Columbia fishing shirts, reminiscent of the favored PFG (Efficiency Fishing Gear) Bahama II line, which I’m carrying above, have a robust following amongst hikers, not simply anglers. Their light-weight, technical materials and sensible options make them a wise various to conventional climbing shirts, particularly in scorching, sunny, or buggy environments. Comparatively cheap, they final a very long time, and for added insect safety, you’ll be able to 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 made out of quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester or nylon that retains you cool and comfy throughout lengthy hikes. They’ve a relaxed, vented match that provides glorious airflow, with mesh-lined again vents that improve breathability, a giant plus on steep climbs or humid days. They’re simple to clean and dry shortly, even if you happen to simply dip them in a stream and wring out the water, on land, after all, 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 vulnerable to sunburn whereas climbing. 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 may be flipped up for additional safety across the neck, which is useful in buggy areas. That is notably true if you happen to put on a head web, as a result of the collar offers a barrier to bugs. In case your head web doesn’t utterly cowl the again of your neck, when the bugs are dangerous, I typically button the collar round my neck for additional 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 can be useful for holding maps and sun shades. You may by no means have sufficient pockets if you happen to’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 obligation!
Suggestion
Columbia PFG fishing shirts are a robust selection for hikers who want dependable and reasonably priced solar safety, consolation in scorching climate, and a good 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 decrease bites. If you happen to do lots of warm-weather climbing or need one shirt that works for each trails and water-based adventures, this can be a versatile garment price contemplating.
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