Hiking is an excellent way to stay active and explore nature. However, it can be challenging to find the right clothing for hot weather.
Long sleeve hiking shirts are a popular choice for hikers because they offer protection from the sun and can help keep you cool.
In this article, we will be discussing the best long sleeve hiking shirts for hot weather. When looking for the best long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather, there are a few critical factors to consider.
The material of the shirt is essential, as it can affect how well the shirt breathes and wicks away moisture. The fit of the shirt is also crucial, as a loose-fitting shirt can help promote airflow and keep you cool.
Additionally, the shirt’s weight and durability are essential, as you want a shirt that will last through multiple hikes.
We spent hours researching and testing various long sleeve hiking shirts to identify the ones that offer the best combination of breathability, durability, and comfort. In the following sections, we will discuss our top picks and what makes them stand out.
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Best Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
We understand the importance of having the right gear when going on a hiking trip, especially when it comes to clothing. Long sleeve hiking shirts are a must-have for any hiker, but finding the perfect one for hot weather can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best long sleeve hiking shirts that are not only lightweight and breathable but also provide excellent sun protection.
Our team has extensively researched and tested each product to ensure that we only recommend the best options. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best long sleeve hiking shirts for hot weather.
Long Sleeve Shirts for Men
- Columbia Tamiami Long Sleeve (best collar t-shirt)
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Tech Stretch Long-Sleeve T-Shirt (best Stretch shirt)
- Baleafs Men Shirt Long Sleeve (best round-neck t-shirt)
- Columbia Silver Ridge Long Sleeve
- ExOfficio Men’s Long Sleeve
- Denali Performance Long Sleeve
- Naviskin Outdoor Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- Hanes Adult T-Shirt (highly recommended)
Long Sleeve Hiking Shirts for Women
- Columbia Women’s PFG Tamiami II (highly recommended)
- Baleaf Women’s Long Sleeve Shirt
- Jesse Kidden Women’s Long Sleeve Shirt
- Willit Women’s Hoodie Long Sleeve Shirt
- Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Lite Shirt
- Mabove Women’s Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt
Top 7 Men’s Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
Columbia
Columbia Men’s PFG Tamiami II
This particular shirt is custom-made with Omni-Shade. The Omni-Shade is a Sun deflector that uses the body’s natural cooling process to evaporate the sweat around instead of the normal cooling fabrics.
It has a UPF of 40 which means that one-fortieth of the sun’s UV rays reach the skin which also means that the radiation passing through the fabric is very low.
In addition to the Omni-Shade, it also has Omni-Wick that makes the fabric (polyester) quick to dry, extremely lightweight, and keeps your skin cool.
The fabric has antimicrobial treatment and it’s a roll-up sleeve.
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PROS
- UPF 40 sun protection
- Quick drying with antimicrobial properties
- Good breathability
- It can be worn on and off trail
CONS
- Brightly colored therefore stains can be seen easily.
- Be cautious of size misinformation
Columbia
Columbia Silver Ridge Long Sleeve
This shirt is made of polyester fabric. It also features wicking technology which enables moisture to be taken away from the body which leads to the quick evaporation of sweat.
As with the others, the collar can be lifted for extra UV protection. The UPF is 40/50.
It also features antimicrobial treatment.
PROS
- Dries out quickly
- Ultra-light
- Very good breathability
CONS
- Not durable
- A bit pricey
ExOfficio
ExOfficio Men’s Long Sleeve
Its fabric material is made mostly of nylon (it’s an important cause of its elasticity, resistance to mildew, strength, etc.) and polyester.
Its Sun Protection Factor remains intact up to about 40 washings i.e UPF 30.
This shirt is highly loose fitting thereby making it very comfortable.
Just like the Columbia Silver Ridge, it features a Sun collar for extra UV protection.
PROS
- Extremely lightweight
- Absolutely comfortable.
- Dries fast and keeps cool
CONS
- It’s see-through
- Quality issue
Hanes
Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve Performance T-Shirt Pack
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable long-sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather, the Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve Performance T-Shirt Pack is a great option.
Pros
- Cool DRI technology wicks moisture for maximum comfort
- Advanced odor protection technology fights odor-causing bacteria for all-day freshness
- Contemporary fit and many color options, including neon brights for improved visibility
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky, so make sure to check the size chart before ordering
- The fabric is slightly thicker than some other performance shirts on the market
- The shirt may not be as stylish as other options
We recently took these shirts on a hot and humid hiking trip, and they performed admirably. The Cool DRI technology kept us feeling dry and comfortable, even during the most strenuous parts of the hike. We also appreciated the advanced odor protection technology, which kept us feeling fresh even after a long day on the trail.
The contemporary fit is flattering, and there are plenty of color options to choose from. We opted for the neon brights, which not only looked great but also provided improved visibility during our hike.
While the sizing can be a bit tricky, we found that the size chart was accurate and helped us choose the right size. The only downside is that the fabric is slightly thicker than some other performance shirts on the market, which may not be ideal for those looking for the thinnest and lightest option.
We highly recommend the Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve Performance T-Shirt Pack for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable long-sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather.
Denali
Denali Performance Long Sleeve
It features a UPF of 50+. I guess you already know what this means.
Plus every other thing we’ve been talking about since; moisture management system, antimicrobial properties, stain release technology.
Another thing noteworthy is its Melanoma International Foundation seal of approval.
The Melanoma International Foundation is an organization that promotes melanoma (malignant skin cancer) treatment.
Therefore, every product which has its seals must have undergone rigorous testing at an independent laboratory and is proven to be effective in preventing sun damage to the skin.
PROS
- Very durable
- Comfortable
- Highest UV protection
CONS
- Fashion is boring
- It doesn’t fit as wanted
Amazon
Amazon Essentials Men’s Tech Stretch Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Well, it’s more of a jacket than a shirt. As with other jackets for summer, it has both membrane, backing, and face fabric.
The membrane is made of 95 percent polyester which means it is breathable and lightweight.
Although it does not have an official UPF rating, it still protects against UV rays. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), clothes without an official UPF rating usually have a UPF of 30+.
Other than this, fabric wetness (wetness reduces UPF rating), wear (worn fabric is less effective) and stretch also reduce UPF rating.
But this jacket is water resistant, it’s not worn out, and do not stretch.
PROS
- Dries out quickly
- Very cheap
- Lightweight
- Very good breathability
CONS
- No UPF rating
This shirt has all the qualities you are looking for. UPF of 50+ which means it is capable of shielding you from ultraviolet rays.
It’s made of 100 per cent polyester with a great quality build which makes it very breathable and quick drying
PROS
- Dries very fast
- Accurate size measurement
- Low priced
CONS
- Made of very thin material
MAGCOMSEN
MAGCOMSEN Men’s Long Sleeve Sun Shirts UPF 50+ Tees 1/4 Zip Up Fishing Running Rash Guard T-Shirts Outdoor Shirt Navy Small
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional long sleeve shirt for hot weather, the MAGCOMSEN Men’s Long Sleeve Sun Shirt is a great option.
Pros
- The fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and breathable, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather.
- The shirt provides superior UV protection with a UPF 50+ rating, perfect for outdoor activities.
- The 1/4 zip up collar and loose fit make this shirt both stylish and practical.
Cons
- The shirt is long in the waist, which may not be suitable for all body types.
- The material is sheer, which may not be ideal for those who prefer more coverage.
- The quality is not the highest, as the shirt may show some wrinkles and the zipper may not be perfectly aligned.
We recently tried out this shirt on a hiking trip and found it to be a great choice for hot weather. The lightweight and breathable fabric kept us cool and comfortable, while the UPF 50+ rating provided peace of mind in the sun. The 1/4 zip up collar was a nice touch, allowing us to adjust the ventilation as needed.
However, we did notice that the shirt was long in the waist, which may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the material is sheer, which may not be ideal for those who prefer more coverage. Finally, while the shirt is a great value, the quality is not the highest, as it may show some wrinkles and the zipper may not be perfectly aligned.
We would recommend the MAGCOMSEN Men’s Long Sleeve Sun Shirt for those looking for a functional and stylish option for hot weather outdoor activities.
Top 5 Women’s Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
Columbia
Columbia Women’s PFG Tamiami II
Without further ado, let me quickly outline the huge benefits of this long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather.
The material is made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex. Polyester makes it easy for the shirt to wick appropriately while the spandex allows it to stretch.
One thing that is obvious about this shirt is that it is bright color and it feels great to wear.
It has a UPF of 40+
PROS
- It’s comfortable to wear
- The price chart is consistent with what you see
CONS
- Overheats at times
Baleaf
Baleaf Women Long Sleeve Shirt
I’ll quickly list the many advantages of this long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather now. I’ll quickly list the many advantages of this long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather now.
90% polyester and 10% spandex are used to create the textile. With the help of polyester and spandex, the shirt can wick moisture effectively.
The vivid color and comfortable fit of this shirt are two things that immediately stand out about it.
It has a UPF of 40+
PROS
- It’s comfortable to wear
- The price chart is consistent with what you see
CONS
- Overheats at times
Jessie Kidden
Jessie Kidden Women Long Sleeve Shirt
The qualities of this shirt are innumerable.
This shirt has a UPF rating of 50+ and I can bet you know what that means already. Now, what’s so fascinating about the UPF of this shirt is that it has an SPF-added technology called Omni-Shade.
This shirt has a mesh lining which ultimately allows for good breathability or/and wicking.
Other features of this shirt are a sunglasses hanger, button-down closure, and the ability to roll the long sleeve up to make it short.
PROS
- Keeps you cool and dry
- Perfectly sized
CONS
- The length can be very long
Toomett
Toomett Women’s Long Sleeve Safari Shirt
We highly recommend the Toomett Women’s Long Sleeve Safari Shirt for anyone looking for a comfortable and lightweight option for hot weather hiking.
Pros
- The UPF 50 protection is perfect for sunny days on the trail.
- The quick-dry fabric makes it easy to wash and wear.
- The loose fit allows for airflow and breathability.
Cons
- The fabric is thin and may not hold up well over time.
- The shirt absorbs odor quickly and may need frequent washing.
- The tabs to keep the sleeves rolled up can be difficult to button.
We found that the Toomett Women’s Long Sleeve Safari Shirt was perfect for our recent hiking trip. The lightweight fabric kept us cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days. The UPF 50 protection gave us peace of mind that we were protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
The loose fit allowed for plenty of airflow and breathability, which was especially appreciated during strenuous hikes. The quick-dry fabric made it easy to wash and wear, perfect for multi-day trips.
However, we did notice that the fabric was quite thin and may not hold up well over time. Additionally, the shirt absorbed odor quickly and required frequent washing. The tabs to keep the sleeves rolled up were also difficult to button, which was a minor inconvenience.
We highly recommend the Toomett Women’s Long Sleeve Safari Shirt for anyone looking for a comfortable and lightweight option for hot weather hiking. Click here to purchase.
Columbia
Columbia Women’s Bahama Ls White Medium
If you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather, the Columbia Women’s Bahama Ls is a great choice.
Pros
- The shirt provides excellent sun protection with its Omni-Shade UPF 40 technology, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
- The mesh-lined back vents allow for breathability and cooling, keeping you comfortable even in hot and humid conditions.
- The shirt’s four chest pockets provide ample storage space for your essentials, and the rod holder adds hands-free convenience when fishing.
Cons
- The shirt’s sizing may run large, so it’s important to check the sizing chart before purchasing.
- Some users have reported that the sleeves may be a bit short, so it’s important to consider this when choosing your size.
- The shirt’s white color may show dirt and stains more easily than darker colors.
We recently tried out the Columbia Women’s Bahama Ls on a hiking trip in hot and sunny weather, and we were impressed with its performance.
The shirt’s Omni-Shade technology provided excellent sun protection, and we appreciated the added convenience of the rod holder when fishing.
The mesh-lined back vents kept us cool and comfortable, even during strenuous hikes, and the four chest pockets were a convenient way to store our essentials.
The shirt’s white color looked great, but we did notice that it showed dirt and stains more easily than darker colors.
We would definitely recommend the Columbia Women’s Bahama Ls for anyone
Little Donkey
Little Donkey Andy Women’s UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt
If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather, the Little Donkey Andy Women’s UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt is a great option.
Pros
- The air-holes new technology fabric allows for quick moisture vapour escape, keeping you dry in summer.
- UPF 50+ provides maximum protection for long hours in the sun, protecting you from harmful rays.
- Hidden mesh panels on the back let in and out a cooling breeze, perfect for hot, humid weather.
Cons
- The fabric is a bit heavier than expected.
- Runs large.
- The sleeves may be too short for some.
We’ve used this shirt on multiple hiking trips and found that it’s comfortable, lightweight, and provides great sun protection. The air-holes new technology fabric is a game changer in hot weather, allowing for quick moisture vapour escape and keeping us dry. The hidden mesh panels on the back also help to keep us cool.
One thing to note is that the fabric is a bit heavier than expected, but it’s not a deal breaker. We also found that the sizing runs a bit large, so it’s worth double checking the size chart before purchasing. Additionally, the sleeves may be too short for some, but they can be rolled up and secured with loops and button tabs to convert to a short sleeve.
If you’re looking for a long sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather that provides great sun protection and is breathable and lightweight, the Little Donkey Andy Women’s UPF 50+ UV Protection Shirt is definitely worth considering.
The Importance of Having a Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirt
Let’s start with the most obvious.
- Reduces excessive sweating which could lead to fainting.
- For better protection from sun rays.
- Protection from blowing sand and thorny bushes.
- Protection from scratch when going over boulders.
- Protection from insect bites.
- It can easily be turned into a short sleeve when rolled up.
- You can easily pair up a long sleeve shirt with shorts, trousers or jeans, etc.
What to Look for When Choosing a Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirt for Hot Weather
When looking for a nice long sleeve for hiking in hot weather, you must carefully look out for certain criteria first.
The shirts you choose must satisfy these conditions so you would know you have your money’s worth.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor
First and foremost, the UPF. This is the bane of everything. There’s no other reason to look for long sleeves for hot weather if not this.
The ultraviolet protection factor in itself is not what protects you from the rays of the sun but it’s the number that determines the ratio of sunburn caused by UV rays.
The UPF rating goes up from 15 to 50+ which denotes that the UV radiation blocked also goes higher from 93.3 to 98+
In a test done by Consumer reports, they said that protective fabrics typically have a UPF rating of 30.
Therefore, this is the number or higher you should look out for. That is why we have recommended the best UPF shirts for hot weather in this article.
Material
Anything hot weather including this one should be made from materials that allow breath-ability (the ability to allow moisture vapor to be drawn away from your body through the material). It should be lightweight.
The material should be flexible enough that it doesn’t restrict your movement. This means the material must also be stretchable so it can adjust as you move with it.
One such material that can do this is high-tech polyester. Avoid cotton!
The other thing to look out for is if the material has antimicrobial properties.
Antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth.
Without it, the shirt will be contaminated leading to odor when in use.
The durability of the shirt will also be compromised.
Style
It’s already established that you need a long sleeve.
In addition to this, the long sleeve provides more coverage and adds an extra layer of protection for your arms when the rays of the sun hit you. This is called Sun protective measure.
The only constraint here is if you want a long sleeve that’s a T-shirt (neck-saving collar) or a button front along with pockets.
Cooling Features
This is already contained in the material section when we talked about breathability etc.
Nevertheless, there is certain technology put in place for hot-weather clothing called Cooling-compound technology.
In 2012 the first cooling shirt that lowers body temperature was made. As perspiration evaporates, it draws heat away from the body, then wicking fabrics facilitate this process by distributing sweat evenly over the fabric so that it dries more quickly.
Conclusion
The importance of wearing long sleeves when hiking in hot weather conditions cannot be overemphasized.
It’s paramount that you keep yourself calm and comfortable.
The ball is now in your court. Make your decision from the list of long sleeve shirts we’ve highlighted for you.
FAQ
Can I get heat stroke from wearing these long sleeve shirts while hiking during the hot weather?
No. wearing these long sleeve shirts while hiking during the hot weather can not give you heat stroke.
Heatstrokes are characterized by a rise in body temperature to about 106°F and higher within a short period of time.
When affected by heat stroke, your body no longer controls its temperature, the sweat mechanism of the body fails, and there’s an increasing rise in the body’s temperature.
This condition could be aggravated by wearing garments made of non-engineered synthetic materials. These materials cannot breathe well enough and will trap heat and make you feel hot.
These recommended long-sleeve shirts for hiking are made up of lightweight hydrophilic materials that are highly air-permeable and keep the wearer cool and dry.
How do you wear long sleeves while hiking without sweating?
We agree that sweating can be a huge discomfort, more so sweating while on a hike.
It is indeed possible to control sweating while wearing long sleeve shirts during a hike in hot weather. To achieve this, ensure you wear the recommended materials as they are air-permeable materials that will keep you dry and feeling cool.
These materials are hydrophilic and absorb water from your skin to keep you dry.
Should you wear long sleeves in the sun?
Contrary to the popular thought that less clothing is needed during the hot season when hiking during the hot season you definitely do not want to wear less clothing.
Long sleeves while hiking during the hot weather is good because they protect your skin from the UV rays you are exposed to under the sun. In addition, wearing long sleeve shirts while hiking will protect your skin from insects and thorny weeds.
In order to prevent heat and sweating when wearing long sleeve shirts while hiking during hot weather, refer to the answer provided in the previous question.
What is the best long sleeve shirt for hot weather?
If you are looking for a way to avoid discomfort while hiking in your favorite countryside, you should know this.
The best long sleeve shirt for hot weather is one that is made with materials of the following characteristics:
- The long sleeve shirt must be made with material that is breathable
- The long sleeve shirt must be made with material that is lightweight
- Most importantly, it must be made with material that has a UPF rating of 30 and above.
Are hot weather button up shirts good for hiking?
DEFINITELY! Get yourself a cool hot weather button up shirt when next you’re out shopping for long sleeve shirts for hiking in hot weather.
Make sure they meet up with the criteria for a good long sleeve hiking shirt. Refer to the answer provided in the previous question to know these criteria.