Shirt for hiking in summer heat
Short answer: A shirt for hiking in summer heat should be light, have long sleeves or sleeves that roll up, and sit loosely so air can reach you. Bamboo viscose feels soft but is not always the quickest to dry, so choose by the length of the trip.
What a hiking shirt needs to do
A shirt for hiking must first of all be comfortable to walk in for many hours. It should give freedom at the shoulders and arms, cope with frequent washing and preferably have a collar that protects the neck when the sun is high in the sky.
Long sleeves or short sleeves
Long sleeves that can be rolled up are practical on warm days, because you can cover your arms against the sun when you need to and get air when you do not. Short sleeves are lighter but leave more skin bare, so remember sun cream whichever you choose.
A bamboo shirt on the trail
A bamboo shirt for men feels soft against the skin and is pleasant on easy hikes at a moderate pace. Viscose can hold moisture and dry more slowly than synthetic fabrics, though, so on long, hard hikes it can help to think in layers.
Fit for movement
Choose a fit that gives room to lift your arms and carry a rucksack without the shirt riding up or pulling across the shoulders. The rucksack straps rub against the fabric, so check that no seams lie where the straps rest and that the collar does not bother your neck.
Layers and weather
The weather in the mountains and in the forest can change quickly, so always bring an extra layer. A thin bamboo T-shirt for men can serve as a base layer under the shirt, while a jacket or sweater in the rucksack takes over if it gets cold or rains.
Socks and feet
Hiking is hard on the feet, and the right socks make a big difference. All bamboo socks for men can be a place to start, but try them on a short walk first, so you know they do not chafe or cause blisters.
Care after the trip
Shirts that have been sweaty should be washed soon after the trip, so the smell does not set. Wash by the label, often on a gentle programme at low temperature, and let the shirt dry before you pack it away, so it is ready for the next trip.
In short on a shirt for hiking
Choose a light shirt with plenty of room, think in layers and wash it after the trip. For short, easy hikes a soft shirt of bamboo viscose can be pleasant, but for long, demanding hikes you should consider how quickly the fabric dries.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hike in a bamboo shirt?
Yes, especially on easy hikes in warm weather, where the shirt feels soft and comfortable. For long, demanding hikes a quick drying fabric can be an advantage.
Does a hiking shirt need long sleeves?
It is practical if the sleeves can be rolled up, so you can cover your arms against the sun or get air. Remember sun cream on bare skin.
How do I wash a shirt after a sweaty hike?
Wash it soon by the label, often on a gentle programme at low temperature. Let it dry fully before you pack it away.
