by Diane Spicer
The best hiking shirts for women are the ones that:
I've been hiking for 45+ years so it's safe to say I've purchased and tried dozens of hiking shirts.
Here's where I tell you which ones are the best hiking shirts in my long trail experience.
You might be thinking that it's a little over the top to call out the best hiking shirt features, and if so, just skip down here to where I name names.
If you want to size up the quality, versatility and durability of hiking clothing, this stuff is for you.
Think about this...
You need a hiking shirt that...
Your hiking clothing needs to...
Now it's time to name some names!
Some of my favorite sleeveless hiking shirts are from Under Armour.
I prefer a modified tank style, with enough fabric to cover the straps of my sports bra and to prevent chafing from my pack.
The wicking ability of these shirts is wickedly good, and they don't hang onto body or cooking odors after they're laundered.
Lots of options to choose from for colors and fit...
like this one from Columbia.
Or this one, from ExOfficio.
Sometimes a sleeveless shirt won't give me enough protection from the sun, bugs, or a brushy trail.
That's when I don one of these little beauties from Helly Hansen.
The short list includes:
Helly Hansen makes really great hiking clothing for women, and based on my long experience wearing their products, you won't go wrong wearing these shirts.
Is style really important to you on the trail?
Keeping our mantra of quality, versatility and durability in mind, here's my absolute favorite shirt to take along on every hike except winter snowshoeing:
Tip: The dirt washes right out, whether in the Canning River in Alaska, a fjord in Greenland, or the washing machine in the laundry room.
Another nifty feature: You can roll up the sleeves and secure them with buttons, making this shirt versatile enough to leave other shirts at home (thus, a lighter pack).
My husband has the male hiker version of this shirt, and he says to add his testimonial about durability and good fit!
Always add a hiking vest to your long sleeved shirt once conditions demand more insulation to protect your vital organs in your torso from heat loss.
A cozy collar on a vest also blocks a cool breeze, keeping you more comfortable on the trail.
Who could argue with that statement, right?
But there are a LOT of places you can buy a hiking shirt. Overwhelm is not only possible, but probable.
The clothing companies I use and have recommended to you have been around for a long time, and are interested in developing a long term relationship with hikers.
Their price points are higher, but sometimes you can score a deal! It's worth a try, right?
If you decide to buy less durable (and thus less expensive) hiking shirts, please avoid cotton.
Interested in an extended size range in hiking clothing?
You're not alone!
Read these tips for locating the best companies and recommendations of great active wear in extended size ranges for women hikers.
Send me any questions you have about hiking, up to and including shirts.
Happy hiking shirt questing!
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Best Hiking Shirts
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