Wearing the appropriate garment is vital during a hiking trip.
You need to consider the changing weather conditions and other natural elements you will encounter during the adventure.
Hiking shirts have direct contact with your skin, too.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you only wear the best while enjoying the beauty of nature.
To help you out, we reviewed some of the best hiking shirts for men and women and listed the vital features you need to look for in one.
Best Hiking Shirts for Men
1. BALEAF Dri-Fit Sun Protection Long Sleeves Shirt
This versatile long-sleeve shirt is one of BALEAF Sports' high-end sports gear aiming to provide comfort to its clients.
Product Highlights
Made from 100% highly-breathable polyester, you would like the ultra-smooth and low-friction fabric of this shirt.
It boasts a quick-drying formula, too, ensuring you stay dry as you do your activity.
For your comfort, this tagless shirt features a crew neck and raglan long sleeves with flatlock seams to eliminate chafing.
Also, you can be sure to stay safe from the damaging UV rays of the sun from the shirt’s UPF 50+ protection properties.
You can buy it in various colors and sizes to fit your build and personality.
What We Like
The first thing you will like about this BALEAF shirt is the lightness of its fabric, making it perfect for different activity types.
It uses a breathable, quick-drying fabric that keeps the moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool and comfortable.
The machine-washable fabric also offers protection against ultraviolet radiation by blocking the harmful rays of the sun.
What We Don't Like
One noticeable concern is the way the shirt sags when worn for swimming.
The fabric also snags and frays when it gets in contact with harsh materials.
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2. Columbia Bahama II Short Sleeve Shirt
The modern classic design of the short-sleeved Bahama II is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Product Highlights
This Bahama II short-sleeve shirt uses Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade fabric.
This fabric boasts UPF 30 to protect the skin from sunburns and other skin damages due to sun exposure.
You'd appreciate its two chest pockets with Velcro closure, making it easy to store small items and other necessities while outdoors.
The shirt has hidden vents at the back, providing breathability.
It’s made of 100% quick-drying pure nylon, so it's more comfortable to wear under the sun.
Finally, the lightweight fabric offers a relaxed fit, allowing you to move without any constrictions during your activity.
What We Like
The Bahama II is an excellent shirt to wear during exercise.
It quickly evaporates sweat and keeps the wearer dry.
The handy chest pockets also make it more like a casual shirt you can wear every day.
It features a roomy fit, breathable fabric, and sun protection that guarantees your comfort even when doing strenuous activities.
It’s the perfect outdoor wear, even in hot and humid weather, without worrying about awkward sweat spots.
What We Don’t Like
The non-stretchable nylon fabric of this short does not absorb moisture, giving it a slimy feel when you are sweaty.
Its bright-colored options tend to fade into pastels after washing.
Also, the shirt material tends to attract and hold animal hair and dust.
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3. Real Essentials 5-Pack Tech Tank Top Dry-Fit Activewear
These Tech tank tops by Real Essentials are the ideal activewear for people who want to train with confidence.
Product Highlights
This active tank top is made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex.
With this combo, you get a dry-fit performance as well as lightweight and soft comfort.
The four-way stretch fabric provides excellent airflow, allowing you to stay fresh and dry during the activity.
This versatile tank top is the perfect activewear for different indoor or outdoor activities. Its material feels comfortable and soft on the skin.
It’s a loose-fitting top made from a moisture-wicking fabric, allowing one to move freely and comfortably.
You can machine-wash the shirt without fear of loose threads or shrinkage.
It also offers UPF 50+ to protect you from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The soft fabric, combined with the flatlock seams and tagless collar, ensures lesser chafing, rashes, and other skin irritations.
What We Like
The best thing about this product is its affordability, as it comes as a set containing five tank tops.
You can choose between a single-color or a multi-colored pack.
It offers excellent color choices giving you plenty of hue options.
The shirt fits great and also feels comfortable when worn as you perform various activities.
What We Don’t Like
Some customers complain of receiving poorly sewn shirts with crooked seams and inconsistent sizing.
Each shirt in the pack is also made of different materials, where some are more translucent than others.
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4. MAGCOMSEN Quick Dry Polo Shirt
This quick-dry polo shirt from MAGCOMSEN gives you the classic design of casual wear but with activewear functionality.
Product Highlights
The shirt is made from 100% comfortable and soft polyester material with a spread collar and three-button placket design.
Its quick-drying properties are available in both long- and short-sleeve variations in different colors.
The polyester material efficiently wicks the moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and fresh all day.
Adding to the shirt’s comfortable feel is the rib-knit cuffs.
These provide a more custom fit, making it ideal for everyday wear, whether casual or active.
What We Like
The polo shirt is reasonably priced and offers a comfortable, relaxed fit.
It uses a durable but soft and lightweight material with a pique weave texture.
It looks good and has excellent airflow, eliminating the sweaty feeling throughout the day as you go on with your activities.
The shirt is also machine-washable and does not shrink or wrinkle.
What's more, you can buy it in different colors and sizes.
The sunglasses and pen holders are quite handy accessories not usually mentioned in the description or reviews.
What We Don’t Like
Some don’t like the material’s texture, saying that it feels coarse and that the fabric is not stretchable.
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5. DRI-Equip Moisture Wicking Long Sleeve
Because of its moisture-wicking properties, DRI-Equip is one of the best men's athletic long-sleeve shirts you will find.
Product Highlights
The shirt’s typical long sleeves and loose-fitting style protect you from mosquito bites and the sun’s bright glare.
At the same time, this design keeps you warm when the weather is cold.
This classic creation from DRI-Equip offers a relaxed and loose fit that comes in different sizes, from XS up to 4XL.
It’s also available in a wide range of colors that will suit anyone’s personal preference.
Its lightweight and breathable fabric is made of 100% polyester, which does not shrink and has an excellent quick-drying ability.
It’s also useful in wicking away moisture from your body, keeping you dry even when under the sweltering heat of the sun.
What We Like
What’s good about this long sleeve shirt from DRI-Equip is the fabric’s ability to maintain its color, size, and shape even after machine-washing.
The shirt offers a silky feel and comfortable fit with its exquisite stitching, too.
You'd like that it has no external visible markings and tags that may irritate the skin.
What We Don’t Like
Most customers complain about the shirt’s big sizing, but others like its loose and comfy fit.
They also wish that the fabric contains some UV protection for a more effective shield against the sun’s harmful rays.
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Best Hiking Shirts for Women
1. BALEAF Dri-Fit Sun Protection Long Sleeve Shirt
This Dri-Fit long sleeve shirt from BALEAF is the perfect everyday activewear for women who love the outdoors.
Product Highlights
This sun protection shirt from BALEAF, made from 100% polyester, offers a long-lasting shield against harmful UV rays.
The shirt effectively wicks away moisture from your body and quickly evaporates it to keep you dry and feeling fresh.
Its flat seam construction, raglan sleeves, and tagless collar add to the shirt’s comfort.
It does so by reducing chafing while providing ease of movement.
The shirt’s lightweight fabric feels soft on the skin, too, adding to its comfortability while eliminating skin irritations.
These long sleeve shirts from BALEAF offer a long-lasting shield from the harmful UV rays.
This is achieved thanks to its UPF 50+ protection, which is especially beneficial for sensitive skin.
What We Like
The shirt helps keep you warm while on the water and protects you from the scorching sun while hiking.
It can also be an excellent base layer and worn as a daily garment.
This shirt is easy to maintain. It can either be hand- or machine-washed without fear of shrinkage, fading, or damaging the sun protection feature.
You get plenty of size choices, from extra small to triple extra-large.
The same goes with the shirt color options, as it comes with multiple hue choices of up to 36 different shades.
What We Don’t Like
The fabric may be too thin and sheer for some, making it almost see-through.
You may also find the polyester material not breathable enough, making you feel warm on sunny days.
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2. HLXFHB Workout Tank Tops
The sports brand HLXFHB promotes and encourages a sporty, healthy, and fashionable lifestyle.
Product Highlights
These workout tank tops use 95% polyester and 5% spandex, making them breathable, comfortable, lightweight, and stretchy.
Its loose-fitting style, combined with the racerback and scoop neck design, lets you layer it over your bra.
This style also helps keep you cool throughout your activity.
This sports shirt’s soft fabric is lightweight and quick-drying, making it a perfect workout tank top.
It has a stretchy banded crew neckline that is easy to wear and keeps you comfortable during all your activities.
Wash this moisture-wicking sportswear by hand or machine without using any bleach before hanging it to dry.
What We Like
You will love the wide range of color selections for this tank top that can match any personality.
Women love the fashionable design of these workout tank tops with their soft and comfortable fabric.
Some also like how flattering it fits their bodies, helping them hide their bulges.
Also, it does not shrink even after numerous washings.
The Dri-fit material does not cling to the body even when you are sweating.
Instead, it allows the moisture to move away from the skin.
What We Don’t Like
Some say there’s inconsistency when it comes to sizing between various colors.
Others complain about how baggy the shirt is when they are wearing it.
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3. CQR Plaid Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt
The CQR plaid flannel long-sleeve shirt is a classic you can wear alone or use as a top layer garment suitable for outdoor activities.
Product Highlights
This CQR plaid flannel shirt is made from 100% brushed soft cotton, providing comfort and warmth when worn.
It features a natural cotton construction combined with pre-dyed yarn for long-lasting colors.
You will instantly notice the classic plaid pattern design made of horizontal and vertical lines using two or more colors in varying widths.
This flannel shirt’s cuffs and collar are lined with chambray, considered the ultimate fabric lining for chilly weather.
It also features the traditional button cuffs and full front button closure for maximum adjustment and mobility.
What We Like
Many love the comfortable fit this plaid shirt offers, giving them the perfect garment for all weather conditions.
It may shrink a little after the first wash, but it still offers a great fit.
There is also no visible fading of colors even after several washes.
What We Don’t Like
A couple of those who bought the plaid flannel shirt say that it’s not true-to-size, so be careful when choosing a size.
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4. Isnowood Quick-Dry Rash Guard Sun Protection Shirts
The quick-dry rash guard is among the best sun protection clothing options.
It also has the ability to block UV rays and protect you from sun damage.
Shield your skin against the dangerous UV rays and enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities with this activewear.
Product Highlights
This versatile UV shirt is perfect as stand-alone outerwear or as an undershirt topped with your favorite jacket during cold weather.
The rash guard’s fabric comes from 100% polyester, so you get maximum breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
It has UPF50+ sun protection that shields your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
In turn, this reduces your risk of skin irritation and sun damage.
The lightweight fabric comes with an excellent quick-drying feature to keep you cool and dry while doing your favorite activities.
Its skin-friendly soft fabric also features flatlock seams and a tag-free collar, reducing friction while increasing comfortability.
This beautiful workout shirt comes with a longer hem and a slimmer waist, emphasizing your body’s natural shape as it protects your skin from changing weather conditions.
It’s a versatile shirt suitable for different kinds of outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, running, swimming, and other adventures.
This rash guard’s slim version is available in different sizes, from extra small to double extra-large. You can also choose from four various colors.
Caring for this UV protection shirt is straightforward, as you can wash it by hand or machine without damaging the garment.
What We Like
Many attest to the softness of this UV protection shirt.
It also offers excellent breathability that keeps the wearer cool and dry while being active.
The lightweight fabric has the right stretch, providing the perfect fit that’s not loose or tight, so you have enough room to breathe.
Its UV protection feature proves to be useful in blocking the sun’s damaging rays, protecting the skin from damage.
What We Don’t Like
Some women don’t like the rash guard’s baggy arms, especially the upper sleeve, saying that it does not fit well with the shirt’s slim design.
Others complain about the shirt’s actual color against the one pictured as they are not the same.
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5. MISS FORTUNE Dri-Fit Workout Tops
You can start your daily health journey with these workout tops from MISS FORTUNE.
These versatile shirts are perfect for your active lifestyle.
Product Highlights
Made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex, these workout tops come in various designs for you to choose from.
They are machine-washable garments that are easy to care for and maintain without fear of getting them out of shape.
The soft fabric also offers just the right amount of stretch, providing you with the utmost ease of movement.
These Dri-fit shirts effectively absorb moisture and help you stay dry and feeling fresh as you do outdoor activities.
All well-designed workout tops from MISS FORTUNE come in tanks, short and long sleeves versions with shaped hems, for added coverage.
The moisture-wicking fabric provides excellent performance in keeping you dry, preventing sweat spots from showing.
All shirt styles come in varying colors and sizes, from small to triple extra-large.
What We Like
Women love the added coverage from the lengthy design of the shirt that sufficiently covers their behinds.
They also appreciate the flattering way it fits their bodies.
The medium weight and silky texture of the fabric is well worth the price of the garment.
Additionally, its breathability prevents the heat from getting trapped.
MISS FORTUNE’s well-constructed workout top does not lose its shape and color even after numerous washes.
This shirt’s combined polyester and spandex materials provide the right stretch that hugs the body but still conceals unwanted bulges.
It has a comfortable fit that flatters the body. Equally, the cut of the shirt’s upper half provides a slimming look.
What We Don’t Like
Some customers complain that the smallest size is still too big for a petite woman.
On the other hand, many grumbles about the inconsistencies in its sizing.
It is not advisable to put the shirt in the dryer as it may damage the garment.
Instead, hang it dry after washing.
There are also claims that the shirt has a strong smell the first time it’s taken out of its packaging.
You may also notice a difference in color between what’s pictured and the actual shirt.
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Buyer’s Guide
Hiking shirts are different from your ordinary tops.
They come in different styles and are made from varying materials to ensure their durability.
The best hiking shirts must have certain factors for them to be considered suitable for outdoor activities.
Here are some things to consider to find the shirt that’s suitable for your kind of adventure.
1. Material
The material used for the hiking shirt is essential to its effectiveness and comfort.
Due to the demanding nature of this activity, durable fabric is important.
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties are some of the factors most hikers look for in their activewear.
Among the most common materials frequently used in hiking shirts are polyester and merino wool.
Polyester
Polyester is the number one most common material used for hiking clothes.
It’s loved for its affordability, lightness, non-absorbency, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking abilities.
However, polyester has insufficient odor-resistance, low breathability, and a synthetic feel that may irritate the skin.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is fast becoming one of the most sought-after hiking clothes materials because of its comfortability.
It also has anti-microbial properties, giving it natural odor-resistance.
It can stay warm even when wet while providing utmost breathability.
This means a shirt made of merino wool is suitable for both winter and summer seasons.
The problem is, it’s more expensive, takes longer to dry, and not as durable as polyester.
2. Sun Protection
Sun protection is another essential factor to consider, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors.
Doing activities under the sun is one of the attractions of being outdoors.
Nonetheless, you must also consider the danger of being exposed to UV rays for extended periods.
You will find shirts with UPF ratings, indicating the radiation level it can block.
This helps minimize your exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays.
Alternatively, you can also wear shirts with long sleeves, even ones that do not have UV protection.
Long-sleeved shirts protect the arms from the harmful ultraviolet rays and keep you warm in colder weather.
3. Odor Control
We all know that hiking is a demanding activity, which means that one needs to exert physical effort to endure the challenge.
Physical activities involve profuse sweating; hence, the importance of wearing odor-resistant clothing.
It’s not just the sweat but the bacteria that comes with it that you should be concerned about when you are outdoors.
It’s the bacteria that causes odor, so wearing hiking shirts with anti-microbial properties is an excellent natural odor-resistant.
Hiking clothes with natural odor-resistance are pricier compared to those without it.
Fortunately, there are anti-microbial treatment layers you can use on your affordable shirts.
This treatment process can prevent the spread of the odor-causing bacteria associated with sweating.
4. Comfort
Various factors add to how much comfort your shirt provides, so you need to check closely when choosing one.
A hiking shirt must be breathable to allow enhanced air circulation so that you stay dry throughout the activity.
How the shirt fits your body is also a vital aspect of its comfortability.
As you may have noticed, a little stretch on the fabric provides excellent mobility without constriction.
The fabric’s texture is another factor worth considering if you want a comfortable shirt.
It’s what stays in contact with your skin during physical activity, so it shouldn't cause irritation and other inconveniences.
Equally important is the shirt’s construction. Rough seams will rub and chafe the skin, causing friction and then scratches.
5. Durability
Your shirt’s ability to withstand the challenges and demands of hiking is your clothing’s proof of durability.
Poorly-made hiking clothes will snag and fray when rubbed against your backpack during the adventure.
Consequently, it will also lose its UV protection properties after several washes if the shirt is not durable.
The way the shirt’s fabric is sewn together also contributes to its durability factor.
Flatlock seams are the most suitable stitch used in hiking clothes.
Not only does it prevent chafing, but this stitch type also ensures that the fabric stays attached as you do your activity.
Hiking Shirt FAQs
1. Why is cotton material not suitable for hiking?
If it’s your first time shopping for hiking clothes, you will notice that the cotton fabric is not mentioned in most, if not all, product descriptions.
Hiking clothes must keep you insulated by trapping the warm air inside the garment and near your skin.
Since cotton fabric absorbs moisture like a sponge, it quickly gets wet once you start sweating.
When this happens, it ceases to provide you with sufficient insulation that your body needs.
It’s dangerous to wear wet clothing while outdoors, as it may lead to disorientation and hypothermia.
Also, the cotton fabric does not have moisture-wicking properties to keep the water away from your skin, unlike other materials.
2. What is a quick-dry fabric?
Quick-drying fabrics became in-demand in the '70s when people started hiking and realized it’s uncomfortable to wear wet clothes during the activity.
Some of the most common quick-drying fabrics are merino wool, nylon, and polyester.
These materials dry up just after several hours or overnight.
Nylon and polyester fabrics are new to the quick-drying clothing industry, as merino wool dominated the scene then.
3. What should I wear on a hiking trip?
Planning a hiking trip would require you to wear the essential garment and not your ordinary, everyday clothes.
Remember these things when hunting for hiking clothes:
Safety
You must ensure you only wear clothes that will keep you safe while on the hike.
Being knowledgeable about your destination will help you decide on what clothes to buy.
Long sleeves and long pants will be the best option for a hiking trip.
Comfort
Every time we sweat, our body tries to regulate our temperature as we perform demanding activities.
Thus, it’s vital to choose the right material for your hiking clothes.
Pick one that wicks moisture away from your body so that you feel comfortable throughout the hike.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes when on a hiking trip, as this may restrict your mobility.
Roomy and loose-fitting shirts give you more flexibility outdoors.
Versatility
Look for hiking clothes you can use in different locations and seasons.
These are vital factors to remember when buying your outdoor clothing.
You can buy lightweight long-sleeved shirts that are easy to roll up if the weather gets too warm or top with another jacket if it gets chilly.
4. Does washing remove the UPF from the shirt?
The shirt’s UPF ratings are typically achieved through the fabric blends and by applying chemical treatments to the materials.
The UPF ratings based on the fabric composition usually maintain its value throughout the clothing’s lifetime.
For chemically treated fabrics, there’s a possibility that the rating decreases as you continuously wash and wear the garment.
To maximize UV protection on your clothing, make sure to use cold water when washing, avoid using bleach, and do not tumble dry.
5. What is a layered garment system?
As the name indicates, the layered garment system is the donning of clothes on top of the other when outdoors for comfort and safety.
Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the most effective way of protecting yourself when outdoors.
You can either add or remove items depending on the weather condition.
Final Verdict
All our featured choices are among the best hiking shirts you can find in the market today.
Each one offers the essential features needed for outdoor garments.
Another vital gear a hiking enthusiast needs are footwear.
There is no need to spend a lot as we have a list of the best hiking boots under $100.
Always remember that your comfort must come first before looking good when buying hiking clothes.
Finding a fashionable one is just a bonus.