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Much as I love hiking in the Summer, hot days do throw up a few problems. Sunburn is a very real concern and hydration should be a priority. But as far as fighting the heat goes, your best bet is to choose the right gear.
When it comes to choosing the right shirt for your hike, it pays to consider how well-suited it will be to warm weather. Regular hiking shirts can keep you cool, but may not be appropriate for hiking. Summer hiking shirts are designed specifically in response to the challenges of hiking the trail in the heat of summer.
How We Uncover The Best For You
We do loads of research for our articles to find the very best products we can. We read 1000s of reviews, gathering opinions, tips and stories to share with you.
Reading these, it was very interesting to me how everyone's approach to planning a hot day's hike differed. We took this into account and leaning on our own experience, we found you some great options so you can choose what works for you.
Best Short Sleeved Womens Hiking Shirt
We Chose This Because
- Flexible
- Moisture wicking
- Easy to Wash
Things We Love
Under Armour produces quality gear to make sure you perform your best. This is why we have included the Under Armour Short Sleeve hiking shirt on our list. The shirt is made out of a polyester material which has a 4-way stretch. It's important to have a good range of movement out on the trail.
The shirt is also a loose fit so it won't be too constricting. strong and durable it's a great choice for hiking in hot weather.
Things To Know
Under Armour's short-sleeve shirt is perfect for hiking. Made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, it wicks away moisture and sweat to keep you comfortable on even the most strenuous hike.
Plus, it dries quickly and is easy to care for, so it's always ready for your next adventure. And because it's resistant to shrinking, you can count on it to keep its shape even after repeated washings.
So whether you're tackling a challenging trail or just exploring your local park, Under Armour's short-sleeve shirt will help you stay cool and comfortable all day long.
Best Short Sleeved Mens Hiking Shirt
We Chose This Because
- Sun Protection
- Comfort
- Quick Drying
Things We Love
The BALEAF Men's Short Sleeve Shirt is super comfortable and soft, making it ideal for hiking. The shirt comes without a collar tag and is made with flatlock seams, which are perfect to help reduce chafing.
The shirt is lightweight and does not restrict movement, making it ideal for hiking. This shirt is also available in a variety of colors to choose from.
Things To Know
The BALEAF Men's Short Sleeve hiking shirt is perfect for a day on the trails. The 100% polyester fabric is quick-drying and breathable, so you'll stay comfortable even when you're sweating.
UPF 50+ sun protection keeps you safe from harmful rays, and the machine-washable fabric means you can easily wash it at the end of the day. The shirt is also quick drying, so you won't have to wait long to wear it again.
Whether you're hiking, camping, or just spending time outdoors, the BALEAF Men's Short Sleeve hiking shirt is a great choice for comfort and protection.
Best Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt For Women
Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt
A Cracking Choice For Women Protecting Their Arms
We Chose This Because
- Moisture Wicking Fabric
- Versatile
- Great Fit
Things We Love
The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt is a versatile and functional shirt that is perfect for hiking. Even though it's long sleeve, the light and cool fabric is comfortable to wear, and the omni wick moisture control helps to keep you dry.
The shoulder ventilation and rolled-up sleeves make it easy to adjust your temperature, and the 100% polyester fabric is durable and easy to care for. This shirt is a great choice for any hiking enthusiast.
Things To Know
The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Shirt is a great choice for hiking. It's soft and lightweight, yet provides UPF 40+ sun protection.
It also has a great fit and is quick to dry - perfect for hiking in hot weather conditions. Plus, the two handy chest pockets are perfect for storing small items like a map or energy bar.
Best Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt For Men
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt
A Cracking Choice For Men Protecting Their Arms
We Chose This Because
- Recycled Material
- Sun Protection
- Soft Moisture Wicking Fabric
Things We Love
The Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt is a great choice for hiking or backpacking. The long sleeve hiking short shirt is well designed with two pockets for storing little things like lip balm or earphones.
Its manufacture includes recycled material. You can choose long sleeves which are great for sun protection or choose to have the sleeves rolled up for comfort. The shirt is super light and soft and perfect for hiking or backpacking where you can chafe easily.
Things To Know
The Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt is a great hiking shirt. It's made from 100% polyester, so it's quick drying and has great moisture-wicking properties. Plus, it has UPF 40+ sun protection, so you'll stay safe from the sun while you're hiking.
The shirt is also breathable and well-ventilated, so you'll stay cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days. Whether you're hiking in the mountains or just taking a walk in the park, the Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt is a great choice for any adventurer.
Best Tank Top For Hiking
We Chose This Because
- Ergonomic Design
- Moisture Wicking Fabric
- Soft and Comfortable
Things We Love
If you're looking for a hiking shirt that will keep you cool and comfortable for hot weather hiking, the Under Armour HeatGear hiking shirt is a great option. It's a brilliant choice for active women.
Made from lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric, it's designed to move with you, and the built-in bra provides support without adding bulk. Plus, the super soft fabric is sure to keep you comfortable all day long.
Things To Know
If you're looking for a hiking shirt that will keep you cool and comfortable on even the hottest days, this might be the hiking shirt for you. The shirts are designed with wicking functionality to draw sweat away from your body and keep moisture at bay.
The breathable mesh material (a polyester and elastane blend) also helps to regulate body temperature. The fabric is great as it's easy to care for and is quick drying.
Whether you're off on a backpacking adventure or just hitting the trails on a hot day, the Under Armour HeatGear hiking shirt is a great choice.
Best For Odor Control
We Chose This Because
- Natural Odor Resistance
- Breathable
- Moisture Wicking
Things We Love
The Smartwool Merino Wool 150 Tee is a great choice for hikers who are looking for a versatile and breathable shirt. Made from Merino wool, this shirt takes advantage of the amazing natural qualities of merino wool. Merino wool has natural anti-odor properties which therefore makes the shirts odor-resistant. This is an ideal choice for long hikes or extended periods of wear when washing clothes might be a challenge.
Whether you're looking for a shirt to wear on your next hike or simply want a comfortable and breathable layer for everyday wear, the Smartwool Merino Wool 150 Tee is an excellent choice.
Things To Know
The Smartwool Merino Wool Tee is a great choice for hot weather hikes. The lightweight Merino wool is extremely breathable and will keep you cool and comfortable even when you're sweating.
The moisture-wicking properties of the wool will help to keep you dry, and the shirt will protect you from the sun's harmful rays.
The tee is available in a variety of sizes and colors to suit your style. So if you're looking for a shirt that will keep you cool and protected on a summer hike, the Smartwool Merino Wool Tee is a great option.
Best Hot Weather Hiking Shirts For You?
There is a lot to consider when choosing the best hiking shirts for hiking in hot weather. In this Buyer's Guide, we'll cover some of the most important factors to keep in mind.
When it comes to choosing the best hiking shirts, there are a few key features to look for.
Material
The first thing to think about is what material you want your shirt to be made from. There are a variety of options out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, synthetic materials are often more lightweight and breathable, but they can also be less durable than natural fibers like cotton. If durability is key, then consider buying a shirt made from durable materials such as merino wool.
If you're looking for a moisture-wicking shirt, then look for hiking shirts made of merino wool or bamboo or synthetic fabrics specifically designed for this purpose.
If you are hiking in hot weather, you want a shirt that is made from breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable while you are out on the trail.
Then, look for a shirt with UPF protection. This will help to keep your skin safe from the harmful rays of the sun. If sun protection is important to you, then look for shirts with a UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Consider wearing a long sleeve hiking shirt. This sounds counterintuitive but it may be a wise choice to protect your arms from the sun.
Fit
It's also important to choose a shirt that fits well. Poorly fitted hiking shirts can be uncomfortable and may cause chafing. A good fit will help ensure that your shirt is comfortable to wear, doesn't restrict your movement, and doesn't cause chafing or other problems.
Features
Another thing to consider is what features you want your shirt to have. Some hiking shirts come with built-in sun protection or insect repellent, for example, while others have pockets or other storage options.
Choose a shirt that has plenty of pockets. This will give you a place to store your snacks, sunscreen, and other essential items.
You will also need to think about the design ie/ what type of hiking shirt you want. Do you want a long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt?
It's also worth picking a color that will help you stay visible in case of an emergency.
Price
Finally, you'll need to decide how much you're willing to spend on a hiking shirt. There is a wide range of prices out there, so it's important to find something that fits within your budget.
The Best Hiking Shirts For Hot Weather - Your Questions Answered
How about that! Who knew that wool was a fabric to wear in summer? It's just so cool when you can pick up useful tips from other hikers. This is why we take the time to find answers to some of the other questions hikers commonly ask. Some great tips in there.
Your Answers Are Just A Short Distance Away, Keep Reading!
What Should I Wear Hiking In Hot Weather?
Hiking in hot weather can be challenging, but with the right clothing, you can stay cool and comfortable.
Start with a pair of shorts or lightweight pants made of a breathable fabric.
Hiking shirts with long sleeves will protect you from the sun, but if you prefer short-sleeved hiking shirts or tank tops remember suncream. A hat or sunglasses can help shield your eyes from glare.
Choose a pair of hiking boots that offer good support and traction; they may be heavier than running shoes, but they'll be worth it on uneven terrain.
Finally, pack a backpack or belt with all the essentials: water bottle, snacks, a first-aid kit, and other hiking gear like binoculars and flashlights. By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable hike in hot weather.
What Shirt Should I Wear Backpacking In Summer?
Backpacking in the summer is wonderful as at the end of a day hiking, you have the beauty of a night outdoors to experience. That's your reward for carrying your backpack all day in the hot sun.
Your best choice of hiking shirts to wear when backpacking, are those that are made of a fabric that wicks away moisture. The best hiking shirts are made with flexible, breathable fabric. This really helps, as your backpack will press your shirt against your back and it will get clammy. A cotton t-shirt will hold onto that moisture but specialized hiking shirts are made to deal with this problem.
Some backpackers like to wear tank tops in hot weather to help them stay cool. If you choose to do the same, please be aware of sun protection. When you carry a backpack, the straps can wear away the sun cream on your shoulders. Hiking shirts with sleeves might be a better option if you are prone to getting sunburnt easily.
Do Long Sleeves Keep You Cool In The Summer?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of fabric and how well it breathes. Natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are better at wicking away sweat and keeping you cool than man-made fabrics like polyester or nylon.
However, if the fabric is airtight (like a plastic bag), then it will trap heat and make you hotter.
If you're wearing a long-sleeved shirt made of a natural fiber like cotton, then it will probably help keep you cooler than if you're wearing a long-sleeved shirt made of man-made fibers like polyester. If the fabric is airtight (like a plastic bag), then it will trap heat and make you hotter.
What does make long sleeves great for hot weather is that they protect your skin from the sun's UV rays, which can cause damage to your skin.
Which Fabric Is The Most Breathable?
When choosing breathable fabric for your clothing, it's important to consider the climate you'll be wearing it in and the activity you'll be doing. Breathability is an important consideration for both comfort and performance.
When it comes to finding the most breathable fabric, there are countless materials and blends out there. However, some fabrics definitely stand out as being more breathable than others.
Linen - Linen is a natural material made from flax plants, and it's highly prized for its breathability. Linen is lightweight and airflow is able to move through it easily, making it perfect for hot weather or high-intensity activity.
Hemp - Like linen, hemp is also a natural material that's very breathable. It's often used in outdoor clothing because it's excellent at wicking away moisture and keeping the body cool.
Cotton - Cotton is a classic breathable fabric that's often used in summer clothing. It's lightweight and airy, making it perfect for hot weather. It does not wick away moisture though, so not the best choice for hiking.
Bamboo - Bamboo is another natural material that's very breathable. It's often used in athletic wear because it wicks away moisture and helps keep the body cool.
Mesh - Mesh is a synthetic fabric that's often used in athletic wear or summer clothing because it allows airflow to move easily through the fabric. It's breathable as the air can flow through the holes in the fabric. This is a principle employed in
Merino wool is often used in sportswear because it wicks away moisture and helps regulate body temperature. Even in hot weather, merino wool will keep you feeling cool and comfortable.
This fabric is also great for travel because it doesn't wrinkle easily and is naturally antimicrobial (so it won't hold onto dirt and bacteria). Plus, it's super soft, which makes it ideal for long hikes
These are just a few of the most breathable fabrics available. Some are more breathable than others, and knowing that can make a big difference when you're trying to stay comfortable in warm weather.
What Material Shirt Is Best For Hiking?
When choosing a shirt to go hiking in, you'll want to pay close attention to the fabric.
Bamboo is a great natural option that's moisture-wicking and breathable.
Synthetics like polyester, nylon, lycra, and spandex are also good choices because they manage moisture well and can be quite durable.
Merino wool is another great option because it has antimicrobial qualities that help with odor resistance.
Cotton is not the best choice for hiking because it doesn't manage moisture well, but if you do choose to go with cotton, make sure it's a light fabric. No matter what fabric you choose, always make sure your shirt is comfortable and won't chafe when you're out on the trail.
How Many Calories Do You Burn On Average When Hiking?
The average person burns approximately 300-500 calories per hour while hiking, although this number will vary depending on a number of factors such as your weight, intensity of the hike, and terrain.
For instance, someone who is hiking up a steep hill will burn more calories than someone who is hiking on level ground. Nevertheless, hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and burn some extra calories!
Is It Ok To Wear Shorts Hiking?
Always great to wear shorts on a hot day, but worth noting that a pair of hiking shorts is a good idea. The great thing about hiking shorts are that they have you, the hiker in mind.
Hiking shorts are made of lightweight moisture wicking fabric so keeping cool is a breeze. They also have functionality in mind and come with additional pockets and other features that make them perfect for all day out on the trail.
While wearing shorts is generally considered appropriate when hiking, there are a few things to be aware of.
First, shorts may provide less protection against insect bites and stings than long pants.
Second, if you're hiking in areas with lots of thorny plants or burrs, shorts may snag on these objects more easily than pants.
And finally, in hot weather conditions, wearing shorts means your legs are exposed to the sun's rays so you will need sun protection.
Should You Wear Black While Hiking?
Not necessarily. Black can be a practical color when it comes to outdoor activities like hiking, since it won't show dirt and stains as easily as lighter colors.
On the other hand, black colors do absorb heat more than lighter colors that reflect light. So wearing black clothes when hiking in hot weather, can make you more uncomfortable.
Certain darker colors make it easier for mosquitos to find you: Black is one of those (also avoid dark red, dark blue and cyan).
What is most important though is safety. If you wear a color that blends into the environment it means you can't be spotted easily on the trail. Some hikers like to blend into the environment and not stand out in the landscape. What it does mean though is that you are not easily spotted in emergencies. Many hikers are firmly of the view that you should wear bright colors, so as to be easily spotted on the trail.
The coolest thing for me is knowing that by us doing this article, you could be better prepared for a hike in the blazing sun. We have uncovered some cracking choices for you so you can buy the best hiking shirt for hot weather.
Our Choice For A Short Sleeved Womens Shirt
Our Choice For A Short Sleeved Mens Shirt
Our Choice For Long Sleeved Hiking Shirt For Women
Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt
Our Choice For Long Sleeved Hiking Shirt For Men
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Lite Shirt
Our Choice For A Hiking Tank Top
Under Armour HeatGear Racer Tank
Our Choice For A Merino Hiking Shirt
Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Tee
Once you have chosen your favorite hiking shirt, please remember sun protection and plenty of water. A water bottle that helps you keep track of your water intake is quite useful. Sun-cream and a hat are necessities for a hot day. As is, of course, the best hiking shirt for hiking in the summer heat. With the right gear, you are going to have the coolest hiking adventure ever!
Keep Asking Questions And We Will Keep Finding Answers For You.
