The 5 Best Hiking Shirts for Men (2025 Guide)
In this guide, we’re featuring the best hiking shirts for men in 2025—all top-rated picks designed for moisture-wicking, breathability, and all-day durability on the trail.
Written By: Ian Freng-Meeteer
Last updated 27 April 2025
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When you’re trekking mountains, hitting forest trails, or exploring rugged backcountry, your clothing matters just as much as your gear. A high-quality hiking shirt keeps you comfortable, dry, and protected from the elements.
What Are The Best Hiking Shirts For Men 2025?
- The 5 Best Hiking Shirts for Men (2025 Guide)
What to Look for in a Good Hiking Shirt
Before diving into our top picks, here’s what matters most when choosing a hiking shirt:
- Breathability: Allows sweat and heat to escape
- Moisture-Wicking: Keeps your skin dry
- Durability: Resistant to snags, abrasions, and rough terrain
- Lightweight Comfort: Shouldn’t weigh you down
- Sun Protection: Many hiking shirts include UPF ratings
The Best Hiking Shirts for Men in 2025
1. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Adventure Tee
- 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane
- Imported
- ADVENTURE READY. Every day has the potential for adventure. Prepare yourself by reaching for your Men’s Adventure Tee and get ready to take on the day.
The North Face Adventure Tee is a lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt built for all-day outdoor adventures. Designed to dry quickly and move with you, it’s perfect for everything from hiking to casual trail runs.
Key Features:
- Moisture-wicking FlashDry™ technology
- Lightweight, breathable polyester blend
- Classic crew neck design
Why It Made the List: Comfortable, simple, and designed for high-output activities.
2. NORTHYARD Men’s Sun Protection UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Shirt
NORTHYARD delivers a fantastic long-sleeve hiking shirt with UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and built for active movement, making it ideal for hot climates or high-exposure trails.
Key Features:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Breathable, stretchy fabric
- Anti-odor and moisture-wicking treatment
Why It Made the List: Affordable yet highly functional for serious hikers needing UV defense.
3. Denali Performance Men’s Teaser UPF 50+ ProtectUV Mega Solar Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Denali’s Teaser shirt is built for extreme sun exposure. Made with ProtectUV Mega Solar fabric technology, it’s a powerhouse for fishermen, sailors, and hikers who need serious protection without sacrificing breathability.
Key Features:
- UPF 50+ protection
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Superior UV blocking fabric
Why It Made the List: A must-have for desert, beach, or open-sky hikes where sunburn is a serious threat.
4. MARMOT Men’s Windridge Moisture-Wicking Short Sleeve Shirt
Marmot’s Windridge shirt is a moisture-wicking workhorse built for high-exertion hiking days. Made from recycled polyester, it offers quick-drying performance and a bit of eco-friendly peace of mind. I’ve been using Marmot clothing & gear for years and can attest that their shirts are durable, the moisture wicking is great and overall perfect for 1-3 days on the trail.
Key Features:
- Lightweight polyester performance fabric
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- UPF 50 sun protection
Why It Made the List: Ideal for fast-paced hikes, mountain summits, and sweaty summer trails.
5. Arc’teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt Men’s
- Lightweight polyester tech tee jersey w/ Silvadur UPF50+ 110gsm
- Imported
- Phasic: Engineered polyester base layer material offers excellent moisture management properties.
Designed for high-output activities like trail running and alpine hiking, the Arc’teryx Cormac Crew is lightweight, air-permeable, and engineered for maximum performance. While a bit pricier, you can’t really beat the quality.
Key Features:
- Ostria™ lightweight knit fabric for airflow
- Excellent moisture management
- Minimalist, athletic fit
Why It Made the List: Arc’teryx-level engineering meets minimalist comfort—perfect for pushing your limits on the trail.
📊 Best Hiking Shirts For Men 2025 Comparison Table
| Shirt | Key Strength | Sun Protection | Fabric Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNF Adventure Tee | Lightweight, Fast-drying | No rating | Polyester blend | General outdoor use |
| NORTHYARD Sun Shirt | UPF Protection, Stretchy | UPF 50+ | Polyester/Spandex | High-exposure hikes |
| Denali Performance T Shirt | Extreme UV Protection | UPF 50+ | ProtectUV Mega Solar | Desert & beach hikes |
| Marmot Windridge Tee | Moisture-wicking, Eco-friendly | UPF 50 | Recycled Polyester | Intense hikes, hot days |
| Arc’teryx Cormac Crew | Breathability, Lightweight | No specific rating | Ostria™ polyester knit | High-output hiking/running |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Shirts For Men
What is the best material for hiking shirts?
Polyester and technical polyester blends are best. They wick moisture, dry quickly, and hold up against abrasion.
Should a hiking shirt fit loose or tight?
A comfortable, athletic fit works best. You want airflow without bagginess that snags on branches or gear.
Are long sleeve shirts better for hiking?
Long sleeves offer added sun protection and help shield from bugs, but short sleeves are better for extreme heat.
Is UPF 50+ worth it for hiking shirts?
Absolutely. A shirt with UPF 50+ blocks 98% of UV rays, protecting your skin during all-day exposure.
Can I use a gym shirt for hiking?
You can—but hiking-specific shirts are usually better designed for abrasion, backpack use, and all-day comfort.
Final Thoughts: Hit the Trail in Comfort and Confidence
Choosing one of the best hiking shirts for men can transform your trail experience. Whether you’re after lightweight breathability, maximum sun protection, or eco-conscious performance, there’s a perfect fit waiting for your next adventure.
Invest in a shirt built for the outdoors—and hike smarter, longer, and happier!