Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Coolibar Travel Shirt > Anthony Smith > Initial Report

Coolibar Travel Shirt
Initial Report
28 July 2006

Tester Bio
Name – Anthony (TJ) Smith
Age – 31
Gender – Male
Height – 5’ 10” (1.78 m)
Weight – 175 lb (79 kg)
Chest – 40 in (101 cm)
Neck – 15.5 in (39 cm)
Arm Length – 32 in (81 cm)
Email Address – tjsmith1946@gmail.com
City, State, Country – Pensacola, Florida USA

Backpacking Background

I have been camping for a little over 5 years now, mostly car camping. I have recently begun backpacking, and I am constantly adding new gear to my “collection” in an effort to get my gear list tailored more towards backpacking. Most of my backpacking trips are short duration, not more than one or two nights. I am planning some longer trips in the near future.
My current pack weight is around 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) without food and water, depending on if I'm solo camping or taking my son along, as I have to carry some of his gear. I am a dedicated hammock camper and have tailored my personal gear to that aspect of camping.

Product Information

Year of Manufacture – 2006
Manufacturer URL – www.coolibar.com
Stated Weight – N/A
Weight as Delivered – 7.75 oz (220 g)
Size Tested – Medium
Color Tested – Cactus Green
Other Colors Available – Stone, Fog Blue, Cloud White, Desert Tan
MSRP – $59.95 USD

From Coolibar's Website: Combining the innovative features a globetrotter needs with the sun-protective features a savvy traveler depends on, our Travel Shirt includes a discreet but easy-access zip security pocket, triple-fold collar for neck protection, and hidden mesh ventilation that allows air to circulate. Fabric wicks away moisture and is wrinkle-resistant for day-after-day wear. Made of dri SUNTECT™ rated to block 98% UV.

Initial Information/Observations

The Coolibar Travel Shirt is a long-sleeve, UV resistant shirt designed to protect from exposure to the sun. The shirt is constructed of 100% polyester, 100% coolmax mesh polyester according to the tag on the shirt. The shirt fastens with buttons down the front, and also has a small button under the ends of the collar to keep the collar down. There are also buttons on the cuffs to allow adjustment there, and a button just above the elbow to allow the sleeves to be secured in the "rolled up" position. Once the sleeves are rolled up, a tab "appears" from inside the sleeve for securing the rolled up sleeve to the button. I did not even notice the tab inside the sleeve until I had rolled one of them up. At the bottom of the front of the shirt, there are two extra of the larger buttons used for the front of the shirt and cuffs, and an extra of the smaller buttons used for the collar.

The shirt has two pockets on the front, and the one over the right breast has a zippered pocket inside. I find this to be a unique feature, and should prove quite handy for keeping my identification and travel money (relatively) secure.

The shirt has mesh "venting" from the base of the collar to about midway down the back of the shirt, as well as under both arms in the armpit area. This mesh "venting" is covered by the same material as the rest of the shirt, and is quite well concealed, in my opinion. I'm quite curious as to how well the mesh allows ventilation while hiking, especially with a pack on my back.

The shirt fits quite comfortably, although the sleeves do seem a bit short for my tastes. I usually find medium shirts to be a bit snug on me, but this shirt actually hangs a bit loose. I have plenty of room to move about without feeling any tight spots, and have not noticed any issues with seams sitting in odd spots as of yet. When rolling up the sleeves, I noticed they became a bit tight until they were secured into position and fitted properly. All the seams appear well constructed, and I have not noticed any loose strings or inconsistent stitching.

So far, I haven't quite figured out the purpose of the "triple fold" collar. When unfolded, the collar comes up almost to the base of most hats that I wear. At the edge of the collar are three small pieces of hook-and-loop fastener, which keep the collar in place while folded down but leave me puzzled when the collar is in the "up position."

According to the tag on the shirt, care is relatively easy. The shirt can be washed in warm water with normal detergent, and heat dried. In the event of wrinkles, ironing is ok. I find this a pleasant change from most "special use" clothing I have that requires special care, such as hand-washing or line drying.

Test Plan

The Coolibar Shirt will be tested in a variety of locations throughout Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama. During the testing period, expected weather conditions range from a high near 100 F (38 C), and lows approaching or creeping just below 50 F (10 C). I also anticipate varied levels of precipitation, from bright sunny days with low humidity all the way to torrential downpours. The terrain throughout the testing area ranges from very sandy soil to old and new growth pine forests as well as areas of marshy bogs.

I currently have numerous trips planned throughout the testing period, as well as weekly day hikes during which I will be wearing the Coolibar shirt.

Durability

1. How well does the Travel Shirt hold up to repeated wearing? Several areas I hike in regularly have close brush and I tend to snag shirt sleeves. Does the Travel Shirt show marks from these snags, or does the fabric hold up well?
2. Does the shirt hold dirt and stains, or does it readily shed these? Is surface dirt easily cleaned off or does the shirt require laundering for every little “dirt exposure?”

Comfort

1. Does the “hidden mesh ventilation” actually allow for adequate ventilation, especially given that I will be wearing/using the shirt in 90+ F (30+ C) weather?
2. How well does the fabric wick away moisture from my body? Does it work as well as other garments I have used that are specifically designed for wicking? If I end up with wet spots while wearing the shirt, how quickly do the wet spots dry after removing the shirt?

Function

1. How well does the shirt actually protect my skin from sunburns? I am relatively fair skinned, and am prone to sunburns if I don’t have some type of sun block. Does the Travel Shirt really protect me as well as a 50 sun block will?
2. How does the zip security pocket actually work? Where is it located, how easy is it to access, how functional is it in actual use?
3. How does the triple-fold collar work? How easy is it to adjust? How well does it stay in position?

Construction

1. Are the seams well constructed, or are there loose threads? Are the buttons well sewn, or do they come loose at the slightest snag or tug?
2. Are there any seams that sit in odd spots, such as right under my pack straps?
3. How true does the sizing appear to be based on the sizing chart? Is it pretty well on the mark, or are there excessive deviations based on the listed sizes?

My thanks to Coolibar and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to test this item.

Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Coolibar Travel Shirt > Anthony Smith > Initial Report