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I've been using an Under Armor long sleeve for a base layer that works good for a wide temperature range and wicks great. What I'm wondering was about the newer fabrics and other "hiking specific" type base layer shirts. Features like:
Wicking
Comfortable in a wide temperature range
UV protection when used by itself
Durable
Wind protection
Variation in fabric density (pit vents maybe?)
Not easily snagged on stuff

Any ideas on what would fit the bill?

Patagoina capilene minus the snagging part, i love mine and will buy more soon

Instead of a t-shirt type thing, why not look at a "camp shirt?" Has pockets, too! They do make them with UV fabric, and they would be tougher than a jersey-type of fabric. (Jersey is that stretchy stuff, like t-shirts are made of.) Just a thought, since I am thinking of looking at them. If you like this idea and find any, let me know. I'm too busy to look right now!

UV fabric seems gimmicky

I've seen the xray man lather up with plenty of sun tan lotion but never have I seen him apply under his shirt, shorts, etc.

joe bartels wrote:I've seen the xray man lather up with plenty of sun tan lotion

Frickin he's the smart one.

joe bartels wrote: sun tan lotion

I've learned since surgery for melenoma, It's Sun Screen lotion, not Sun Tan Lotion any more...

gotcha
Do you put it on under your shorts?

Call me old-fashioned but I like cotton. It's cheap, too...

joe bartels wrote:UV fabric seems gimmicky

My understanding is that the whole idea of UV "treated" fabric is that it allows you to have a lightly colored, open knit/weave fabric that still blocks UV as well as a heavy weight, dark colored, closed knit/weave fabric would. I also read that it's basically not an issue for normal, healthy adults with average to above average sun exposure. However, if you have special sun sensitivities (lupus, skin cancer, sun allergy), then UV fabrics offer you an alternative to heavy, hot clothing in the summers.

Beyond that, it's pretty gimmicky - because if it really was only necessary for individuals with serious problems, it would likely only be available on a very limited scale, instead of being tagged on every camp shirt from here to Timbuktu...

writelots wrote:

joe bartels wrote:UV fabric seems gimmicky

My understanding is that the whole idea of UV "treated" fabric is that it allows you to have a lightly colored, open knit/weave fabric that still blocks UV as well as a heavy weight, dark colored, closed knit/weave fabric would. I also read that it's basically not an issue for normal, healthy adults with average to above average sun exposure. However, if you have special sun sensitivities (lupus, skin cancer, sun allergy), then UV fabrics offer you an alternative to heavy, hot clothing in the summers.

Beyond that, it's pretty gimmicky - because if it really was only necessary for individuals with serious problems, it would likely only be available on a very limited scale, instead of being tagged on every camp shirt from here to Timbuktu...

You're probably right, but remember: All fabric is UV protective. A thin sheet of paper is UV protective.

I'm not aware of one that fits all of those criteria. The ones that wick well aren't necessarily windproof. But if it's your under layer, I'm curious about the UV and wind. No shirt I know of works well from -20°F to 120°F, wicks, windproof and UV. I think you need different shirts/layers for different criteria.

For my cold weather under layer I agree with Fairweather on the Patagonia capilene. I use level 2 or 3 depending on how cold. I don't think you need level 4 in AZ, adjust your other layers. These aren't really "compression" shirts. In warm weather as the backpack gets heavier I go to Arc'teryx; as the backpack gets lighter or a daypack, REI makes some great t-shirts. The Mountain Hardware t-shirts get all pilled and shredded by catclaw, don't wear them in the Supes. Cotton is ok in the summer in our dry heat, it holds the sweat. If the wicking shirts drip the sweat remember what Cody Lundin says in "98.6° - the art of keeping your pumpkin alive" - a drop of sweat lost is a drop of sweat wasted. Cotton is very dangerous in cold weather. These really just have minimal UV protection.

For UV & compression - I think UnderArmor and Nike make UV t-shirts. I've never tried them. Kokotat makes some great compression shirts with UV, wicking, some wind protection - these are maybe the best. I've used them rafting but not backpacking - I prefer the Patagonia instead.

Dang - I remember the old days when we just grabbed whatever was clean and headed out. This modern tech stuff is way too complicated. Just get a USMC PT shirt, it's all you really need.

I'm with Jeff, I like cotton a lot of the time, but not in winter. I do have some mountain biking t-shirts that are high-tech, and do wear them hiking, too. Not sure what brand they are.

A lot of the new 'high tech' stuff reminds me of skiers who dress to look good on the slopes.
I should come out with a line of outdoor clothes like what the Apache used to wear.. the animal skins would protect for UV, and the loin cloths take care of that whole chaffing thing.. I could market it along with my 'Big Betty/Bob' blowup doll air mattress for lonely through hikers...

really depends on what you're doing. I certainly appreciate tech type stuff running, and compression shorts/bike shorts too for that matter while biking. Hiking though, most days in AZ, a cotton shirt and running shorts works out great.. or even a tech t.. if I happen to have a clean one. cotton, my sweat volume, running and nipples... don't mix

I've never bought a wicking shirt...although I have an assortment of colors. My wife finds these on sale for $5-7 dollars and then gives me a few for Christmas. I think I have about 15 of them now. Some are butt ugly but I end up liking those the best . Not sure want brands I think some have a C on front. I do have 1 underarmour from clearence that she paid $12. Nothing beats cotton in the summer desert though.

dysfunction wrote:if I happen to have a clean one. cotton, my sweat volume, running and nipples... don't mix

I remember a thread last year about Joe having a nipple problem...I think he did 7-8 trips up Squaw that day.

Body Glide as recommended by fellow HAZer's worked great! That wasn't a cotton issue, more due to the constant stepping up and down. The Body Glide does wear off after a couple hours and it does stain whites so beware.

Jeff MacE wrote:You're probably right, but remember: All fabric is UV protective. A thin sheet of paper is UV protective.

Yeah, I just think it's total nonsense for thick solid fabrics to advertise such.


Me thinks chaffing issues are a little more than the fabric one wears ;)

joe bartels wrote:. . .it does stain whites so beware. . .

TMI You're still wearing whitey tighties?

joe bartels wrote:I've seen the xray man lather up with plenty of sun tan lotion but never have I seen him apply under his shirt, shorts, etc.

well, you've seen my skin tone. i burn in 15 minutes without it (sun screen - not lotion)...protect your skin my fellow HAZ'ers.