Finding the right long-sleeve hiking shirt for hot weather is important. It keeps you cool, protects your skin, and feels comfortable. The best shirts are lightweight, breathable, and wick away sweat. They also offer UV protection to shield you from the sun. Some even have vents for better airflow. Choosing the right fabric matters, too—synthetic blends dry fast, while merino wool controls odor. A good fit helps you move freely on the trail. With so many options, picking the best one can be tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirt to stay cool and protected on your adventures.
Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite Plaid
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Sun Protection: Omni-Shade™ UPF 50
Moisture Control: Omni-Wick™
Ventilation: 3-point back ventilation system
Pockets: 2 chest pockets and interior pocket for storage
The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Lite Plaid shirt is great for outdoor adventures. It feels light and breathable, making hikes more comfortable. The vented design helps keep you cool on warm days. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it is eco-friendly and durable. The fabric resists snags from branches and brambles. It also has Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 protection, shielding your skin from the sun. The Omni-Wick™ technology wicks sweat away, keeping you dry. Plus, it captures and neutralizes odor, so you stay fresh longer. The three-point back ventilation system adds extra airflow. This is a great feature for long hikes in the heat.
The roll-up sleeves with snap holders make it versatile. You can adjust them based on the weather. The shirt has multiple pockets, including a chest pocket with a hook-and-loop closure. There is also an interior pocket for small essentials. The patterns are sharp and stylish, making it look good on and off the trail. However, it runs a bit small compared to other Columbia shirts. It is not too tight, but the fit is more snug. If you prefer a looser fit, consider sizing up. Overall, this is a solid choice for hiking and outdoor activities. It combines style, comfort, and function in one lightweight shirt.
What I like: Lightweight and breathable, great for warm-weather hikes
What I don’t: Limited stretch in the fabric feels a little snug for me
REI Co-op Sahara
Material: Nylon/spandex plain-weave fabric
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Ventilation: Back vent with mesh yoke underlay
Pockets: Two chest and one zippered side
Weight: 8 oz.
The REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve Shirt is a solid choice for hikers and outdoor lovers. It offers great sun protection with its UPF 50+ fabric. The material is a blend of nylon and spandex, making it durable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. The back vent with a mesh underlay helps keep you cool on warm hikes. The sleeves roll up and secure with button tabs for extra versatility. It has two chest pockets with hidden hook-and-loop closures and a zippered pocket on the lower left side. A sunglasses loop adds convenience, and the locker loop makes drying easy. The shirt is also made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory and meets bluesign® criteria, ensuring ethical production. Overall, it remains lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for different temperatures.
However, the new version has a few drawbacks compared to older models. While it still stretches well, it has less spandex, making it slightly less flexible. The fabric also feels stiffer and lacks the soft waffle texture of previous versions. The zippered pocket is a nice touch but makes tucking in the shirt harder. The buttonholes on the sleeve tabs are very stiff, making them difficult to use. Despite these minor issues, the shirt is still a great option for outdoor activities. It remains breathable, comfortable, and durable, making it a reliable hiking shirt.
What I like: Great feature set and sun protection.
What I don’t: Has less spandex, making it slightly less flexible.
See the REI Co-op Sahara See the Women’s Sahara
Columbia Silver Ridge – Women’s
Material: 100% recycled fabric
Sun Protection: Omni-Shade™ UPF 50
Moisture Control: Omni-Wick™ technology
Ventilation: Multiple vents
Pockets: 2
The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility is great for warm weather and outdoor activities. It is made from 100% recycled fabric, which feels soft and flows loosely for comfort. The material is tightly woven to provide UPF 50 sun protection, shielding your skin from harmful rays. Omni-Wick™ technology helps pull moisture away, keeping you dry while hiking or traveling. Several vents allow air to circulate, adding extra cooling. There is a hidden pocket near the bottom side seam, which is useful for storing small items. However, the front chest pocket is oddly designed, opening towards the center instead of the top. This makes it less practical for quick access.
One downside is the fit. The shirt lacks a way to secure rolled-up sleeves, making them slip down easily. The button placement is also an issue, especially around the chest area. The buttons are spaced too far apart, causing gapping even when sizing up. This makes the shirt both too big and too small at the same time. It seems to be designed more for a straight body shape rather than a curvy woman’s frame. Despite these issues, the fabric quality and breathability are excellent. If you prefer a looser fit and need sun protection, this shirt is still a solid choice.
What I like: Soft, lightweight fabric keeps you cool and comfortable in hot weather.
What I don’t: No strap or button to secure rolled-up sleeves, making them slide down.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily
Material: Recycled polyester jersey
Moisture Control: Quick-drying fabric with miDori™ bioSoft
Odor Resistance: Polygiene® permanent odor control
Fit: Set-in sleeves for mobility & a relaxed midsection fit
Sun Protection: UPF 50 rating for sun protection
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily is a fantastic shirt for active people. It works well for hiking, climbing, and casual wear. The fabric feels soft and light, making it very comfortable on the skin. It is made from recycled polyester, with heathered versions containing 50% recycled content. The shirt’s stretch fabric dries quickly, making it ideal for water and land activities. The miDori™ bioSoft treatment adds extra softness and improves moisture-wicking. This helps keep you dry and comfortable during intense workouts. Polygiene® odor control prevents bacteria growth, keeping the shirt fresh for longer. The set-in sleeves allow full shoulder movement without chafing. Minimal stitching also reduces friction, making it great for all-day wear. The shirt is Fair Trade Certified™, meaning the workers were paid fairly for their labor. The fabric is also bluesign® approved, ensuring a lower environmental impact.
The fit of this shirt is just right—not too tight or too loose. The midsection has a relaxed fit, allowing easy movement. The sleeves push up easily without feeling restrictive. The fabric feels soft like butter but is still durable. The UPF 50 protection is a game-changer for sunny hikes or paddling trips. It breathes well, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. It works as a base layer in temperatures from 40°F to 90°F. The durability is impressive, as the cuffs have not stretched after years of use. Though a few threads may come loose over time, overall longevity is excellent. This shirt is perfect for anyone needing a reliable, all-purpose top for active adventures.
What I like: Feels light and smooth on the skin, great for all-day wear.
What I don’t: Some stitching comes undone after extended use.
See the Patagonia Capilene See the Women’s Capilene
REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt
Material: Polyester/spandex blend
Sun Protection: UPF 30 rating
Fit: Classic
The REI Co-op Sahara t-shirt is a great choice for hiking in hot weather. It is made from a lightweight, stretchy fabric that wicks sweat and dries quickly. The material is partially recycled, making it an eco-friendly option. It also provides UPF 30 sun protection, which helps shield your skin from harmful rays. The fit is comfortable and true to size. At 6 feet tall and 205 pounds, the size large fits perfectly. The sleeves reach just past the wrists, and the length is just right. It does not ride up when bending, which is a common issue with other shirts. The forward-rolled shoulder seams help reduce chafing under backpack straps. This makes it even more comfortable for long hikes.
This t-shirt is great for year-round wear in places like Northern California. The lighter-weight fabric makes it breathable but still protective. It is easy to care for, requiring only a cold machine wash and low tumble dry. However, fabric softeners and bleach should be avoided. The shirt meets the bluesign® criteria and is part of REI’s Climate Neutral Certified efforts. This means it is made with sustainability in mind. If this version is as durable as past models, it should last for years. Overall, it is a high-quality hiking shirt. It is comfortable, well-made, and worth buying again.
What I like: Classic fit with good sleeve and torso length prevents riding up when moving.
What I don’t: Fabric feels thinner than previous versions, which affects durability.
See the REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt See the Women’s Sahara Shade
KUHL Driftr
Fabric: Ripstop material with 2-way stretch
Protection: Maximum UV protection
Ventilation: Underarm eyelet vents
Features: Zippered chest pocket, sleek metal snaps, and an interior locker loop
Performance: Quick-drying and anti-odor properties
The KUHL Driftr is a great choice for warm weather adventures. It keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable all day. The lightweight ripstop fabric feels soft but is tough enough for outdoor use. It also stretches slightly, giving you more freedom to move. The shirt offers excellent UV protection, shielding your skin from the sun. It dries quickly, so sweat or a little rain won’t leave you feeling damp. Plus, it has an anti-odor feature, which helps keep you fresh after long hikes or hot days outside. The underarm eyelet vents add extra airflow, making it even more breathable.
This shirt is also very practical. It has a zippered chest pocket, great for keeping small items secure. The metal snaps are sleek and easy to use, making it simple to take on and off. The interior locker loop is a nice touch for hanging it up after a long day. The Driftr is perfect for hiking, camping, or just spending time outdoors. It offers a great balance of durability and comfort. If you want a lightweight, protective shirt for warm weather, this is a solid option. It keeps you feeling cool and fresh, even in the hottest conditions.
What I like: Excellent UV protection helps shield your skin from the sun.
What I don’t: Limited stretch feels slightly restrictive during intense movement.
The North Face Lightrange
Fabric: Recycled polyester
Protection: UPF 40+ sun protection
Water Resistance: Non-PFC (DWR)
Features: Hidden-button front closure, secure-zip chest pocket, back venting, adjustable 2-button cuffs
The North Face Lightrange offers three key benefits in one fabric: UPF protection, anti-odor technology, and moisture management. The UPF 40+ rating helps shield your skin from harmful sun rays. The anti-odor technology keeps the shirt fresh, even after long hikes. Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away, helping you stay dry and comfortable. The non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish adds extra protection against light rain. The main body is made from 82% recycled polyester, while the lining is 100% recycled. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for outdoor lovers.
This shirt is designed for comfort and function. The hidden-button front closure, with an exposed snap at the collar, adds a neat look. A secure-zip chest pocket provides a safe place for small essentials. Back venting allows for better airflow on hot days. The adjustable two-button cuffs, with a hidden-snap placket, give a customizable fit. The regular fit makes it easy to layer over a base layer. A small heat-transfer logo on the left chest adds a subtle branding touch. Its circular design means it can be fully recycled at the end of its life. If you want a lightweight, breathable, and versatile hiking shirt, the Lightrange is a solid pick.
What I like: The Lightrange shirt offers excellent sun protection, moisture management, and odor control, making it ideal for long hikes.
What I don’t: The water-repellent finish is not fully waterproof, so it won’t keep you dry in heavy rain.
See The North Face Lightrange See the Women’s Lightrange
8. REI Co-op Active Pursuits
Fabric: Stretch polyester blend
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Design Features: Flat seams/set-in sleeves
Extra Details: Hidden thumbholes
The REI Co-op Active Pursuits long-sleeve T-shirt is a great choice for outdoor adventures. It wicks moisture, dries fast, and protects against the sun with UPF 50+. The soft fabric has a two-way stretch, making movement easy and comfortable. Flat seams prevent chafing, and set-in sleeves provide a nice fit. Thumbholes add warmth but stay hidden when not needed. This shirt is great for hiking, exercising, or casual wear. It’s breathable, lightweight, and works well as a base layer. Plus, it meets bluesign® criteria and comes from a Climate Neutral Certified brand, making it a responsible choice.
I already owned the half-zip version and wanted to mix things up. The fit is the same between both styles. These shirts are incredibly comfortable for cool-weather activities or just relaxing. I love wearing them for hikes, workouts, or even running errands. The material feels great, and the stretch makes movement effortless. Sizing can be tricky, but I found that a medium tall fits me best. The shirt looks great and holds up well over time. It’s a fantastic mix of performance and style. If you want a reliable, comfortable, and versatile long-sleeved shirt, this is a solid pick.
What I like: Soft, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry and comfortable during activities.
What I don’t: Sizing can be tricky, especially for those between sizes.
See the REI Co-op Active Pursuits See the Women’s Active Pursuits
How to Choose a Long-Sleeved Hiking Shirt for Hot Weather?
Hiking in hot weather requires the right clothing to stay comfortable. A long sleeve hiking shirt can protect you from the sun and insects. However, choosing the right one is important. The wrong fabric or fit can make your hike uncomfortable.
Choose a Lightweight and Breathable Fabric
The fabric of your shirt plays a key role in keeping you cool. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon wick moisture away from the skin. This helps you stay dry and cool. Natural fabrics like merino wool are also good as they regulate body temperature. Avoid cotton because it absorbs sweat and stays wet, making you feel hot and sticky.
Look for Moisture-Wicking Properties
A good hiking shirt should have moisture-wicking properties. This means it pulls sweat away from your body and dries quickly. A damp shirt can make you feel uncomfortable and lead to chafing. Moisture-wicking shirts help prevent this, keeping you dry even during long hikes.
Opt for Sun Protection (UPF Rating)
Hot weather often means strong sun exposure. A long sleeve hiking shirt with a UPF rating can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. A UPF rating of 30 or higher is recommended. Some shirts are designed with built-in sun protection, reducing the need for extra sunscreen on covered areas.
Consider Ventilation Features
Proper ventilation is necessary to stay cool. Look for shirts with mesh panels, back vents, or underarm vents. These features allow air to circulate and help reduce overheating. Some shirts also have roll-up sleeves, giving you more flexibility.
Check for Comfort and Fit
A hiking shirt should fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose. A snug but relaxed fit allows for better airflow. Loose shirts can trap heat, while tight shirts may restrict movement. Try different sizes to find the best fit for your body shape.
Go for Quick-Drying Materials
Sweat and unexpected rain showers can leave your shirt wet. A quick-drying material ensures that you do not stay damp for long. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon dry faster than cotton. Quick-drying shirts also reduce the risk of chafing and irritation.
Think About Odor Control
Hiking in hot weather makes you sweat more. Some shirts come with anti-microbial treatments to reduce odor. Merino wool naturally resists odors, while some synthetic fabrics have treatments to prevent bacteria buildup. This feature helps you stay fresh even after long hikes.
Look for Durability and Quality
Hiking shirts should be durable enough to handle rough conditions. Check the stitching and fabric strength before buying. Reinforced seams and high-quality materials last longer and withstand frequent use. A good shirt should not tear easily when brushing against rocks or trees.
Choose a Color That Reflects Heat
Dark colors absorb heat, making you feel hotter. Light-colored shirts reflect heat and keep you cooler. Shades like white, beige, and light gray are better choices for hot weather. Bright colors can also improve visibility on trails.
Test the Shirt Before Your Hike
Before heading out, wear your shirt on a short walk. See how it feels when you move and sweat. If it feels uncomfortable or too hot, you may need a different one. Testing your gear helps prevent discomfort during long hikes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right long-sleeved shirt for hot weather is important. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying materials. A comfortable fit and proper ventilation can keep you cool. Sun protection, odor control, and durability also matter. The right shirt will make your hike more enjoyable and protect you from the elements.
