8 Incredible Hiking Shirts for Women (Anti-Stink and Quick-Dry)
As you start to become an avid hiker and need specific hiking shirts for hot weather or cold summits, you’ll want to look for shirts that are sweat-wicking, anti-odor, and have sun protection.
All these features in can really make a difference in your overall hiking comfort and experience.
Since I tend to do long, high intensity hikes, I also prefer all my hiking shirts to have an anti-stink formula.
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Women’s Hiking Shirts
Here are our top picks out of the 8 best hiking shirts from summer to winter, rated for comfort, quality, and protection.
Best Anti-Stink: lululemon Swiftly Tech
Short-Sleeve: Patagonia Capilene Cool
Lightweight Long sleeve: O.R. Echo Sun Hoodie
Winter Long sleeve: Mountain Hardwear Airmesh
Hiking Shirts for Hot Weather
The best shirt material for hiking in hot weather is either polyester or a lightweight merino wool blend. It’s also important to make sure the shirt has sun protection elements and anti-odor properties.
Avoid any shirts for hiking made of cotton or fleece as your base layer as they do not wick sweat and will create a swamping effect with your sweat leaving your clothes heavy, cold, and smelly.
lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback
Best for: best anti-stink hiking shirt for hot weather
FEATURES
Seamless slim fit, racerback
High neck or standard collar options
Silverescent™ technology, inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric
Quality-made fabric that will last for years
REVIEW: This is the most comfortable seamless design I’ve worn. Mine has lasted for 5+ years without stretching out and remaining stink-proof.
The fabric is extremely soft and fits perfectly snug without being uncomfortable or chafing.
This tank top comes in a high-neck or standard neck version. I personally prefer the high-neck for more sun protection.
This tank also stays put when layering under a long sleeve for cooler hiking days in case it heats up during the hike. To keep this high-quality fabric in tip-top condition, make sure you hang dry this shirt.
Read next: 8 Favorite Hiking Bras for the Trail
Colorfulkoala Long Crop Top
Best for: short summer hikes or layering under shirts
FEATURES
Lightweight and quick-drying
High-neckline
Double-lined
No built-in bra
REVIEW: When it’s going to be a short and sweaty hike, crop tops are a great choice for max breathability.
I love the high neck and longer length for added coverage and confidence.
While this crop tank doesn’t have a built-in bra, it actually is double-lined and supportive enough that I don’t need to wear a bra with it.
You can also layer this top under a loose T-shirt or long sleeve if the weather is supposed to change dramatically.
The top does fit true to size and I don’t think you need to size down even if you don’t plan to wear a bra with it.
Don’t forget Coola's sweat-proof SPF 70 if this is all you’re wearing!
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
Best for: On hot and sweaty hikes when you want to stay cool and dry
FEATURES
Wicks moisture and dries fast to keep you cool
Extremely lightweight and cool to the touch
HeiQ® Fresh durable odor control inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria
Fair Trade Certified™ sewn in a Fair Trade facility
REVIEW: Patagonia’s Capilene line is a must-have for hiking with its lightweight, seamless construction, underarm gussets, and technology to prevent odor-causing bacteria.
The loose fit is extremely comfortable for all-day wear and Patagonia did an incredible job with the designs, especially for us nature lovers!
The cool to the touch outside is also incredible for those hot hiking days.
You won’t be disappointed with this purchase and it will probably become your go-to hiking shirt or even just lounging around the house.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
Best for: best lightweight long sleeve hiking shirt for summer
FEATURES
UPF 15-20 Sun Protection
Quick-Dry and Sweat-wicking
ActiveFresh™ Odor Control
Pony Port in Hood
Thumb-hole design
Sizes XXS to 3X
REVIEW: If you are planning to be in full sun while hiking or out on the water and don’t like lathering up every hour, definitely give this long sleeve a go!
Outdoor Research is known to make amazing technical gear from hiking to skiing and this long sleeve has all the small details that make a big difference.
The details are what make this long sleeve stand out as my favorite. The thumbhole inserts to cover your hands, the hood with a ponytail hole, and the extremely comfortable lightweight fabric.
I also noticed I don’t sweat anymore than I would wearing a T-shirt and I’m getting max sun protection by wearing this long sleeve.
Long sleeve Hiking Shirts
The best shirts for hiking in cold weather are made out of merino wool or have sweat-wicking properties so you stay dry while you sweat and can naturally retain heat.
lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve
Best for: layering over a tank or under a jacket, and keeping odor away
FEATURES
Sweat-wicking, Seamless Construction
Fitted, Hip Length, Thumb Holes
Layers extremely well without bunching up
Silverescent™ technology, inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric
REVIEW: This is the best shirt I have at keeping odor at bay, even for multi-day backpacking trips. It’s also the most comfortable long sleeve I own.
The slim fit isn’t too tight and is perfect for layering a tank top under and a jacket over if the weather is all over the place.
While a high price point, this shirt has proven worthy and durable after hiking in it consistently for the past 10 years.
If you are between sizes, go up in size so you can fit tank tops underneath and it still will be fitted enough on the arms to not get caught when layering jackets over. I wear a size 8 normally but prefer the size 10 so it isn’t so tight on my arms.
Read next: Best Hiking Jackets for Women
Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Long sleeve
Best for: cold winter hikes when you only need one base layer that keeps you warm and dry
FEATURES
Unique ventilating mesh fabric that retains warmth while wicking sweat away
Very lightweight and loose fitting
A brushed back that is temperature regulating
Thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place
Comes in a long sleeve, 1/4 zip or hoody
REVIEW: There isn’t a better hiking shirt for winter than this Airmesh long sleeve series by Mountain Hardwear. Unless temperatures are below 30°F, I only hike in this long sleeve and an insulated jacket.
The fabric is like nothing I’ve ever felt or experienced.
The outside feels like a standard polyester shirt but the inside feels like a cozy fleece fabric. The only difference is this fleece-like fabric actually wicks sweat while retaining your heat so you stay warm and dry throughout your hike.
Additionally, this long sleeve is extremely lightweight and very durable which makes it great for backpacking or climbing. It has a loose fit so I recommend sizing down unless you plan to layer under this long sleeve.
BALEAF Lightweight 1/4 Zip
Best for: budget-friendly, lightweight long sleeve
FEATURES
UPF50+ Sun Protection
Hidden window on wrist to view watch
Quick-Drying and Lightweight
Right side pocket with hidden zipper
Mesh back allows for extra venting
REVIEW: This budget-friendly long sleeve is a great option when you need a lightweight long sleeve to stay protected against the sun during hot summer days.
I bought white so it will reflect the sun during summer hikes or raft trips. It is very soft and cool to the touch. Also, the back is ventilated without being itchy like some mesh can be.
I also love the watch window so I don’t have to both pulling up my sleeves. It’s the small details for me!
BELEAF is my go-to Amazon brand for affordable hiking clothes!
Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long-Sleeve Shirt
Best for: hiking in full sun, dense forests or multi-day treks
FEATURES
Omni-Wick™ sweat-wicking fabric
Rated at UPF 40
Antimicrobial treatment to prevent odor in fabric
Venting at back shoulders promotes airflow
REVIEW: If you need a durable, yet lightweight and comfortable hiking shirt that can keep you from sunburn and even last for multiple days without stinking then this is the shirt for you.
The sleeves can roll up if you’d like, but the back airflow panel is a real game changer.
Buying Advice - Women’s Hiking Shirts
Sun-protection:
There are a series of factors to consider for what amount of sun protection you will need. You will notice most shirts have a UPF rating.
For example, a UPF-40 means that 1 of 40 UV rays gets through to your skin. That rating occurs from how tightly woven the fabric is.
Along with the UPF, you will want to consider the material type, the stretch level, and color choice (lighter colors will reflect the sun better).
Material:
The material of the shirt will determine breathability, fit, and if it is coated with sun protection. Typically, polyester is the most common fabric for lightweight, sweat-wicking hiking shirts.
Merino wool is also an excellent fabric for winter clothing when you need warmth but still want to wick away sweat incredibly well. Also, keep in mind which shirts are machine-washable or need to be hung to dry. I don’t dry any of my lululemon clothing so it will last longer.
Quality:
It is true that 99% of the time you will get what you pay for. I love my Target and Old Navy finds, but I also know they are more prone to piling and won’t hold up to as many washes as my lululemon shirts.
If you can, try to find second-hand quality hiking shirts from places like REI garage sale, you’ll be in for a triple win - budget, quality, and environmentally friendly.
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