Coolibar Travel Shirt
Initial Report – July 26, 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!
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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.”
I will explore some of the features a bit further:
- Triple Fold Collar: There is an extra layer of fabric that is held in place by three Velcro tabs. When the collar is folded over like a normal collared shirt it is hidden but if the collar is unbuttoned and unfolded there it is. (pic)
- Hidden Mesh: There is mesh every where. There is a large back panel of mesh and then there is a mesh panel on each side where the shirt is sewn together. This panel is covered with shirt fabric that is tacked every so often to keep it from flapping.
Initial Impressions/Use:
The shirt is exactly what I expected to receive based on the Coolibar website. Although the Cactus green is a bit lighter than what I thought it would be. The shirt fits me nicely and is very soft. The construction of the shirt appears to be top notch with no loose threads or seams. I am pleasantly surprised by the copious amount of mesh this shirt has. This gives me hope that I can wear this shirt in warm weather and not melt.
Coolibar puts a lot of information on their garment tags about how much sun protection they provide. I am interested to see if I can notice a difference from other shirts that I have worn. The care instructions are pretty simple; wash with warm water, non chlorine bleach, tumble dry and touch up with a warm iron if needed.
Expected Field Conditions:
Average temperatures range from highs in the 70’s F to 90’s F and lows in the 40’s F (21 C to 32 C highs and around 4 C lows). The average precipitation is very little in the July and August and will build heading into the fall. Most of my trips during this time frame will be in the Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. Specifically in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 20 minutes from my house. Elevation may vary from sea level to around 10,000 ft (3048 m). My normal outdoor routine consists of at least two day hikes a month, and no less than 2 nights of backpacking a month.
Improvements:
None at the moment.
Testing Plan:
I will evaluate the Coolibar Travel Shirt on the following characteristics over the test period.
Fit:
- How well does the shirt fit?
- Can I layer a t-shirt underneath on cold and chilly evenings?
- Is it comfortable enough to wear without a base layer?
- Are the sleeves proportional to the rest of the shirt? “
- Does the shirt breathe well?
Durable:
- How durable is the fabric?
- Do I need to be concerned during off trail hiking?
- Does the fabric wear more underneath my backpack straps?
- What temperature range is the shirt best used in?
- How easy is the shirt to maintain?
- Are there any special washing instructions?
- Does it trap smells?
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?
Thanks to Coolibar and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Coolibar gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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