Light, cool t-shirts

Hi Julio

Go to SierraTradingPost.com and check out the Terramar Helix Body Sensor T-shirt (#1505K) for $11. Just got one myself and really like it. Since my total order was over $75 I got 25% off, which made the t-shirt about $8…and made me smile!

I don't think I'd want one with any cotton content, as It would take longer to dry; the Helix is all poly and dries wicked fast. I think it's what you want.

Happy trails!

Thanks Monty, will check that out for sure!

Not as cheap as Monty's suggestion, but Duluth Trading has wicking T-shirts of "Diamond-knit" 93% nylon/7% spandex (a subtle waffle pattern). They promote them as work shirts (all their stuff) in hot climates, but I like the slightly looser fit than some of the higher-lycra content sports shirts. $24.50 each, a bit cheaper for three. Also in tanks and long-sleeves.

Their big claim to fame is curing "plumber's butt" by making their shirt tails 3" longer. It helps me because I'm long in the torso and modern American sizes have gotten so huge, medium is often too big around (good grief!, I'm 180 pounds, aren't a medium or large human, as humans go?). But Duluth Trading's size small fits me nicely because of that extra length (I'm 6'0").

I, too, would suggest you try something with NO cotton content. I'm in some pretty snotty weather much of time in Alaska, and when I've got NO cotton content in any garment, my whole wardobe dries as I wear it which is HUGE for comfort and safety.

Outdoor Research Echo Tee. Feels like not having a shirt on.

Any T-shirts made with Dri-Release are 85% poly/15% cotton. There are many brands that use the fabric. Here is a plain, inexpensive one at STP:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/terramar-dri-release-t-shirt-lightweight-short-sleeve-for-men~p~2691k/

Having used the synthetic/cotton blend T-Shirts, I wouldn't worry about it. They feel like a lot of more expensive synthetics. Basically, the synthetic alone will feel like plastic — it would wick really well, but not be too comfortable. By mixing it with cotton you achieve a more comfortable blend. In other words, the blended T-Shirt wicks and dries quite like most synthetic (or wool) T-Shirts. I don't know what the numbers are, but my guess is that is would be somewhere in the middle of a typical range of synthetic or wool T-Shirts.

Thanks to all for your comments and advice! I think the dri-release T-shirts are going to work for me. Not too fond of the 100% poly as they are not as comfortable as the 85-15%. Thanks again and good trekking!

Definitely not cheap, but I've opted to slowly build up a stash of merino tshirts. For me at least, they hold odor a lot less even after days of repeated use. My application has been biking trips. YMMV. I've been buying them as my local outfitting shops have had them on sale. The Icebreaker ones have a small logo, but it's the same color as the shirt cloth so it doesn't stick out

In the last month I have picked up a smart wool T and a stoic T from BC for $25-29. Nice and cool. Hardly ever need washing.

OR Echo for me as well.

Best,

Bill S.

I love my lightweight merino T's. I know wool sounds like it would be warm, but the lightweight stuff wicks well and is quite cool. My go-to hiking shirts are all merino, now. I rarely wear synthetic shirts.

I wear the lightest nike running shirt i could find most of time. It weighs 3.5oz. Has antimicrobial treatment so it doesnt stink much even after a week.