It has been a while, since I purchased a new shirt – I mean for hiking. Actually I did, but I would not be mentioning the Under Armour because I am not entirely satisfied with that. The main problem is the smell. Really I was surprised that after few hours of using you don’t want to put on again unless washed. (I might do a little comparison research after while).
Based on my previous experience I wanted to purchase a Columbia hiking shirt, but could not find it in a store. So I went online for Men’s Columbia Shirts. After bit of research I end up buying long sleeve shirt where it says Omni Freeze Zero.
I must say that it surprised me the accuracy of product showed online and the physical shirt that was delivered to my home address.
Lets break down a bit my experience with this Shirt.
My Preferences – Research Stage
My preferences were not too strict. To me it was important that the shirt is from sort of “dry quick” material, long sleeve and for warm weather. Also, the color did not play big role, but once I have seen that blue – it was the love at first sight 😉
Then I checked the table regarding the size, measured the part of my body and end up with the L-size. To be honest, I was a bit concerned if the size and numbers gonna work out.
If it would be too large I might just return it, if too small – well good motivation to lose some weight :), right ?
First Experience – Fits Perfectly
It took something like a week to obtain the shirt. As I mentioned above, I was really surprised by the authenticity of the described product on Amazon. I put it on right away and it fits perfectly. Had to go in front of the mirror to check that out.
It was looking alright, (whatever I seen in the mirror 😉 )
First I wore the shirt only on a short hiking, up to 2 hours. I just wanted to feel it, if it scratches, if it breathes, basically if that would be OK for a later longer trip.
Week passed by and I decided to do rather intensive kind of hiking.
Here are some approximate data regarding the trial:
The Outside Temperature: 75F (24C)
Humidity: 25%
Elevation: 2,500ft (747m)
Trail Length: 4.7miles (7.6km)
Time: 1hour 20minutes
I did not have any backpack, no additional stuff, nothing. That is why it took me only something about 80 minutes to reach the peak. Most of the time I have the sleeves pulled off and felt comfortable entire trip.
The shirt has been drying quickly, did not feel any smell whatsoever. I could stop by at the restaurant and sit at the table without bothering others with potential smell (as I would certainly did with the other shirt from Under Armour).
Few days later, (I did wash the shirt), my girlfriend and me went for regular 15 miles long hiking. I had a backpack and it took us about 7-8 hours including 2 breaks. The outer conditions were almost identical as described above. Again, I was feeling very comfy on that trip.
Maintenance – No Special Requirements
To me one of the great advantage is the fact, that you can use the shirt on 2 days hiking without washing it. And I consider my body as it sweats quite a lot.
When you are back home you can wash it together with other stuff, no need to wash separately, although it is recommended. Based on the experience with my first Columbia Omni shirt I assume, this one will last good number of years with the same effect as it offers after few times of usage.
One point I want to stress out is the application of the shirt while using backpack. Mine has these stripes for adjustment of back length. Those stripes were continuously scratching the back of my shirt as I was walking and damaged a bit the outer shape of shirt.
So please be careful and if your backpack is like mine, apply some cloth between the shirt and backpack. I am gonna have to test it myself, but I wold use some cotton.
Would I Buy It for My Friend ? – Absolutely !
Despite the unpleasant experience with the scratched material, I am very satisfied with the shirt I have purchased.
It feels soft, it dries fast, and you can sit in the restaurant next to other person after 6 hours of hiking without bothering him with the smell. (of course, as soon as you used the shower at least a day before 😉 )
I hope you found some value in the short review, and please note that it is my own experience as well as the outer conditions have not been measured accurately.
I would appreciate your own experiences, or should you have any questions, please drop them below, in comment area.
Where do i get this shirt? did i miss something. Sounds like a great shirt!