The Best Hiking Shirts for Men in 2026
By Ian Freng-MeeteerUpdated November 11, 2026
A good hiking shirt dries fast, doesn’t hold onto sweat or smell, and protects you from the sun. Cotton does none of that. My #1 is The North Face Adventure Tee I wear on the trail. The rest of the list covers sun shirts, a budget pick and a premium high-output tee.
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Quick picks
- Best overall: TNF Adventure Tee: the breathable, quick-drying tee I wear.
- Best budget sun shirt: Northyard UPF 50+ Sun Shirt: UPF 50+ sun protection for about $20.
- Best value long sleeve: Denali UPF 50+ Long Sleeve: a UPF 50+ long sleeve for sunny trails.
- Best for multi-day trips: Marmot Windridge: a moisture-wicking tee from a brand I’ve worn for years.
- Best premium: Arc’teryx Cormac: a premium tee for high-output days.
Best hiking shirts for men compared
| Product | Sleeve | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
TNF Adventure Tee
Best overall
|
Short | Everyday hiking | Check price on Amazon |
Northyard UPF 50+ Sun Shirt
Best budget sun shirt
|
Long, UPF 50+ | Sun, budget | Check price on Amazon |
Denali UPF 50+ Long Sleeve
Best value long sleeve
|
Long, UPF 50+ | Desert, summer | Check price on Amazon |
Marmot Windridge
Best for multi-day trips
|
Short, UPF 50 | 1–3 day trips | Check price on Amazon |
Arc'teryx Cormac
Best premium
|
Short | Fast, sweaty hikes | Check price on Amazon |
How I picked these
The Adventure Tee is the shirt I wear. Marmot is also a brand I’ve used for years; the rest are chosen from research and owner reviews.
1. TNF Adventure Tee: best overall
The North Face Men’s Adventure Tee
A breathable, quick-drying tee for everyday hiking.
- Sleeve Short
- Best for Everyday hiking
What we like
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Comfortable athletic fit
- Works on and off the trail
What we don't
- Short sleeve only: no sun coverage on arms
This is the shirt I reach for on most hikes. It’s breathable, wicks sweat and dries quickly, and it looks normal enough to wear into town afterward.
Where it falls short: it’s short-sleeved, so pair it with sunscreen or choose a sun shirt for exposed trails.
2. Northyard UPF 50+ Sun Shirt: best budget sun shirt
NORTHYARD Men’s UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Sun Shirt
A budget long-sleeve sun shirt with UPF 50+.
- Sleeve Long, UPF 50+
- Best for Sun, budget
What we like
- UPF 50+
- Very affordable
- Quick-drying
What we don't
- Fit and fabric are basic
A lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt rated UPF 50+ for about $20. On exposed trails, covering your arms beats reapplying sunscreen all day.
Where it falls short: the fabric and fit are basic compared with premium brands.
3. Denali UPF 50+ Long Sleeve: best value long sleeve
Denali Performance Men’s UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Shirt
A UPF 50+ long-sleeve tee for sunny trails.
- Sleeve Long, UPF 50+
- Best for Desert, summer
What we like
- UPF 50+
- Lightweight
- Affordable
What we don't
- Limited color and size availability
Another affordable UPF 50+ long sleeve, useful for desert and high-altitude hiking where the sun is the main hazard.
Where it falls short: sizes and colors can be limited.
4. Marmot Windridge: best for multi-day trips
Marmot Men’s Windridge UPF 50 Short-Sleeve Shirt
A durable, moisture-wicking tee from a brand I trust.
- Sleeve Short, UPF 50
- Best for 1–3 day trips
What we like
- Moisture-wicking
- UPF 50
- Durable
What we don't
- Short sleeve only
I’ve worn Marmot clothing for years, and their shirts hold up well. The Windridge wicks sweat, has UPF 50 sun protection in the fabric, and is a good shirt for one- to three-day trips.
Where it falls short: short sleeves leave your arms exposed on sunny days.
5. Arc’teryx Cormac: best premium
Arc’teryx Men’s Cormac Crew Neck Shirt
A premium performance tee for high-output hiking and running.
- Sleeve Short
- Best for Fast, sweaty hikes
What we like
- Excellent breathability
- Premium fit and finish
- Dries fast
What we don't
- Expensive
Arc’teryx’s Cormac is designed for high-output activities like fast hiking and trail running, where breathability and quick drying matter most.
Where it falls short: it’s expensive for a T-shirt.
What to look for
- Skip cotton. It holds sweat and gets cold when wet. Look for polyester, nylon or merino.
- Sun protection: a UPF-rated long sleeve is the easiest way to avoid sunburn on exposed trails.
- Fit: slightly relaxed shirts breathe better and don’t chafe under pack straps.
Hiking shirts for men FAQ
What is the best material for hiking shirts?
Polyester, nylon or merino wool. They wick sweat and dry fast. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and gets cold.
Should a hiking shirt fit loose or tight?
Slightly relaxed. It breathes better and doesn’t chafe under pack straps, without flapping in the wind.
Are long sleeve shirts better for hiking?
Often, in sun. A light, UPF-rated long sleeve protects your arms without sunscreen and can feel cooler than bare skin.
Is UPF 50+ worth it for hiking shirts?
Yes for exposed, desert or high-altitude trails. It blocks most UV without relying on reapplying sunscreen.
Can I use a gym shirt for hiking?
Many synthetic gym shirts work fine for day hikes. Dedicated hiking shirts for men add sun protection, durability and odor control.
Final thoughts on the best hiking shirts for men
The best hiking shirts for men dry fast, breathe well and protect you from the sun. Mine is The North Face Adventure Tee. Add a UPF long sleeve like the Northyard for exposed trails, and you’re covered in almost any conditions.