Columbia fishing shirts, reminiscent of the favored PFG (Efficiency Fishing Gear) Bahama II line, which I’m sporting above, have a robust following amongst hikers, not simply anglers. Their light-weight, technical materials and sensible options make them a sensible various to conventional mountaineering shirts, particularly in sizzling, sunny, or buggy environments. Comparatively cheap, they final a very long time, and for added insect safety, you possibly can ship them to InsectShield to be handled with Permethrin in a course of that lasts for 70 washings.
Moisture Wicking
Most Columbia fishing shirts are produced from quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester or nylon that retains you cool and comfy throughout lengthy hikes. They’ve a relaxed, vented match that gives wonderful airflow, with mesh-lined again vents that enhance breathability, an enormous plus on steep climbs or humid days. They’re straightforward to clean and dry shortly, even for those who simply dip them in a stream and wring out the water, on land, in fact, to stop polluting the stream together with your funk.
Solar Safety
Columbia PFG shirts often characteristic Omni-Shade UPF 30–50 solar safety. This implies they block 97–98% of dangerous UVA and UVB rays even when moist. They’ve lengthy sleeves and excessive collars that present further protection for arms and neck—areas vulnerable to sunburn whereas mountaineering. Roll-up sleeve tabs add versatility if you wish to cool off.
Insect Safety
Whereas the material isn’t handled with insect repellent, the tight weave acts as a strong bodily barrier in opposition to most biting bugs (mosquitoes, black flies, ticks). The collars might be flipped up for further safety across the neck, which is useful in buggy areas. That is significantly true for those who put on a head web, as a result of the collar offers a barrier to bugs. In case your head web doesn’t fully cowl the again of your neck, when the bugs are dangerous, I typically button the collar round my neck for further safety. For excessive bug circumstances (deep woods, swamps), pairing the shirt with a devoted insect repellent like Sawyer Permethrin is really useful, because the shirt itself isn’t chemically handled.
Pockets
I additionally like the truth that Columbia’s PFG shirts have massive chest pockets with Velcro or zipper closures which might be useful for holding maps and sun shades. You’ll be able to by no means have sufficient pockets for those who’re a hiker: I deal with them as an extension of my packing system. Since I’m additionally a fly fisherman who bushwhacks to search out distant streams and rivers, these pockets serve double responsibility!
Advice
Columbia PFG fishing shirts are a robust alternative for hikers who want dependable and inexpensive solar safety, consolation in sizzling climate, and an honest bodily barrier in opposition to bugs. They’re particularly well-suited for desert hikes, open trails, and buggy environments. Whereas they lack built-in insect repellent, their design and material nonetheless assist reduce bites. If you happen to do lots of warm-weather mountaineering or need one shirt that works for each trails and water-based adventures, this can be a versatile garment value contemplating.
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