HikeArizona.COM

A newb, so I don't know the correct terms. But I thought I should share what I found for a fantastic first (base?) layer T-shirt.

Last year I saw some "Air Mesh/New Lightweight Technology" T-shirts at Costco. The implication is that they are "cool" and "moisture wicking." Certainly important for hiking in Arizona during the summer. (If not year round.)

They're the 32 Degrees brand "Cool" T-shirt.

Mine are 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex, although the website now says that they're 90% Polyester - 10% Spandex. So maybe not as good anymore? (I don't know if it's the "air mesh" technology that makes them so good or the materias used. Or both.)

Anyway, I can tell that mine are cool. If I wear one at night to sleep at home in my bed - with a thick quilt - I am cold. Whereas if I sleep in my normal cotton t-shirt, I'm comfortable.

I wear them when I'm backpacking, and they do wick away moisture. I'm not as drenched in the heat with sweat as with my normal t-shirt, especially where my backpack rests against my back.

Mine are not as soft/comfy on my skin for everyday wear. But I don't notice it while backpacking.

For the gram weenies, the nylon ones that I have are VERY light.

@TooOld2HikeQ
Over the last few years for hiking in cold weather I've worn 32 DEGREES Heat Mens Performance Thermal Baselayer Crewneck Long Sleeve Top & 32 DEGREES Heat Mens Performance Thermal Lightweight Baselayer Legging Pant.

I like the long sleeve top for casual wear around the house to keep the chill off during the cold months especially when we have the thermostat turned down.

@CannondaleKid
So now I'm wondering how cold "cold" is when hiking.

On my recent overnight on the LSM (#244), the high was about 45 F with wind sometimes.

For this Phx transplant of 40+ years now, that's cold. Especially when I was in cloud (no sun) and it was flurrying.

Nevertheless, I had to stop twice early on and remove my puffies. (I started out wearing two.) In the end, I was wearing my 32 degrees COLD t-shirt, a non-backpacking specific lumberjack looking shirt and a backpacking specific rain jacket/windbreaker. Which I zipped up and down as needed.

It seems that, as long as I'm exerting myself, isn't a problem. (But then again, how "cold" are you talking?)

I didn't know that 32 Degrees had a WARM version (which seems counterintuitive, given their brand name). But I might try the WARM for sleeping. (I currently wear a polyester t-shirt and a (cashmere?) fleece.)

TooOld2HikeQ wrote:For the gram weenies

Hey! I resemble that remark!

Thanks for the info! I'll look into it, too.

@garyc57
4 ounces for Large (in their previous nylon blend).

TooOld2HikeQ wrote:4 ounces for Large (in their previous nylon blend).

2XL? (Asking for a friend)

@garyc57
Don't know. The only I have are L.

Costco has a sale coming up on the 32 Degree brand t-shirts. April 12 - May 7. Three for $10. ($3 off.)

Although I just now noticed that the "sale" is for a 3-pack. Whereas last year, they were selling them in 4-packs. (Shrinkflation.)

@TooOld2HikeQ
I wondered about that as I received a 4-pack of them for Christmas. Maybe they're a different style. I don't anticipate the 4-pack ones to last very long, they're rather thin and I'm already seeing wear.