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Best Hiking Shirt of 2024

Gabe Richards

Written by Gabe Richards

Gabe has tackled peaks throughout BC and Alaska, amassing over 15 years of mountaineering and backcountry experience.

This post was last updated on March 28, 2024.

Best Hiking Shirt of 2024

Many people will just wear whatever shirt they find in the closet when they go hiking, but a good, purpose built hiking shirt really does, we think, make a difference in your enjoyment of the great outdoors.

We've hiked through swampy tropical temps, up mountains the freezing drizzle and everything in between. We've done a whole lot of sweating, shivering and putting backpacks on damp backs to figure out what we think the best hiking shirts on the market are.

Our Top Recommendations

Our Top Pick

8.2 /10
Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt Hiking Shirt
Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt
Breathability
9
Comfort
8
Drying Speed
9
Fit
8
Sun Protection
7

The Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt lands the top spot because users rave about its unbeatable breathability and moisture-wicking material that keeps them dry and comfortable even on intense trails.

Runner Up #1

7.4 /10
Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt Hiking Shirt
Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
Breathability
9
Comfort
8
Drying Speed
7
Fit
6
Sun Protection
7

The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt is a top pick for hikers given its rave reviews for its outstanding breathability and its Omni-Wick technology that keeps you cool and dry, a step above the rest in outdoor comfort.

Runner Up #2

8.8 /10
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hiking Shirt
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily
Breathability
8
Comfort
9
Drying Speed
9
Fit
8
Sun Protection
10

Thanks to its sweat-wicking fabric and antimicrobial performance, Patagonia's Capilene Cool Daily is a hit with hikers seeking comfort and odor protection on long treks, setting it apart from the rest.

What you should look for

(and what we test for)

Material

Look for materials like polyester or merino wool. They dry quickly, breath well and are able to wick away a decent amount of sweat.

Durability

Hiking isn't always gentle on your clothes. Look for a hiking shirt that can stand to get beat up a bit by rocks and branches without ripping a hole.

Sun Protection

We think it's critical that a good hiking shirt protect you from the sun.

Fit and Comfort

Get a hiking shirt that fits well and moves with you. It shouldn't be overly tight anywhere, but shouldn't be baggy either. It also shouldn't cling to you when you get a little sweaty.

8.2 /10

Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt

$70.00
The Best Hiking Shirt

Based on our research and testing, we think the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt is the best Hiking Shirt on the market right now, for anyone looking to play hard outside.

Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt Hiking Shirt
Breathability
9
Comfort
8
Drying Speed
9
Fit
8
Sun Protection
7

Reasons to Buy

  • Excellent breathability
  • Great fit and comfort
  • Solid sun protection
  • Quick drying

Reasons to Avoid

  • More expensive than some alternatives
  • Limited color options

When talking about shirts that keep up on all your hiking adventures, the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck shirt often comes to the top of the list. It's a top-notch option that, while not particularly cheap, provides a premium payoff for that extra bit of cash you shell out.

We found out that it scored high on all fronts, whether it was comfort or durability. The Arc'teryx Cormac was applauded by buyers for its snug fit that does not restrict movement, a definite plus point when you're scrambling over rocks or flitting through the woods.

A noticeable feature in several customer feedback is the shirt's incredible breathability. Hikers had a special spot for it during hot and sweaty climbs; it pulls moisture away from the body quickly. Others praised its aptitude for quick-drying and odor resistance, crucial for those lengthy trails where a fresh change of clothes is not always feasible.

On the durability front, the Arc'teryx Cormac doesn't disappoint. Reviews consistently highlighted that the shirt stood up to challenges of nature - surviving scrapes against branches and washing up well after repeated use, looking fresh even after several miles.

However, like all pieces of gear, the Arc'teryx Cormac has few areas of contention too. Some customers complained of the shirt running a tad large, especially those slim-build hikers had issues with the fit. But this can be resolved by choosing the size that fits you correctly. Others showed minor concerns about the pricing, feeling that the premium cost might not fit into every hiker's budget.

Also, a handful of users weren't completely won over by its overall quality compared to its high price tag, but frankly, this is a trade-off when it comes to most premium outdoor gear.

7.4 /10

Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt

$60.00
Runner Up

Based on our research and testing, we think the Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt is a great choice if you're looking for a hiking shirt to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.

Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt Hiking Shirt
Breathability
9
Comfort
8
Drying Speed
7
Fit
6
Sun Protection
7

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable wear in various conditions
  • High-quality fabric offers excellent moisture wicking
  • Lightweight yet durable material
  • Ample sun protection with UPF 50
  • Trendy design with added functional features

Reasons to Avoid

  • Slightly more expensive than competitors
  • Material may wrinkle easily
  • May run large on some wearers

The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt is a firm favorite among the outdoor community, and it's easy to see why. Its lightweight material, perfect for any sort of hiking trip, is breathable and dries quickly, keeping you cool during high intensity hikes and dry during unexpected showers.

The shirt touts a UPF 40 rating, which significantly reduces the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching your skin. This is a vital feature as we start to understand more and more about the damages of prolonged sun exposure during outdoor activities.

The Silver Ridge Lite also boasts an antimicrobial treatment. This treatment protects the product from bacterial growth, helping to prevent any nasty odors from setting in - very useful for those multi-day hikes or camping trips.

The comfort factor is key in any hiking apparel and this shirt certainly delivers. Many online reviewers have mentioned the shirt's comfortable fit and the quality of the fabric. It's flexible enough to allow for a range of movement, but sturdy enough to resist the wear and tear associated with outdoor adventures. Even after numerous washes, the shirt maintains its shape and color, a testament to its durability.

Looks aren’t everything, but let’s face it, it matters. The shirt offers a sleek, modern silhouette, available in a wide variety of colors. Reviewers liked that they could go straight from a day on the trails to an evening in town without feeling out of place.

However, some users have reported the shirt runs slightly large. If you're looking for a more fitted look, you might want to size down. It's worth noting that a few users also raised issues about the collar design, stating it lacked rigidity and tended to flop around.

Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment from users is overwhelmingly positive. The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt has proven itself to be a reliable and popular choice for hiking enthusiasts.

8.8 /10

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily

$55.00
Runner Up

Based on our research and testing, we think the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily is a great choice if you're looking for a hiking shirt to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hiking Shirt
Breathability
8
Comfort
9
Drying Speed
9
Fit
8
Sun Protection
10

Reasons to Buy

  • Excellent sweat-wicking property
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Versatile design for everyday wear
  • Offers UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Uses recycled materials

Reasons to Avoid

  • Might fit a bit loose for some individuals
  • Price point is on the higher side
  • Design might not be as stylish as competitors

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily is a dream for the outdoorsy man who needs a shirt that can keep up with his active lifestyle. This shirt is versatile, making it a great option for hiking, camping, or just a casual day out.

When you're out on the trail, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily has your back—or rather, your torso. It's made from 100% recycled polyester jersey, which isn't just green, it's also super breathable. That means you'll stay cool and comfy, no matter how tough the trail gets. Plus, with its 50+ UPF sun protection, it helps shield your skin from those harmful UV rays.

So what's the real scoop from those who've added this shirt to their gear? Well, plenty of users seem to rave about the comfortable fit. The shirt's design includes set-in sleeves that maximize comfort and range of motion. Another feedback point that pops up among user reviews is the shirt's quick-drying feature. Anyone who's sweated through a strenuous hike appreciates a shirt that dries out fast, and this Patagonia piece delivers on that front.

Regarding the less positive comments (because let's be honest, no product is perfect), a few guys mention the fabric is a bit thin for their preference. Also, some users suggested that the sizes run a bit large, so consider that when you're checking out the size chart.

Overall, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily seems to be a hit in the online reviews. It's delivering on its promise of a lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying shirt for active men. If you hit the trails frequently and appreciate clothing that's designed for adventurers, this is a shirt you might want to check out.

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