The sunny days are a perfect time to lace up your boots and head out for an outdoor adventure. But along with the sun, the harmful rays of the sun will be potentially a dangerous one. This could be avoided if you can manage it with better clothing and other gears.Lets find out the best hiking shirts for hot weather.
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Quick Comparison: Top Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
**Below, you'll find our expert's reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Review of some of the best Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
Our #1 Rated
Our #1 Rated
Rated 4.6 out of 5
Features
- 100% Polyester
Pros
- Summertime favorite.
- Thinnest / Lightest.
- Wrinkle resistant.
- Sun Protection.
- Ideal for a longer hike.
- Wicking Property.
Cons
- The shirt size seems to be larger than normal. So if you want a large size select normal.
Our #2 Rated
Our #2 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Moisture-wicking Property
- UV Protection
- 100% polyester
- Antimicrobial fabric
- Hidden back vents for breathability and comfort.
Pros
- Comfortable for outdoor activities
- Ultra-light
- Breathability
Cons
- Not highly durable
Our #3 Rated
Our #3 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- Roomy sleeves
- Button for rolled up sleeves
- Pockets have velcro
- 30 SPF sun protection
- Vents on the side and back of the shirt
Pros
- Easy to wash and dry
- Comfortable for outdoor activities
- Lightweight
- Excellent for hot and humid weather
Cons
- Little bit pricey
Our #4 Rated
Our #4 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- UPF 50+
- Sun collar flip up to protect neck area from UV exposure.
- Moisture-wicking property
Button for rolled up sleeves
Pros
- Breathable
- Easy to pack
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- To wash separately
Our #5 Rated
Our #5 Rated
Rated out of 5
Features
- UPF 50+
- Moisture-wicking Property
- Breathable
- Sun collar flip up to protect neck area from UV exposure.
- Two Chest pockets
- Vents on the back of the shirt
Pros
- Comfortable for outdoor activities
- Light weight
- Dries out quickly
Cons
- Crinkle in appearance
How to Choose the Best Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather?
“The more coverage, the more comfort”.
You would rarely witness hikers without hat or without hiking shirts. The best hiking shirts would provide better comfort and coverage for the wearer.
In this article, we will walk you through the factors which need to be considered for choosing the ideal hiking shirts for hot weather. This indeed will help you to learn how to enjoy your hiking along with staying healthy even in hot weather.
Breathability and weight of shirt material
The hiking shirt for hot weather is the one which is made out of those materials which dries fast and provides improved breathability as well as moisture-wicking properties.
In order to implement these features in the hiking shirts, the manufacturers have make used of materials such as Merino wool and the sophisticated polyester blends.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)-Protection from sun
The UPF, Ultraviolet Protection Factor is one among the most important factors to be considered since the harmful rays are the one which you encounter while on a hike.
Unprotected and prolonged exposure to harmful rays will lead to many health issues and even you will need to face the sunburns.
So, it is highly necessary to wear a cloth with UPF of 30 or higher than that. This will help you to block around 1/30th of the harmful UV radiations. Keep in mind that, higher the UPF, higher the protection you get.
Short sleeve or Long sleeve shirt for hot weather
This is yet another toughest part. Certain hikers always prefer to wear long sleeves even in the extreme hot conditions. It is not advisable to wear long sleeves in certain situations.
However, if the shirt is lighter enough and has better breathability, then long sleeves will definitely add up extra layers of protection for your hands and protects you from the direct exposure.
This is more helpful while you are in a desert like area, where you need to protect yourself from the thorny bushes as well as the blowing sand.
Long sleeves will help your arms from getting scratched while scrambling over the boulders ort while moving through the thick bushes.
Comfortable Seams
The hiking shirt seams should be such that it should not cause any kind of chafing or rubbing while they fit directly on the skin.
For this reason, majority of the manufacturers are now making use of flat lock seams for achieving this and don’t have any layers on the underside and hence provide better comfort.
Antimicrobial Properties of hiking shirt
It would be really beneficial if your hiking shirt is antimicrobial. Merino wool contains antimicrobial features naturally while the polyester material needs to be treated specially for providing antimicrobial protection.
Remember that the antimicrobial agent which is used for treating the polyester is usually washed away after certain period of time.
Style
The style of the hiking shirts for hot weather can be chosen according to your taste and fashion sense. First consider what kind of hiking you are planning for.
There are basically two styles of hiking shirts for wearing in hot weather and they are crew and button front models. Both shirts are available in long and short sleeves. The crew styles, the basic T-shirt without pockets will suit for short day hiking plans, trail-running as well as for regular exercise.
For multi day and long hiking, long sleeves with button front along with pockets are good options. Those with a neck-saving collar are a far better choice since it offers better comfort. The button-up shirts will come in loose fit and hence choose the one according to your hiking needs.
Cooling Features is important as other features
While majority of the hiking shirts are having quick-drying as well as wicking properties, some are having high-tech compounds in the blends which will actively cool you down.
However, some others would be using mesh or other venting materials under your arms and also on the shoulder blades.
Even though these are very light features, they will give you little warmth and cooling effect while the harmful rays disturb your throughout the trails. The cooling compound technologies will point towards the future of hot weather clothing.
Durability
A shirt which is used for hiking needs should be made machine washable. It should also maintain its features even after frequent washing.
How to Clean Hiking Shirts?
The most convenient and environmentally friendly method to wash the hiking shirts is simply to rinse it under running water. Dunk the shirts in the rushing rivers and scrub them softly and you can see that the grime comes off easily. This can be done while you are on a prolonged hike.
On the other hand, if you are having a portable bucket or a foldable sink with you, you can carry some water and pour it inside and do the washing.
Before you start with, check for the instructions provided by the manufacturer since it helps a lot of maintain its durability. You can wash them with a little bit of soap water.
However, don’t use any kind of fabric conditioners. Once you complete the washing process, hang it on a liner to dry it naturally.
Foot Note!!!
While hiking around during the hotter seasons of the year, make sure that you are wearing the right kind of outfit which protects you from the weather elements which you would be encountering while maintain yourself cool ad comfortable.
We have listed some of the top brands which keeps you ventilated as well as protected from the harmful sun ray’s ad heat.
You can choose the one according to your budget and get the peace of mind you need while hiking around.