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Enjoying the outdoors trekking or hiking involves wearing sturdy and lightweight tops that don’t collect sweat or rub against your skin. TFG has you covered with this awesome list of the best hiking shirts womens styles!
Best Hiking Shirt for Women
Table Of Contents
Whether you’re hitting the trails at one of the many beautiful National Parks, or planning a trekking trip in the future to Borneo or Nepal, outdoor hiking clothing like women’s hiking shirts are durable and high performance for the rigors of heavy activity.
This type of clothing is practical for me because of its breathability when I’m sweating. Even if it’s colder weather when I’m exploring or hiking, after an hour I start breaking out in a sweat and a regular tee or cotton top will cling to my body, which is really uncomfortable! (I imagine this would not be fun for anyone!)
TFG Editor wearing Eddie Bauer Tank Top
I’m more of a city gal from Los Angeles, but I do enjoy day hikes (glamping is cool too), and being in nature is so refreshing. I went on a birthday trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky and the place is absolutely beautiful. And I wore some awesome activewear shirts that I picked up during Memorial Weekend sales that all held up well during my nature excursions.
Eddie Bauer Tank Top | Eddie Bauer Trail Leggings
While it used to be difficult to find cute and stylish outdoor shirts, times have certainly changed when I started traveling full-time in 2008. Today’s hiking shirts womens choices not only work on trails because they’re lightweight and moisture-wicking, but many can morph off-trail into daily wear, which makes them mega versatile for travel.
Besides my picks, here is a full-on round up of the best shirts for hiking that women can wear proudly, on or off the trail!
Best Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt
Shop: Eddie Bauer
Editor’s Pick: Eddie Bauer Mountain Ripstop Long-Sleeve Shirt
I became a fan of the Eddie Bauer Ripstop shirt immediately! It’s a very versatile piece that’s perfect for ALL outdoor excursions because it’s moisture-wicking and has UPF 50 sun protection, and I can cinch the sleeves if I don’t want long sleeves.
“Hiking” down the beach in my Eddie Bauer Ripstop Shirt and Wallaroo Hat
It’s versatile enough to be paired with denim shorts in Playa del Carmen, worn as a cover up when walking down the beach, and worn over my hiking leggings for a fun trek, I seriously can’t get enough of this top!
In fact, this shirt was one of the top 10 items I wore most of 2020—read about it here, and catch the other nine items I loved!
DETAILS: 100% Nylon | UPF 50+ | Moisture Wicking | Sizes XS-3X
Find out why TFG readers constantly choose Eddie Bauer shirts for travel in this review!
Shop: Columbia
Readers Favorite: Columbia Hiking Shirt Silver Ridge
This Columbia shirt has been voted by TFG readers as the best lightweight long sleeve hiking shirt. The sweat-wicking technology and UVA/UVB protection make it a comfy yet durable piece for scaling up and down trails.
You can roll up the sleeves to make it airer and also layer which this wearer reiterates, “Columbia hiking shirts are very comfortable in spring, fall, and winter (I layer in winter). A few times I’ve used it during cooler summer nights as a cover over a tank or tee.”
DETAILS: 100% Recycled Polyester | UPF50+ | Moisture Wicking | Sizes XS-3X
Baleaf Hiking Long Sleeve Shirt
This Baleaf polyester hiking shirt has lightweight fabric wicks moisture away from your skin and dries quickly for extra comfort, keeping you cool and dry.
It has the standard hiking shirts sun protection at UPF 50 to guard your torso during hot hikes, and the sturdy shoulder seams means you can move your arms easily. The cute tunic length means you can take this off hiking trails and tuck it into leggings or cropped pants.
One wearer gives a stellar review, “This long sleeve hiking shirt exceeded my expectations! It is VERY comfortable and VERY breathable and protected me from the sun on a 14hour hike! Even though it was a hot day, this shirt kept me cool and protected! Would definitely recommend it and will probably by another!”
DETAILS: 100% Polyester | UPF50+ | Moisture Wicking | Quick Drying | Sizes XS-3X
Check out these top hiking pants for women!
Shop: REI
Patagonia Hiking Shirt Lightweight Button-Down
This cute looking Patagonia shirt is meant to be loose so you can wear it over a tank or just alone if you wish! It’s designed to hit at the lower hip and can be tied in the center front.
The fabric is an organic cotton and hemp blend that is uber lightweight and cooling when things heat up hiking or wandering around. The chest pockets give you some simple storage and users say the “neck is both comfortable and flattering and the fabric feels great.”
DETAILS: 52% Recycled Nylon 47% T400 Polyester Blend | Quick Drying | Sizes XS-XXL
Shop: Wool&
Wool& Sloan Merino Wool Hiking Shirt
This soft, lightweight merino hiking shirt helps to regulate body temperature. This top would be great for winter hiking or trekking where temperatures change rapidly.
One review says it all! “I first got it in black and later another in redwood. Fits perfectly and the fabric is soft. I do wish there were more colors and more interesting/vibrant ones.They are barely showing any wear – and I have worn them a lot, including traveling and camping. Easy to pack and rarely need washing.”
DETAILS: 78% Ultrasoft Merino Wool 22% Nylon 160gsm 17.5 Micron Wool | Sizes XS-3X
These are our readers top picks for merino wool t-shirts, perfect for women on the go.
Best Hiking T Shirts
Shop: Columbia
Columbia Hiking Shirt Plus Size
With comfort stretch and moisture wicking fabric, Columbia womens hiking t shirts are made not only for tromping around, but for all kinds of exercises and activities. This shirt will keep you cool and comfortable, and it’s really durable.
Made with a breathable polyester blend, this top is soft and cozy. The relaxed fit and comfy stretch makes for a flattering top that gives you complete mobility. The scoop-back detail keeps you even cooler and gives this shirt a touch of style!
One user says, “Favorite hiking shirt. Soft, perfect fit! Love this and will buy again!” Comes in sizes 1X-3X.
DETAILS: 56% Recycled Polyester, 44% Polyester | Moisture Wicking | Sizes 1X-3X
Shop: Eddie Bauer
Editor’s Pick: Eddie Bauer Resolution V-Neck Hiking T Shirt
This Eddie Bauer is my best hiking shirt hot weather pick! It has built-in moisture-wicking, sun protection, and is super lightweight. Though I tend to like sleeveless tops vs. short sleeves (I’m kind of a sweaty person, haha), I wanted to give this a go.
I find hiking tee shirts from outdoor companies are sometimes poorly designed for women, but this has a nice fit, not too slim or too relaxed.
One user says of this top, “I like the quality and color of this shirt. It’s cool and I can usually wear it twice before washing it.” I’m sold so far too!
DETAILS: 91% Polyester 9% Spandex | Moisture Wicking | UPF 50+ | Sizes XS-3X
Check out our list of top hiking sandals!
Shop: REI
Smartwool Short Sleeve Merino Wool Hiking Shirts
If you’re looking for a top made from natural fibers, this Smartwool tee is made from a functional merino wool blend that feels amazing against the skin and offers a host of great features. It doesn’t retain odor and wicks away moisture, so it can be reworn multiple times, and the fabric won’t wrinkle either! It’s perfect for rigorous hiking days or just hanging at your cabin or campsite, and it’ll keep you at the perfect temp throughout the day.
This brand is high-performance and super popular with adventurers and travelers!
DETAILS: 88% Merino Wool 12% Nylon | Sizes XS-XL Regular & 1X-4X Plus
Shop: Amazon | Icebreaker
Icebreaker Tech Lite Short Sleeve Hiking T-Shirts
This Icebreaker wool hiking shirt is super breathable, comfortable, and has quick-drying abilities (and is now in my closet!). Along with it being odor-resistant and made of merino wool, it’s the perfect travel add-on. Even the seam details are meant to prevent chafing as you’re on the move.
Though this brand is expensive it’s very popular with TFG readers and merino wool is a material that will last years and years. One review says, “I love this shirt. I wore it in hot weather and it held up great. I wore it for three days and no smell at all.”
DETAILS: 100% Merino Wool | Sizes XS-XL
Find the best waterproof hiking boots for your needs!
Shop: Athleta
Athleta Breezy Hiking Shirts
This durable Athleta hiking shirt is a tencel polyester fabric that’s breathable and dries quickly so you’ll feel comfy as you go up or down inclines. This puppy won’t chafe with your pack on as the shoulder seams are specially designed to mitigate this, so you’ll feel relaxed in warm-weather adventures.
One wearer absolutely loves this piece, saying, “The fit and feel of this shirt is perfect for hikes, no matter the distance! I could literally live in this top. Just ordered a second in the gray!!”
DETAILS: TENCEL Modal Polyester | Sizes XXS-3X
Best Hiking Tank Tops
Shop: Ridge Merino
Ridge Merino Wool Tank
The Ridge Merino Frankie tank is the best lightweight hiking shirt that’s made from odor-fighting merino wool and has an airy racerback style. While amazing for sporty activities, you could totally pair it with jeans and sneakers for sightseeing. Truly versatile activewear!
This has all the features of hiking shirts women love due to its merino wool blend – it’s durable, stretchy, wicks away sweat, and regulates your temperature. One hiker says, “These tanks stay put, absorb sweat and dry quickly. Combined with great colors they are a truly versatile base layer.”
DETAILS: 87% Merino 13% Nylon | Sizes XS-XL
These hiking shorts not only good but their super functionable for your next hike too!
Shop: Icebreaker | Amazon
Icebreaker Sphere Tank II
This Icebreaker tank is another awesome choice for top merino wool shirts for hiking. We love the wicking fabric, the softness, and mostly, its feminine lines, especially the scoop neck.
It’ll monitor your body temperature and stave off odors because it’s merino wool. One user says, “This lightweight hiking shirt is a big difference from other tanks. Stays dry and cool during hot yoga. I wear it to climb, too. The fabric is slightly textured and cute!”
DETAILS: 60% Lyocell 40% Merino Wool | Sizes S-L
Find out the best trekking poles for your next mountain hike!
Shop: Amazon
Woolly Merino Wool Crew Tank
This Woolly crew tank has their signature merino wool and elastane for extra give and softness. It has moisture-wicking abilities in hot climates and is comfy and itch-free.
One review says, “Bought it for summer cycling. Looks nice enough to wear under a jacket for work. Great for yoga. It stays put without being too tight. Somehow manages to be both cozy and cool. Honestly, it’s great.”
DETAILS: 100% pure merino wool. 175 GSM Everyday Weight | Sizes XS-XXL
Shop: Icebreaker | Zappos
Icebreaker Siren Merino Wool Tank
This Icebreaker Siren tank top is a soft blend of nylon, lycra, and merino wool that is uber comfortable and naturally, has those odor-resistant abilities.
I find this stretchy, cozy, and mega versatile with jeans, hiking leggings, or shorts. One reviewer says, “They are lightweight, durable merino wool that washes well, and provides a nice light layer. I have not found them to be at all itchy. And they do not crumple so travel great. I use them for sports activities too!”
DETAILS: 83% Merino Wool 12% Nylon 5% Elastane | Sizes XS-XL
Shop: Lululemon
Lululemon Lightweight Racerback Tank Top
This Lululemon women’s hiking shirt feels super luxurious (and I love the range of colors available). It’s a stretchy pima cotton and elastane blend that feels like a second skin so you’ll feel so free to move, walk, climb, scale, and run.
I also like how this is designed to move with you and won’t lose its shape. I’m totally taking this one on trips with me because it’s very versatile for exercise and casual, chic wear.
DETAILS: 94% Pima Cotton 6% Lycra Elastane | Sizes 0-20
Check out this ultimate packing list for trekking!
Compass Rose Packing Cubes available in Slim and Medium Size
How to Pack Your Shirts for Hiking
If you’re ready to tackle some trails either locally or internationally, and you’ve chosen your best shirt for hiking to take on the trip, start with packing cubes, they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. This is the secret to packing carry-on only!
What do you think about these hiking shirt womens styles? Share your faves below!
For more tips on what to pack for hiking, please read:
- Need the Best Hiking Gear List for Female Trekkers? Here it is!
- Hiking and Camping Supplies List for Overnight Trips
- How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots and Shoes
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Love, love, love Woolx tops. Planning a hiking trip in update NY soon (Ithaca and waterfalls), so I’m bookmarking this to come back to.
Woolx tops are great! I have a long sleeve tunic, a short sleeve tee, and their pajamas. They are versatile, easy to care for and worth the investment.
Great list. On the hunt for a wool hiking shirt so will check some of these out!
Hi, I was also looking for a less revealing style tank top! Found a great one at Icebreaker! These are pricey, but I wear them in Hawaii with great comfort…and zero wet, soggy, sweaty results. Tag is easy to remove as well! I have two previous versions, but loved this color….
Got the orange which is a deeper shade, closer to rust!
https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/womens-tshirts/timberland-x-icebreaker-merino-linen-sleeveless-top/0A56NYU2.html
Love the variety of styles and brands of hiking shirt recommendations. This gives many to find some great shirts that deliver to Canada.