I love long-sleeve buttoned shirts. With their collars, they provide some serious sun protection and you can button them down to let off some steam or roll up the sleeves without adding any extra bulk.
And when I need a little more airflow for hotter days, especially around the armpits, the short-sleeve shirt is my go-to. What’s even better, when you pair it with sun sleeves, they offer the same sun coverage as a long sleeve shirt but keep you significantly cooler.
As you can see, both long and short sleeve shirts have their advantages for hiking and you can never go wrong with either.
Let’s take a look at some of the best picks that made me fall in love with them.
What Are the Best Hiking Shirts for Men?
Best Overall: Columbia PFG Tamiami II Shirt | Long-Sleeve Version | Short-Sleeve Version
Best Comfort: Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt | Long-Sleeve Version | Short-Sleeve Version
Best Durability: Patagonia Farrier’s Shirt | Long-Sleeve Version
Best on Budget: REI Co-op Trailmade Shirt | Short-Sleeve Version
Best Versatility: REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve Shirt | Solid Version | Patterned Version
Best Warmth: Fjallraven Fjallglim Shirt | Long-Sleeve Version
Columbia PFG Tamiami II Shirt
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
From comfortable fit to superb ventilation, this shirt has it ALL.
Constructed with ripstop polyester fabric, this shirt is your sturdy hiking buddy. It’s light as a feather, with a total weight of 9.6 ounces and you won’t feel weighed down no matter how far you wander.
It has the UPF 40+ sun protection. Although not the highest possible rating of 50, it served me well and I didn’t get sunburned at all during my hikes.
It also features an antimicrobial finish which keeps odors at bay and mesh-lined back vents for enhanced airflow.
The long sleeves that can easily be rolled up and secured gave me the flexibility I needed based on the changing weather conditions. Who doesn’t like a 2-in-1 deal?
What’s more, after treating it with permethrin, I found it to be effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Style is another factor that sets this shirt apart. With a vast range of colors to choose from, you can never go wrong. It didn’t just make me feel good out there in the wild, but it made me look good too.
On REI, it has a whopping 4.7 out of 5 stars rating and for a price tag of $55, it’s a worthy investment.
Verdict
Wearing the Tamiami shirt had made me feel like I was hiking in my second skin. Comfortable, effective, and stylish.
Once you’ve tried it on, you may not want to wear any of your other shirts.
Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Astroman shirt is extremely comfortable and it’s the most lightweight option in our ranking.
You can comfortably wear it on its own or layer it over a t-shirt and wear it to work, on an outdoor adventure, or even when you’re fishing.
This shirt is made with a blend of 85% nylon and 15% spandex, giving it a lightweight feel with just 6.1 ounces on your back!
With a UPF 50+ rating, this shirt is your armor against the UV rays.
One of the standout features is the AirVent inner back yoke. This is specially designed to keep air circulating, ensuring that you stay cool even on the hottest days.
The shirt also comes with a chest pocket with a snap closure, perfect for keeping essential items close to hand.
The tonal ring-snap front placket not only adds an element of style to the shirt but also makes it easy to put it on and take it off.
My only complaint about this shirt is that the sleeves lack a securing feature when rolled up so you may have to keep rolling them up throughout the day.
Verdict
The Astroman shirt is the most comfortable and versatile shirt I’ve ever owned but it comes with a price tag of $110.
Despite it being one of the priciest shirts in our ranking, the premium feel, the comfort, and the versatility it provides make it well worth the price for me.
Patagonia Farrier’s Shirt
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
This shirt is truly unique, crafted from 55% industrial hemp and 45% recycled polyester. This makes it incredibly durable and sustainable, while also being soft and heavy, almost like denim.
What I really like is that its material is perfect for warmth, yet breathes more than you’d expect.
With a weight of 22 ounces, it stands on the heavier side. Yet, this added weight is a worthy trade-off for the durability it provides. I’ve never had a button break or a tear in this shirt.
Exceptionally designed, it features chest pockets with pencil sleeves, deep sleeve plackets with buttoned cuffs, and a straight hem.
The seams on the chest and back give it a jacket-like feel, which is quite unique.
Keep in mind that the size of this shirt does run a bit large. If you prefer a more fitted look, I’d recommend going a size down.
Verdict
With a price tag of $99 and 4.6 stars out of 5 on Patagonia’s website, the Farrier’s Shirt is a true testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Made from hemp and polyester, this shirt is both durable and environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for those who value sustainable hiking shirts.
REI Co-op Trailmade Shirt
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
At $50, the Trailmade Shirt is the most affordable option in our ranking. You’re getting a top-of-the-line product without burning a hole in your pocket.
It’s made of 94% nylon and 6% spandex, striking just the right balance between durability, comfort, and flexibility.
Thanks to the 2-way stretch, this shirt moves with you, whether you’re reaching for that high branch or scrambling up a rocky outcrop.
It comes with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a light drizzle, or when you’re crossing a stream. You’ll also be protected with its UPF 50+ rating.
It does a really great job wicking away sweat and It doesn’t stick to your skin, even when it’s soak-and-wring wet.
The shirt not only impresses with its functionality, but also its maintenance. A quick hand wash and air dry overnight will have it ready for the next day’s adventure, with minimal wrinkles. That’s why I think it’s one of the most travel-friendly hiking shirts on the market.
What I don’t like is that the shirt can be a bit tricky to button. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be buttoning up rather quickly.
Verdict
The REI Co-op Trailmade Shirt is a versatile, feature-packed hiking shirt that won’t break the bank. Even in the 80-90 degrees weather, this shirt should keep you comfortable all the way.
REI Co-op Sahara Shirt
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Although REI is one of my favorite brands, they have one weird habit – they are redesigning things that don’t really require a redesign!
That’s exactly the case with the REI Co-op Sahara Shirt which, in the previous version, was more stretchy and the buttons were larger, making them easier to manipulate.
But I still think it’s a very good shirt (especially for hiking and travel) and it is worth your money.
Constructed with 100% nylon, the Sahara Shirt is both lightweight and durable. It’s a button-up shirt that gives you that smart casual look to take you from the trail to a night out in town.
A UPF 30+ rating of this shirt is not the best result you can imagine but it’s enough to protect you from the sun effectively.
The shirt features a vented back yoke that provides decent ventilation. It is a piece of fabric that runs across the top of the back, creating ventilation gaps between your skin and the fabric.
Another noteworthy feature is the sleeves button tabs. I always appreciate this feature in my shirts as I can roll up my sleeves and secure them when the weather gets warm, or lower them down when it starts to get chilly.
And for my absolute favorite part – the button chest pockets. They’re deep enough to secure small essentials so you can jump, run, or bend over, and your belongings will stay put.
Verdict
The redesign has presented some challenges but I think the Sahara shirt still deserves a spot in my hiking wardrobe and I think it’ll be the same for you.
The $65 price tag is a bit too much after the redesign, but if you take into consideration the comfort, style, and functionality combined, this shirt is still a worthwhile investment.
Fjallraven Fjallglim Shirt
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Fjallraven is one of my favorite brands for hiking clothes and although their hiking shirts are not as popular as other brands, I believe they are equally high-quality or even better. The Fjallglim shirt is no exception.
This amazing shirt is made of 100% recycled polyester that offers great insulation capabilities but it’s not too warm. It efficiently wicks away moisture and dries super fast too.
Durability is where this shirt really shines. Fjallraven is a brand I personally associate with pure quality and I believe this shirt will stand the test of time and wear.
Weight wise, it’s only 14.8 ounces. It’s light enough for you to hardly notice you have it on yet thick enough to ward off the chilly mountain breeze.
The Fjallglim shirt comes with 2 chest pockets – one is open for quick access, and the other is zippered for your precious items.
The buttons on this shirt hold rolled-up sleeves in place. Great news for those who love to roll up their sleeves.
It has a relaxed, wide fit. If you prefer a regular fit, choose a size down. For the slender people tired of overly wide shirts, it’s a great alternative.
Even better, this shirt could perfectly fit in an office setting paired with jeans – a classy flannel that works wonders. You can easily transition from a lively hike to a casual office setting with zero outfit changes!
Verdict
The Fjallglim is a versatile and high-quality shirt that will serve you well both in outdoor adventures and everyday life.
Its exceptional fabric and durability make it worth the price tag, especially for those who prioritize sustainability and quality over quantity.
What Type of Shirt is Best for Hiking?
The best kind of shirt to wear while hiking is one made from moisture-wicking material. This could be merino wool, nylon, or polyester. The Columbia PFG Tamiami II Shirt is a great example of a hiking shirt made with quick-drying and breathable fabric.
How to Choose a Hiking Shirt?
1. Material Matters
Synthetic Fabrics: These are your polyester and nylon blends. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and often come with built-in sun protection.
Merino Wool: Don’t let the word “wool” scare you off. Merino wool is surprisingly light, incredibly soft, and has natural moisture-wicking properties. It’s odor-resistant too, a definite bonus after a long day on the trail.
2. Sleeve Length – Long or Short?
Here’s where personal preference comes into play. I’m a fan of both, depending on the situation.
- Long Sleeves: Great for sun protection and surprisingly versatile. You can roll them up when it’s hot or button them down for extra coverage.
- Short Sleeves: Perfect for hot weather hikes. Pair them with sun sleeves for added protection without sacrificing breathability.
3. Fit and Features
While shopping for a hiking shirt, go for a loose or relaxed fit. This allows for better air circulation and range of motion while on the trail and you’ll be able to wear layers underneath in case of changing weather conditions.
I also look for vented backs, chest pockets, and button-down collars in my shirts. These little extras usually make the biggest difference on the trail.
4. The Importance of UPF
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and it’s a measure of how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection. When shopping for hiking shirts, look for a UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Conclusion
The quality, comfort, and durability of specialized hiking shirts are incomparable. They breathe better, they wick sweat away, and they last hike after hike.
My top picks listed in this article kind of changed the game for me after years of dealing with regular shirts you can find in your local store.
In fact, many hikers initially skeptical about the price end up buying more pairs because they see how it transforms their experience.
I hope you give hiking shirts a try on your next hike and experience the difference for yourself!
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.