13 BEST Hiking Shirts for Women in 2024 [Quick Dry & Comfy]

Short on time? Our pick for the best hiking shirt for Women is the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie.

The best hiking shirts for women for staying comfortable on the trail in every season.

I have spent the last 10+ years of my life hiking regularly. Sometimes I have hiked for work and often hike on weekends for fun. 

I feel very comfortable outdoors, but I remember how nervous I was on my first solo hikes. I was certain a mountain lion would eat me, and I waaay overpacked my backpack (gotta have the 10 Essentials!). 

I also wouldn’t be caught dead in those hiking outfits now (so much khaki…)

I think some women sense there is a “right” way to dress outdoors, and while there are certainly some general guidelines, I hate when women feel pressured to dress the “right” way. 

There are many ways to dress comfortably and appropriately for the outdoors, and at the end of the day, you should wear what is comfortable and practical for your situation. 

Below I’ve rounded up the top hiking shirts for women *in my opinion.* 

These shirts will give you an idea of what works for me and my hiking friends. Plus, I made a buying guide to teach you what I look for in a good hiking shirt. 

Take advantage of my hard-won experience, skip the khaki cargo pants, and read on for the top women’s hiking shirts in 2024.

Putting together your whole hiking wardrobe? Check out our recommendations for the best women’s hiking clothes!

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

#1 Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: Summer

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie is the best lightweight long sleeve women’s hiking shirt. 

I have two Crater Lake Hoodies, and this shirt is my go-to hiking shirt for hot summer days and multi-day backpacking trips. 

This long-sleeve hiking shirt has a slightly loose fit to keep you cool with a drawstring waist, so it doesn’t fit like a shapeless mumu. 

The fabric is buttery soft and dries quickly. I also like that the synthetic material offers UPF 50+, and that there’s a hood to keep the sun off my face. 

My only complaint about this long sleeve shirt is that the color choices could be more varied.

However, the Crater Lake Hoodie was Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2019, so I know I’m not the only one who loves this hiking shirt!

#2 Icebreaker 260 Tech Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer

Our Rating: 5/5
Sun Protection: UPF 20
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: Winter

Although synthetic fibers have their perks for quick dry hiking shirts, all-natural fibers like merino wool have many benefits. Merino wool pros include natural antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties. 

This 100% Merino wool Icebreaker 260 Tech Long-Sleeve Crew Base Layer is an excellent option for winter hiking trips. 

A base layer should fit comfortably against your skin. This wool hiking shirt uses flatlock stitching to reduce friction against your skin and offset seam construction to prevent chafing.

Additionally, this long-sleeve hiking shirt has a slim fit– perfect if you hate feeling too bulky. 

I wish this top came in more colors and that its UPF rating was higher, but since you’ll likely wear this under another layer, you probably won’t be burned anyway.

#3 REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie

Our Rating: 5/5
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: Summer

One of REI’s best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather is the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie.

 This long sleeve hiking shirt has a polyester spandex blend, a hood with a drawstring (so nice on windy days), and thumb loops. 

You can bet your booty this long sleeve hiking shirt dries quickly and wicks away moisture, plus it’s coated in an antimicrobial finish. 

The Sahara Shade Hoodie comes in various nice pastel colors, and the shoulders are “dropped” to give you maximum mobility. 

Some reviewers didn’t like that on this hot-weather hiking shirt has a scooped hemline, which is supposed to give your butt more coverage from your hiking pack. 

However, I personally like the scooped hemline as it gives the shirt a little shape.

#4 Patagonia Women’s Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Sun Protection: UPF 40+
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: Summer

If you want your clothing to have positive environmental and social justice impacts, consider buying from Patagonia.

Patagonia’s Women’s Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody is among their best hiking shirts for hot weather. This long sleeve shirt hits all my top criteria for a great hiking shirt. 

The modal fabric is made from beech tree pulp; it’s incredibly soft, breathable, and durable, and all the workers who created the garment were paid a livable wage. 

The long sleeves have thumb loops, and the hood is big enough to go over a baseball cap with a button enclosure at the front to cover your neck. 

I love the little zippered side pocket for holding small items too. Finally, when you buy a Patagonia product, you’re ensuring you get a product for life. When the product wears out, Patagonia can repair it for a nominal fee. 

Considering what lengths they go to with their customer service and contractor care, you can expect to pay a premium for this shirt.

#5 Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt

Our Rating: 4.7/5
Sun Protection: Not listed
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: Summer

The Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt could be a good option if you want a most traditional plaid hiking look. 

Patagonia designed this button-down long-sleeve shirt with fishermen in mind, but many of these technical features are great for hiking too. 

The two chest pockets are big enough for a small fly box, and there’s a lens cleaner on the inner layer to clean your sunglasses. 

Despite the classic Western look, this hiking shirt has micro-stretch fabric (recycled nylon/polyester blend) that dries super quickly for hot weather comfort. 

A button-down shirt is perfect for layering over a tank top or hiking t-shirt.  

As always, you pay a premium with Patagonia but get a premium product back. Plus, you can sometimes score a bargain when you shop for used shirts on Patagonia’s website.

#6 REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew Top

Our Rating: 5/5
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Sleeve Length: Short
Best Season: Summer

Even though I love long sleeves for hiking, there are times when a T-shirt is the thing to have. One of REI’s top women’s hiking t-shirts is the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew Top. 

This polyester spandex t-shirt is perfect for hiking in the shoulder seasons or in summer. It also makes an excellent work-out shirt. 

This t-shirt has a UPF rating of 50+. It’s moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchy enough for ease of movement. 

A drop tail hem is one unique feature I rarely see with women’s short sleeve hiking shirts. 

The drop tail hem means the back is a little longer than the front, which helps cover your backside when you bend and stretch. While some people love that feature, others find that it causes the shirt to hang funny. 

The final perk to this hiking shirt is that it’s affordable.

#7 Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Sleeve Length: Short
Best Season: Summer

Outdoor Research named the Astroman Sun Shirt after a famous climbing route on El Capitan in Yosemite. Since it’s named for a climbing route, you know this is a combo hiking and climbing shirt. 

Outdoor Research made this shirt to fit under backpacking belts and a climbing harness by giving it a slight drop tail hem. Like other hiking t-shirts, this one is moisture-wicking and quick-drying with just a little stretch in the fabric. 

My favorite feature of the Outdoor Research Astroman is the hidden zippered pocket near the right hip. 

While most people love this hiking shirt, a few wearers mentioned that the light colors are slightly see-through and that the shirt holds odors.

#8 Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Sun Protection: No
Sleeve Length: Short
Best Season: Summer

The Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt is one of the best women’s hiking t-shirts with odor protection. 

This hiking t-shirt has 50% recycled polyester and 50% HeiQ Pure odor control fabric, a Swiss odor-blocking textile. 

I like that this hiking shirt is quick-drying, and I especially like that the raglan sleeves eliminate the need for seams, helping you avoid chafing from backpack straps. 

Patagonia took the tags off their hiking shirts, so you don’t have to deal with itchiness. Finally, this shirt has a drop tail hem and a locker loop, making it easy to hang the shirt to dry. 

The scoop neck is one feature I don’t love about the Capilene Cool Trail Shirt, as it exposes your chest to sunburn. Additionally, this shirt doesn’t have a UPF rating.

#9 Icebreaker Sphere II Scoop T-Shirt

Our Rating: 4.6/5
Sun Protection: UPF 25
Sleeve Length: Short
Best Season: Summer

The Icebreaker Sphere II Scoop T-Shirt is an excellent Merino wool t-shirt for hiking. 

This slim-fit shirt is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It uses merino wool and TENCEL, an all-natural fabric made from eucalyptus. 

Icebreaker uses ZQ merino wool which is sustainably sourced based on the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). 

Their Sphere II Scoop T-shirt has a drop tail hem and offsets shoulder seams to avoid chafing where a backpack strap would be. 

One con about the Icebreaker II wool hiking shirt is that it is a little transparent.

#10 Baleaf Women’s Quick Dry Shirt

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Sun Protection: UPF 50+
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: Summer

One of my favorite budget-friendly long-sleeve shirts to wear hiking is the Baleaf Women’s Quick Dry Shirt. The Baleaf long sleeve has a polyester spandex mix which is moisture-wicking and dries quickly. 

I love the versatility of the ¼ zip long sleeve style, and the raglan sleeves mean you won’t have shoulder seams to rub against backpack straps when you hit the hiking trail. 

The Raleaf has a hidden pocket for cash or keys, and the entire thing has UPF 50+ sun protection. 

The sleeves of this hiking top have thumb holes, and it comes in lots of fun colors. 

One feature I find annoying about this top is the watch window on the sleeves. 

You might love this feature if you’re obsessive about checking your fitness checker while hiking and you’re not a fan of roll-up sleeves. If that’s not you, you have a weird hole in the sleeve.

#11 Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0

Our Rating: 4.8/5
Sun Protection: No
Sleeve Length: Long
Best Season: All seasons

One of my new favorite hiking shirts is the Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0. As someone who easily gets cold hands while hiking, I appreciate the thumb loops that provide warmth without restricting movement. The slim fit and long sleeves accommodate my tall frame (I’m 5’10) so I don’t have to worry about uncomfortable bunching.

I’ve taken this shirt out on a few winter hikes so far and I’ve been impressed with how well it has performed. The lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric keeps me dry without overheating and works nicely as a base layer. The flat seams prevent any chafing issues too.

While not specifically a hiking top, the versatile Swiftly holds up well on the trail. I especially like how the quick-drying fabric resists odor even with heavy use.

The one thing that keeps me from giving this shirt a higher rating is that it doesn’t have a UPF rating–a bummer for someone like me who gets sunburned easily.

#12 Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Trail T-Shirt

Our Rating: 4.9/5
Sun Protection: UPF 30
Sleeve Length: Short
Best Season: Summer

It is no secret that hiking is generally not as accessible to minority communities, which is why I love the Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Trail T-Shirt. 

Outdoor Afro works to improve inclusion in outdoor recreation, and their collab hiking shirt fits a broader range of body types. 

Like the other best hiking t-shirts on my list, this UPF-protected shirt is moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

The loose-fitting t-shirt has a longer hem in the back to keep you covered no matter your activity and, like many of the other best hiking t-shirts, is tagless. It has raglan sleeves and side vents to keep you cool.

#13 Icebreaker Tech Lite II Crewe T-Shirt

Our Rating: 5/5
Sun Protection: UPF 20
Sleeve Length: Short
Best Season: Summer

One of the top-rated hiking t-shirts at REI is the Icebreaker Tech Lite II Crewe T-Shirt. This merino wool shirt has offset, flatlock shoulder seams to minimize friction, and the merino wool is ZQ certified for sustainability. 

Merino wool garments naturally wick moisture and have some odor resistance, and you can enjoy these features in all the fun colors of the Icebreaker Tech Lite II. 

Unlike the scoop neck Icebreaker t-shirt on my list, the Tech Lite has a crew neck, which offers better sun protection for your chest. 

My only complaint about this top is the low UPF rating.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hiking Shirts

What to Look for in Hiking Shirts for Women

I look for a few key features in every hiking shirt and a few features specific to summer or winter hiking. 

SPF

Having SPF in your hiking gear is a must, regardless of the time of year. You know that drained, fried feeling you get at the end of a long hike? If you wear a sun shirt, you don’t get that feeling.

There are specific sun shirts for women, usually long-sleeved with a hood and excellent for cool weather or summer hikes. 

Another reason I love SPF shirts is that you don’t have to put as much sunscreen on, and let’s be honest— many sunscreens are toxic to humans and the environment. 

A shirt with an SPF rating doesn’t have sunscreen in the fabric; it means the cloth is woven tightly enough to block the sun. 

Thumb Loops

I think the best women’s long sleeve hiking shirts have thumb loops. Thumb loops allow you to protect the tops of your hands from the sun and the palms from abrasion if you’re rock-hopping on a rough trail. 

Pockets

Some long sleeve hiking shirts have zippered pockets on the sides, and I love that feature for bringing my keys or chapstick. Some button-up shirts also have pockets on the chest which can be helpful. 

Colorful

Bright colors aren’t just for fashion; they serve a very serious purpose. I have participated in many searches for lost hikers who were wearing dark blue, black, gray, or green. 

Did you know you’re much harder to see from a distance in those colors? My goal with hiking attire is to look like a bag of Skittles. The more day-glo, the better.

Summer Hiking

Dries Quickly

A sweaty hike demands a quick-drying shirt. The best women’s hiking shirts for hot summer hikes are quick-drying polyester or nylon. 

Moisture Wicking

Merino wool, polyester, and nylon have moisture-controlling properties. In summer, you’ll usually want polyester or nylon as these tend to have a cooling effect, while merino wool retains heat even when wet. 

These are generalizations, of course. Many summer hiking locations are cool enough for Merino wool to be the best choice. 

Odor Resistant

Some summer hiking shirts have an odor-resistant antimicrobial treatment, but this isn’t a make-or-break feature for me. All my hiking clothes end up a little smelly. 

Built-In Bra

You can find a hiking tank top that comes with a built-in bra. I like hiking shirts with this feature because I feel more free and airy. 

Check out these tips for what to wear for summer hiking. 

Winter Hiking

Merino Wool

Merino wool clothing is the top choice for cold-weather hiking. Merino wool is a super soft kind of wool, and it’s ideal for hiking because it won’t suck all the heat out of you if it gets wet.

I can attest to this. I wore Merino wool socks with Chacos while hiking and accidentally got my feet wet. Despite this, my feet remained comfortable for the rest of the hike. 

Types of Hiking Shirts

Long Sleeve

Long sleeve shirts are a staple of hiking clothing, whether in hot or cold weather. Paradoxically, long sleeves in the summer keep you cool by protecting your skin from the sun; in the winter, they keep you warm.

Short Sleeve

Hiking t-shirts are common in summer and perfect for feeling the breeze on your skin. 

Tank Top/Crop Top

Tank tops and crop tops are my one caveat to the “wear whatever you’re comfortable in while hiking” rule.

I recommend a hiking tank top *only* for short, hot hikes (~under an hour). 

Hiking tank tops and crop tops are popular because they look cute, but when hiking, you need to be prepared for anything, and a tank top or crop top isn’t a suitable garment for “anything.”

That said, I recognize people will continue to wear tanks and crop tops on the trail. If this is you, I recommend bringing a layer if you need to cover up. 

Button-Up

You can find button-up long sleeve and short sleeve hiking shirts. The main benefit of button-ups is that they have a loose fit and usually have pockets on the chest.  

FAQs About Hiking Shirts & Clothing

What should a woman wear hiking?

Women should tailor their hiking clothes to the climate and length of the hike they plan on attempting. 

Shorts and a T-shirt may be adequate for short summer hikes. For longer summer hikes, I recommend long-sleeve, moisture-wicking fabric and long pants. 

Synthetic fabrics are best for hot weather because they are lightweight, breathable, and dry quickly. 

Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and a Merino wool long-sleeve hiking shirt for winter hikes.

Are hiking shirts worth it?

A dedicated hiking shirt that is quick-drying, sun-protective, and odor resistant is worth the investment. These shirts can dramatically increase your comfort level outdoors. 

The best way to find the right hiking shirt is to get on the trails and see what feels best. 

What type of shirt is best for hiking?

Ultimately there is no single “best women’s hiking shirt.” The best women’s hiking shirt will be one that you are comfortable in and protects you from the elements– whether that’s sun, wind, or cold temperatures. 

The best hiking shirt in warm weather might be a simple polyester t-shirt. During cold weather, the best hiking shirt might be a long sleeve Merino wool. 

If you’re unsure which shirt to wear, bring layers in your backpack on your hike. 

Are cotton shirts good for hiking?

Cotton shirts are great for everyday wear and can be acceptable for short summer hikes, but synthetic shirts and merino wool garments are superior to cotton for several reasons. 

 “Cotton kills” is a common saying among outdoorsy people. It refers to the fact that when cotton gets damp, it will pull your body heat off you as it evaporates slowly. 

On the other hand, synthetic fabrics are quick-drying, and Merino wool keeps you warm even if wet. 

Are long-sleeve or short-sleeve hiking shirts better?

Whether long-sleeve or short-sleeves are better for hiking depends on where you are hiking, what time of year you are hiking, and your personal temperature tolerance. 

Warm weather hikes call for short sleeves or a long-sleeve sun shirt, while winter hikes usually call for an insulated long-sleeve hiking shirt. If you’re unsure what to wear, you can always pack both in your backpack and change mid-hike if needed. 

What’s the difference between regular shirts and hiking shirts?

Everyday clothing (think: regular cotton shirts) differs from hiking shirts in that most hiking shirts have features that keep you comfortable outdoors. 

The best shirts for hiking are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and protect you from the sun. 

Other features to look for in a hiking shirt include thumb loops on the sleeves, a hood to keep the sun off your face, and antimicrobial technology to prevent the shirt from accumulating body odor over time. 

How loose should hiking shirts be?

Women’s hiking shirts should be as loose or tight as you’re comfortable. There is no right or wrong answer.

Some people prefer tight-fitting crop tops for hiking; others like a loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt with a hood. I like to hike in a loose-fitting shirt because it prevents sweat from sticking to my shirt. 

How do I not smell when hiking?

It’s virtually impossible not to smell *a little* while hiking because most hiking involves a certain amount of exertion. 

Some women’s hiking shirts have odor-resistant chemicals, which can help keep body odor down.

Other ways to avoid getting smelly while hiking is picking easy hikes where you won’t exert yourself or hiking early in the morning or evening when temperatures are coolest. 

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Hiking Shirt for Women

Like everything else women face, there is a lot of pressure to find the “right” outfit for hiking. We want to look cute but be comfortable, and we want to project confidence. 

But, there is no one correct answer when it comes to the best women’s hiking shirts. 

Your favorite hiking shirt might not have any of the characteristics my favorite hiking shirt has. The best way to find the right hiking clothes is to hit the trails and see what works for you. 

I’m giving you my top hiking shirt based on my ten years of experience hiking in various weather conditions and environments.  

My top hiking shirt is the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie. I wear this hiking shirt, and I can’t recommend it enough. The fabric is super soft, the loose fit keeps me cool, and the drawstring waist keeps it fitted-looking. 

The UPF rating is 50+ on the Crater Lake Hoodie, perfect for all day in the sun. 

Plus, the hood is big enough to go over my ball cap. My one complaint about Crater Lake is the colors. But you might love them, and if you don’t, they change every season. 

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