Which men’s hiking t-shirt should you choose for the weather?
In August, your back is soaked under your pack before the first pass. Stop for a break, and the wind chills the wet fabric. Start by choosing your t-shirt weight for the temperature. The EIGER weighs 80 g in size M and has an ultra-fine micro-striped knit designed for summer outings in the sun. The VENTURI weighs 140 g, works year-round and has a double-face construction that wicks away sweat. In intense heat, choose a t-shirt under 100 g. For a cold start, choose a warm long-sleeved top.
Weights in size M:
- Ultralight: 80 g for the EIGER; 95 g for the BAUGES and LE FRENCH MONTAGNARD.
- Versatile: 115 g for the merino CLAPIER and 140 g for the VENTURI.
- Long sleeves: 110 g for the BAUGES LS, 160 g for the CHARVIN and 190 g for the VENTURI LS.
- Warm tops: 210 g for the ALBAN and 240 g for the ARGENTIERES with a zipped collar.
- Cotton-polyester: 145 g for the SHELTER, ALPINIST, MAP, HERBIER and MOUNT.
Merino wool or synthetic hiking t-shirt?
By day three of a trek, your t-shirt has not been washed since you set off. The short-sleeved CLAPIER and long-sleeved CHARVIN use CIMAWOOL merino wool blended with recycled polyester: the wool limits odours without a chemical treatment, while the polyester adds durability. Soft against the skin, the fabric regulates temperature during activity and rest. For a multi-day trek without laundry facilities, choose a merino t-shirt.
Among the synthetic options, the VENTURI pairs hydrophobic polypropylene on the inside, for an immediate dry feel, with quick-drying polyester on the outside. It also has a CIMAFRESH anti-odour treatment. You’ll find the other wool styles in our merino wool t-shirts. Also read our guide Choosing merino wool for hiking.
Lightweight t-shirt under a hiking pack: quick drying and anti-odour protection
Under pack straps, thick fabric stays wet throughout the climb. The EIGER is barely noticeable under a hiking pack: its extra-fine, stretchy knit reduces rubbing, but it is more delicate than thicker fabric and needs careful washing. The BAUGES and LE FRENCH MONTAGNARD weigh 95 g in size M, dry quickly and have a CIMAFRESH anti-odour treatment that limits the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
For a spare t-shirt at the bottom of your pack, choose LE FRENCH MONTAGNARD: it packs into its own pocket. The 100 g FARAUT adds a half-zip neck: open it on the climb and close it on the descent. The BAUGES, LE FRENCH MONTAGNARD and FARAUT are trail t-shirts. You’ll also find them in our men’s trail running t-shirts.
Long-sleeved t-shirt and warm top for mountain hiking
Setting off from a mountain hut at dawn, the air is cold and the sun has yet to reach the trail. The BAUGES LS weighs 110 g in size M and covers your arms without adding unnecessary weight. Wear the long-sleeved merino CHARVIN next to your skin under a fleece or windproof jacket. The 190 g VENTURI LS uses the same double-face knit as the VENTURI.
In cold weather, the 210 g ALBAN and the 240 g ARGENTIERES with its zip neck are tops made with SMARTWARM fibres. They feel warm while remaining breathable and stretchy. Thumb loops protect your wrists from the cold and wind, while a zipped back pocket holds an energy gel or keys. For winter hiking or ski touring, wear the ALBAN as a base layer under a jacket or softshell. For a warmer layer, see our men’s thermal base layers and our men's fleece jackets.
Men’s cotton-polyester hiking t-shirt: sizing and fit
For a walk or a trip, the SHELTER, ALPINIST, MAP, HERBIER and MOUNT combine the softness of cotton with the versatility of polyester. They have a CIMAFRESH anti-odour treatment and a regular fit. Each weighs 145 g in size M. For a sustained climb, choose a synthetic knit or merino wool.
Choose your usual size across the range; the ARGENTIERES has a close fit. Wear the t-shirt next to your skin to wick away sweat. Complete your outfit with our men’s hiking trousers and our men’s hiking shorts. Find the women’s styles in our women’s hiking t-shirts, and find the full range among our hiking T-shirts. Like all Cimalp clothing, they benefit from the lifetime repairs.