This is a gear review of the best hiking shirts of 2025.
Hiking shirts are designed to improve your hiking experience by keeping your skin cool and dry and enabling free and flexible movement.
I have done all the research on the best hiking shirts and come up with the list below.
How We Tested
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Best Hiking Shirts for Backpacking 2025
The Best Hiking Shirts for Backpacking in 2025 are:
- Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite
- Patagonia Sun Stretch LS Shirt
- Patagonia Go To Shirt
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
- REI Sahara Long Sleeve Solid Shirt
- REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
- Macpac Eclipse Shirt
- Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt
- Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Arc’teryx Cormac SS Shirt
Best Long-Sleeved Hiking Shirt – Overall
Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite
Materials: Polyester 100%
Pros:
> Moisture wicking
> Mesh back for ventilation
> UPF 50+ protection
> Good choice of colors
Cons:
> Synthetic materials only
The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite shirt is made from 100% Recycled Polyester.
The moisture-wicking technology pulls moisture away from the body, which allows your sweat to dry and keeps you comfortable. The back of the long-sleeved shirt is lined with mesh to help with ventilation.
The button-up shirt has button-down cuffs which you can roll up if needed, which is what most people do to keep cool.
There are several colors to choose from and they come in a long-sleeved and short sleeve version.
Columbia is a well-known brand that manufactures sportswear for people who love going outdoors. This shirt is an excellent choice for hiking. It is comfortable enough to wear all day but is designed to be stylish so you will look great at the same time.
Overall, the Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite shirt is one of the Best Men’s hiking shirts available and is rated as the best hiking shirt for 2025. There is also a Women’s version which is also the Best Women’s Hiking Shirt.
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Best LS Hiking Shirt – Runner Up
Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt
Material: 52% recycled Nylon, 48% polyester
Pros:
> Zip chest pockets
> Quick drying
> Recycled materials
> Nice Stretchy material
Cons:
> Only three color choices
The Patagonia Sun Stretch shirt is a comfortable, lightweight, and stylish hiking shirt that can double as a good travel shirt. In keeping with the environmental heritage of Patagonia it is made from a blend of polyester recycled nylon and is Bluesign-approved. It is stretchy and quick drying as it is designed to be worn in hot and humid hiking conditions.
The chest pockets have a zip so you can store important items like a passport. The chequered design is fashionable, but it also comes in a plain neutral color if you would prefer.
Overall, this is a great hiking shirt that uses recycled material for the environmentally conscience hiker.
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Best Short Sleeved Hiking Shirt
Patagonia Go To Shirt
Materials: Organic Cotton and Recycled Polyester
Pros:
> Lightweight
> Breathable
> Made with recycled plastic and organic cotton
> Stylish enough for hiking, travel, or around town
Cons:
> Sizes run a bit small so you may need a bigger size than with other brands
The Patagonia Go To Shirt is one of the more stylish short-sleeved shirts in this review. It is made with a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester.
The shirt feels super soft and is one of the lightest hiking shirts weighing in at only 5.6 oz / 159 grams. It is one of the most breathable shirts and comes in a stylish range of colors, making it perfect for hot summer days.
It has only one chest pocket.
Overall, the Patagonia Go To Short-Sleeved is one of the best short-sleeved hiking shirts for 2025.
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Best Short Sleeved Hiking T-Shirt
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
Material: Polyester 100% (50% recycled)
Pros:
> Made from recycled materials
> Fair Trade
> Odor control
> Lightweight and breathable
Cons:
> Only a couple of color choices
If you have a quick look at the Patagonia clothing range you will see that a lot of garments use the Capilene material. And this Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt is made from recycled polyester and is Fair Trade sewn.
It benefits from odor control and moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and fresh during a long day of hiking in hot and humid weather. You can also use this shirt as a base layer if you are hiking in colder conditions.
There are many cool colors to choose from. The t-shirt design is simple but sleek and will look great with other sportswear or even casual wear.
Patagonia is a brand dedicated to manufacturing durable, functional clothes with limited impact on the environment. They use recycled materials but also ensure that their clothes will last to stop them from becoming waste.
Overall, this is yet another awesome short-sleeved hiking t-shirt from the well-known brand Patagonia.
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Best Budget Long-Sleeved Hiking Shirt
REI Sahara Long Sleeve Solid Shirt
Material: 94% nylon/6% spandex
Pros:
> Quick drying
> Lightweight
> Reasonably priced
> 2 chest pockets
Cons:
> The zippered waist pocket is not the best option
The REI Sahara Long Sleeve Solid Shirt long-sleeved shirt is made from 94% nylon/6% spandex. It is lightweight and quick drying with moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool and dry.
It has UPF 50+ protection and has back vents to keep the cool air circulating through your body to keep you cool. There are 2 chest pockets, one of which has a convenient loop to hold your sunglasses, and a zippered pocket near the waist on the left side.
Overall, the REI Sahara Long Sleeve Solid Shirt long-sleeved shirt is one of the best budget Long Sleeve hiking shirts.
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Best Long-Sleeved Hiking T-Shirt
REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Material: 55% polyester, 37% recycled polyester, 8% spandex
Pros:
> Soft fabric
> Quick drying
> Adjusted shoulder seams
> Choice of six colors
Cons:
> Not much
The REI Sahara T-Short has been recently upgraded and now comes in a choice of six colors. The long-sleeved hiking shirt is made from 55% polyester, 37% recycled polyester, and 8% spandex, for a stretchy and comfortable fit. The fabric is soft and quick drying.
The shoulder seams have been moved forward to avoid chafing against rucksack straps on long hikes. The shirt also has UPF 30 protection to keep your skin safer in warm conditions.
The moisture-wicking technology will keep your skin dry and allow your sweat to evaporate, helping to prevent the build-up of odors.
Overall the REI Co-Op Sahara Shirt is a good sunshirt.
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Best Hiking Shirt – Australia & New Zealand
Macpac Eclipse Shirt
Material: 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane
Pros:
> Lightweight and flexible
> Moisture control
> Polygiene odor control
> UPF 50 sun protection
Cons:
> No thermoregulation
> Only available in Australia and New Zealand
The Macpac Eclipse Shirt long-sleeved shirt is designed to be worn for warm hikes and outdoor activities. It is super lightweight and is made from a blend of stretchy elastane and nylon which allows for free and flexible movement.
The combination of moisture control and polygiene odor control technology will keep you cool, dry, comfortable, and fresh in this shirt, even on long hot hikes.
The UPF 50 sun protection will help to protect your skin.
This shirt has a relaxed fit with useful chest pockets. The button-down cuffs can be rolled up if needed, and you can button the shirt up to the collar for extra coverage. The chequered design is eye-catching and stylish and will complement most hiking trousers.
Overall, this is one of the best lightweight hiking shirts for summer.
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More Hiking Shorts
Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt
Material: Recycled Polyester 100%
Pros:
> 2 chest pockets
> Lightweight
> Breathable
Cons:
> Not cheap
The Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt is another popular hiking shirt from Patagonia.
The Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt is UPF 40+ rated and does a couple of things well. It has vents at the back to keep you cool and the material is good at wicking moisture. And it has just the right amount of stretch to make it comfortable when hiking. There are 2 well sized chest pockets.
Overall, the Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt is one of the most popular lightweight hiking shirts.
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Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt
Materials: Polyester 100%
Pros:
> Moisture wicking
> Mesh back for ventilation
> UPF 40+ protection
> Good choice of colors
Cons:
> Synthetic materials only
The Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt is primarily designed as a fishing shirt but all the same features work very well as a hiking shirt.
The moisture-wicking technology pulls moisture away from the body, which allows your sweat to dry and keeps you comfortable. The back of the long-sleeved shirt is lined with mesh to help with ventilation.
The button-up shirt has button-down cuffs which you can roll up if needed, which is what most people do to keep cool. The two chest pockets have pockets within the pockets which are useful for storing small personal items. The long-sleeved shirt also offers UPF 40 protection from the sun.
There are many colors to choose from. They come in both a long-sleeved and short-sleeved version and both styles are available in both Men’s and Women’s versions.
Columbia is a well-known brand that manufactures sportswear for people who love going outdoors. This shirt is an excellent choice for hiking. It is comfortable enough to wear all day but is designed to be stylish so you will look great at the same time.
Overall, the Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt is one of the Best Men’s hiking shirts available and is rated as the best hiking shirt for 2025. There is also a Women’s version which is also the Best Women’s Hiking Shirt.
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Arc’teryx Cormac SS Shirt
Material: Polyester 100%
Pros:
> Odor Resistant polyester
> Lightweight
> Breathable
Cons:
> Expensive
The Arc’teryx Cormac Shirt Sleeve Shirt is a popular but expensive hiking t-shirt that is versatile enough to be used hiking, running, at the gym, or home.
The Arc’teryx Cormac Shirt is UPF 50+ rated and does a couple of things well. It is good at wicking moisture to the outside of the shirt so the breeze can cool you down. It is also a very lightweight hiking shirt. Although the material is soft and light not everyone will like the feel when they are hot and sweaty. But when you are hot and sweaty the odor resistance will be appreciated.
Overall, this is one of the most popular lightweight hiking shirts.
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Hiking Shirts Comparison Table
| Brand | Weight | Material | Chest Pockets | UPF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite | Not Specified | 100% Recycled Polyester | 2 | 50 |
| Patagonia Sun Stretch LS Shirt | 5.6 oz | 52% Recycled Nylon, 48% Polyester | 2 | Not Specified |
| Patagonia Go To Shirt | 5.6 oz | Organic Cotton and Recycled Polyester | 1 | Not Specified |
| Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt | 4.5 oz | Polyester 100% (50% recycled) | No | Not Specified |
| REI Sahara Long Sleeve Solid Shirt | 8.5 oz | 94% nylon, 6% spandex | 2 | 50 |
| REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt | Not Specified | 55% polyester, 37% recycled polyester, 8% spandex | no | 30 |
| Macpac Eclipse Shirt | 5.6 oz | 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane | 1 | 50 |
| Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt | 8.6 oz | 100% Recycled Polyester | 2 | 40 |
| Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt | 9.6 oz | 100% polyester | 2 | 40 |
| Arc’teryx Cormac SS Shirt | 3.9 oz | 100% polyester | No | 50 |
Hiking Shirt Buyers Guide
Types of Hiking Shirts
There are 3 main types of hiking shirts mentioned in this review, they are Hiking T-Shirts, Button up collared hiking shirts, and Sun Shirt or Sun Hoody.
HikingT-Shirts
Hiking T-shirts are popular and mainly use merino wool or high UPF-rated polyester. Most people will prefer a hiking t-shirt style with no buttons at all. Think about whether you want a relaxed fit, an active fit, or a tight-fit shirt.
Button up Hiking Shirt
Button-down shirts can be useful, especially if you want to roll up the sleeves. Snap buttons are easier to use than traditional buttons, particularly if you have sweaty hands! Most button-up shirts generally look smart and have a collar. This makes them versatile enough to use as a travel shirt when you want something durable that looks good.
Hiking Sun Shirts and Sun Hoody
The sun hoody or hiking sun shirt is usually very light and uses a very breathable material that not only protects you from the sun but also provides good moisture management. Sun shirts are becoming more popular for hiking and backpacking. I first started using them as running shirts and transitioned into using sun shirts for hiking. Most offer some form of odor control built in such as polygiene or similar.
When combined with a hood they offer premium sun protection, especially on the back of the neck and ears. But many people, myself included, prefer to wear a sun hat for backpacking rather than a sun hoody.
Fabric
Another thing you will need to consider is what materials you would like your shirt to be made from.
Merino Wool
Merino Wool is a magical material. They have useful properties like thermoregulation, odor resistance, and moisture control. This makes them well-suited for hiking and backpacking. But they are not so good when hiking in the tropics. When wet they will cling to your skin and not be very comfortable. Overall, the naturally odor-resistant properties make this one of the best choices of material.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fiber that is commonly used in hiking shirts. They are very common in hiking base layers as they provide a level of thermal control, and wicking and are generally cheap. But they are not very strong and often are blended with other materials.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material that is quite strong. Almost all stitching will be nylon and when a hiking shirt is needed for bush bashing through overgrown trails, then nylon is best. Due to its strength, it is often blended with other fabrics to produce the best results.
Zippers and Buttons
Having pockets on the shirt will be important for some people, to allow easy access to certain items without having to go into your rucksack.
A zip-up pocket is easier to use than a button pocket and arguably more secure for smaller items. Some chest pockets are large enough to store a passport or documentation which is useful if you are travelling.
Comfort
You will be wearing this shirt for hours at a time so make sure it feels nice against your skin and fits you properly. Use the size guides properly to ensure you buy the right size, and remember to take into consideration any other layers you might wear. If you plan on wearing a t-shirt or a vest under your hiking shirt then you might need to size up to avoid it being too tight.
If the shoulder seams are positioned further forward than on a standard shirt, this will prevent chafing and friction from the rucksack strap. If you are planning on carrying a rucksack during your hike then it is recommended to get a shirt with adjusted seams.
Odor Resistance
Merino Wool is an obvious choice as it offers natural odor resistance. I have been able to get several days of hiking with a Merino t-shirt without being too offensive to others. Cotton, bamboo, and hemp also have a certain amount of odor resistance.
Some synthetic fabrics are not very good at preventing bad smells. But those that are impregnated with materials such as Polygiene do a good job at suppressing body smells.
Moisture Control
It is important to choose a hiking shirt with moisture-wicking technology, and it is helpful if the fabric is quick drying. While hiking and backpacking you will sweat or find yourself hiking in humid environments from time to time. The ability to move moisture away from the skin to the outer layer will assist in evaporation. While wicking of moisture doesn’t quite happen as well as some people expect some fabrics do a better job than others. Generally, light fabric synthetics do a very good job at moisture management. Merino is also good but only to a point.
Breathability
There are some other features that can be useful, like a mesh panel to assist with ventilation or UPF sun protection. It depends largely on what climate you expect to be hiking in.
Sun Protection and UPF Rating
Most of the hiking sun shirts in this review have a UPF 50+ rating. While that means you will block about 98% of the suns harmful UV rays. UPF 50+ will block both UVA rays and UVB rays. As most of the harmful sun is absorbed or reflected by the fabric you can spend the day hiking and backpacking in the sun.
Bug Resistance
If you are heading to an area with lots of bugs then you might want to get a shirt with to stop you getting bitten by insects. Pyrethrum can be sprayed or washed into any of the hiking shirts in this review. If you are hiking with mosquitos and need a shirt with mosquito protection then pyrethrum will do the job for you.
Pyrethrum is said to last around 50 washes by some of the companies that impregnate their fabrics in the factory but I think it is quite a bit less than that. Some of my trips to Africa have proven that! When washing pyrethrum into your shirt it doesn’t last long so apply as needed.
Environmentally Friendliness
If you are conscious about your impact on the environment, then you might want to choose a shirt made from either recycled materials or renewable natural fibers. You can also keep an eye out for whether the shirt is certified by Fair Trade. Also, keep in mind that organic cotton might sound good but is generally produced in areas that suffer from water shortages and organic cotton needs a lot of water during production. So beware of organic and do your research before purchasing.
Washing and Care
It may sound obvious but make sure you read the label before washing. Most fabrics do not like a hot wash and do not like being put in a tumble dryer on high heat or they will almost certainly shrink. Also, check if you can use normal washing detergent or need a special wool wash or tech wash. To reduce washing and save on water you could consider wearing your shirt for several days until they are dirty and smell to save water.
Value
Over the years I’ve hiking in cheap shirts and very expensive shirts and both offer value. Generally, a lot of the more expensive shirts will last longer, be made from better materials, and by companies taking a stronger stand on environmentally friendly materials, manufacture, and design.
Conclusion
The Best Hiking Shirts for Sun Protection for 2025:
- Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite
- Patagonia Sun Stretch LS Shirt
- Patagonia Go To Shirt
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
- REI Sahara Long Sleeve Solid Shirt
- REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
- Macpac Eclipse Shirt
- Patagonia Self Guide LS Shirt
- Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Arc’teryx Cormac SS Shirt
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural materials better than synthetic materials?
Outdoor clothing manufacturers use different blends of synthetic and natural materials to create their products.
Some natural fibers like Merino wool have some really useful features, but they can be less durable and harder to care for than synthetic materials.
You also need to check whether the wool has been sustainably sourced and is cruelty-free. Synthetic materials are designed and made for purpose, which means they will last a long time and perform well.
However, you might want to use recycled synthetic materials to avoid harming the environment.
Why is moisture-wicking fabric so important?
When you take part in outdoor activities like hiking, your body will release sweat. If this sweat gets trapped by the fabric of your clothing it won’t evaporate and will remain close to your skin.
This puts you at risk of developing a chill or getting a skin rash. It also allows bacteria to grow which could lead to bad body odor or even a skin infection.
Moisture-wicking fabric prevents all of that by drawing the moisture away from your skin and towards the outer layer of the fabric. From here it can evaporate.
Is a Hiking Shirt better than a sunshirt?
Both perform a similar function of keeping you covered when hiking in hot weather. However, a Hiking Shirt will generally perform better in a higher range of temperatures both hot and cold.
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BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.
