Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Trekking: Go from the trail to town with these 5 shirts

Brandon Widder
By

Man isn’t meant to stay indoors — our weekly “Trekking” column can attest to that. It’s a column dedicated to the adventurer inside of all of us, the one pining to ditch the office humdrum for a quick surf session or seven-week jaunt in the Grand Tetons. One day we may highlight an ultra-light stove and the next a set of handmade canoe paddles. Life doesn’t just happen inside the workplace, so get outside and live it.

Recommended Videos

Just because something is practical doesn’t mean it has to be unattractive. That said, hiking and backpacking apparel frequently gets a bad rap, often sacrificing any essence of style and comfort in favor of technical fabrics that offer lightweight functionality on the trail. Most would look out of place if taken for a raucous night out on the town, but thankfully, there’s an entire swath of outdoor apparel that’s designed to rethink our idea of what we should wear both on and off the trail. Below are a few of our personal favorites that find function in fashion, whether talking mainstay short sleeves from Patagonia or Merino-laced wears from the grassy steppes of southern New Zealand.

Related: Campsite Cuisine: 5 portable grills that actually cook great steak

Patagonia Sol Patrol II ($75)

Patagonia Sol Patrol II ($75)The folks at Patagonia have always prided themselves in their penchant for versatility. Conveniently constructed of lightweight polyester, the company’s Sol Patrol II is the perfect example of why. The ripstop material drys quickly and thwarts the sun with 30-UPF protection, while offering a breathable mesh backing and numerous air vents for comfort in a host of demanding scenarios. The double-layer collar and zippered pocket on the right only add to its resourcefulness.

Marmot Waldron SS ($50)

Marmot Waldron SS ($50)Marmot’s Waldron SS is discrete yet stylish, and moreover, boats a regular fit that comes in four attractive patterns. It’s made of a lightweight performance fabric designed to quickly wick moisture from your body and pack down for maximum storage, capitalizing on a comfortable blend of Supplex nylon and environmentally-friendly, recycled polyester as it does. Furthermore, it comes outfitted with durable, flat-felled seams and UPF protection that allows only 1/50 of the sun’s UV rays through.

Icebreaker’s Compass Short Sleeve ($145)

Icebreaker Compass Short Sleeve ($145)Frankly, Icebreaker is the undisputed champion of all things Merino-related. The lauded woven — which comprises nearly 100 percent of the Compass Short Sleeve — allows for the utmost breathability, while providing moisture-wicking properties and retaining your warmth when wet. Mesh venting panels beneath both arms further increase air flow, too, but it’s the fact the material is designed to remain odor-free for days that truly sells it. Well, that, and the three attractive color offerings available.

Mountain Hardwear Chiller Short Sleeve ($85)

Mountain Hardwear Chiller Short Sleeve ($85)Mountain Hardwear’s aptly-titled Chiller is more in line with what you’d expect Edward Abbey to wear while romping around the desert. The short-sleeve, quick drying shirt uses a technology that actually works to lower the fabric’s temperature when you’re sweating, while rotated seems and flip-up collar consistently work to prevent chafing and shelter you from the sun. The fabric is also wrinkle-resistant, meaning you can head from the trail to tapas without an ironing board or hesitation.

Arc’Teryx Adventus Comp SS ($100)

Arc'Teryx Adventus Comp SS ($100)Don’t let the big, bold colors and the premium price of Arc’Teryx’s Adventus Comp SS deter you — it’s one of the best hiking wears around. The streamlined shirt utilizes a welcome combination of Diem polyester and Phasic SL paneling to repel moisture and ensure proper ventilation, and the zippered chest pocket provides just enough space for a map or license for a post-hike round of drinks. The lamented straight hem and contemporary snaps even adds a touch of modern to an otherwise traditional build.

Topics
Brandon Widder
Brandon Widder
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brandon Widder is a journalist and a staff writer for the Manual and its brother site, Digital Trends, where he covers tech…
Ditch the GPS: How to navigate using a map and compass
Don't worry, it's really not that difficult to find your way or location the old-school way
Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors

GPS devices and GPS apps for your phone and even navigation watches with GPX files are nearly foolproof today. But what about when you run out of battery or your waterproof device isn't as waterproof as you had hoped? Even worse, what if you spend your entire trip with your head buried in your GPS without taking the time to get to know your surroundings?

Here at The Manual, our number-one backpacking essential for every outdoor adventure is the humble map and compass. It's no use just buying these items and stuffing them into your backpack. First, you need to learn how to read a topographic map and know what all the twisting bits do and what the numbers mean on your compass. It can all look quite confusing, so we're going to demystify the art of how to navigate using a map and compass and let you go old school, ditch the GPS, and get to know your surroundings intimately.
Know the parts of the compass

Read more
A beginner’s guide on how to read a topographic map
Learn how to read and navigate with a topographical map from an expert
Reading a topographic map

Before you’ve packed your bags and before you’ve gassed up the wagon, there’s the little issue of figuring out where you’re actually going to go and -- more importantly, if you're going to be outdoors -- the type of terrain that's there.

One of the best ways to do that is to peruse a map of the region that goes a little further than just showing you a layout of the park. A topographic map introduces you to the peaks and valleys and gives you an understanding of how difficult the terrain might be in the area where you’re headed. It was originally developed as a way to depict counties and cities before the U.S. military used it in World War I.
Where to begin

Read more
These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know
A well-versed arsenal of knots is a must-have for any outdoorsman
A reef knot is tied against a tree

There's almost no end to what you can achieve armed with a length of rope and an arsenal of outdoor knots to tie it together. If heading into the backcountry, you should always be prepared for survival. While part of that is carrying the right gear, you must know how to use it effectively. You wouldn't take your woodcutting axe without giving it a few practice swings at home, so why would you expect to tie the right knot without practice?

There is an adage among those who don't know what to do with rope: if you can't tie knots, tie lots. If you don't know what you're doing, keep tying until your rope feels secure. It works, sometimes. But in a significant way, these people are missing out. Knots, like backcountry navigation skills or making a fire, are part of being an outdoorsman. Outdoor knots come in different shapes and perform various tasks; some are quick, some secure, and others are designed to be untied quickly. These eight are the essential outdoor knots to learn first, so grab a rope and upskill your outdoor self.
Bowline knot

Read more