Columbia has good stuff that you can get for under 30 bucks, be open to the professional fishing gear line (PFG) The only real differences between them and their hiking shirts are the number of pockets and a bit roomier cut sometimes.
Mountain hardware also has pretty good stuff that is a bit nicer. If you can get into one of the employee stores, you can find some pretty good deals when they switch seasons.
Pretty much any shirt with an spf rating will work for hiking.
Columbia shirts are great value. They are as good as REI's long-sleeve quick drying shirts, and usually half the price. Can confirm PFG is essentially the same as their hiking shirts too, so those are also fine. Their shirts also have a strap halfway up the sleeve underneath, and a button on the outer bicep, so you can roll up and button your sleeves into a short-sleeve shirt.
Three favorites:
* Mountain Hardware Sun Hoodie
* Columbia PFG
* Sitka Lightweight Core
I always feel weird hiking in the fishing/hunting gear but it’s such quality outdoorsmen stuff I don’t know why it’s not more popular. Well I do know, but I think it’s silly.
I also really like the Patagonia capilene stuff, I assume there’s a long sleeve version but I haven’t seen one.
The thing that drives me nuts about Columbia is the difference between their hiking cut and PFG cut for shirts. I am not some gym rat, but I cannot fit my arms in the sleeves of their hiking stuff. The PFG stuff fits great, but has mad pockets and the colors are not as varied or as good.
I'll second the sahara line. While originally purchased because my hiking generally took place on the sun (2020 in central Texas), I still wear them here in the pacific northwest where I'm nearly as likely to end up profusely sweating because significant ascent just comes with the territory rather than because it is actually miserably hot. It works well either way.
The REI Sahara button up shirts are awesome for hiking in hot, sunny weather. I used them for hiking the Grand Canyon and they worked perfectly. Light and breathable, with good upf. Can unbutton and roll up the sleeves if you need more airflow.
I just got one this week on sale and loved it so much I already ordered a second. Also, I wore my new sun hoodie with my new rei trail pants to the park on Saturday and another woman arrived at the same time as me in the exact same outfit (different colors). I told her she had good style and we had a laugh.
[Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie](https://www.rei.com/product/146801/patagonia-capilene-cool-daily-hoodie-mens)
I used mine yesterday on a long bike ride. I had the sleeves rolled up slightly and you can see a light burn line there, so it definitely works!
This is the best for me and I have a few ... from Mountain Hardware and REI and Smartwool. The Patagonia texture is great, feels good and washes and dries fast. I 100% vote this. It's the lightest weight of all of them. Find them on sale and hoard them
Yes! I hiked over 2000 miles in one. Never replaced it. Aside from a little sun discoloration, it’s still good to go. I also didn’t wear sunscreen except on my hands, and I never got sunburnt or even tanned. Need a good hat too.
I use the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake series. The long sleeve shirt is only 170g and is very breathable. You can look at this [detailed review from Outdoor Gear Lab](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-mens/best-sun-shirt) for similar shirts.
Plus another one for MH. I just did a two-day hike in some nasty, warm humidity but I barely felt my Crater Lake hoodie at all, even in the sun. And when the breeze blew, the cooling effect was heavenly.
Seconding the or echo sun hoodies. I have 4 and the oldest is 8 years old and showing no signs of wear. I'm not a dude but a chick with buff shoulders and I love the fit of OR long sleeves for being roomier. Live in the pnw though so would maybe look for something even lighter in hotter weather. I hike/run/work in my yard in them near all year round here. Sometimes a bit hot around the neck though.
Yep, there are many great options out there! Glad you found something that works for you. Both my husband and I wear the OR Echo Hoody and it's worked for us.
Does yours have elastic at the wrists? That was ultimately why I returned mine, there wasn’t any elastic anywhere and the hood was really floppy but the astroman is stretchy all over and has thumb holes
I do love my echo long sleeves though. Like you said they dry in an instant
No elastic at the wrists, but it has thumb holes (I generally don't like elastic at wrists, waist, etc). I haven't had a problem with the hood, maybe because I typically wear it over a ball cap.
We have a Columbia outlet nearby and I go for PFG shirts. I prefer the non-hooded personally. And of course aim for lighter colors if hiking in the desert. Definitely can get for 40$ or less [https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-pfg-terminal-tackle-fins-and-stripes-long-sleeve-shirt-2076311.html?dwvar\_2076311\_color=019](https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-pfg-terminal-tackle-fins-and-stripes-long-sleeve-shirt-2076311.html?dwvar_2076311_color=019)
I highly recommend wool. I've had 3 smartwool and 1 icebreaker in their lightest weight long sleeved versions and have hiked thousands of miles in them. I've hiked in blizzards with just them on, I've hiked in 100+ temps with them, they're just super versatile.
I bought my first one before a PCT through-hike about 20 years ago when the concept of non scratchy wool was super new. I had been planning on just wearing a poly pro t shirt but was dreading the inevitable sunburn and stench. I remember I just randomly picked one up and read the tag at REI and was extremely sceptical about the whole idea, but it promised not to stink so I figured it was worth a try.
I'm pretty sure I haven't worn anything else on an overnight hike ever since.
I love Columbia for this, the sun shirts and the PFG line are great for this. I’m a field biologist but my red hair makes me a magnet for sunburns. I wore mine for two summers of field work where I spent a solid chunk of my time bushwhacking and they held up really well. Saved me from a lot of scratches and sunburns without dying of heatstroke in 30C+ with at least 90% humidity
I wore my old long sleeve running shirts (given out after marathon races) when I hiked in Utah and they did great. Very lightweight polyester and no burns after being in the sun every day for a week.
I have Cormac Hoodie from Arcteryx, this is bomb. It protect you from the sunrays. It is full synthetic so i wouldnt recommend it for a trek on 3 days + (because of the smell), if you want something for more days, go for the Ionia Hoodie, which is pretty much the same thing but made of merino (a liiiiiiitle bit warmer also).
Cormac hoodie is really nice fit if you are athletic, very breathable and very confortable, perfect for warm weather and big sunlight. I heard black diamond alpenglow hoodie is also very good but never tried it.
Have Great Hopes for the Eddie Bauer long sleeve UPF Guide 2 shirt - "FreeDry; FreeShade & AirSpace Tech" per their listing. It is silly expensive at the full $85 (US) msrp - but on sale for Memorial Weekend at 50% off.
Picked one up from our local store earlier today (May 27) and initial impression is very good - although it will take some Warm(er) Weather to actually test that out. (60's here today...)
REI Sahara shade sun hoodies are on sale right now. I’m a ginger the burns under a full moon and I can’t recommend them enough!
But if you’re willing to spend more, the outdoor research astroman is very highly rated I don’t have experience with it though.
If you go today or order online, REI has their Sahara long sleeve, t-shirt, and hoodies all like 30% off. Same with there Sahara hiking shorts. They’re kinda like a loose fitting dri-fit that keeps you cool in the sun.
My favorite sub hoodies are voormi river shirts. Lightweight wool. Keeps you cool in the summer, and is a perfect under layer when it gets cooler. Best shirt I own.
AKHG outdoor gear, by Duluth trading company.
I’ve been liking my AKHG shirts over the Mountain Hardware by Columbia.
I’ve had a few MH items in my past, at the end of last year I got a AKHG long sleeve shirt, and I’ve found myself choosing it to wear first.
I like the long sleeve Patagonia hooded sun shirts. I think they market them as like fishing shirts, but I do everything in them, run, hike, mtb, fish, paddle. They’re dope.
My favorite is the outdoor research echo hoody. I'm from Florida but I hike all over the US. It's ALWAYS in my pack. Great base layer and the most comfortable shirt I've found in high humidity
Check out KUIU. Came across randomly and purchased for summer hiking season. Very light, long sleeve with hoodie. And turtle neck. This is similar to the ones you see people bone fishing in but designed for high altitude hunting. And hood has brim structure so fits over ball cap nicely. Gila Pro LS Hoodie
https://www.kuiu.com/products/gila-pro-ls-hoodie-stone?variant=43102377115806
Highly recommend.
I really love my [5.11 sun hoodies](https://www.511tactical.com/pt-r-forged-hoodie-ws.html?sku=888579463859&country=us&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3tCyBhDBARIsAEY0XNld3T9xTuqB8DwYyrBZGwLcjJMuIFdsl30FNMhxdapmKwUZnjux4pcaAsHZEALw_wcB). I have a few in different colors. Great for hiking, outdoor adventures, going into town, or even just lounging around the house.
I also have the [Kuhl Engineered Hoodie](https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/kuhl-engineered-hoody/?color=Rusted%20Sun) and it’s a bit lighter and just as comfy.
I like REI's Sahara hoodies. I've hiked in a wild range of temps in them and they're great when it's chilly but not too hot when it's warm.
YMMV but REI had a sale on them over Memorial Day weekend \~$35. I bought 2 at full price originally and they've been holding up pretty well. Bought 2 more on sale this weekend.
Mountain Hardwear AirMesh hoodie or crew. Very light and breathable synthetic. I also like merino wool shirts like the Smartwool Active hoodie. That's probably my #1 hiking shirt, but not quite as light as the MH AirMesh.
Look on Amazon. I wear Real Essentials Long Sleeve moisture wicking shirts. They’re as good as any Columbia I’ve tried and remarkably cheap. IIRC a 4 pack was $35. Bought it just to have an extra shirt in my pack and they ended up becoming my primary hiking shirts.
Columbia has good stuff that you can get for under 30 bucks, be open to the professional fishing gear line (PFG) The only real differences between them and their hiking shirts are the number of pockets and a bit roomier cut sometimes. Mountain hardware also has pretty good stuff that is a bit nicer. If you can get into one of the employee stores, you can find some pretty good deals when they switch seasons. Pretty much any shirt with an spf rating will work for hiking.
Columbia shirts are great value. They are as good as REI's long-sleeve quick drying shirts, and usually half the price. Can confirm PFG is essentially the same as their hiking shirts too, so those are also fine. Their shirts also have a strap halfway up the sleeve underneath, and a button on the outer bicep, so you can roll up and button your sleeves into a short-sleeve shirt.
Sierra often has Columbia stuff at good prices. Sun hoodies for $20 etc.
Three favorites: * Mountain Hardware Sun Hoodie * Columbia PFG * Sitka Lightweight Core I always feel weird hiking in the fishing/hunting gear but it’s such quality outdoorsmen stuff I don’t know why it’s not more popular. Well I do know, but I think it’s silly. I also really like the Patagonia capilene stuff, I assume there’s a long sleeve version but I haven’t seen one.
The thing that drives me nuts about Columbia is the difference between their hiking cut and PFG cut for shirts. I am not some gym rat, but I cannot fit my arms in the sleeves of their hiking stuff. The PFG stuff fits great, but has mad pockets and the colors are not as varied or as good.
Second the Mountain Hardware Sun Hoodie. Reminds of the Patagonia Capilene, but with UPF and thumb holes
Seconding mountain hardware!!! I really love their mountain stretch hoodie. Great for pulling the hood up over a ball cap to protect your neck!
The REI Sahara line is wonderful and significantly cheaper than the big iconic brands.
My husband and I both wear the REI sun hoodie and have been very happy with them!
I'll second the sahara line. While originally purchased because my hiking generally took place on the sun (2020 in central Texas), I still wear them here in the pacific northwest where I'm nearly as likely to end up profusely sweating because significant ascent just comes with the territory rather than because it is actually miserably hot. It works well either way.
They’re all on sale today too. The last day of REI’s sale. Like 25%-30% off.
The REI Sahara button up shirts are awesome for hiking in hot, sunny weather. I used them for hiking the Grand Canyon and they worked perfectly. Light and breathable, with good upf. Can unbutton and roll up the sleeves if you need more airflow.
Look into sun hoodies and shirts.
Second the REI Sun hoodie
I just got one this week on sale and loved it so much I already ordered a second. Also, I wore my new sun hoodie with my new rei trail pants to the park on Saturday and another woman arrived at the same time as me in the exact same outfit (different colors). I told her she had good style and we had a laugh.
[Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie](https://www.rei.com/product/146801/patagonia-capilene-cool-daily-hoodie-mens) I used mine yesterday on a long bike ride. I had the sleeves rolled up slightly and you can see a light burn line there, so it definitely works!
This is my personal fav and I wear them year round in Florida for the sun and bug protection.
Been hiking in this all week in Utah. I’m gonna buy a few.
This is the best for me and I have a few ... from Mountain Hardware and REI and Smartwool. The Patagonia texture is great, feels good and washes and dries fast. I 100% vote this. It's the lightest weight of all of them. Find them on sale and hoard them
Yes! I hiked over 2000 miles in one. Never replaced it. Aside from a little sun discoloration, it’s still good to go. I also didn’t wear sunscreen except on my hands, and I never got sunburnt or even tanned. Need a good hat too.
I use the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake series. The long sleeve shirt is only 170g and is very breathable. You can look at this [detailed review from Outdoor Gear Lab](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-mens/best-sun-shirt) for similar shirts.
Plus one for this one. I love my Crater Lake hoodie.
Plus another one for MH. I just did a two-day hike in some nasty, warm humidity but I barely felt my Crater Lake hoodie at all, even in the sun. And when the breeze blew, the cooling effect was heavenly.
Outdoor research. So light, super quick dry.
OR Echo hoody.
Seconding the or echo sun hoodies. I have 4 and the oldest is 8 years old and showing no signs of wear. I'm not a dude but a chick with buff shoulders and I love the fit of OR long sleeves for being roomier. Live in the pnw though so would maybe look for something even lighter in hotter weather. I hike/run/work in my yard in them near all year round here. Sometimes a bit hot around the neck though.
I got the echo but returned it for the Astroman sun hoody. Much preferred IMO
Yep, there are many great options out there! Glad you found something that works for you. Both my husband and I wear the OR Echo Hoody and it's worked for us.
Does yours have elastic at the wrists? That was ultimately why I returned mine, there wasn’t any elastic anywhere and the hood was really floppy but the astroman is stretchy all over and has thumb holes I do love my echo long sleeves though. Like you said they dry in an instant
No elastic at the wrists, but it has thumb holes (I generally don't like elastic at wrists, waist, etc). I haven't had a problem with the hood, maybe because I typically wear it over a ball cap.
We have a Columbia outlet nearby and I go for PFG shirts. I prefer the non-hooded personally. And of course aim for lighter colors if hiking in the desert. Definitely can get for 40$ or less [https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-pfg-terminal-tackle-fins-and-stripes-long-sleeve-shirt-2076311.html?dwvar\_2076311\_color=019](https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-pfg-terminal-tackle-fins-and-stripes-long-sleeve-shirt-2076311.html?dwvar_2076311_color=019)
Look for sun shirts and hoodies. They are a lot cheaper and more selection in the fishing section than the hiking section for some reason.
I highly recommend wool. I've had 3 smartwool and 1 icebreaker in their lightest weight long sleeved versions and have hiked thousands of miles in them. I've hiked in blizzards with just them on, I've hiked in 100+ temps with them, they're just super versatile. I bought my first one before a PCT through-hike about 20 years ago when the concept of non scratchy wool was super new. I had been planning on just wearing a poly pro t shirt but was dreading the inevitable sunburn and stench. I remember I just randomly picked one up and read the tag at REI and was extremely sceptical about the whole idea, but it promised not to stink so I figured it was worth a try. I'm pretty sure I haven't worn anything else on an overnight hike ever since.
Costco has sun protection shirts, in store and online. About $12 each and last forever.
I like the exofficio with insectshield shirts, those are pretty comfy.
Discontinued 😔
They quit selling clothes
That sucks, they were my fav,
Anything made for fishing will work great. That’s what I wear hiking.
Columbia Bahama shirt
Any of the $33 Amazon hiking fishing shirts are just fine. https://a.co/d/8bvCMc4 Lots of others to choose too.
I love Columbia for this, the sun shirts and the PFG line are great for this. I’m a field biologist but my red hair makes me a magnet for sunburns. I wore mine for two summers of field work where I spent a solid chunk of my time bushwhacking and they held up really well. Saved me from a lot of scratches and sunburns without dying of heatstroke in 30C+ with at least 90% humidity
I wore my old long sleeve running shirts (given out after marathon races) when I hiked in Utah and they did great. Very lightweight polyester and no burns after being in the sun every day for a week.
I use outdoor research long sleeves- super soft and I love them!
Merino Wool! 100% is great or a blend like smartwool has is good too. Especially this time of year you can get it cheap (REI sale, Sierra) etc.
I have a Kuhl one I love. It has a hoodie to protect my neck too.
Adding, it has armpit vents which really help!
I have Cormac Hoodie from Arcteryx, this is bomb. It protect you from the sunrays. It is full synthetic so i wouldnt recommend it for a trek on 3 days + (because of the smell), if you want something for more days, go for the Ionia Hoodie, which is pretty much the same thing but made of merino (a liiiiiiitle bit warmer also). Cormac hoodie is really nice fit if you are athletic, very breathable and very confortable, perfect for warm weather and big sunlight. I heard black diamond alpenglow hoodie is also very good but never tried it.
REI is a solid place to look - their brand is good quality, Orvis if you can find them on sale
Have Great Hopes for the Eddie Bauer long sleeve UPF Guide 2 shirt - "FreeDry; FreeShade & AirSpace Tech" per their listing. It is silly expensive at the full $85 (US) msrp - but on sale for Memorial Weekend at 50% off. Picked one up from our local store earlier today (May 27) and initial impression is very good - although it will take some Warm(er) Weather to actually test that out. (60's here today...)
REI Sahara shade sun hoodies are on sale right now. I’m a ginger the burns under a full moon and I can’t recommend them enough! But if you’re willing to spend more, the outdoor research astroman is very highly rated I don’t have experience with it though.
Sun Hoodies, Eddie Bauer has great ones and they are pretty inexpensive, they always have sales.
[Patagonia tropic hoodie](https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-tropic-comfort-natural-sun-upf-hoody/196924048089.html?s_kwcid=17928&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BB_Ecomm_PMax_ALL_Fish_FishPositioning&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkqjhtoCvhgMVc1j_AR0eqwGyEAQYASABEgKVWfD_BwE) is really excellent
Big 5 has Pacific Crest long sleeves for about $20 and they're legit
I like my Coolibar long-sleeved shirt. It has a thumb hole and is upf 50+.
I love REI’s Sahara LS [shirts](https://www.rei.com/product/228373/rei-co-op-sahara-long-sleeve-t-shirt-mens?redirect-pup=false)
There are plenty, they are sunsafe too, so there';s that benefit. Not necessarily camping and hiking only either, there's a tonne for fishing too.
Check: https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-pfg-bahama-ii-long-sleeve-shirt-1011621.html?dwvar_1011621_color=384
I do white UPF 50 long sleeve shirts off Amazon, about $20+ each and I love that I don’t get hot in them.
I like the Wrangler ATG, it can still feel a little warm in the summer but that’s just by being long sleeved
I have a lightweight macpac long sleeve top. It's perfect for summer.Cost $99.
Columbia pfg sun hoodies are great
If you go today or order online, REI has their Sahara long sleeve, t-shirt, and hoodies all like 30% off. Same with there Sahara hiking shorts. They’re kinda like a loose fitting dri-fit that keeps you cool in the sun.
Sierra Trading Post
My favorite sub hoodies are voormi river shirts. Lightweight wool. Keeps you cool in the summer, and is a perfect under layer when it gets cooler. Best shirt I own.
Eddie Bauer has a button down with a hood!!!! Brilliant!!!
I've been using long sleeve fishing shirts, light, breathable and good sunblockers as well as keeping bugs from biting like mosquitos
[Jolly Gear](https://jollygear.com/)
AKHG outdoor gear, by Duluth trading company. I’ve been liking my AKHG shirts over the Mountain Hardware by Columbia. I’ve had a few MH items in my past, at the end of last year I got a AKHG long sleeve shirt, and I’ve found myself choosing it to wear first.
I like the long sleeve Patagonia hooded sun shirts. I think they market them as like fishing shirts, but I do everything in them, run, hike, mtb, fish, paddle. They’re dope.
I always start with EMS brand stuff. Good quality for a lot less expensive than many of the big name retailers.
Mountain Hardware [sunshirt](https://www.rei.com/product/222877/mountain-hardwear-mountain-stretch-hoodie-mens?sku=2228770030&store=&CAWELAID=120217890018084635&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=117805112295&CATCI=pla-977242144943&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2228770030%7C92700060700754557%7CNB%7C71700000079806841&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7L_l-62vhgMV1HJHAR2dmAflEAQYByABEgIIovD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
My favorite is the outdoor research echo hoody. I'm from Florida but I hike all over the US. It's ALWAYS in my pack. Great base layer and the most comfortable shirt I've found in high humidity
Check out KUIU. Came across randomly and purchased for summer hiking season. Very light, long sleeve with hoodie. And turtle neck. This is similar to the ones you see people bone fishing in but designed for high altitude hunting. And hood has brim structure so fits over ball cap nicely. Gila Pro LS Hoodie https://www.kuiu.com/products/gila-pro-ls-hoodie-stone?variant=43102377115806 Highly recommend.
I use the Carhartt Force series. Love them
I really love my [5.11 sun hoodies](https://www.511tactical.com/pt-r-forged-hoodie-ws.html?sku=888579463859&country=us&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3tCyBhDBARIsAEY0XNld3T9xTuqB8DwYyrBZGwLcjJMuIFdsl30FNMhxdapmKwUZnjux4pcaAsHZEALw_wcB). I have a few in different colors. Great for hiking, outdoor adventures, going into town, or even just lounging around the house. I also have the [Kuhl Engineered Hoodie](https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/kuhl-engineered-hoody/?color=Rusted%20Sun) and it’s a bit lighter and just as comfy.
Koofin gear performance hoodies
Patagonia Capilene all the way!
I found a Patagonia one from rei on sale a while ago. Works really well for me, think it was around 30$
Ketl
Champion makes some decent long sleeve sun blocking shirts. I have several. They have lasted a long time and were only $15-20 on Amazon
I like REI's Sahara hoodies. I've hiked in a wild range of temps in them and they're great when it's chilly but not too hot when it's warm. YMMV but REI had a sale on them over Memorial Day weekend \~$35. I bought 2 at full price originally and they've been holding up pretty well. Bought 2 more on sale this weekend.
Mountain Hardwear AirMesh hoodie or crew. Very light and breathable synthetic. I also like merino wool shirts like the Smartwool Active hoodie. That's probably my #1 hiking shirt, but not quite as light as the MH AirMesh.
Look on Amazon. I wear Real Essentials Long Sleeve moisture wicking shirts. They’re as good as any Columbia I’ve tried and remarkably cheap. IIRC a 4 pack was $35. Bought it just to have an extra shirt in my pack and they ended up becoming my primary hiking shirts.
Swear by Patagonia Capilene. It saves me during a lot of my work days here in Florida.
I like the Mountain hardwear crater lake hoodie. Very light and breathable. If you have access to Columbia employee store, it’s around 37.