[pct-l] hiking shirts

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

Fashion changes too much to keep up with it. If after all your  
searching you still have no luck, you might try combing the thrift  
stores. I've found some really nice shirts there, sometimes brand new  
with the tags still on.

If you have a sewing machine, you may even consider adding the  
features you want. I met a woman on the trail last year who did just  
that. She ingeniously added mesh all down the sleeves and side-seams  
and on the back panel of a pull-over-style shirt. She looked so cool  
and comfortable I decided to try it myself. It really wasn't that  
hard to do.

Whatever shirt you choose, be forewarned that certain backpacks can  
stain your shirt black. Gossamer Gear packs are one of them. I didn't  
have a Gossamer Gear pack in 2008 and my hiking shirt is still  
wearable. I had a Gossamer Gear pack in 2009 and my nice light yellow  
Rail Riders shirt is completely ruined.

On Oct 23, 2010, at 8:43 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I'm thinking of investing in a hiking shirt but thought to seek out  
> some
> suggestions. I've done sections A through C (May-June) in a  
> combination
> of white long sleeve nike and rei shirts - breathable synthetics - one
> with a  partial zipper/ collar - the other without zipper /collar.
>
> I'm thinking of getting a looser shirt with side vents, back vents,  
> and
> possibly vents under the front pockets. I'd like the sleeves to  
> roll up
> if desired and front buttons the entire length. My wife and kids have
> these equivalents but am having trouble finding exactly this for a  
> male.
>
> I've seen the REI Sahara Tech Shirt and it looks promising BUT review
> suggests it fits small. I'm a 33 arm length 16 inch neck w a 45 in  
> chest
> and really get tired of busting buttons or having the sleeves  
> extending
> inches past my wrists.
>
> The Rail Rider looks good but expensive as well. Patagonia's stuff
> didn't really fit the check list.
>
> Anybody else have a favorite suggestion?
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Robert