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Best long sleeve hot weather shirts

A

AGENT-X

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Minuteman
Feb 1, 2013
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Texas
I need some good options for long sleeve hot weather shirts for long hours of training in the sun in high temps. Prefer moisture wicking, UV protective, and durable.
 
I wear ua heat gear and a Columbia long sleave nylon type pull over shirt not too bad I sweat a good amount but not too bad they wick the moisture a way good and the Columbia is uv protective
 
check REI + other outdoor stores for shirts with built in sunscreen, there is quite a few doing it now - button up is more practical than pull over IMO
 
I like 100% cotton. Man made products will really make you sweat and stick to your skin.
Skip
 
I wore 5.11's from Basra to Baghdad in the summer heat. No problems with them. Although I found that having less body fat makes surviving in the heat much easier.
 
Bamboo is highly reflective and naturally UV resistant. If you can get a form fitting, but not tight, undershirt that is moisture wicking and then a loose fitting bamboo button up you will be golden.
 
I use the Hanes plain white long sleeve shirts from Wal Mart when I'm out in the sun for long periods of time. They work great. They don't wick moisture so to speak but they are only a few bucks each.
 
I use the Columbia Omni-Freeze shirts. They have some magical blue circles in the fabric that use your sweat to help cool you off. I'm not sure how it works but it's pretty amazing.
 
A white cotton t shirt has a UV rating of less than 10 and its worse if its wet.... I think a black cotton tshirt was rated at 50.
 
What kind of training? Do you need something for athletes, or will a button up work?
 
Triad said:
A white cotton t shirt has a UV rating of less than 10 and its worse if its wet.... I think a black cotton tshirt was rated at 50.
Click to expand...

X2 Native tribes of the Sahara desert use black and dark blue robes precisely for that reason.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"
 
Patagonia Mens Lightweight Sun Hoody
These are pricey, but comfy and keep your skin hidden and dry. The hood is not baggy and gives great neck coverage, the sleeves are not too short, and elbow pads fit over nicely without bunching fabric. 35 spf and lighter and cooler than you'd think for a full sleeve hoody.
I wore them to avoid baking while shooting in NM high desert sun, and to a couple matches--the pouch in front is great for quickly collecting your brass and crap after a shooting stage!
I've got serious skin concerns, and these "covered" them. Get the light colors.
 
din said:
What kind of training? Do you need something for athletes, or will a button up work?
Click to expand...

I just finished sniper school and wore BDU type tops and while they worked they didn't wick moisture and don't allow for much airflow. I have advanced SWAT at the end of July and want something better. It's a bit warm here in central Texas.
 
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Merino wool is pretty good at wicking moisture and doesn't stink as much as cotton. Don't know about UV protection though. I've been using these merino tops from TAD gear.

Huntsman 200 Henley

Currently out of stock in most sizes but these are similar.

Merino Half-Zip

Pricey but made in the USA.
 
Cotton is comfy and cheap, synthetics stink. I only wear wool shirts and underclothes for hunting, biking or snowboarding. More expensive but worth it for me. Icebreaker, Sitka, and Smartwool are some brands I have used
 
I'm with everyone else on the PFG shirts w/ the Omni wear, they keep you cool, and your skin protected. You can't just throw it in the dryer after a day though! That sucker needs to be washed!!
 
Thanks, looks like I'll be picking up some of the PFG line of shirts. Great reviews.
 
dvdt said:
Does this hold up after washing ?
Click to expand...

So far, so good with about 10-15 washings each so far. I do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets on any of my SPF shirts tho as it seems to make them breathe less, dry slower and weigh more.
 
You'll see west Texas ranchers wear a cotton tee under a cotton denim work shirt all day/week/year long. Why? Cuz it works! Synthetics are a marketing ploy. They may wick fine the first week out, but after that you and they will both stink.
Skip
 
Sigma05 said:
X2! If you have to wear synthetics over long periods, it also makes you stink and even get rashes.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"
Click to expand...

Wool can also suck, everything is based on the enviroment where you live.

Hot and humid is hard to make work no matter what you wear.

Hot and dry then cotton works the best.
 
Hauled hay, welded, worked outside many hours in Texas while wearing wrangler denim shirts. If you dont like pearl snaps then look at other wrangler products. GO by tractor supply or cavenders. They have other cuts beside western.
 
Bass fishing in Central Florida hot and humid days = another vote for Columbia PFG's.
 
Kuhl and Ex Officio both make long sleeve shirts that are good in really hot weather. I have three of the Kuhl shirts that are made of lightweight nylon and they don't stick, dry fast, and one has a mesh vent in the back which is most welcome.
 
If you need a baselayer, a quality Merino wool product is really really hard to beat. Icebreaker tops the list...they fall into the Buy Once, Cry Once category but they are awesome. They make tanks and T's in a lightweight (150gm/meter) class that are stink proof and freaking unbelieveable- Icebreaker - Merino Wool Clothing for Outdoor and Performance Sports

If you have the option of wearing one, loose fitting layer, rather than a close fitting baselayer, then lightweight cotton works the best- Filson flyfishing shirts are great- Feather Cloth Long Sleeve Fly Fishing Shirt | Filson

Consider that 80% of your skin heat loss is through sweat evaporation. The better the air circulation across your skin, the more sweat evaporated. Obviously, high ambient humidities can inhibit/affect this evaporation.
Total heat load can also be affected by radiant heat absorbed from the environment- the lighter colors tend to increase IR reflection and reduced heat absorbed.
Most synthetic blends will dry faster than cotton or wool but some folks have metabolisms and skin chemistries that make them stink- permanently.

I'm in the functional apparel business- in R&D.....most of the claims around the newer gimmicks is ...well, pixie dust. So is the treatment of garments with hydrophobic coatings.

I spent the better part of two decades living in Texas and know that it can get hotter than "stank". Hydration is key to comfort as is being fit, lean and nicotene free.
 
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5.11 makes this shirt kind of like Underarmor but thinner and much more form fitting. Almost like a pantyhose shirt but slicker and it isn't see though, but I'm sure you know what I mean. They don't come in "loose" sizes. It's made specifically for wicking sweat away in high heat, so you want it really form fitting, but not tight to the point it affects circulation.

I'm sorry, I forgot what they call it. They make so much shit it's hard to keep up. But that's my favorite long sleeve undershirt. They work well in the winter for the exact same reason to. Reebok makes a good one, but it's thicker material and not as form fitting. I'm sure Underarmor makes one like the 5.11. Either way, you're looking for the thinner, stretchy synthetic material of the same kind as UnderA./Reebok.
 
Another vote for a quality merino wool shirt. I have been using FirstLite wool for 2 years now for everything and they are awesome. And their weave is the toughest merino I've dealt with. Very cool, can wear for days on end without getting smelly, wicks great...etc

Their LLano shirt is super thin and a great shirt. Not sure what UV protection it is but I've worn it in 90*+ heat and it's been awesome.

Mike
 
I like this thread. Very informative. I would not have guessed wool and demin being recommended for use in hot weather and full sun.
 
Completely baffled some folks prefer 100% cotton in hot climates when being active. Denim??? Holy #^$%. Thin layer of merino wool for me.
I hate being wet and soggy in the heat. Cotton is for casual wear not for active wear where I am going to sweat in the heat.
Added bonus, wool has natural flash/fire resistance properties.
 
I've been real happy with the Merino stuff from TAD gear. I've been wearing their 150 weight Tech Tee in the hot weather and it has been great. The long sleeve half-zip is a bit thicker but still breathes well.
 
I can handle the hydration part, but lean, fit and nicotine free.... not so much. Been working in the yard all day. After about 10, put on an old white cotton dress shirt. Button-down collar and all. I have nylon shirts, fishing shirts and all that. But if you don't have any evaporation to speak of, you're going to be wet...
 
Maybe I'm the odd ball here but I MUCH prefer the new synthetic materials being used for t-shirts, underwear & polos when it comes to being comfortable in hot, humid environments. They dry much quicker than cotton (in my experience), and I haven't noticed any odor issues so long as you hang the shirt when you take it off for the day (outside obviously, and bring back in once dry). With cotton, I used to get horrible rashes under my arms if I wore a sweaty shirt for more than a couple of hours. I was a walking advertisement for heat rash, and in pure misery. Being wet with sweat for 6-8 hours a day not only sucks but also makes you stink like a garbage disposal. As soon as I switched my undershirts & underwear to the Under Armour-like synthetic material I experienced immediate relief. While I rarely completely dried out during the day (when no long exerting myself or inside for a break), I was a good 80% dryer than when wearing cotton, and my skin (which is sensitive) had little trouble adapting to the new material. On occasion, my back will get itchy from the material, but no rashes, breakouts, etc.

This feedback is based on my employment in the mid 2000s at a plastics plant in Memphis, TN. The job was working outside maintaining the pipes & processes that go into manufacturing liquid plastic. I was outside at least 8 hours a day during the 12 hour shift, and there was nothing but shade & the occasional breeze to beat the heat. Moreover, we were required to wear navy blue colored Nomex coveralls with the sleeves rolled down at all times. It wasn't uncommon to work for extended periods of time in some areas of the plant that reached 115 degrees in the middle of the day. Hydration was absolutely critical, but I also believe that wearing clothes that could somewhat help with the heat played a big role in how you tolerated the conditions by the end of the day...
 
ceylonc said:
Maybe I'm the odd ball here but I MUCH prefer the new synthetic materials being used for t-shirts, underwear & polos when it comes to being comfortable in hot, humid environments. They dry much quicker than cotton (in my experience), and I haven't noticed any odor issues so long as you hang the shirt when you take it off for the day (outside obviously, and bring back in once dry). With cotton, I used to get horrible rashes under my arms if I wore a sweaty shirt for more than a couple of hours. I was a walking advertisement for heat rash, and in pure misery. Being wet with sweat for 6-8 hours a day not only sucks but also makes you stink like a garbage disposal. As soon as I switched my undershirts & underwear to the Under Armour-like synthetic material I experienced immediate relief. While I rarely completely dried out during the day (when no long exerting myself or inside for a break), I was a good 80% dryer than when wearing cotton, and my skin (which is sensitive) had little trouble adapting to the new material. On occasion, my back will get itchy from the material, but no rashes, breakouts, etc.

This feedback is based on my employment in the mid 2000s at a plastics plant in Memphis, TN. The job was working outside maintaining the pipes & processes that go into manufacturing liquid plastic. I was outside at least 8 hours a day during the 12 hour shift, and there was nothing but shade & the occasional breeze to beat the heat. Moreover, we were required to wear navy blue colored Nomex coveralls with the sleeves rolled down at all times. It wasn't uncommon to work for extended periods of time in some areas of the plant that reached 115 degrees in the middle of the day. Hydration was absolutely critical, but I also believe that wearing clothes that could somewhat help with the heat played a big role in how you tolerated the conditions by the end of the day...
Click to expand...

I would agree that some of the synthetics work good for day to day stuff. They were awesome for summer sports. But spend 5 days in the backcountry hunting/sweating and not bathing in hot early season temps and you'd change your mind. Cotton is pretty worthless as it doesn't wick or dry out at all. I know people who bring their damp merino shirts and socks into their sleeping bag at night and they are dry come morning. Really really tough to beat a lightweight merino shirt and they fit a huge temp range. Cool in summer and a great base layer in colder temps.

Mike
Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2
 
I have 3 of the Mountain Hardware synthetic UPF shirts. I like the older ones a bit better. I have had mine for about 3-4 years. I wear them continuously during the summer since I burn really easily - and especially for day long instruction on the range. They are light weight, keep the sun off all day, have mesh to ventilate. I don't know what I did before these types of shirts. I am 5"8, with an athletic build, and the "M" fits me really well, without hanging too low at the hips. I leave them bloused to help ventilate.

I have 1 Patagonia which is really similar and works just as well.

I tried the REI versions, and a few others, but they are designed to be worn tucked in. I got mine at REI, and have been very impressed with the durability.

My only complaint is that constant rubbing - say between the butt of the rifle and your sweaty shoulder does cause some irritation - specifically when there are wrinkles in the fabric. Other than that, I would but 5 more in a heartbeat if I thought I couldn't get them any more (in fact, I need to check up on that)...

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shirt - Men's - Free Shipping at REI.com
 
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Don't forget cotton seersucker. The original hot weather fabric. Puckered to form air pockets and to keep the fabric from sticking to you in the event that you sweat...
 
For the criteria you have listed, I would recommend the Crye Precision Combat Shirts. The body of the shirt is very lightweight and dries quickly, while the sleeves are a heavier nylon/cotton blend that can sustain severe field punishment. The elbows have pockets that accept hard or soft padding that work good if you plan to spend a lot of time shooting in the prone. The zip-T style neck is high enough to keep your buddies' hot brass from running down your neck when the collar is all the way up or allows you unzip to mid-chest to get more ventilation. Cuffs have velcro to tighten or loosen wrist openings. There are even large pockets at your biceps that are accessible with your kit/plate carrier on. I've worn them on several deployments and feel they are worth their weight in gold in hot climates. On the downside, they are quite expensive as with anything that Crye Precision makes. But, in the end, the cost is worth it. After two 11 month deployments to AFG doing missions everyday, my CP combat shirts and pants are still not showing their age or mileage.
 
HellsCanyonArmory said:
I would agree that some of the synthetics work good for day to day stuff. They were awesome for summer sports. But spend 5 days in the backcountry hunting/sweating and not bathing in hot early season temps and you'd change your mind. Cotton is pretty worthless as it doesn't wick or dry out at all. I know people who bring their damp merino shirts and socks into their sleeping bag at night and they are dry come morning. Really really tough to beat a lightweight merino shirt and they fit a huge temp range. Cool in summer and a great base layer in colder temps.

Mike
Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...


I have to agree with celonic. Although I have some merino long underwear i also like.
 
jackal82 said:
For the criteria you have listed, I would recommend the Crye Precision Combat Shirts. The body of the shirt is very lightweight and dries quickly, while the sleeves are a heavier nylon/cotton blend that can sustain severe field punishment. The elbows have pockets that accept hard or soft padding that work good if you plan to spend a lot of time shooting in the prone. The zip-T style neck is high enough to keep your buddies' hot brass from running down your neck when the collar is all the way up or allows you unzip to mid-chest to get more ventilation. Cuffs have velcro to tighten or loosen wrist openings. There are even large pockets at your biceps that are accessible with your kit/plate carrier on. I've worn them on several deployments and feel they are worth their weight in gold in hot climates. On the downside, they are quite expensive as with anything that Crye Precision makes. But, in the end, the cost is worth it. After two 11 month deployments to AFG doing missions everyday, my CP combat shirts and pants are still not showing their age or mileage.
Click to expand...


I concur. What battalion are you in?
 
REI "SAHARA" clothes

SOUTHERN UTAH SUMMER BACKPACKING CLOTHES

Last week I backpacked in and out of Utah's Coyote Gulch for 6 days in 90+ F. heat.

Both my LS shirt and pants were REI "Sahara" clothing of polyester. Light, tough and reasonably priced. Been wearing that brand for decades in desert southwest and the jungles of the Philippines. Dries fast & doesn't stink.

Cabela's "Guidewear" clothing is very similar, maybe just a bit heavier in cloth weight.

Columbia also makes similar clothing.
 
I agree with bexar and texar i live in west texas and always wear a cotton undershirt and long sleeve wrangler denim shirt if there is a breeze the under shirt being wet will keep you cool. I have used a lot of man made shirts and always go back to cotton and denim.
 
I would go with a blend of synthetic and cotton, long sleeve in a medium to slight dark color. Synthetic wills wick the body and dry quicker to help cool the body. Cotton adds comfort and cut down on bacteria smells. Color will help with UV. Something like TruSpec, 5.11, Crye combat shirt with pockets for pads.

I wore fatigues and BDUs for 6+ years in southern AZ, hot but a dry hot, like a oven on broil dry hot. Survived with OK comfort as did the old times wearing heavy woven wool. When I arrived to AZ from frozen north, I was shocked how many cowboys and ranchers and construction workers wore dark long sleeve shirts in hot dry summer of AZ. A friend of mine worked a cactus farm in blazing sun and wore dark long sleeve shirts and a cowboy hat. I soon learned about hot temps with a blazing sun and why they did.

Good luck
 
I picked up a few of the Massif Combat Shirts. I checked out the Crye Precision ones too, but they were a bit pricy to buy out of pocket. I also came across XGO, does anyone have any experience with them? I talked to a rep and they recommended the 1G11A version.
 
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