all-purpose shirt for wind also

Eric,

I think this can get really complicated with all the possible combinations. I like wind shirts. I had a Montbell that I did not particularly like, but many times it did its job. My new Houdini is much better.

However, lets talk about your PacLite parka. I think that GoreTex and other similar materials have gotten a bad rap, because we often do not layer properly. Normally as it gets colder, especially before wind/rain/snow we add layers. Lets say you are hiking with your base and the shirt, in which you are comfortable for this particular trip at higher altitude. Now the wind kicks up. Most of us add a wind shell. But the shell traps air inside and does not breath really well and we start to get hot. What we probably should have done is remove one of the layers before putting on the shell. I for one do not like to tinker with clothes while hiking. I like to start out with my clothes and not take stuff off and on. So I used to just add the shell and then get too hot. Now I remove a layer if I have more than one, or substitute something when wearing a single layer, if I have another option in my pack. Takes a lot of planning and practice for each of the many scenarios we might encounter, depending upon the location and season of our hike.

Have you taken a look at the RR Regulator Windshirt? If the main fabric blocks wind well enough, it could give you additional flexibility.

I know that I am in the minority here but I personally do not see a need for a windshirt in a situation where I am going to pack a rain jacket. I understand their limitations with breathability–legitimate concern–but I don't expect them to be miracle workers in that respect. I rely on the ventilation provided by a full front zip and pit-zips. My feeling is that if you have a jacket with those options (apologies, I don't know whether your rain jacket has these features or not) that there are enough venting possibilities to provide the neccessary warmth in windy conditions and rid yourself of uncomfortable humidity. A further possible step in venting is to pull your arms through the pit-zips, essentially creating a vest–plenty of venting options.

But addressing your question of an all-purpose windshirt. A while back when planning some international travel, I was looking for a shirt that would function well in the backcountry, trekking being my preferred means of travel, and one that would be presentable in the front country as well. I went with a "dress" shirt and love it…now use it for domistic hiking as well. Sleeves roll up when things are warm, unbutton the top buttons to vent some heat, put up the collar to ward off the sun and wind and roll down the sleeves for the same. Many of these shirts are synthetic, have a tight weave and can be had for $3 at a thrift store.

Eugene, Tnanks for the photo. It tells me that the RR windshirt is essentially like mine. Mine has the vented back but it has no pit zips and it has a standard collar & front pockets. But mine has a buttoned front which is less windproof to some degree.

I guess I'll try it this trip and see how it works as an all-around shirt. If the button front becomes a problem I can always sew Velcro strips between the buttons.

great idea, I use a MH Canyon shirt as a windshirt all the time.
IMO almost no difference vs a windshirt (may be that my houdini is a bit more water resistant and breathable, the MHW is more durable though)

Ty,

Your suggestion as a dress shirt is excellent. Some construction workers wear them in the desert during the summer.

One thing about wind shirts. Most people use them as shells. In colder weather sometimes I use mine as an inner layer, sort of like a vapor barrier. It is a matter of mixing things up and many combinations can be had with 3 or 4 fairly light layers to cover a wide range of situations, especially in colder conditions.

Thanks, Nick. I have been very pleased with the function, comfort and versetility of a dress shirt. One other strength I've observed since using them is their ability to dry quickly secondary to the very thin, flat weave common to many dress shirts. I use one that is a poly-cotton blend (80% cotton) and, as counter as it is to all we know about dressing for the outdoors, it actually dries faster than the polyester shirts I used previously.

The idea had NEVER occured to me to use a windshirt as an underlayer/quasi vapor barrior. I think that's brilliant. What a powerful pack of heat 3 oz. could provide when used that way. I'll incorporate that into my clothing assortment for light winter use. Thanks.