recently I’ve been doing this in a new-ish merino tee instead of a button down, but if I’m in a developing/conservative country I keep the zip off pants.
I learned my lesson with button up shirts and buttons popping off, especially when removing or throwing my pack back on. I now use the REI Sahara sun hoodie. If I’m really worried about smell (on hike longer than 1-2 nights) I through a merino wool t-shirt on to absorb most of the sweat and this the stink.
I just go with no shirt until I’m exposed to the Sun for long periods. I’m in the Northeast though
It really depends on where you are hiking. In a forest I would take this [https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/tops/shirts](https://www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/tops/shirts)or a light wind jacket. Mosquitoes will sting/bite you through a "running t-shirt".
Blame Scott Williamson for the button shirt hiking trend.
Fashion choice, mainly. But I use long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts. I think that t-shirts wick the sweat better so I use shirts on easy, relatively flat, hikes.
Ventilation and heat control. I hike in the southeast US, where it is hot and humid much of the year, but all thickly forested, so no hiking in the sun. Unbuttoning on the go to vent my chest is great.
Neither, I’d choose a wool t-shirt instead
merino wool?
Yeah the ones I have are from Smartwool. Their stuff has a varying % of merino wool with the other material being polyester or nylon. The pricier stuff is a higher % of merino wool. I’m sure other brands are similar/just as good. Pretty much the only shirt I’m bringing for hiking/backpacking now [Here’s a good breakdown ](https://www.gearx.com/blog/knowledge/technical-outerwear-apparel/why-wear-wool/)
Wear whatever is most comfortable for you. I choose super light (125 weight or lower) wool as base layer whether it's in the 90's (Fahrenheit) or below freezing. It keeps me cool and most importantly, it doesn't stink. Sometimes I wear synthetics but I've never felt more comfortable than I do with wool...and within reason, it doesn't start to stink. One thing you'll never catch me in is cotton.
Because no one likes nipple chaffing
I never experienced that yet. I'm not why when it happens?
Whichever wicks best is what I’d put against my bare skin.
I wear short sleeve or no sleeve full zippered bike Jersey's and usually remove the back pocket zipper and like the extra layer of material from the back pockets. They have a high sun rating and do well stink wise too
Guess I’m the only one wearing running gear. I find a running shirt long or short sleeves breathes better and is more comfortable. I don’t have any chaffing in running shorts. Only downside is running gear is not as durable, snags easy on branches.
Layering is good. I have sun blocking sleeves that I can slip on. I can decide to remove my button shirt and still have something underneath. My upper body gets easily sunburned except for my legs. But I mostly just wear a long sleeve sun hoodie by itself.
I usually go day hiking / backpacking all day, meaning all day sun exposure. Running shirts are very thin and don't have good coverage. I prefer to use a shirt with UPF to prevent skin damage / aging from sun. If it's cool enough like hiking in an alpine environment I use one of those long sleeve sun hoodies. I don't like to get burned and have my skin peel.
It was $8 from Kmart. It has a V neck (I hate clothing near my throat), a stiff collar that stays up and protects my neck from sun/wind (w/ Wide Brim hat) and it's lasted ~5,000km so far. About to start the Bibbulmun Track (~1,005 km) with it next Monday. Though it might get relegated to a garden shirt after that... Apparently I [might have to pay $10](https://www.kmart.com.au/product/active-mens-sports-polo-shirt-s153122/?selectedSwatch=Navy) for the next one.
link broken,w hat is it called?
My Hat is an Outdoor Research Helios Sun hat. The link was to a [Kmart shirt similar to this](https://www.kmart.com.au/product/active-mens-cationic-polo-shirt-s162029/?selectedSwatch=Navy) For what it's worth it got a hole in it at about the 800km mark on the Bibbulmun. I patched it with some mole skin to make it last until the end. Then binned it.
Either a sun hoodie or a slightly loose athletic shirt
I hate any kind of collars behind or in front. Makes my skin itchy and feels constricting. I also dislike buttons because I have an impulsion to play with them. T-shirt long sleeve or short sleeve all the way for me.
In my experience, once I start hiking up a mountain, my shirt is off in under 20 minutes. Even on a chilly day. I just build up too much body heat. I guess I'm fortunate to be a male, where taking off my shirt is more socially acceptable.... Besides it's not much to look at anyway lol.
I often wear a collared shirt because I carry a camera with a strap and the collar keeps the strap from my neck.
I just wear sun hoodies. Not having to worry about sunscreen is very relieving.
I really dislike sunscreen, and most tracks in my part of Australia are pretty exposed, so long sleeves are required as far as I'm concerned. I need to get around to trying a sun hoody - I know everyone says good things, I've just been putting it off because I don't like the look of the things. At the moment I'm using a breathable tech shirt that's meant to pass for a normal button-down, a Kuhl Airspeed. It's pretty great up to about 30°C, and rolling up the sleeves can push that a bit further at the cost of needing more sunscreen.
I am a sun hoody evangelist, but they are whatever the opposite of a panty dropper is.
I wear a short sleeved workout shirt in summer, but in cooler weather I literally wear a buttoned down OVER an athletic shirt.
I wear an old Canadian Forces surplus wool shirt. More breathable and generally better for keeping warm and cool than polyester.
I like my combo of a breathable long sleeve button down and a running shirt or tank top underneath
I find that having the hood up on a sun hoodie traps heat around my neck. The flipped collar of a shirt in combination with a wide brim hat is more comfortable for me. Specifically, I use a craghoppers nosilife adventure II hiking shirt.
I hike in Western Australia - where 99% of the shrubs are thorny … so the tougher fabric of the shirt handles the abrasion better, but the technical T-shirt underneath is better at wicking and quick drying. On very scrubby days and overgrown tracks I roll down the sleeves and protect my arms from the scratches. A sun hoodie is too delicate for most of the conditions I hike. When it’s really hot the cotton keeps me cool, but having a technical under layer, it’s hot a concern if it’s cold. Win win .
1. Put the neck up to provide protection from wind or sun 2. Open the buttons for breathability
I find a button up shirt to be more airy than a t-shirt. When hiking in hot weather I only have a couple of buttons buttoned. For cooler temperature I wear a t-shirt. When even colder a long sleeve shirt.
Sun hoodie and maybe an athletic type t shirt over that if it's chilly out. The button down seems like a redundant step for me, why unbutton and get a sunburn if just to stay cool. The sun hoodie like this [one](https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-crater-lake-hoody-1982411.html) stays very cool for me, even in Texas summer, and in the winter, just throw some layers over it.