T-shirts

Yes, I suggest you look at:

–the Champion line, sold at Target
–the sports line, sold at Old Navy
–the wicking tees in stock at Costco right now
–cycling clearance sites, for t-style jerseys

All of those include excellent tech shirts, often at prices way, way below often lesser items marketed to backpackers and hikers.

THey all work the same, just find something that fits the way you want (either a little loose for air flow or tighter for better moisture control and more warmth).

I will make the caveat that if you want a long sleeve then the fabric becomes more of a factor. Personally the only long sleeve base layer I have found that works great in hot weather (desert hiking from 80F to 115F) is the Arc'teryx phase SL fabric. Pricey but it wicks so fast that it acts as a nice A/C unit if you keep moving or in the slightest breeze. But aside from L/S tees which are a bit stuffy in heat, anything will do well enough.

TJ Maxx usually has the brand "8" that are pretty cheap ($5-12) and come in different weights. I have a few that are comfortable. They also have addidas, nike dri fit etc at good prices.

–the Champion line, sold at Target
–the sports line, sold at Old Navy
–the wicking tees in stock at Costco right now

Curious, do the above feel silky or cottony?

My favorite is the Manitou poly shirt from Golite. Functions the same as the other poly shirts, but feels better on my skin. A lot of the inexpensive ones have more of a slick, silky type feel that I don't like as much.

http://www.golite.com/Ms-Manitou-Shortsleeve-Hiking-Top-P46933.aspx

Ryan

@Ryan, who wrote, ""A lot of the inexpensive ones have more of a slick, silky type feel that I don't like as much."

I feel the same, which was why I posted my question right above your post. But instead of just saying your Golite feels "better" — can you give us a more helpful description of how it feels next to skin?

Sorry Ben, I didn't read your post before I responded to the OP's question. Great minds think alike I guess.

It's kind of hard to describe, but it feels closer to a normal cotton shirt than it does the cheaper poly shirts. Drapes really well. I will see if I can take a pic comparing it to another poly shirt when I get home this evening.

Ryan

Thanks, Ryan!