Do you recommend dri-fit shirts for BW trips? I'm working on a packing list for my group and I figure they might be good if you we have them, but I wanted to survey all the experts here first!

thanks

They stink, wear cotton t-shirts in summer- seriously :) well unless you are solo and think it will help keep away bears.

They may stink, but who doesn't after a trip to the BW. Just hang around the fire and that will cover most of the stink up. I prefer the drifit shirts because they breathe well, dry easily and are comfortable.
Plus they are light and pack very tightly in your pack. I normally take two and just switch halfway through trip. If they do get wet, they will dry much quicker than cotton.

I prefer Nike brand. However, I would try on several brands and see what feels best for you. A while back they changed the collar on the shirt I bought. That newer shirt never goes on trips but the old shirt from years ago does.

quote wifishncanoe: "They may stink, but who doesn't after a trip to the BW."

My experience - they REALLY SMELL.. I won't bring dri-fit again. Perhaps my version was a cheap pne (I don't rmemebere what it was.)

im not familair with dri fit. why do they stink? are they polypro?

I don't know the material - they are known for wicking perspiration and are quick drying and light...but my experience is that they seem to trap/odors and somehow change them from bad to worse. I wear them for running (ok, jogging) and I have to wash them with vinegar to get the odor out. Dri-fit went on trail a few years back - I spent to much time washing them for it to be worth it... had to use camp suds each time, the odor wouldn't leave from a quick rinse in a lake.

I would like to try some merino wool shirts. I hear they do a good job at repelling odors, but pretty darn pricey.

go 100% polyester. no stink.

quote kanoes: "im not familair with dri fit. why do they stink? are they polypro?"

Polyester...glorified plastic.

quote kanoes: "go 100% polyester. no stink."

I will have to check out the 100% polyester. Is there a brand you recommend? Probably cheaper then merino wool.

duofold. sometimes campmor has them on hot deals.

quote kanoes: "duofold. sometimes campmor has them on hot deals."

This is a good suggestion and better than polypro which I am moving away from as I always feel chilled. I purchased two Icebreaker Superfine 150 short sleeve shirts at "Canoecopia 2011" to test this year. I just came off a trip here in Michigan and I was very pleased with this wool shirt even though it is black. I usually wear red but all they had lefted at the show was black. Anyway, they wore well even in the hot sun and kept the chill off when the thunderstorms hit. This, will be my new base layer. Now if I can just get my hands on another short sleeve and one long sleeve in red. Ha! Oh yes, the shirt I purchased wears more like a t-shirt than a form fitting top.

I wanted to purchase the "Smartwool" brand but they didn't have anything in my size at the show. The "Smartwool" rep suggested to me to go with the lightest weight as they dry very fast. He was right on with that suggestion.

Over this I either wear my 5:11 Tactical Polyester long sleeve shirt or a fleece top. All depends on the weather and what I am doing at the time.

When it is hot, I still prefer to wear a cotton t-shirt in brighter colors. Easy to wash and they dry fast enough on a warm day. I always have one or two with me. Yet, this may change after some more testing with this Icebreaker wool tee! They are super light and pack super small.

JoeW I agree with your post completely. A lightweight wool is probably better than cotton. The stuff is expensive though. I have a long sleeve Smartwool base layer that I used in the winter and really liked it until my wife shrank it, now I am waiting for a sale to replace it.

quote JoeWilderness: "

I purchased two Icebreaker Superfine 150 short sleeve shirts at "Canoecopia 2011" to test this year. ."

I googled the icebreaker shirts. Dang, ~50 to 60.00 for a tee-shirt...They look sweet though...

Yes, J-Stroke they are expensive; yet, if they keep you warm on a trip they are worth it. Just like any other piece of gear of mine, they have to measure up to my standards to go in my pack. They have washed well so far and look as though they will last me a long time. I also did purchase them on sale.

Just keep them away from Soledad's wife or they won't fit you anymore!

quote Soledad: "A lightweight wool is probably better than cotton."

Without a doubt.

Look at the blend of dri-fit. I believe the cheaper ones often have a cotton blend, and just aren't as good, and stink more. Yes, they do stink more, but just throw the shirt you aren't wearing in the lake, put it over a line, and dry.

I will second the lightweight merino wool comments. Awesome stuff. If you are in Minneapolis, check out thrify outfitters for great deals.

I try to encourage our groups not to bring cotton of any kind. We typically go in September. If cotton clothing gets rained on, it seems like it never dries out. We steer out groups to synthetic or wool only. . .no cotton of any kind

They're pricy, but I wear Tasc bamboo cotton. Low stink factor, light weight and sun blocing.