Best summer shirt bang for buck?

REI's Sahara shirt maybe? http://www.rei.com/product/794446/rei-sahara-tech-long-sleeve-shirt-mens

If you sign up for their newsletter, they will periodically email you sales alerts, occasionally up to 20% off. RR is good stuff; but I too usually wait to buy until its on sale. The newsletter signup is at the bottom of their home page.

I used a Columbia Omni-Dry fishing shirt (vented) last year in Colorado in late Aug/early Sept. Very comfy, and the collar, of course, can be flipped up for sun protection.

I stink in synthetic, and this shirt was no different.

Any of the various ex officio shirts (like air strip lite etc) at Sierra Trading Post when on sale at 30% off, which is about once every week or two.

I’ve got a Bass Pro Shop not too far away. I was going to run out and look at their fishing shirts. I’m happy with the convertible fishing pants I have.

Sierra trading post has Exofficio shirts made of dryflylite fabric on sale alot. Mine tended to fade, but I have not heard of others having this color fade issue.

I don't think any of the shirts mentioned really are bug proof, meaning you can get bit through the shirt. Windshirts and raingear usually prevent mosquito bites.

bug proof: ex officio's line uses permethrin, bugs wont have the chance to bite thru. they land, a second later they die. it works fast!

ex officio also run large, the 2 styles that i purchased from STP were baggy but unfortunately i am a size small so downsizing was not an option. did score them for $25-30 tho after getting emailed STP coupons for free shipping, and other discounts.

do a search engine for 'sierra trading post coupon' – you'd be surprised, many results offer coupon codes for 25% off, and/or free shipping.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?searchDescriptions=true&Ne=9400050&allAnyWords=&searchWithin=&anyWords=&N=9400154&exactPhrase=&allWords=ex%20officio%20long%20sleeve

Code RRCT is good for 15% off right now, about as good as it gets – really just pays for shipping.

The REI Sahara is probably the best buy. REI retains the Sahara name while making ongoing changes in the product, so I can't vouch for the current offering. As with windshirts, a change in fabric can make a huge difference.

The Ex Officio Airstrip Lite is my favorite, but spendy. They can be found on sale now and then. I do a dance when I find used ones :)

Solumbra makes some good ventilated sun protection clothing, but also expensive.

I would pay attention to any RailRiders product on sale. Good stuff!

I have a Columbia Silver Ridge shirt and it is okay. It is not as breathable as some of the others. As with REI, that may retain a product name and make ongoing changes.

Don't discount long sleeve silkweight base layer shirts for hot weather. In light colors they can be very comfortable, as well as simple, light weight, and good price. They are easier to launder in the field too. I like the mesh-style weaves vs. the smoother ones for good wicking and breathability.

I use a Cabela's Guidewear longsleve shirt. It has lots of pockets, pitzips, and a mesh backpanel under a flap for ventilation. They come in Tall version also.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Guidewear174-GXII8482-Long-Sleeve-Shirt-150-Tall/722878.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dguidewear%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=guidewear&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

If you're already looking at the eco-mesh, consider the Regulator shirt as well. It's similar to their Adventure shirt with the button closures and half-placket but adds the ability to zip the mesh on the sleeves open or closed, much like the eco-mesh pants. I picked one up on clearance in the hopes that it can be my 3-season "do-everything" shirt. Working well so far.

"I'm looking at RR Eco Mesh, do they ever go on sale :)
Any others I should consider??"

That is an excellent place to start. Ex Officio also makes a very light LS hiking shirt which is, I beleive, bug proofed with permethrin. Patagucci LS silkweight crew is also worth a look. It is rated 50 UPF. Both EcoMesh and the silkweight crew will have to be treated with permethrin if you want to keep the bugs at bay.

I was in a hurry to get out the door yesterday when I posted, and forgot to mention that I spray all my gear with permethrin. Polyester to me is really hot,nylon seems better, but was hoping to find something lighter and cooler. I like the lack of buttons the Eco shirt has, and the elastic wrists. I like the ventilation of a loose shirt, but will look into others as well. Thanks again for your excellent input.

Black Fly Weekend Special, get 10% off all orders
Use Code RRBF in the discount box at checkout.

Best bang for buck? Recently bought a long sleeve running shirt from Target. It is similar to Underarmour Heat Gear (which I also have and is excellent–loose and light). Wicks nicely, light, and SPF 30? Can't find it on Target online, but this is it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001H0F3KO

It was $20 at Target.

For backpacking, I too prefer a long sleeve shirt. I hate wearing sun screen for extend lengths of time (greasy, picks up dirt, blocks pores). So I got with the shirt (and dorky sun hat combo). Affords bug protection, sun protection and easily buttoned up or down for ventilation.

My go-to place for such shirts are the thrift stores. In Helena, MT on my CDT hike, I picked one up for the princely sum of $4 after a deer ate the buttons off my other shirt in Glacier!!! Both were old polyester dress shirts. I've even worn the 65/35 blends over the years and did OK. ;)

I am quite the fashion plate on the long trails, aren't I? :D

^ Dirtmag style? Dirtbag style? Either way…awesome.

I like the EMS Camp Shirt: http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3781166&lmdn=Brand&cp=3707807.11302106.4486395

My medium is 8.01 ounces (wish it was lighter) but the material is light/breathable and the design is simple.