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Best Women's Hiking Shirt of 2024
This post was last updated on May 15, 2024.
If you're someone who loves the great outdoors, nothing can beat the thrill of a day-long trek. But to truly immerse yourself in that adventure, you need gear that will stand by you, and we're not just talking about your backpack or boots. One thing that often goes overlooked is hiking apparel, and today, we'd like to talk about the top piece - a quality shirt.
When you're miles from civilization, you want your clothes to work for you, not against you. The ideal hiking shirt is a true powerhouse of functionality - it keeps you comfortable, maneuverable, and protected from the elements. That's why we're thrilled to introduce you to what we believe is one of the best choices out there - the Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt.
This shirt is no mere garment. It's like a portable mini-environment that adapts to your needs as you navigate the wild. But don't take our word for it. Let's dive into why the Taema is our top choice, check out two other strong contenders, and explore other specific categories. Keep reading, and you just might find your new favorite trail buddy. And don't forget to have a look at our guide for Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women too. Also, explore our posts on the best hiking pants and hiking shorts.
Our Top Recommendations
Our Top Pick
Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt
Breathability
Comfort
Drying Speed
Fit
Sun Protection
Breathability |
9
|
Comfort |
8
|
Drying Speed |
9
|
Fit |
8
|
Sun Protection |
7
|
The Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt is our top pick because users rave about its super soft fabric that wicks away sweat, plus it's lightweight yet durable design that can withstand heavy outdoor use.
Runner Up #1
Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
Breathability
Comfort
Drying Speed
Fit
Sun Protection
Breathability |
9
|
Comfort |
8
|
Drying Speed |
8
|
Fit |
6
|
Sun Protection |
7
|
The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt is a top pick for its exceptional breathability and versatility, with many hikers praising its quick-drying fabric and adjustable sleeves that can easily transition from long to short in warmer conditions.
Runner Up #2
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Breathability
Comfort
Drying Speed
Fit
Sun Protection
Breathability |
7
|
Comfort |
8
|
Drying Speed |
6
|
Fit |
7
|
Sun Protection |
9
|
Users rave about the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt for its lightweight breathability and odor control, scoring major points for keeping them comfortable and fresh on long hikes.
What you should look for
(and what we test for)
Fit
Consider a women's hiking shirt with a fit that's not too tight or too loose, giving you ample room for movement and layering without compromising your comfort.
Material
Choosing a hiking shirt made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like polyester or merino wool is crucial to keep you dry and comfortable throughout your adventure.
Durability
Given the strains of hiking, camping, and climbing, prioritize a shirt that's durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring it can withstand the wilderness's unpredictable elements.
UV Protection
For sun-drenched climbs and treks, ensure your shirt offers UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt
The Best Women's Hiking Shirt
Based on our research and testing, we think the Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt is the best Women's Hiking Shirt on the market right now, for anyone looking to play hard outside.
Breathability |
9
|
Comfort |
8
|
Drying Speed |
9
|
Fit |
8
|
Sun Protection |
7
|
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent moisture absorption
- Ideal for hot climates
- Comfortable fit
- Good sun protection
Reasons to Avoid
- May not be suitable for colder climates
- Not the most durable option
- Limited color options
Whether you're clocking the trail miles or exploring a new city, your comfort is top priority, and the Arc'teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt seems to have that at the heart of its design. Made from a breezy synthetic fabric, owners of this hike-ready shirt rave about its breathability. The material doesn't just manage to keep you cool on hot day hikes but also promotes moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
Users enjoy the lightweight and comfortable feel of the shirt which enables unrestricted movement during strenuous hikes or climbs. This is a noteworthy point for active women who value comfort and freedom to move.
Functionally, users have found the Taema Crew to have an edge with its odor-control technology. This feature seems to be a real hit amongst multi-day trekkers or ladies who prefer to pack light.
Talking about its aesthetic value, many have complimented the sleek fit and the broad range of colors the Taema Crew Neck Shirt comes in. This aligns it with both an outdoorsy design and a touch of urban style, adding to its versatility.
However, on the downside, a number of users pointed out that the shirt runs slightly large. They recommend potential purchasers to either try it on in-store before purchasing or order a size smaller if buying online.
Additionally, some users have raised durability concerns. They expressed that despite the top-notch breathability and comfort, the shirt didn’t hold up as well as they would have liked on tougher trails with heavy backpacks. References to pilling and minor wear and tear on the material were mentioned after prolonged use.
Pricing is another factor mentioned in some reviews. A few users found the shirt to be on the pricey end compared to other hiking shirts. However, they balanced their opinion stating that the breathability, comfort, and odor-control features brought good value for the money, making it a satisfactory purchase.
No prices found. Check back later!
Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
$60.00Runner Up
Based on our research and testing, we think the Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt is a great choice if you're looking for a women's hiking shirt to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.
Breathability |
9
|
Comfort |
8
|
Drying Speed |
8
|
Fit |
6
|
Sun Protection |
7
|
Reasons to Buy
- Good moisture-wicking capability
- Effectively keeps the sun out
- Ventilation feature reduces overheating
- Made of durable material that withstands harsh weather conditions
- Comfortable fit and feel
Reasons to Avoid
- Runs a bit large for some body sizes
- Could use more color options
- Some users find it too thin for colder weather
The Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt flaunts a sleek and modern feel, making it a stellar choice for women hikers who want to maintain a sense of style even on the trails. Made from 100% ripstop nylon, the shirt feels light and breezy against the skin and has a surprising degree of durability given its relatively thin material.
Packed with advanced tech, the Silver Ridge Lite has an impressive rating of UPF 40, keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays. Equally compelling is the Omni-Wick technology that Columbia uses for this shirt; it's designed to pull moisture away from the body, keeping you dry during those surprisingly sweaty uphill climbs.
A standout feature of this shirt is its venting system, the strategically placed vents along the back provide excellent airflow, while never compromising on modesty. Plus, the roll-up sleeves with button tab holders come in handy, especially for those warm afternoon hikes.
Many consumers have also noted the shirt's versatility; its chic, streamlined look transitioning seamlessly from trail to town. The Silver Ridge Lite is available in a range of colors, from neutral tones to more vibrant hues, catering to various style preferences.
On the flipside, a few customers voiced their concerns about the shirt's sizing, finding it too baggy or long for their liking. They recommended others to try before they buy, ensuring the perfect fit. Another minor gripe was the lack of a front pocket, which some felt was a missed convenience.
Also, while the majority praised the shirt's quick-drying feature, a handful of reviewers mentioned that it seemed to hold onto body odors more than they'd like. Not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind if you're planning on multi-day hikes without access to washing facilities.
Summing up the online chatter, ladies who've worn the Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt on the trail seem pretty chuffed. They love its lightweight, breathable material and sun protection attributes, and the modern style scores a lot of points too.
No prices found. Check back later!
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
$49.00Runner Up
Based on our research and testing, we think the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is a great choice if you're looking for a women's hiking shirt to go play hard outside with, if our top pick isn't quite what you're looking for.
Breathability |
7
|
Comfort |
8
|
Drying Speed |
6
|
Fit |
7
|
Sun Protection |
9
|
Reasons to Buy
- Fantastic wicking ability
- Lightweight and versatile, great for layering
- Offer excellent UPF sun protection
- Polygiene permanent odor control is an added bonus
- Durability to maintain shape and color after multiple washes
Reasons to Avoid
- Slightly higher price point than competing brands
- Some online reviews mention sizing runs a bit large
- Not a huge variety of color choices
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt has continually proved itself as a mainstay option for women's hiking gear. With its design rooted in a blend of style and functionality, it seems to strike the right balance for ardent hikers.
One central feature that marks this shirt out is its lightweight nature. Reviewers raved about how light it felt, almost like air against the skin. This is thanks to its 100% recycled polyester jersey material. This lighter feel provides an unfettered hiking experience, allowing wearers to focus more on their surroundings and less on their gear.
Further to its weight, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is also quick drying. This makes it a brilliant companion when tackling unpredictable weather conditions or rigorous sweat-inducing trails. Many buyers expressed satisfaction at how fast this shirt dried out, making their hiking trips a lot more comfortable.
Its sun protection feature is also noteworthy. The shirt boasts an impressive UPF 50+ sun protection, which has helped it win favor among hikers. Users appreciated how this feature helped to shield them from harsh sun rays, ensuring their skin was protected even on the sunniest of trails.
User comfort levels were also through the roof, due to the shirt’s stretchable qualities. The material can stretch in multiple directions, granting users the freedom to move without feeling constricted. This was particularly popular among customers who took to challenging or technical terrains.
However, not everything about the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt was met with unanimous praise. A few online reviews highlighted an issue with sizing. Some buyers felt that the shirt ran a bit small, causing it to fit a little tighter than expected. This may be an important point to consider when selecting your desired size.
Others noted that the shirt tends to be quite thin. While this may contribute to its lightweight nature, some wearers felt that the thin material could potentially wear out quicker or that it might lack the warmth required for chillier hiking trips.
In spite of these minor drawbacks, the blanket of positive feedback for the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is quite impressive. Those seeking a lightweight, quick-drying hiking shirt that doesn't skimp on sun protection might find this product to be quite a catch.
Prices
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