Columbia Fishing Shirts for Hiking and Backpacking
Columbia fishing shirts, such as the popular PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) Bahama II line, which I’m wearing above, have a strong following among hikers, not just anglers. Their lightweight, technical fabrics and practical features make them a smart alternative to traditional hiking shirts, especially in hot, sunny, or buggy environments. Relatively inexpensive, they last a long time, and for added insect protection, you can send them to InsectShield to be treated with Permethrin in a process that lasts for 70 washings.
Moisture Wicking
Most Columbia fishing shirts are made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking polyester or nylon that keeps you cool and comfortable during long hikes. They have a relaxed, vented fit that offers excellent airflow, with mesh-lined back vents that increase breathability, a big plus on steep climbs or humid days. They’re easy to wash and dry quickly, even if you just dip them in a stream and wring out the water, on land, of course, to prevent polluting the stream with your funk.
Sun Protection
Columbia PFG shirts usually feature Omni-Shade UPF 30–50 sun protection. This means they block 97–98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays even when wet. They have long sleeves and high collars that provide extra coverage for arms and neck—areas prone to sunburn while hiking. Roll-up sleeve tabs add versatility if you want to cool off.
Insect Protection
While the fabric isn’t treated with insect repellent, the tight weave acts as a solid physical barrier against most biting insects (mosquitoes, black flies, ticks). The collars can be flipped up for extra protection around the neck, which is helpful in buggy areas. This is particularly true if you wear a head net, because the collar provides a barrier to insects. If your head net doesn’t completely cover the back of your neck, when the bugs are bad, I often button the collar around my neck for extra protection. For extreme bug conditions (deep woods, swamps), pairing the shirt with a dedicated insect repellent like Sawyer Permethrin is recommended, as the shirt itself isn’t chemically treated.
Pockets
I also like the fact that Columbia’s PFG shirts have large chest pockets with Velcro or zipper closures that are handy for holding maps and sunglasses. You can never have enough pockets if you’re a hiker: I treat them as an extension of my packing system. Since I’m also a fly fisherman who bushwhacks to find remote streams and rivers, those pockets serve double duty!
Recommendation
Columbia PFG fishing shirts are a strong choice for hikers who need reliable and affordable sun protection, comfort in hot weather, and a decent physical barrier against insects. They’re especially well-suited for desert hikes, open trails, and buggy environments. While they lack built-in insect repellent, their design and fabric still help minimize bites. If you do a lot of warm-weather hiking or want one shirt that works for both trails and water-based adventures, this is a versatile garment worth considering.
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I’ve shifted towards cheap fishing shirts and hoodies over the last 5 years. It’s becoming more difficult to justify buying a shirt $80-100 from a premium hiking brand when I can go to Dick’s or Bass Pro Shops and pick up something that’ll work for $30.
There’s that too. I’ve also been introduced to golf shirts at Dicks.
You may want to check out golf shorts too, maybe golf pants also? I have purchased a couple pairs of cheap golf shorts from Kohl’s that are very comfortable, elastic waist band with belt loops that does not slip, and look nice compared to hiking shorts. The IZOD shorts I have were ~$25 and fit similar to my prAna Stretch Zion II shorts with the same waist measurement, with thinner material. I have worn the IZOD shorts on weekend road trips mixed with camping and hiking, and also to Hawaii earlier this year to use as travel, hiking, and beach shorts, no complaints.
Great to see this. Been using Columbia shirts for years as my base layer. Great airflow with a loose fit. Pockets rule, especially when heading out to the lake or stream from camp. Prices are moving up significantly the last several years, but what hasn’t?
They’re much less expensive on Amazon. The color selection there is INSANE.
I used to buy shirts from RailRiders but they also have gotten to be unreasonably expensive.
Looks great. I was concerned when you said most Columbia shirts are made out of nylon or polyester. I prefer nylon and generally avoid polyester. This is Nylon and nylon 66 is a high strength nylon
A search turned up: Produced by Invista, the maker of Lycra, TACTEL is a nylon 66 microfiber that dries eight times faster than cotton. It’s also at least twice as soft and 20% lighter than most fabrics. The suppleness and softness of TACTEL help minimize chafing. Two other important aspects of TACTEL are its breathability and noticeable strength.
I’ve got a Columbia fishing shirt and two Field and Stream fishing shirts and I’ve yet to use any of them for fishing not that I haven’t fished but it’s been a while. The Columbia one has 2 zippered side pockets that are imperceptible. In fact I forgot I had this shirt. It got buried in the back of my closet. With this heat wave, now is the time to bring it out. It’s extremely lightweight. It’s all polyester and a pale green. The F&S shirts are polyester and spandex, which makes them warmer. The colors are gorgeous! To say the pink is pink and the blue is blue is not giving the colors justice. The colors are vibrant, the fabric is “silky” and slippery. I wouldn’t wear them on a trail because they’d be too hot. Their weave is so tight you might be able to wear them as a windbreaker! All three have that Velcro tab where, my understanding is, that you’d tuck your fishing rod tip in? Is that right? Do people do that? I’d be afraid I’d stab myself in the chin. But whatever. I think I bought all three at Amazon online.
I love the nylon fabric of some Columbia PFG shirts – the nylon doesn’t hold onto the stink like polyester. But the inner mesh layer used on the shoulders and back rubs against my skin when I wear a pack, and it gets uncomfortable after a few miles. Have you ever found a nylon shirt that doesn’t use the inner mesh lining?
I haven’t looked real hard as the Columbia and Railriders shirts are my go-tos.