Columbia fishing shirts, corresponding to the favored PFG (Efficiency Fishing Gear) Bahama II line, which I’m carrying above, have a powerful following amongst hikers, not simply anglers. Their light-weight, technical materials and sensible options make them a sensible different to conventional mountaineering shirts, particularly in scorching, sunny, or buggy environments. Comparatively cheap, they final a very long time, and for added insect safety, you may 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 created 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 glorious airflow, with mesh-lined again vents that enhance breathability, a giant plus on steep climbs or humid days. They’re straightforward to scrub and dry rapidly, even should you simply dip them in a stream and wring out the water, on land, in fact, to stop polluting the stream along with your funk.
Solar Safety
Columbia PFG shirts normally 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 additional protection for arms and neck—areas liable 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 stable bodily barrier towards most biting bugs (mosquitoes, black flies, ticks). The collars will be flipped up for additional safety across the neck, which is useful in buggy areas. That is significantly true should you put on a head internet, as a result of the collar gives a barrier to bugs. In case your head internet doesn’t utterly cowl the again of your neck, when the bugs are unhealthy, I usually button the collar round my neck for additional safety. For excessive bug situations (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 giant chest pockets with Velcro or zipper closures which might be useful for holding maps and sun shades. You possibly can by no means have sufficient pockets should you’re a hiker: I deal with them as an extension of my packing system. Since I’m additionally a fly fisherman who bushwhacks to seek out distant streams and rivers, these pockets serve double responsibility!
Suggestion
Columbia PFG fishing shirts are a powerful alternative for hikers who want dependable and reasonably priced solar safety, consolation in scorching climate, and an honest bodily barrier towards bugs. They’re particularly well-suited for desert hikes, open trails, and buggy environments. Whereas they lack built-in insect repellent, their design and cloth nonetheless assist reduce bites. When you do a variety of warm-weather mountaineering or need one shirt that works for each trails and water-based adventures, it is a versatile garment price contemplating.
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