Best Hiking Shirts For Men

The great our doors 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. We selected a few models we consider to be the best hiking shirts for men in order to make your shopping easier.

Our Top Pick: Merino.tech Thermal Shirt

Features

• 100% Organic New Zealand merino wool
• Naturally moisture-wicking
• Quick-dry
• Breathable
• Odor resistant

Hiking Shirts For Men

1. MAGCOMSEN Men’s Outdoor Performance Shirt

Although it looks like a casual everyday piece, the Magcomsen outdoor performance works as a tactical shirt. It’s is great for everyday wear, as well as for hiking. The Magscomsen features a spread collar and a three-button placket. The collar offers 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—the shirt feels dry and cool even when hiking on a hot day.

The model comes in 10 different colors. The only major drawback of the shirt is the fact that it doesn’t have much stretch. The manufacturer even recommends buying one size up if you want a looser fit.

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2. Eddie Bauer Men’s Mountain Short-Sleeve Shirt

Eddie Bauer’s Mountain Short-Sleeve is another model that works as casual wear and a hiking shirt. It’s a perfect choice for summer hikes thanks to its FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection. The 95% polyester and 5% nylon blend makes it very comfortable as its quite a lightweight fabric.

The moisture-wicking fabric also makes it an excellent choice for long treks in hot weather. Edie Bauer’s Mountain Short Sleeve shirt is great for those who are looking for a casual look. The two pockets should also come in handy. It’s really a shame there isn’t a long-sleeve option. Check out our Eddie Bauer vs Patagonia comparison for more Eddie Bauer products.

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

Wrangler’s launch of a new line of outdoor clothing delighted many outdoor enthusiasts. For extra range of motion, the model features stretch fabric. The articulated elbows are a particularly nice touch as they help you move comfortably when you are stretching.

The Hike to Fish shirt features a spread collar and snap tabs. You can rely on it to keep you cool and dry. The shirt comes with 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 model, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect fit for you. Wrangler’s Hike to Fish Shirt offers UPF 30+ protection. But, the back mesh ventilation is probably the feature that stands out the most.

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4. Real Essentials 5 Pack Hiking Shirts

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? This 5 pack hasn’t become Amazon’s number one bestseller just by being super affordable. The model 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 the other, more expensive models on the list, its dry-fit and cool fabric is good enough to keep you comfortable and dry during your hike. The set even offers UPF 50+ protection. However, do note that some customers have been complaining about not getting the right fit.

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5. ColdPruf Men’s Platinum II Hiking Shirt

This tight-fitting, two-base shirt is sure to keep you warm when you’re hiking on a chilly day. Cold Pruf’s Platinum II model offers excellent compression and support. You can count it to deliver warmth, comfort, and dryness.

To provide natural warmth, the fabric traps air between layers. The polyester and merino wool make the hiking shirt great for medium to high activity. The hiking shirt also features one-of-a-kind Silvadur technology that helps prevent odors.

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6. Roadbox Men’s Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt

The Roadbox hiking shirt comes with ergonomic flatlock seams. They increase comfort and reduce chafing. It’s a great choice for hiking in the sun as it has UPF 50+ protection.

Its long sleeves provide a full range of motion, so you can use the hiking shirt for all outdoor activities. This model 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.

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

The North Face is a trusted brand when it comes to outdoor apparel. Although cotton is usually not used for performance clothing, the North Face managed to pull it off and make a comfortable and breathable hiking shirt.

You can expect the hiking shirt 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. The North Face Half Dome Tee is one of the best hiking shirts for those who prefer comfort over performance.

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8. BALEAF Men’s Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt

The mesh vent at the back separates this hiking shirt from the rest. It helps you stay fresh in the sun. The model dries quickly and breathes well. It also offers great protection from harmful UV rays thanks to the UPF 50+ rating. There are two big utility pockets at the front. As far as long-sleeve models go, this is one of the best men’s hiking shirts.

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9. NAVISKIN Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt

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. This model also has UPF 50+ protection, a mesh vent at the back, and two utility pockets. The key difference lies in the fabric. Nylon has great bug-resisting properties.

The NAVISKIN is a breathable and lightweight shirt. It will keep you cool and dry. The shirt is a loose fit. However, the buttons are a bit loose as well.

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10. Merino.tech Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt

A good tumble dry merino wool shirt is a rare find. Washing care is a breeze with the Merino.tech. The lightweight hiking shirt is designed to prevent overheating and rubbing. It’s also naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking. And, since it’s great at preventing odors, it’s ideal for when you’re multiple days on the move.

The Merino.tech makes a great base layer as well. Despite being a merino wool shirt, it is extremely lightweight. The shirt does a great job of regulating body temperature. Organic merino wool is campfire safe as well since it is naturally flame retardant.

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11. Merino.tech Thermal T-Shirt

Merino.tech also comes in T-Shirt form as well. Since you’re more likely to wear this one when it’s sunny, it’s important to note that it’s UPF 20+ protected. The only drawback is that it costs just as much as the long sleeve version. Still, it’s the best hiking shirt on the market.

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12. Columbia Men’s Vapor Ridge III

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. Each 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.

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13. Columbia Slack Tide Camp Shirt

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.

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Best Hiking Shirt for Men Buying Guide

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 Shirts For Men 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

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-dry and it’s not moisture-wicking. However, it is super comfy and can be quite stylish. So, if you’re hiking during a transitional season, you may want to bring a few cotton shirts with you. They can come in handy if you 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 shirts like the ColdProof Platinum II 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

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.

You’d want 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, we’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 pretreat 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. But, you can treat your shirts at home with permethrin. It will last you 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. You can even wash your merino wool shirts with your other clothes, provided that you 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.

Our Top Pick as the Best Hiking Shirts For Men

If we had to pick one model as the best hiking shirt, we’d go with Merino.tech's organic wool shirt. 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.