• 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.

Description [return to top] The Travel Shirt is constructed from dri SUNTECT, Coolibar’s 100% Polyester. The shirt has two-button cuffs, button-through sleeve plackets, and a hidden-button-down collar, as well as two chest pockets with hook-and-loop flaps, plus bellows on both sides and center of each pocket. The Travel Shirt has a “triple-fold collar” which can be extended to cover even more of the neck when the collar is turned up. The back of the Travel Shirt is lined with 100% Coolmax Mesh Polyester. A similarly vented section occurs at the back of each sleeve, as well as in front of and behind each side seam.

For a much more detailed description, please see my Initial Report.

Field Testing [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings include a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures expected to be from lows around 35 ºF (2 ºC) to highs around 75 ºF (27 ºC) during the remainder of the 4-month test period. Elevations will range from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m). Our new Scoutmaster has added monthly hikes to our schedule as well. My wife and I, who between us have 3 high-ranking boy scouts (ages 15, 15 and 16), are also looking into additional camping without the scouts, and there are possibilities of some AT section hikes (two down – many to go!) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with my son as he works towards the Hiking Merit Badge.

Since my Initial Report, I spent a week of 10-15 mile (16-24 km) days – just wandering around scout camp – at the end of July. Temperatures for this trip ranged from lows around 65 ºF (18 ºC) to highs around 105 ºF (41 ºC) with fairly high humidity creating a heat index of 115 °F (46 °C), and elevations ranged from about 800’ (244 m) to about 1,200’ (366 m) with a lot of ups and downs. It was too hot for my heavy cotton t-shirts (unless I soaked them, which just felt clammy), so I spent 5 straight days switching between a jersey wicking tee and the Travel Shirt, hand-washing them and hanging them to dry. Except for a small stain from some tree sap, the shirt looks like new.

I have also worn the shirt to the office a couple times, and was quite happy with the results there. It is cut like a regular shirt, but helps keep me cooler in an environment where everyone but me thinks putting on a sweater at work is not necessary when the thermostat can be turned up.

Things I am/will be looking for: Fit. Does it fit me? My chest puts me in the size category for the XL, while my waist and neck (and, possibly, shoulders) put me in XXL – I prefer slightly too big to slightly too small. Does it move well with me? Fabric. Is it durable? Does it stretch? Does it fade? Is it windproof? Does it pill, pull, or snag readily? Comfort. Does it stick to my skin if I am wet/sweaty? If so, does it bind or inhibit my movement? Does it itch? Packability. How packable is the shirt? I plan to put it in a relatively small pocket on my pack when I’m not actually wearing it (shouldn’t be often). Does it dry well? Does it hold much dirt in the first place? Durability. Does it stand up to wear and washing? Does it pill, pull, or otherwise abrade significantly under normal circumstances? If not, how long does it take for this to happen? Ease of washing. Would it be easy to wash in a trail town, for example? Are there particular washing instructions that must be followed? Does it dry quickly?

My findings so far: Fit. The Travel Shirt seems to be sized to fit loosely, as I found myself swimming in the XXL. I have returned it for exchange with an XL. Fabric. The fabric is somewhat difficult – though not overly so – to breathe through, although the quantity and volume of vents sort of render the shirt un-windproof. Comfort. No complaints. None. Nada. Zero. Packability. This stuff is thin and light. If I am not concerned about wrinkles, it should get pretty tiny. Durability. The shirt was worn for about half the day for 5 straight days. I had a pack on 50-75% of the time I wore it. No pilling, fuzzing, or other noticeable wear. Ease of washing. The shirt was worn for 5 straight days, with only cold water and a little hand soap for washing. It has exactly one small stain from some tree sap that I haven’t managed to completely remove, but it is on the back below the belt line – tucked in while in town, and not a concern on the trail.

Things I like [return to top] Very light. Comfortable to the touch. Well made with lots of details. Things I don't like [return to top] None yet, other than sizing. It is cut much more generously than I expected. The fabric is a little prone to wrinkling when packed down tightly. This is only an issue – and a very small issue, at that – when I wear it to work.

Thank you for your time. Chuck Kime a.k.a. Fuzzy

Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Coolibar Travel Shirt > Chuck Kime > Field Report