Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Coolibar Travel Shirt > Jason Boyle > Field Report

Coolibar Travel Shirt

Field Report – October 3, 2006

Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Chest: 42"/ 107 cm
Neck: 16"/ 41 cm
Sleeve: 28"/ 71 cm (from the middle of my chest to my wrist)
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, WA, U. S.

Backpacking Background: I have been camping and backpacking for about 18 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and spend most of my time hiking and backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington! Product Information: Manufacturer: Coolibar Model: Travel Shirt Year of Manufacture: 2006 URL:www.coolibar.com Listed weight: none listed Measured weight: Sizes: S – XXL, Large is what I received. Color: Stone, Fog Blue, Cloud White, Desert Tan, Cactus Green (received) Fabric content: 100% polyester, 100% coolmax, mesh polyester MSRP: $59.95 US Country of Manufacture: China Product Description: From the Coolibar 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.” For more information see my initial report. Summary: I never thought I would like wearing this type of shirt in the backcountry; however, I have been happily surprised with this shirt. It is quite comfortable and did a good job protecting me from the sun. My only complaint thus far would be that the fabric that holds the sleeves in place when they are rolled up is too long. Field Conditions: I have worn the shirt for 10 days over the last two months. I wore it on a 5 day backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park, and on a 4 day backpacking trip and a day hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, part of the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest. Elevation ranged from sea level to 10,000 feet (3048 meters), temperatures ranged from around 90 F to the upper 30’s F (32 C to 3 C), precipitation was non existent.

Field Test Results:
I will be the first to say I was skeptical about wearing a collared shirt with a lot of buttons while backpacking or camping. However after two months of wearing it, it has certainly grown on me. The cut of the shirt is very relaxed and the size large that I received is very roomy. While in Yosemite, I kept it close to the top of my pack to pull on over my t-shirt base layer during extended rest breaks and when I got to my camp for the evening. I liked the sun and mosquito protection that it provided, while at the same time it did not cause me to overheat. Generally this is how I used the shirt, as an extra layer for breaks and around camp. I liked the soft feel of the shirt and it provided the perfect amount of warmth for me on the cool summer evenings in Yosemite and the Pacific Northwest.

I did wear the shirt by itself with sleeves down on an all day scrambling trip and during a long day hike and both times it performed well. During the scramble the shirt did a great job of keeping the sun off of me while the slight breeze was able to flow through the mesh of the shirt and keep me from overheating. On my day hike, I was carrying a small daypack and encountered a lot of elevation gain. I definitely broke a sweat going uphill but I never felt uncomfortable or like I was going to overheat with the shirt on. The durability of the shirt has been good so far. I have not noticed any problems with the seams, buttons or Velcro.

I am thankful for the sun protection that the shirt provided especially while I was in Yosemite. I spent most of my time on exposed granite ridges and exposed lake shores. I cannot measure the SPF that the shirt provided but I can say that I did not get sunburned.

Improvements: My only suggestion would be to shorten the fabric that holds the sleeves in place when they are rolled up. For me there is too much excess fabric and the sleeves when rolled drop below my elbows. Testing Plan: I evaluated the Coolibar Travel Shirt on the following characteristics over the last two months. My answers are in blue. Fit: - How well does the shirt fit? I think the shirt fits well, everything is proportional. The only thing that doesn’t fit perfectly is the tab that holds the sleeves up when they are rolled. I cannot seem to get them rolled to where they will stay up above my elbow. This is just a minor annoyance. - Can I layer a t-shirt underneath on cold and chilly evenings? Yes, the shirt easily accommodates a base layer. - Is it comfortable enough to wear without a base layer? Yes, it is quite comfortable when worn by itself. - Are the sleeves proportional to the rest of the shirt?Yes, see my answer above. - Does the shirt breathe well? Yes, the mesh sides and back do a good job of ventilating heat. Durable: - How durable is the fabric? So far I have not noticed any problems. - Do I need to be concerned during off trail hiking? I have not had any problems, but like anything I would be careful in heavy undergrowth. - Does the fabric wear more underneath my backpack straps? This has not been a problem. - What temperature range is the shirt best used in? For backpacking use I would say it is best used in temperatures under 60 F (15 C). For everyday wear and while scrambling, I was comfortable up to 80+ F (27+ C) in a dry environment. - How easy is the shirt to maintain? Really easy! I just stuff it in my pack and pull it out when I need it. It wrinkles easy, but on the trail I am not concerned with wrinkles. - Are there any special washing instructions? No, I just wash it with my other light colored clothing. - Does it trap smells? I have not noticed any extreme smell trapping. Like any garment it will smell if worn long enough without washing. Style: - Living here in the trendy Pacific Northwest is this shirt stylish enough to wear on a rainy day diaper run to Target or while out at dinner in downtown Seattle? Yes, in my opinion it looks like something a fly fisherman would wear and other than the wrinkles it is fairly stylish.

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