Best Hiking Shirts For Men

The Great Outdoors are even greater when you’re dry and comfy.

For the best hiking experience, you need a shirt that is breathable, dries quickly, and wicks away moisture. Hiking shirts are designed to keep your body sweat-free and well-insulated for hours on end.

But, not all hiking shirts are created equal. While they all outperform normal clothing when it comes to outdoor activities, not every shirt is the right fit for you. I selected a dozen models I consider to be the best products of this type currently available on the market, with the ultimate goal of helping you find an ideal shirt for your needs.

My Top Pick: Merino.tech 100% Organic Merino Wool Base Layer

Features:

  • 100% organic merino wool
  • Moisture-absorbing
  • Lightweight & breathable
  • Available in over 20 colors

Reviews of the Best Men’s Hiking Shirts

1. MAGCOMSEN Men’s Outdoor Performance Shirt

Magcomsen shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Classic polo shirt
  • Fabric: 100% polyester
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Although it looks like a casual everyday piece, the MAGCOMSEN Men’s Outdoor Performance Shirt works as a tactical shirt. I found it to be excellent for everyday wear, as well as for hiking. The Magscomsen features a spread collar and a three-button placket, with the collar offering extra sun protection.

This shirt is perfect for those who want a more professional aesthetic. The Magcomsen also does a great job wicking away moisture, as it’s 100% polyester. It’s also a dry fit – during the testing period, the shirt felt dry and cool even when I was hiking in it on a hot day.

The model comes in a myriad of different colors. Its only major drawback is the fact that it doesn’t have much stretch. The manufacturer even recommends buying one size up if you want a looser fit.

PROS:

  • Breathable
  • Affordable
  • Moisture-wicking material
  • Lightweight

CONS:

  • Doesn’t have much stretch

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2. Smartwool Men’s Active Ultralite Short Sleeve Shirt

 

Smartwool Men's Active Ultralite Short Sleeve Shirt 

Specifications:

  • Style: Short sleeve shirt
  • Fabric: 47% tencel lyocell, 53% merino
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

The Smartwool Active Ultralite  Shirt is my ideal warm weather hiking shirt, blending the benefits of merino wool with lightweight durability.

The 53% merino/47% lyocell fabric offers next-to-skin softness and odor resistance while breathing better than standard merino during aerobic activity. Despite heavy use while backpacking last summer, the shirt shows no signs of pilling or wear.

The relaxed fit provides comfort but absorbs more moisture than polyester designs. With exceptional temperature regulation, the Ultralite handles the heat far better than traditional merino.

PROS:

  • Warm weather performance
  • Durable blended fabric
  • Soft and breathable
  • Odor resistant

CONS:

  • Absorbs moisture more than polyester


3. ATG by Wrangler Men’s Long Sleeve Hike to Fish Shirt

ATG hiking shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Long sleeve button-down shirt
  • Fabric: 94% polyester, 6% nylon
  • Sizes: M, L, Tall/L, XL, XL Tall, XXL, 3X, 3X/Tall, 4X

Wrangler’s launch of a new line of outdoor clothing delighted many outdoor enthusiasts – myself included. For extra range of motion, their Long Sleeve Hike to Fish Shirt features stretch fabric. The articulated elbows are a particularly nice touch as they helped me move comfortably whenever I was stretching.

The Hike to Fish shirt features a spread collar and snap tabs- these were of great help when I wanted to keep myself cool and dry. There are also a zip pocket and a utility loop, so you can rest assured that nothing will fall out of the pockets on your hike.

The color options are quite stylish and the model comes in a wide variety of sizes. If you opt for this shirt, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect fit for you.

Moreover, Wrangler’s Hike to Fish Shirt offers UPF 30+ protection. However, the back mesh ventilation is probably the feature that stands out the most.

PROS:

  • UPF 30+
  • Comes in 10 sizes
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Articulated elbows
  • Zip pocket

CONS:

  • No short-sleeve version

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4. Real Essentials 5 Pack Hiking Shirts

Real essentials shirts

Specifications:

  • Style: Short sleeve V-neck shirt
  • Fabric: 100% polyester
  • Size: S, M, L, X, XL, XXL

You may not be comfortable with spending too much money on a single hiking shirt, and that’s okay. But, how about 5 good hiking shirts for the price of one?

The Real Essentials 5 Pack hasn’t become Amazon’s number one bestseller just by being super affordable. Each piece in the pack does indeed have the right properties of a proper hiking shirt.

Although you can’t expect this set to perform as well or look as good as some of the more expensive models on the list, I can attest that its dry-fit and cool fabric were good enough to keep me comfortable and dry during hikes.

The set even offers UPF 50+ protection. However, do note that some customers have been complaining about not getting the right fit.

PROS:

  • 5 hiking hirts
  • Great value
  • Nonrestrictive
  • Dry-fit
  • UPF 50+

CONS:

  • Not stylish
  • Not a proportionate fit

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5. ColdPruf Men’s Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt

Coldpruf platinum shirt

 

Specifications:

  • Style: Long sleeve crewneck top
  • Fabric: 70% polyester, 30% merino wool; 100% polyester
  • Size: S, M, M Tall, L, L Tall, XL, XL Tall, XXL Tall, 3X Tall, 2X, 3X

This tight-fitting, two-base shirt is sure to keep you warm when you’re hiking on a chilly day.

ColdPruf Men’s Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt offers excellent compression and support. I found that it delivers just the right amount of warmth, comfort, and dryness.

To provide natural warmth, the shirt’s fabric traps air between layers. The polyester and merino wool make the model an excellent choice for medium to high activites.

Finally, this particular shirt also features one-of-a-kind Silvadur technology that helps prevent odors.

PROS:

  • High-performance base layer
  • Silvadur anti-odor technology
  • Smooth flatlock seams
  • Extra warm
  • Merino wool

CONS:

  • Available in only one color

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6. Roadbox Men’s Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt

Roadbox shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Long sleeve crewneck
  • Fabric: 100% polyester
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL

The Roadbox Men’s Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt comes with ergonomic flatlock seams. During the testing period, I found that these increase comfort and reduce chafing – always a big plus in my book.

Moreover, the model is a great choice for hiking in the sun as it has UPF 50+ protection. Its long sleeves provide a full range of motion, which allowed me to use it for a number of different activities.

This shirt is also lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-dry, so you can count on it to keep you cool and comfy. It’s a good choice for those looking for a more relaxed fit.

PROS:

  • UPF 50+
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Quick-dry
  • Flatlock seams

CONS:

  • No short sleeve version

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7. The North Face Men’s Short Sleeve Half Dome Tee

North Face hiking shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Crewtop T-shirt
  • Fabric: 90% cotton, 10% polyester
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL

The North Face is a trusted brand when it comes to outdoor apparel. Although cotton is usually not used for performance clothing, this brand managed to pull it off and make a comfortable and breathable hiking shirt – the Men’s Short Sleeve Half Dome Tee.

You can expect this particular model to last for quite a long time. However, it’s not the best choice for summer hikes since it doesn’t have the moisture-wicking properties of a polyester or merino wool hiking shirt. It’s best to wear it in early autumn.

All in all, the Men’s Short Sleeve Half Dome Tee is one of the best hiking shirts for those who prefer comfort over performance.

PROS:

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Lifetime warranty

CONS:

  • Not moisture-wicking

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8. BALEAF Men’s Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt

Baleaf hiking shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Long sleeve button down shirt
  • Fabric: 100% polyester, 100% polyester mesh
  • Sizes: S, M, L, X, XXL

The mesh vent at the back separates this hiking shirt from the rest. The BALEAF Men’s Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt is undoubtedly an excellent choice for those looking to stay fresh in the sun.

I found that this particular model dries quickly and breathes quite well. It also offers great protection from harmful UV rays thanks to the UPF 50+ rating.

As far as long-sleeve models go, I consider this model to be one of the best men’s hiking shirts.

PROS:

  • 2 pockets
  • Mesh vent at the back
  • Breathable
  • UPF 50+

CONS:

  • Limited size options

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9. NAVISKIN Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt

Naviskin hiking shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Long sleeve button down shirt
  • Fabric: 100% nylon
  • Size: S, M, L, Xl, XXL

Don’t let the name deceive you – this shirt is great for hiking as well.

It’s almost identical to the previous shirt on the list – the NAVISKIN Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt features UPF 50+ protection, a mesh vent at the back, but also two utility pockets. The key difference lies in the fabric. Nylon has great bug-resisting properties.

The model is a breathable and lightweight shirt, and one that will keep you cool and dry. It’s a loose-fit model (with its buttons being a bit loose as well).

PROS:

  • UPF 50+
  • Breathable
  • Mesh vent at the back
  • Bug resistant

CONS:

  • Buttons are a bit loose

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10. Outdoor Research Men’s Echo T-Shirt

Outdoor Research Men's Echo T-Shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Short sleeve shirt
  • Fabric: 100% polyester
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

The incredibly lightweight Outdoor Research Men’s Echo T-Shirt is one of my top picks for hot weather hiking and backpacking.

At just 2.3 ounces, the quick-drying 100% recycled polyester fabric helps regulate temperatures on sweaty climbs. During testing, the odor-resistant treatment matched similar tech from premium brands.

However, the thin fabric tends to pill and snag over time and lacks the smooth drape of pricier shirts. With exceptional breathability and packability, the Echo T-Shirt still delivers outstanding performance per dollar.

PROS:

  • Ultralight and quick-drying
  • Slim and streamlined fit
  • Stylish scoop neck
  • Odor resistant tech

CONS:

  • Fabric pills and snags


11. Merino.tech 100% Organic Merino Wool Base Layer

Merino-tech thermal shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Short sleeve shirt / base layer
  • Fabric: 100% organic merino wool
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

The Merino.tech 100% Organic Merino Wool Base Layer  is my go-to lightweight base layer for hiking and everyday wear.

At 165 g/m2, the soft and breathable 17.5 micron wool regulates the temperature of my body while wicking moisture better than cotton. During testing, the itch-free merino stayed fresh even on multi-day trips thanks to its naturally odor-resistant properties.

While exceptionally comfortable against skin, the shirt is durable enough for machine washing and drying without shrinking.

This shirt delivers on the core benefits of fine merino – it is, in my opinion, the best product of this type in my roundup.

PROS:

  • Soft and breathable lightweight merino
  • Moisture-wicking temperature regulation
  • Naturally odor and itch resistant
  • Durable despite finesse of fabric

CONS:

  • Requires delicate wash for longevity

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12. Columbia Men’s Vapor Ridge III

Columbia Vapor shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Long sleeve button up shirt
  • Fabric: 98.0% cotton, 2.0% elastane
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Another cotton model from another trusted and famous brand – Columbia.

The Vapor Ridge III features a multi-functional pocket and a 4-way comfort stretch. It comes in various plaid styles – I’d say that Each of them looks quite nice.

Since it’s a cotton model, the accent is on comfort and style. It’s one of the best men’s hiking shirts for transitional seasons as well as one of the best button up shirts.

PROS:

  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • 4-way comfort stretch
  • Great fit

CONS:

  • Not moisture-wicking

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13. Columbia Slack Tide Camp Shirt

Columbia slack tide camp shirt

Specifications:

  • Style: Button up T-shirt
  • Fabric: 100% polyester
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XL Tall, XXL, XXL Tall, 3XL Tall, 1X, 2X, 2XT, 3X, 3XT, 4X, 4XT, LT

The Columbia Slack Tide Camp Shirt comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors.

If you are a big fan of vibrant colors, this hiking shirt may be the perfect fit for you. It’s great for casual use as well as for hiking.

This model has everything you’d want in a hiking shirt— it’s lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The soft fabric makes it super comfortable.

The Columbia Slack Tide Camp Shirt will protect you from harmful UV rays and keep you dry in washer waterside locations.

PROS:

  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Quick-dry
  • UPF 50+

CONS:

  • No long sleeve version

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Best Hiking Shirt for Men Buying Guide

Man in hiking shirt

You want to make sure you have all the right equipment when you’re heading out on a hike, like a backpacking backpack, hiking socks and great hiking shoes. The hiking shirts you’ll bring with you will be an essential part of your outdoor experience. Consider these factors when picking out the best hiking shirt for your hiking trip.

Fabric Material Selection

You want a fabric that’s durable, soft, lightweight and moisture-wicking. If the conditions are sweaty or rainy, these properties will help with temperature regulation and chafing prevention. And, for that you need a shirt made of a polyester or merino wool. Nylon can also be in the mix in order to lend the shirt strength.

Merino Wool

Man wears flannel hiking shirt

Merino wool is a one-of-a-kind type of wool that comes from select locations. Think of the fabric as a straw: it has a water-loving core and a water-hating shell. The fibers wick away sweat and moisture through their cores.

It all sounds great so far, so what’s the catch? Well, merino wool is pretty expensive. While merino wool is super comfy and has other nice properties, polyester is cheaper and more durable. But, merino does a better job of preventing the buildup of body odor than polyester.

Polyester

Polyester is man-made synthetic fiber. Most outdoor performance clothing is made of polyester. Manufacturers usually apply a coating to ensure high levels of wicking. Garment makers keep finding new ways to improve this process.

They often mix polyester with spandex for form-fitting and stretch, and with nylon for added strength. Polyester is much more affordable than merino wool, but it doesn’t prevent the buildup of body odor as efficiently as merino wool does.

Nylon

As mentioned, nylon is often added to next-to-skin hiking shirts for extra strength and durability. It can also bugproof and windproof – depending on the manufacturing process. Nylon is a good outer layer choice as it prevents heat loss. Nylon fibers can lock out wind.

Cotton

In normal circumstances, cotton shouldn’t be your first choice. It’s not quick-drying and it’s not moisture-wicking. However, it is super comfy and can be quite stylish. Whenever I’m hiking during a transitional season, I bring a few cotton shirts with me. They can come in handy when I get tired of wool or polyester and start to miss that gentle, cotton feel.

Shirt Fabric Weight and Thickness

To promote breathability and help prevent too much sweating, most hiking shirts are fairly thin and lightweight. But, some models like the ColdPruf Men’s Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt are designed to provide extra warmth, so they are a bit thicker. On a particularly chilly day, you’ll be better off with a long-sleeve merino wool shirt.

Seam Construction

Close-up of a hiking shirt

Seam construction may be more important than it seems (pun intended). It may be best to go with models with flat-sewn seams. Flat-sewn seams can help prevent blisters and chafing. The seams should be smooth around critical areas like your waist, hips, shoulders, and arms.

I always make sure to have flat-sewn seams around the areas where the backpacking hip belt might go. Seams that stick out can cause chafing and rubbing. After a few hours of hiking, that can start to hurt.

Zippers

Zippers or no zippers? Hikers are divided on this issue. So, I’ll leave this one up to you.

But, do know that zippers offer a bit more temperature control. If your hiking shirts have zippers, you may not need to change shirts so often to cool down. Prioritize zippers if this is important to you.

Bug Resistance

You could encounter bed bugs walking the Camino de Santiago. They can be a problem even in 5-star hotels. And, if you’re walking the Portuguese Way in summer, you can expect to encounter mosquitos. You probably won’t see any in autumn or winter. Other than that, there are lots of flies in the summer, but not the biting kind.

So, do you need a bug resisting shirt? It depends on the season. Bug resisting hiking shirts may not be able to deter bed bugs. You’ll need to protect your clothes, bug-resistant or not, from bed bugs at all times.

If you want to keep bugs at bay, woven fabrics are your best bet. However, woven fabrics are less flexible and less breathable. Knitted fabrics are not that effective at keeping bugs out, but are more comfortable. So, there’s a trade-off to consider.

Some garment makers pre-treat shirts with a bug-repellent chemical called permethrin. It’s safe and odorless, but it doesn’t last for long as it washes out over time. I usually treat my own shirts at home with permethrin – the coating lasts me 5 or so washes.

Washing Care

Synthetics require less care than merino wool. And, contrary to popular belief, merino wool doesn’t require that much care, but you still need to be a bit careful. You just need to make sure to avoid excessive heat when washing merino wool. I usually wash my merino wool shirts with other clothes, although I first wash them with a medium spin using cold or warm water.

You don’t need to wash merino wool shirts as often as polyester shirts since merino wool does a great job of preventing odors. Because of this, your merino wool shirts can last longer as you can wash them only when you need to.

It’s best to avoid throwing merino wool in a dryer. In general, it’s best to air out your hiking shirts. However, you may dry high-quality merino wool in a dryer as long as you keep the temperature on low. Both merino wool and polyester dry quickly. Avoid drying your hiking shirts in direct sunlight. Always be sure to check the instructions on the label.

My Top Pick as the Best Hiking Shirt For Men

If I had to pick one model as the best hiking shirt, I’d go with the Merino.tech 100% Organic Merino Wool Base Layer. It’s made of high-quality New Zealand merino wool and you can even throw it in a dryer (low tumble dry).

In comes in two versions – long sleeve and short sleeve. And, chances are, you could use both on your hike. Although it’s a bit on the pricier side, it can last for quite a while.

And, considering that you don’t have to wash it as often as a polyester shirt, it’s safe to say it’s a cost-effective purchase.

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