Best hiking shirt material

[PhillyB]

Hey everyone- I am looking to pick up a light weight shirt for all my hiking. I like to hike into my area with shorts and a t-shirt, but I am unsure of what material. Most of my hunting is in the early season August and early September so I need it to breathe well and dry fast, as well as feel good against sweaty skin. I am not concerned about the pattern and camo is not needed.

I considered the Firstlite llano ss, but then did some research on backcountry.com and there are a number of different materials that are all 'quick drying' and 'lightweight'.

So I was hoping to get some input on what people like and what to stay away from. Thanks

 

[dotman]

For a shirt I believe nothing is better then merino wool, for shorts I prefer convertible pants made for fishing (I know you didn't ask but why not add them anyway). The shirt will wick mositure and keep you cool plus add warmth when the temps change, syn shirt will not do this as well The convertible pants can be used as shorts or pants and will be lite weight and dry quickly.

 

[Beastmode]

Take a look at REI. You can narrow down to what your preferences are, lightweight, water wicking, etc... There's lots to choose from. I just got a savanah shirt from them on sale and I'm anxious to try it out.

 

[PhillyB]

I use the Columbia Omni-dry pants. They are convertible, light and dry quick. They are my pants of choice for hiking, scouting, etc.

Now I need to get a shirt that performs just as well. I think I am gonna go with the merino wool for the lightweight and odor control

 

[phil]

Railriders has some good stuff. phil

 

[dotman]

I know Sierra Trading Post has some merino t-shirts on sale, last I checked, for $19.99 that might be worth looking at.

 

[dotman]

I guess it is a wool blend, here you go http://m.sierratradingpost.com/mobi...hort-sleeve-for-men~p~3039c/?r=s~wool-tshirt/

 

[dotman]

Here is what I have and I like it http://m.sierratradingpost.com/mobi...top-short-sleeve-for-men~p~4238x/?r=s~merino/

 

[dotman]

I haven't tried this company yet but have only heard good things about their merino http://www.minus33.com/

 

[Dixie07]

I have Ibex merino wool shirts that I do all of my hiking in. I have hiked in synthetics before, and while they are lightweight and quick drying, that get stinky, quickly, while wool does not from my experience.

 

[Ross]

For just hiking and not hunting I like a shirt made by Terramar made of Thermasilk. It dries exceptionally quickly, doesnt retain a smell, but is rather fragile.

 

[JNDEER]

I hunt very hot weather to just hot weather. I wear the BPS Enduraskin long sleeve.

 

[Lawnboi]

In really hot weather i still prefer a poly long sleeve as my choice for hard hiking when stench isnt planned on being an issue.

If i was to get another shirt to wear as a hiking shirt for in and out solely. I would pick up a sitka core tee shirt. And its camo so if you have to wash a baselayer and need something you still have something.

 

[slim9300]

These are the perfect shirt for me. You can find them on sale for $40-50. The advantage is that merino dries quickly and takes many days to smell. Also, when you get hot just unzip the zipper and you are cooled down very quickly. I hike with the zipper open and I hardly sweat. The material is very thin but keeps me warm down into the high 40s and cool up to the high 70s.

http://www.smartwool.com/mens/m-lightweight-zip-t-5930.html

 

[RUTTIN]

I like my Core4 Element merino baselayer for hiking and hunting in while I am on the move. It wicks moisture, doesn't stink, and will keep your temperature regulated pretty good. Look for them on Camofire and you can usually find a pretty good deal.

 

[rpm4463]

I've done alot of hiking in various areas including the Sierras, Cascades, desert regions and the best shirt for me is REI Sahara. It is designed breathe very well and provide protection from the sun's rays. It also dries very quickly. Many people use them fishing in tropical areas. In the high mountains they maybe a little chilly in the morning but once you start hiking you will be fine. I usually keep a thin sweater handy for when I take a rest on the trail.

 

[rye_a]

Here's a coupon code for any of the stuff from Sierra Trading Post:
CST2951Y

I like lightweight 1/4 zip long sleeve shirts for hiking because they provide protection from the sun and I can pull up the sleeves and unzip the collar if I get too hot. I am switching to merino because I stink whenever I wear synthetics for a day of hiking, much less several days of backpacking.

 

[Bearcat]

http://www.backpacker.com/editors-choice-2010-patagonia-merino-1/videos/120

here is a link about the patagonia merino 1 shirt. I dont have one but would like too. Seems like it is an option for what you described you were looking for.