The Best Women’s Hiking Shirts
Before you lace up those hiking boots and pack your bag with snacks, let's talk about a trail essential that often gets overlooked: hiking shirts! Nowadays, hiking shirts can be made with breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, strategic ventilation, and anti-odor capabilities to keep you comfortable mile after mile. A good hiking shirt acts as a shield, protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure and providing a barrier against pesky insects and prickly plants. Hiking shirts are designed with mobility in mind, allowing you to scramble over rocks, ford streams, and conquer those switchbacks with ease. Hiking shirts come in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs to suit every taste and personality. Whether you prefer a classic t-shirt or a modern performance tee, there's a hiking shirt out there that'll have you looking and feeling like the trailblazing adventurer you are. Here are some of my favorites.
1)Lululemon Ultralight Hip-length Long Sleeve Shirt
The Lululemon Ultralight Hip-length long-sleeve shirt ($68 CAD) has a breezy, relaxed fit, and comes in a variety of cute colors. The lightweight fabric and ant-stink technology make it perfect for multiday backpacking trips.
Pros:
Super lightweight and breathable
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Made from recycled polyester
Anti-odor technology
Cons:
Limited sizing
Unknown UPF sun protection
2) Roots Renew Long Sleeve Top
I was shocked when I went into the Roots store and felt how soft the activewear is! The Renew long sleeve shirt ($48) is buttery soft, has a bit of stretch, thumb holes and a body-skimming fit.
Pros:
UPF 40 sun protection
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Anti-microbial and anti-odor
Flattering fit
Extended sizing up to 4X
3) Arc-teryx Taema Crew Neck Long Sleeve Shirt
The Arc’teryx Taema crewneck long-sleeve shirt is a more fitted technical top, with small seam construction to help prevent chafing under your pack.
Pros:
UPF 50 sun protection
Certified fair trade
Moisture-wicking and water-repellant material
Anti-odor finish
Cons:
Pricey at $100 CAD
Limited colors
4) Patagonia Long Sleeved Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
The Patagonia long-sleeve Capilene Cool Trail Shirt ($69 CAD) has a relaxed fit, made with a bit of stretch is a comfortable option for wherever the trail takes you. This shirt is super soft and tag-less to prevent any irritation between you and your pack.
Pros:
Made from recycled polyester, renewable post-consumer plastics and wood pulp and fair trade
Moisture-wicking and breathable
1% of all Patagonia sales go to environmental protection
Cons:
Limited colors
Unknown UPF sun protection
5) Athleta In Motion Seamless Tee
The Athleta In-Motion Seamless Tee ($41.30 CAD) has a semi-fitted, perforated design with advanced moisture-wicking technology, ensuring you stay cool, dry, and stylish on every trail. Whether you're summiting peaks or exploring winding forest paths, this shirt has got you covered, keeping you feeling fresh and comfortable from dawn 'til dusk.
Pros:
Seamless construction to prevent chafing
Grip on the bottom hem to prevent riding up
UPF 40 sun protection
Also comes in tank top and long-sleeve styles
Comes in lots of colors
Cons:
Limited sizing
In conclusion, hiking shirts are not just another piece of outdoor apparel; they're an essential companion for any adventure seeker. From their breathable fabrics and moisture-wicking capabilities to their protective features and freedom of movement, hiking shirts offer unparalleled comfort and functionality on the trail. Whether you're embarking on a challenging backpacking trip or simply enjoying a leisurely hike through nature, investing in a high-quality hiking shirt is sure to enhance your outdoor experience. So, next time you hit the trail, don't forget to gear up with the perfect hiking shirt and get ready to conquer nature in style
