What Shirt to Wear for Hiking » Everything You Need to Know
What Makes a Good Hiking Shirt?
A hiking shirt needs to do way more than just look good. It should have your back whether you're on casual day hikes or demanding technical routes. Here’s an overview of the key features you need to watch out for::
Comfortable fit with total freedom of movement.
Quick-drying material to stay dry even when you're sweating or hit with moisture.
Breathability so moisture gets wicked away fast.
Durability when tackling challenging trails.
Lightweight for all-day comfort.
The Right Fit: Snug or Loose?
The fit question isn't just about personal preference – it directly impacts your comfort and range of motion. To choose the right hiking shirt, think about what fit works best for you and your style of hiking:
Fitted: Athletic Fit shirts hug your body and move sweat away fast, keeping your skin dry. They're perfect for intense hikes or as a base layer when you're layering up , like under a fleece jacket . Just make sure the shirt doesn’t pinch or ride up when you move around.
Loose: This option – called Regular Fit or Loose Fit at Mammut – gives you more freedom to move and better ventilation. The relaxed cut improves air flow, which feels especially great on hot days or relaxed hikes.
Hiking Shirt Materials for Different Needs
Depending on how demanding your hike is and how long you'll be out there, it's worth taking a close look at the material when choosing your shirt. Here's a breakdown of the most common fabric types for hiking shirts – and their specific properties:
Synthetic
Synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon are favorites for functional outdoor shirts for good reason. They dry super fast since they barely hold moisture and dump it quickly – perfect when the climb gets sweaty but you want to stay feeling dry. Plus, synthetic hiking shirts are lightweight and super durable. At Mammut, you'll find ultralight high-performance shirts with special Swiss HeiQ Fresh technology that fights odors sustainably. So whatever your trail, our shirts stick with you every step of the way.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is especially popular for multi-day trips because the natural lanolin makes it naturally antibacterial, keeping bad smells at bay for days. Another big advantage is temperature regulation: It keeps you warm when it's cold, and when it's hot, the evaporating moisture creates a cooling effect. Plus, the material feels super soft, making merino great for sensitive skin. However, proper care is important to maintain the fibers and fit of merino shirts. Pro tip: Merino wool hiking socks also keep your feet dry and fresh on long stretches.
Blends
Material mixes of synthetics and merino wool, like our Tree Wool T-shirts and long sleeves, combine the best of both worlds: They're way easier to care for and dry faster than pure merino, while still offering better odor control and effective temperature regulation. Blend hiking shirts are an excellent choice for any hiking trip. Our multi-function shirts with drirelease® technology use a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers. These move moisture out incredibly fast, so the shirts dry way quicker than pure cotton – but with the same comfortable feel against your skin.
Short vs. Long Sleeve: The Right Length for Your Hike
What sleeve length your hiking shirt should have depends heavily on the weather conditions, your personal tolerance for cold, and your skin type. Short sleeve shirts or tank tops give you the best ventilation in hot weather, while long sleeves protect you from cold, sun exposure, and bugs. Instead of constantly reapplying sunscreen, a lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirt can provide reliable protection – especially when you’re exposed to the sun over long periods of time.
Outdoor clothing often has built-in UV protection, indicated by the UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). How well a fabric protects against harmful radiation depends not just on the material, but also on how tightly it's woven: The tighter the weave, the better the protection. Both synthetics like polyester and natural materials like merino wool offer solid protection – merino wool delivers a UPF of about 25 to 50, while polyester often hits UPF 40 to 50+. This is a real advantage in the mountains, where sun exposure gets more and more intense with increasing altitude. Hats and hiking caps also provide effective protection for your face and neck.
Pro tip: If you want to play it safe, pack both a long-sleeve and short-sleeve hiking shirt in your hiking backpack (plus a change of clothes!). This way you're ready for any weather changes and stay flexible.
Which Hiking Shirt Works for Which Trip?
Not all hikes are the same, so your hiking shirt needs vary depending on route, weather, and intensity:
Casual day hikes: For relaxed outings in mild weather, lightweight shirts made from polyester or blends are perfect. They provide good moisture management and dry fast.
Alpine routes with serious elevation: For challenging mountain adventures, you need hiking shirts that are breathable, tough, and quick-drying. Synthetic fiber hiking shirts are your best friend.
Multi-day trips: For longer adventures, merino wool is the perfect choice to reduce odor buildup. Especially when you're not packing much extra clothing, a merino hiking shirt will keep you fresh and comfortable throughout your trip.
Cool weather hiking: In colder temperatures, long-sleeve merino shirts provide comfortable warmth without over-insulating – especially as a base layer. Since the material reliably wicks moisture and dries quickly, you won’t have to worry about cooling down too much.
Care Tips for Hiking Shirts
To keep your hiking shirt functional and in good shape for as long as possible, proper care is key. Here are the most important tips:
Always check the care label before washing – it tells you exactly how to handle the material.
Fabric softener and bleach are off-limits since they damage the special fibers and negatively affect performance.
Always wash hiking shirts inside out. This protects not just the material, but also any special prints or coatings.
Less is more: Only wash hiking shirts when you actually need to. It’s usually not necessary to wash your shirt after every wear – airing it out thoroughly is often enough to eliminate odors. Only when the shirt is soiled or sweaty is it time for the washing machine.
Use specialized detergent made for technical clothing to protect the fibers and membranes. For merino shirts, go with a gentle wool detergent.
A gentle cycle at 85-105°F with low spin speed is more than enough to refresh your hiking shirt without it losing its shape.
Your Hiking Shirt: The Essential Trail Companion
Your hiking shirt is your first line of defense against weather, sweat, and temperature swings – making sure you feel great on every adventure. Check out our selection of durable hiking pants , reliable hiking boots , or waterproof jackets , too, so you're fully prepped for any adventure. In our Mammut Guides & Stories you'll also find practical tips on how to pack your backpack right , what to consider for rainy day hiking , and much more.