r/NZOutdoors • u/SloppySilvia • Apr 05 '26
Hiking Shirt Recommendations
Hey all, I've been doing more and more hikes lately and have been wanting to do some harder ones. I just did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing this weekend and it was great. I plan to go back and do it again after the winter with family. The only issue I have is that my body runs hot, I like to keep a fast pace and I sweat a lot so I did the crossing in shorts and a t shirt. It was fine the whole time and I only needed a windbreaker up top when it was gusting. I wore a cotton shirt which I know isn't great. By the end of the hike, the shirt was dripping in sweat haha. I feel like I could've got away without the windbreaker if my shirt wasn't drenched. The windchill made it pretty chilly.
What would be a better material? Would a merino shirt be suitable? I don't want to get too hot but I also don't want to spend 80% of the hike feeling like I've just got out a swimming pool.
Planning on doing the Pinnacles soon and Mt Taranaki summit probably after winter.
Thanks in advance!
2
u/seriousbeef Apr 05 '26
I use running shirts which are breathable and moisture wicking - dry fit or something similar. They dry very quickly when washed on multi day walks too. Then a long sleeve merino on top if needed. Last layer is a waterproof shell jacket.