You don’t want to overheat, but you also don’t want to get sunburned or bitten by bugs. As the temperature rises and the great outdoors beckons, women adventurers find solace in the unbeatable combination of hiking and fishing. With an array of options available, finding the best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather can sometimes feel like an unending journey.
However, enjoying these activities to the fullest requires the breathable lightweight outdoor apparel that not only offers comfort and protection but also enhances performance.
Fear not, for we have unraveled the top picks that will leave you unable to resist their allure. Today, we will be looking into some of our top picks for the best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather. From trendy trail tops to long sleeve fishing shirts, let’s dive into the must-haves for your next adventurous escapade!
As you go on multiple hiking trips, you learn how to plan better for the future. Starting from the toughest backpacks, choosing the right season tents, to the right equipment, you’ll need it all. When the temperature starts to climb, it can be tough to know what to wear when you’re out on the trail.
For women, investing in a breathable hiking shirt will bring about a great difference in your adventure. Not only are these shirts made from special fabrics that enhance airflow, but also, tend to dry much faster than your average cotton shirts.
Included within the review is an in-depth buying guide to help make the right call.
Table of contents
Our Favorites for Best Hiking Shirts:
- SmartWool Baselayer 150 Short Sleeve: Best Hiking Shirt for Hot Weather
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt: Runner Up Hot Weather Hiking Sh
- Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch: Best Long-Sleeve SPF Button-Down Shirt
- Insect Insect Shield Women’s UPF 30+ Dri-Balance Insect Repellent Long Sleeve: Best Bug-Repellent Hiking Shirt:
Best Women’s Hot Weather Hiking Shirts Reviews
After conducting thorough research of the market, we have picked out our top 11 women’s hiking shirts.
1. Smartwool Women’s Merino 150 Base Layer Top
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- Fabric contains an 87% Merino wool and 13% Nylon mix
- Quick Drying properties
- Lightweight hiking base layer
- Short-sleeve design
- Enhanced moisture wicking
Amazon price:
See more colors and prices for SmartWool Baselayer 150 Short Sleeve on: Amazon, Feathered Friends, Moosejaw, REI
No hiking clothing is complete without a proper base layer. These are next-to-skin layers that are ultra-soft and produce less friction on your skin. While you might be thinking that wearing two layers during the summer is crazy, let us tell you that this wool is super lightweight. Weighing in at 150 grams per square meter, this baselayer won’t even feel like you have anything on.
What makes this so desirable are its insulating properties that retain heat lost from your body in cold weather and do the opposite when it’s hot outside. So even if you have a separate layer on top of this Merino wool hiking shirt, the insulating properties will keep you cool.
Moreover, the mixture of Nylon and Merino Wool is just perfect. It takes the softness of the wool and combines it with the tough and durable Nylon core. The result is this highly durable base layer top that will serve you for many years.
What We Like:
- Merino Wool and Nylon mixture is highly durable
- No shoulder seam which prevents chafing
- Super lightweight fabric
- Quick-drying capabilities
What We Don’t Like:
- Slim fit design is not suitable for all body types
2. Icebreaker Women’s Tech Lite Low Crewe T-Shirt
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- UPF 35 fabric offers sun protection
- Moisture-wicking capabilities
- Flatlock shoulder seams prevent chafing
- Fast-drying technology
- Fabric composed of 87% Merino wool and 13% Nylon
See more colors and prices for Icebreaker Women’s Tech Lite Low Crewe T-shirt on, Moosejaw, REI with prices from $80.00
Whether you’re hiking or going on an adventure, the Icebreaker Tech Lite SS women’s hiking shirt is the right fit for you. Not only is it made from high-quality spun fibers, but the trail t-shirt is also highly breathable and flexible too!
The mixture does contain 3% Nylon but that is mostly negligible because it only adds strength and extra durability to the shirt. The Merino wool base is what offers you insulation of the highest quality. Even under the scorching sun, this shirt will do its best to keep your body temperature low.
Furthermore, this women’s hiking shirt for hot weather has a long length which is perfect for a neat tuck-in attire. Why do you need to tuck it in? Well obviously because t-shirts have a tendency to ride up over your waistband, forcing you to stop in your tracks and pull them back down again. With the extra length, tuck your women’s hiking shirt in and get on with a seamless journey.
See more colors on REI, Amazon from $60.00+
What We Like:
- Weighs only 150 grams
- Extra-long length makes it easy to tuck in
- Quick-drying capabilities
- Odor-resistant fabric
- Offers sun protection from harmful UV rays
What We Don’t Like:
- Tough wash can cause gathering near the neckline
3. Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt – Women’s
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- HeiQ odor control prevents the growth of bacteria
- Underarm gussets enhance mobility
- Synthetic material is composed of 100% polyester (50% recycled)
- Scoop neck design offers high wicking of moisture
- Droptail hem design prevents riding up the waistband
See more colors and prices on REI, Backcountry, Patagonia, Feathered Friends
Key Features:
- HeiQ odor control prevents the growth of bacteria
- Underarm gussets enhances mobility
- Synthetic material is composed of 100% polyester (50% recycled)
- Scoop neck design offers high wicking of moisture
- Droptail hem design prevents riding up the waistband
Compared to other t-shirts for day hiking, the Patagonia Capilene shirt is a close competitor for the best. The synthetic polyester fabric features gusseted underarms which prevent seams on your shoulder. As a result, wearing backpacks will not cause chafing on your shoulders. Also, this design improves arm mobility, so you can move freely during your adventures.
The t-shirt has wide shoulder measurements which help to increase airflow. With all the features such as moisture-wicking and fast-drying combined, the trekking t-shirt becomes extremely lightweight and breathable. As a result, your sweat is absorbed by the fabric and dried off from the heat of your surroundings.
What’s more, we absolutely love Patagonia’s HeiQ odor-resistant technology. For this reason: the fabric is woven in a way that is able to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, the improved breathability helps remove your sweat along with the odor, leaving you and your body cool and dry.
What We Like:
- Naturally odor resistant due to HeiQ technology
- Extremely breathable and lightweight hiking shirt
- Scoop neck design helps wick moisture
- Highly durable due to polyester core
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires a tough wash or even multiple washes to remove odor
See more colors on REI, with prices from $45.00
4. Arc’teryx Women’s Taema Tank
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- Synthetic polyester fabric composition
- Ultra-lightweight sleeveless racerback tank top design
- Odor-resistant properties
- Fast drying with improved breathability
Amazon price:
See more colors and prices: Arc’Teryx, REI, Amazon
Up next on our list is a hiking tank top for women who need free mobility on their arms and shoulders. The Arc’teryx Taema tank top is made from Phasic™ LT, a fabric containing 80% recycled content. These tank tops are very light and maximize breathability.
Moreover, the sleeveless design enhances the airflow inside the top to keep you cool on the hottest days. However, since it lacks UPF protection, wearing the Taema tank tops will require you to wear sunscreen for sun protection. Without sleeves, your arms are no longer protected but you can always layer another shirt over this.
Since this is a classic cut, you have more freedom in the torso, avoiding potential problems with chafing. Also, Arc’teryx used merrow stitch seam construction, which reduces their size. What’s more, they placed their seams areas to reduce chafing too.
In addition, this ultra-lightweight tank top is fast drying and naturally odor-resistant too! So you can go hiking for hours in the beating sun without your body feeling moist. Its enhanced breathability makes for quick drying times while removing any remaining sweat odor.
What We Like:
- Both therRacerback and merrow stitched seam design prevents chafing around on shoulders and back
- Fast-drying technology keeps you cool
- Odor resistance keeps the stench of sweat away
- Highly durable construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not offer resistance to bugs and insects
- No UPF 50+ rating
5. REI Co-op Women’s Sahara T-Shirt
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- Fabric composed of 92% polyester and 8% spandex
- Sun protective fabric with an UPF rating of 30
- Short sleeve t-shirt design
- Rapidly wicks sweat and moisture away
- Quick-drying fabric removes sweat fast
See more colors and prices on REI
Key Features:
- Fabric composed of 92% polyester and 8% spandex
- Sun protective fabric with UPF 30 rating
- Short sleeve t-shirt design
- Rapidly wicks sweat and moisture away
- Quick-drying fabric removes sweat fast
The next pick is perfect for women looking for a more both affordable and long-lasting solution. The synthetic co-op Sahara t-shirts from REI have some of the best reviews and come in a wide range of colors. Specifically, with a fabric composition containing 92% polyester and 8% spandex, this t-shirt will survive everything you throw at it.
The lightweight fabric offers a nice flattering fit with most body types because of the spandex in its mixture. Also, the stretch of the hiking t-shirt will complement and offer a soft feeling to any body type.
In addition, the entire women’s hiking shirt is treated with antimicrobial washes to remove odor-causing bacteria. As a result, your sweat easily evaporates from your skin without leaving behind a stench. This is a lifesaver if you’re hiking with large groups of people and don’t want them to hold onto their noses when they’re around you.
Other than being extremely lightweight and durable, this Merino wool hiking shirt has a UPF rating of 30. This is enough to shield you from the harmful UV radiation of the sun’s rays. Since the t shirt has short sleeves, we would suggest wearing a long sleeve layer or using a strong sunscreen to protect the rest of your arms.
What We Like:
- Spandex allows for both a slightly stretchy and comfortable fit
- Polyester core enhances durability and longevity
- Antimicrobial-treated fabric prevents growth of odor-causing bacteria
- Quick-drying properties evaporate sweat fast
What We Don’t Like:
- The fit is too baggy, even in the smaller sizes
See more colors on REI. Prices from $29.95
6. REI Co-op Merino 185 Women’s Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- Fabric composed of 100% Merino Wool
- Sun protective fabric with a UPF rating of 30
- Naturally odor resistant
- Quick-drying and wicking moisture capabilities
- Flat seams to prevent chafing
See more colors and prices on REI
The REI Co-op Merino 185 is a base-layer women’s t-shirt with long sleeves. Despite being a long sleeved shirt, even on a hot summer day, the superfine 185 gram Merino wool will keep you nice and dry. Not to mention, the all-natural fiber displays moisture-wicking properties that wick away sweat and speeds up the drying process. This is the perfect companion for a multi-day hiking trip because it can easily dry itself and remove odor naturally.
Moreover, each of the joints of the t-shirt has been sewn with flat seams and merrow stitch. These stitching methods have proven to reduce friction with your skin and consequently, eliminates any form of chafing. This usually happens in the shoulder area when your backpack rubs against your traps.
What’s a hiking shirt without sun protection right? The 185 gram Merino wool hiking shirt has a UPF of 30 which is enough to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. Even if you don’t wear an extra layer over this warm weather shirt, the long sleeves will keep you protected from UV radiation.
Get it on REI starting at $39.90+
What We Like:
- Comfortable and soft due to Merino wool fabric
- Shields your skin from harmful radiation
- Gusseted underarms allow a full range of motion
- Easy to wash
- Improved odor resistance for long periods of time
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be itchy on certain skin types
7. Columbia Women’s PFG Tamiami II UPF 40
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- UPF 40 sun protection
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Omni-Wick technology
Amazon price: $52.03)
See more colors and prices on Amazon, Backcountry
The Columbia Women’s PFG Tamiami II Hiking Shirt is an excellent choice for a hot summer day. Given that this shirt is constructed with a UPF of 40, it will provide you with the protection you need to enjoy your hike without worrying about getting sunburned. The shirt also features Omni-Shield technology, which helps to repel water and stains.
There are two pockets on each side that snap shut with secret zippers, and they can securely hold an iPhone with plenty of room to spare. The pocket is a mesh bag pinned to the inside of the shirt so it doesn’t sag when you put anything in it. Also, the placement and design of the pockets are one of the reasons the Columbia PFG Tamiami II Hiking shirt is ideal for traveling.
The waist is gently “fitted” or tapered-in, yet it doesn’t cling and can conceal any “muffin” top. Also, it’s long enough that you can bend over without showing off a plumber’s butt. If you want to bring your iPhone, then it fits into the zippered pockets nicely. What’s more, instead of buttons, there are snaps, making the garment quite sturdy.
The colors are beautiful, and the design is made specifically for women with snap buttons that make it a quick and easy shirt to put on. The shirt is incredibly thin and keeps you cool while also providing decent sun protection.
However, we did have a few complaints. The fabric snags easily and therefore doesn’t hold up well if you’re doing daily fieldwork in shrubby areas. Another improvement would be to add a second strap to keep the sleeves up while they’re rolled would have been nice.
But overall, these are minor flaws on an otherwise fantastic product. You can stuff it into your backpack without the shirts wrinkling too much! It dries rapidly, which was especially beneficial during the summer months.
What We Like:
- Colors are beautiful
- The waist is gently “fitted” or tapered-in
- It doesn’t cling
- Dries quickly
What We Don’t Like:
- It can be a little too thin
8. Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- Two drop-in chest pockets for essentials
- Made from ultra-light recycled nylon (52%) and polyester (48%)
- Light stretch fabric enhances comfort and ease of motion
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties
- Weighs about 6.7 oz
See more colors and prices on Patagonia, REI
Are you getting bored with all the short sleeve hiking t shirts we’ve picked so far? If you are, then check out our next pick in the line of long sleeve hiking shirts. The Patagonia Sun stretch shirt adds a sense of style to your hiking trip. Unlike other hiking shirts we’ve seen so far, these sun stretch shirts have a plaid design and come in various colorways.
This is by no means a budget option. Indeed, this long sleeve shirt is quite pricey but it backs up for it with a list of unique features. For instance, the front side of the shirt has a little microfiber cloth that helps you clean your glass lens. This specific cloth cleans your sunglasses without leaving any sort of scratch or stain.
What’s more, we love the casual women’s hiking shirt design. The long sleeves help protect you from bug-infested areas. Besides, the fit is nice and relaxed to allow seamless airflow to cool your body down. Also, the twin pockets on the chest can come in handy if you want to keep your essentials close to you.
In addition, the fabric has a UPF rating of 30 which keeps your skin protected against harmful sun rays. We all know that harmful UV radiation can cause skin cancer, spots & aging of the skin faster, so it is always best to be safe than sorry. The sun protection fabric both shields out the UV rays and keeps your body insulated as much as possible.
What We Like:
- Plaid casual design comes in a wide range of colorways
- UPF 30 rating for sun protection
- Not only lightweight but also quick-drying fabric
- Two drop-in chest pockets for storing essential items
- Relaxed fit enhances airflow and aids quick drying properties
What We Don’t Like:
- Not affordable for most
9. Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Women’s Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt
Overall rating:
Key Features:
- Button up long sleeve shirt design
- Composed of synthetic Ripstop polyester
- Sun protective fabric with a UPF rating of 40
- Antimicrobial treated to enhance odor resistance
- Zip pockets to secure small essential items
Amazon price:
See more colors and prices: Amazon, REI
If you’re not a fan of the plaid sun stretch Patagonia hiking shirt we picked, then maybe you should look into the Colombia Silver Ridge Lite. This long-sleeve hiking shirt offers the same shirt design but with formal color tones. The simple formal design of this long sleeve SPF shirt combined with the color choices are great for any woman.
Considering all the features packed into this, the Colombia Ridge is undoubtedly one of the best long sleeve hiking shirts out there. Name the feature you want and it’s got it, Starting from a high UPF rating of 40 to antimicrobial treatment.
This hiking shirt for women is a great companion when you’re going on day hikes because of the Omni-shade fabric that shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays. These rays can cause permanent damage to your skin, so always make sure to carry sunscreen as well.
Other than protecting you from the sun, this SPF long sleeve shirt for women also prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial-treated fabric absorbs your sweat and kills any bacteria that might cause a lingering smell upon drying. This keeps your body dry and smell-free for long periods of time.
What We Like:
- Zipped pockets help store small items
- Omni-shade fabric offers sun protection
- Roll-up tabs keep sleeves easily rolled up
- Venting at the back to improve both airflow and drying
- Omni-wick technology removes moisture quick
What We Don’t Like:
- Wrinkles easily after wash
10. Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard – Long Sleeve Hiking Women’s
Overall rating:
Features:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Quick dry fabric
- Center front Half Zip neck
- Shirred sides
Amazon price:
See more colors and prices for Carve Cruz Rashguard: REI, Backcountry, Amazon
The Cruz rashguard offers lightweight and versatile sun protection with long sleeves for maximum cover-up. Quick dry fabric is great for water sports or hiking. Zip neck and shirred sides allow for flattering fitted shape and cooling option
What’s more, Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard is one of the best hiking shirts womens that has a half zip feature so that you can use it while paddleboarding or just playing in the water. It has lightweight UPF 50+ sun protection, as well as long sleeves for complete coverage.
It can be difficult to find a rashguard long-sleeve hiking shirt that is flattering, breathable and comfortable What’s more is the material is tricot 4-way stretch tricot, 82% nylon /18% spandex, which means its lightweight and stretchy, so it won’t hold you back when you’re trying to move quickly.
The Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard is a women’s hiking shirts for hot weather because it offers complete protection without sacrificing style or comfort. Its shirred side allows you to adjust the torso length for more or less coverage and cooling options. It’s perfect for any outdoor activity, whether you’re paddleboarding, hiking, or just playing in the water.
So, if you’re looking for one of the best long sleeve Hiking Shirts for women that will keep you cool and protected from the sun, the Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard is a perfect choice. It’s ultralight, breathable and flattering, all while being UPF 50+ sun-protected.
What We Do Like
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Quick dry and breathable fabric
- Easy to wash
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Adjustable sides
What We Don’t Like
- Sizing inconsistent
11. Insect Shield Women’s UPF 30+ Dri-Balance Insect Repellent Long Sleeve
Overall rating:
- Fabric has built-in repellent
- Stretchy
- Machine washable
- Protects against: flies, ants, no-see-ums, mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks,and midges
Get it on Amazon for $36.00
This shirt is treated with an Insect Shield repellent that will keep bugs away for about 25 washing. The shirt is made from a lightweight, stretchy polyester fabric that’s perfect for hot-weather hikes.
Insect Xtreme protects you and your family with blankets, gear, and apparel that utilizes Skintex MR III insect repellent technology to help repel mosquitoes and other insects that may transmit diseases including malaria and the Zika Virus. It’s the only micro-encapsulation technique permitted by the EPA for use on textiles to combat insects.
Permethrin is released as the micro-capsules open when you’re wearing the shirt. The result is a product with a knockdown or knock-dead effect on insects that land and/or eat. Permethrin, the active component in Skintex® MR III, is a synthetic insecticide similar to pyrethrum, which comes from the crushed dried flowers of the chrysanthemum. Pyrethrum is made from powdered chrysanthemum flower petals that have been dried for months.
As a result, Permethrin is an ideal synthetic chemical that is used to treat clothing and bedding against insects, such as mosquitos, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges. While Permethrin’s effectiveness rapidly decreases in the sun; Microencapsulation protects it from actively degrading. Furthermore, the repellent remains effective for 25 washings.
That’s how you can enjoy your outdoor experiences without being bothered by anything. It was effective at keeping the bugs away, although there weren’t very many out and one did land on my sleeve in the end. It does have a scent to it. Despite the fact that it claims that it doesn’t, it does. It didn’t bother me, while hiking.
If you normally get bitten by mosquitoes every night, then these women’s hiking shirts for hot weather will help reduce it considerably. We’ve seen them land on the exposed skin of people near me, then buzz to me instead and bite me through my hiking leggings and tight-fitting tops. I seem to have an odd odor about me that attracts the insects.
Even though sprays and pesticides will help stave off the hungry insects, then the shirt is an extra layer of protection. Given that it was intended for protection, it was a shame that I was bit through it on several occasions. So it kind of works, but not against the REALLY sharp-focused mosquitos that aren’t easily fooled. If you’re a regular person who isn’t a mosquito attractant, this may work for you.
Get more colors from Amazon
What We Do Like
- The shirt does an excellent job of repelling insects.
- It’s made from a lightweight, stretchy fabric that’s perfect for hot-weather hikes.
- The repellency remains effective for 25 washings.
What We Don’t Like
- The shirt has a strong scent.
- It’s not effective against really sharp-focused mosquitoes.
Buying Guide
What to Look For in a Hot Weather Hiking Shirt
In a hiking shirt, you’re looking for three things: moisture-wicking, UV protection, and sun protection.
Moisture-wicking is the most important aspect of any hiking shirt. This will help your skin stay cool and dry while also preventing chafing and other skin irritations. And when it comes to UV protection, you want a shirt with a UVA rating of at least SPF 30 to keep your skin safe from harmful rays.
Sun protection is also an integral part of any good hiking shirt. Look for shirts that offer SPF ratings like UPF 50+ or UPF 70+. These spf shirts will protect you from long-term sun damage and other potential health risks.
If you plan on doing a lot of summer, then you’ll want a shirt with a few of these features. The best hot weather hiking shirts for women will also help guard against chafing and other skin irritation.
The lightweight hiking shirt
The more lightweight your hiking shirt, the better. That said, the two most important things to look for in a lightweight hiking shirt are breathability and moisture-wicking.
Some of the best hot-weather hiking shirts will have moisture-wicking abilities. This means that even though you are sweating, your skin will feel cool and dry. Some of these shirts might also have UPF 50+ protection, which is ideal if you’re going to be hiking in direct sunlight or exposing yourself to the sun’s reflection off snow or water.
If you want a hiking top that can manage high temperatures while also keeping you dry and comfortable, then this is the best option for you!
The moisture-wicking hiking shirt
A moisture-wicking hiking shirt is a great option for hot weather. In particular, hot weather shirts are designed to keep your skin dry, which can help prevent chafing and irritation from sweat.
A moisture-wicking shirt will also help regulate your temperature so you don’t overheat too quickly. This is especially important because heat can result in exhaustion and dehydration, both of which are dangerous while hiking in the heat.
Additionally, a sweat-wicking shirt will make it easier to stay cool by keeping your body dry. This will prevent you from sweating as much, making it easier to maintain a balance between overheating and freezing!
Wicking shirts are made in many different materials, not only merino wool, but also synthetic blends like polyester or cotton. The best thing about these quick-dry hiking shirts is that they’re lightweight and can be worn alone on a warm day or under the best down jacket if it gets too cold out there.
The UV protection hiking shirt
For the best hot weather hiking shirt for women who are looking to prevent sunburns, look for shirts with UPF protection. The UV protection hiking shirt will keep your skin safe while you hike in hot weather.
The fabric of the shirt should also be lightweight and breathable, which will help you regulate your temperature. This can be tough to find, since most fabrics are too heavy or don’t breathe well enough. But if you find a shirt that is lightweight and breathes well, it will keep you comfortable on hikes in hot weather.
The bug-resistant shirt
If you’re going to be hiking in a forest where bugs are a concern, then you’ll want a shirt that will repel those pesky critters. Check out this insect repellent blend from LL Bean.
The moisture-wicking shirt
Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep your outfit light and breezy, even when it’s hot and humid outside. This polyester blend from ExOfficio Women’s BugsAway Lumen Hoody is an excellent option if you want to avoid feeling sweaty on the trail.
The sun protection hiking shirt
For summer hikes in high heat, you’ll want a shirt that protects against UV rays. This UPF 50+ fabric from Columbia offers protection for skin and clothes alike!
Length
You’ll also want to consider how long the shirt is. Whether you are short or tall, you may need a different length depending on the type of hike you are doing. Some people have found that they prefer to hike in shorter shirts because they feel they have more freedom of movement while others say it keeps their torso cool.
Sleeves
Lastly, you’ll want to consider what type of sleeves your shirt has. If it’s really hot out and there’s no tree cover, then you might prefer a crew-neck shirt with sleeves so your arms can stay covered but still move freely without any restriction.
If it’s warm out but still fairly hot, then opt for a short-sleeve shirt instead – they’ll protect your shoulders from UV rays and keep them cool at the same time! Long-sleeves hot weather hiking shirts are best if you want more sun protection or for a base layer in winter hiking environments.
Fabric Type
The fabric is the material your shirt is made from. You’ll want to look for something light, like cotton or polyester. Avoid anything that feels too heavy or thick because it will trap heat and you may overheat!
When it comes to hiking shirts, some of the most suitable fabrics are merino wool, nylon, and polyester mixes. Synthetic materials are considerably more breathable than cotton and they tend to dry quicker too!
Merino Wool
Named after the sheep it is obtained from, Merino wool shirts vs synthetic, are perfect for hiking because of their fast drying and moisture-wicking properties. As a result, when you wear this fabric in hot climates, your body won’t feel moist from all the sweat.
What’s more, the wool is breathable and super soft which allows air to pass through. Don’t worry about the wool being itchy, the fibers of the Merino fabric are soft on the skin and produce less friction.
As the shirts have improved airflow, they become naturally odor-resistant. This is a major con for those of you who tend to sweat a lot. However, you need to be careful and follow the specific wash instructions. When compared to synthetic fibers, Merino wool is less resistant to wear and tear.
Polyester Hiking Shirts
If you’re looking for something that is affordable and durable, then you should look into polyester. These synthetic fiber hiking shirts have quick-drying properties too! When you’re exercising your body under the beating sun, Polyester shirts are able to quickly absorb and release the moisture from your body.
Since polyester can be factory-made, it is priced at a more affordable rate. This is a great fabric choice for anyone looking to hike within a budget. But not all polyester hiking shirts are cheap. Certain hiking brands have unique synthetic fabrics with special properties such as high breathability and odor resistance.
Nylon Hiking Shirts
Amongst man-made fibers, one of the strongest and most durable is Nylon. The fabric can hold up against harsh weather conditions and will last for years. Nylon is often found in some of the best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather
Furthermore, we love Nylon’s moisture-wicking properties, mainly because the fabric doesn’t absorb too much water. During hot weather, nylon will dry quickly and it also feels cold to the touch.
Nylon fibers are also common in wool and polyester mixed blends. When woven together, these produce mixed fabrics that are quite durable. Various brands use special technology when weaving Nylon with other materials to bring out bug-resistance features.
Design and Fit of Hot Weather Hiking Shirts
After you’ve decided on the fabric type, it’s time to decide on the fit and design of your best hiking shirts. We suggest getting a button-down style shirt hiking shirt for women. This is mainly because you can easily put on layers which is important when hiking can take you from colder weather to warm days.
Alternatively, there are tunic-like hiking shirts but we find the button-downs easy to put on or take off. The tunic design offers good airflow which will keep you cool even in the hottest or humid days.
Long sleeves
If you plan on doing any part of your hike during the daytime hours, then long sleeves are key. Not only will they protect you from sunburns but they’ll also shield you against mosquitoes and other bugs during dusk hikes as well.
We always suggest picking a long-sleeved hiking shirt over short sleeves mainly because of protection. from the sun and biting insects. If you’re going uphill and the weather is scorching hot, then having long sleeves will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. When the sun goes down, you can always roll them up to allow your skin to breathe.
When it comes down to the fit of the women’s hiking shirts for hot weather, you should aim to get a size that doesn’t restrict your movements. The sleeves should be loose enough to allow smooth motion of your arms while also enhancing airflow to keep you cool.
Hiking Shirt Hemline
Also, the length of the women’s hiking shirt should be long enough to be tucked into your hiking pants. This prevents any bugs from crawling under your shirt and biting you.
Here are a few more things to look for in the best hiking shirts for women:
A light fabric
This will help you feel cooler in a hot environment by absorbing sweat and dissipating it away from your skin. Look for performance or moisture-wicking fabrics feature in a shirt.
Mesh panels
Mesh panels offer a balance between temperature regulation and ventilation so that you don’t overheat or freeze when wearing the right shirt in hot weather. These mesh panels on hiking shirts act as vents for air and sweat to pass through.
Color
The colorway for your women’s hiking shirt is a personal preference. Some people like classic colors like black, white, gray, and beige while others prefer bright or muted tees.
If you’re looking to be tactical and disguise all the wear and tear your shirt goes through, then the we suggest getting a neutral-color women’s hiking shirt for hot weather. Go for the simple off-white, beige or sand colors.
Not only are these colors able to hide all the dirt and sweat but also retain their colors for long periods of time.
Odor-Resistance
Hiking in the summer can be tiring because of how much we sweat. Following that, you always have to worry about the stench that stays in your shirt. Luckily, some fabrics like Merino wool and Nylon have natural odor-resistance properties.
This is a major bonus if you’re looking to go on group hiking trips and don’t want to feel self-conscious about your body odor. Always look for hiking shirts that have natural odor resistance. You might have to wash them a certain way in order to retain this property so make sure you read the wash instructions.
Bug-Repellent Hiking Shirt
Based on your preferred hiking location, you might want a shirt that is resistant to bugs. You never know what kind of insects might wander your path and so, it’s always good to be prepared.
Hiking shirts with bug-resistant properties tend to compromise in terms of breathability and flexibility. This is because fabrics are woven in a tough manner to prevent bugs from biting you. So if you’re walking down a bug-infested area, compromising on airflow and flexibility might be a worthy tradeoff.
Also, you can protect yourself from biting insects by treating the women’s hiking shirts for hot weather with insect repellent when you’re trail running or going on a day hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Women’s hiking shirts for hot weather have moisture-wicking properties, which means that sweat easily evaporates and prevents your body from trapping moisture. Shirts with moisture-wicking keep you dry and cool. While cotton fabrics retain seat and odors
Whether or not you should machine wash your shirt depends on its make. Certain synthetic shirts have special wash instructions while others don’t. Check the tag of your shirt to gain a better knowledge of how to care for your hiking shirts.
These seams are used to sow most hiking t-shirts because they cut off the extra fabric. If the seams were not sewn using a flatlock machine then the excess fabric would rub against your skin and cause chafing.
In most cases, yes, nylon is tougher and more durable than polyester. However, certain mixes of polyester (for example, with spandex) can equal the toughness and longevity of nylon.
Final Words
So next time you’re planning a hiking trip don’t forget to pack your trekking poles, sun protection hat, favorite hiking shirt. Other than keeping you dry for your entire trip, it can also protect you from the sun and/or insects.
In any case, all the women’s hiking shirts for hot weather mentioned above are excellent choices for any trekker. We hope our review has helped you gain some insight into the best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather.
Happy Hiking!
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Last update on 2024-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
