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Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Ex Officio BugsAway Breezr Shirt > Test Report by Michael Mosack
EXOFFICIO BUGSAWAY BREEZ'R SHIRT
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TESTER INFORMATION
I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing solo and group trips, with and without kids. I do day trips, weekenders and week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons, from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in Michigan, California and Grand Canyon, Arizona and I worked in Afghanistan for 4 years & rely on my equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter when possible and am always trying new items. Quality and reliability of items are paramount to me over price and weight.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: ExOfficio INITIAL IMPRESSIONS This shirt resembles a dress shirt. It is a button up, collared, long sleeve shirt. The material (ripstop nylon) is soft to the touch yet has a durable quality as well. I wear a 2XL and this is sized pretty accurately for me. There are open vents on the sides of the shirt which remain hidden unless I lift my arms. The length of the shirt allows me to tuck it in for those times when I want to look more professional yet be wearing a shirt designed for athletic wear. The funny part is that I don't know if anyone would notice it was an outdoor athletic shirt unless I told them. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The only instructions I located was the Care Instructions which state - TRYING IT OUT I tried on the shirt and it fits well. The sleeves are a good length and I am able to move around without any restriction. SUMMARY I like the look and feel of the shirt and that it appears that I can wear it during outdoor activities as well as in the office. There are numerous features incorporated into this shirt and I am eager to get started on this test. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Three-day trip in the area near the Klamath River Recreational Area in Northern California USA where the conditions included clear and sunny skies with temperatures that ranged from 65 - 94 F (18 - 34 C). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
Overall I've been happy with this shirt so far. I am not one who usually hikes wearing a long-sleeve shirt, preferring instead to go with short-sleeve T-shirts. This shirt is roomy and lightweight. I've worn the shirt buttoned up as well as partially or fully open; sleeves rolled up and also left all the way down for added sun protection. I do tend to sunburn easily and when I do, having a long-sleeve shirt available to wear is the only way I want to go outside. It's a very odd sensation however, to wear this shirt as it makes me feel like I am dressed up a bit too much for the trail. I'm definitely a T-shirt kind of guy when I'm backpacking. I have received numerous comments about the vents on the sides of the back of shirt from those who mistakenly thought my shirt had ripped. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Three-day trip to the area of LaGrande, Oregon USA where the temperatures ranged from 57 - 78 F (14 - 26 C). The conditions included cloudy and overcast skies with some rain and gusty winds. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I don't really have much more to add to this report that I haven't said already. I did have a situation, however, where I had packed my shirt away while wet along with my other wet clothes and forgot to pull them out until I got home. The wet clothes, including this shirt, ended up being packed away wet for about two days, When I pulled everything out, to my horror, there was mold all over everything, including this shirt. I assumed most was going to be a complete loss but I did toss the shirt which was white in color with a mild bleach solution and let it soak for a week, checking it periodically and swishing it around to ensure even treatment. To my surprise, the shirt recovered completely and with no evidence of any mold spores or stains left at all! I do not know exactly what triggered the mold this time or if any particular material is more susceptible to growing mold over another, but this was the only piece of clothing I was able to save and it looks as if it never went through this at all. I also do not know if I've ruined the manufacturer's sun and bug treatment and I have no way to test that but the shirt looks and feels like new so I am quite happy. Tragically, that cannot be said for my other clothes having succumbed to the mold, as I threw them in the trash. SUMMARY
Overall I like this shirt. I normally choose to wear short sleeve shirts whenever possible but this has been a positive test for me. The shirt is quite comfortable whether on the trail or at the office. Read more reviews of Ex Officio gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Mosack Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Ex Officio BugsAway Breezr Shirt > Test Report by Michael Mosack |