The 15 Best Sweat-wicking Hiking Shirts From $12

Recently, I found myself in a sticky situation — quite literally. I was touring El Nido de Quetzalcóatl, an otherworldly architectural wonder nestled on more than an acre of sprawling landscape in Mexico City. As we embarked on a three-hour hiking tour, I realized I had dressed all wrong. Fall weather at an elevation like this can be tricky. At certain times of the day, it’s cool enough for a thick sweater. But in the sun’s prime hours, I found myself melting and had to peel off my stifling Teddy bear fleece and carry it. 

In retrospect, the perfect hiking top would have been a moisture-wicking one, made of technical fabric designed to push sweat from your skin to the surface of the material, where it evaporates. It keeps you cooler than an absorbent material that doesn’t breathe, like fluffy fleece. That’s how sweat-wicking clothes are engineered and why they’re the best choice for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and travelers planning to do a lot of zooming around.

To help you navigate unpredictable weather during fall hikes, I rounded up the best sweat-wicking hiking shirts and tops, including insulating, temperature-regulating base layers designed for sports like running and skiing, hoodies to keep you covered in case of rain, and all-purpose tees you can keep in rotation year-round. These tops let you stay comfortable on the trail and beyond — and they start at just $12. 

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody

Conquer sweat and B.O. with this hooded top that has patented odor-fighting technology. It’s lightweight enough for just about any activity, from high-intensity sports to hanging out with friends. And it’s great for anyone with sensory processing issues, as it doesn’t have lots of annoying stitches and seams. You can also feel good about the fact that Patagonia uses Fair Trade practices, too.

Lululemon License to Train Classic-fit Long-sleeve Shirt

Leave it to iconic activewear brand Lululemon to make a sweat-wicking crewneck that’s great as a base layer, your go-to gym top, or even a casual option to pair with jeans for a day out and about. This Lululemon shirt has a four-way stretch and is built for action; plus, its moisture-wicking treatment is plant-based and non-toxic. The built-in patented odor-control treatment will help you feel fresh all day, too.

Land’s End Active Performance Quarter-zip Pullover

I spent an entire October traveling around Split, Croatia, a seaside town with fluctuating temperatures, and my moisture-wicking quarter-zip was a mainstay. It was almost identical to this Lands’ End pullover, which comes in the richest jewel tones, like cobalt and emerald, in addition to neutrals, like black and navy. This long-sleeve has a standup collar that folds down and is great for warm and windy days. One shopper called it “lightweight, warm, packable.”

Outdoor Voices ThinkFast Mesh Shortsleeve

The basic white tee gets an athletic upgrade in this moisture-wicking short-sleeve cooling top that’s made for high-intensity sports — and intense sweating. As such, it’s also very stretchy, so you can freely swing tennis rackets and score a slam dunk unencumbered. “I’m obsessed!! It is so lightweight and the perfect loose but still feminine and cute fit. I’ve gotten compliments upon every wear,” wrote a fan.

Old Navy CloudMotion Base Layer Top

There are so many reasons to be impressed by this sweat-wicking long-sleeve top: it’s available in a variety of rich colors, it features tall and petite sizing, and it’s a mere $12 on sale. And, it’s incredibly comfortable — it has “cloud” in the name because of how soft it feels. “This top lays on my body like a fitted sheet. I’m comfortable, able to move freely, and [it’s] stylish, especially with the finger hole at the bottom of the sleeves,” noted a shopper.

Sweaty Betty Modal Dot High Neck Jacquard Base Layer Top

This sleek base layer is as fitting on the ski slopes as it is out to dinner. But it’s not just any old turtleneck — it’s designed to be moisture-wicking, breathable, and extra warm thanks to a luxuriously soft blend of modal, polyester, and elastane. Regulate your body temperature while staying true to your city style in this layer. “I am so obsessed with this top that this was the second one I ordered!” gushed a shopper. “Soft, comfy, warm, beautiful. I’ve worn it everywhere, from climbing mountains to walking dogs at the shelter to dressing it up at work.”

Athleta Allure Cinch Sweatshirt

Tired of typical sweatshirts? Feast your eyes on this Athleta sweatshirt with a slouchy mock turtleneck and a cinched drawstring waist. It’s made of soft tencel, a plant-based fiber that’s responsibly sourced, as well as recycled materials. “It’s so cute and long enough that it covers your behind,” as one reviewer pointed out. Sustainable, stylish, oversized yet streamlined, and treated to wick away moisture: that’s how you upgrade a sweatshirt. 

Smartwool Shadow Pine Colorblock Crew Sweater

This geometric colorblock top has a timeless look and strikes the perfect balance of cozy and cool. It comes in warm fall colors, like this two-toned camel, so it’s an easy win for layering or wearing on its own. It uses certified sustainable merino wool to wick away sweat and is comfortable to keep you agile on the go. “Fabulous feel. I look forward to [wearing] this for DECADES as I’ve worn other Smartwool tops,” wrote a fan.

Under Armour Meridian Hooded Jacket

This full-zip hoodie is a lightweight, stretchy layer that conforms to your shape and cradles you in super-soft, breathable sweat-wicking fabric. It’s designed to move with you during workouts or everyday wear, keeping you cool and comfortable even when you’re active. With its fitted design and sleek hood, this Under Armour sweatshirt is also great for layering or wearing solo to stay warm without overheating. This stylish piece is perfect for the gym, runs, or casual outings when you want to look and feel effortlessly put together.

Old Navy Go-Dry Cool Waffle Quarter Zip

For another quarter-zip we love, try this Old Navy men’s sweat-wicking top. It has a uniquely roomy fit complete with raglan sleeves, which ditch the shoulder seam and allow for the most range of movement. The textured top with a mock neck is so versatile that it would be fine as the only activewear top in your suitcase. Get it in regular and tall sizes. “Super soft, great fit, and not bulky,” wrote a customer.

Arc’teryx Rho Merino Wool Zip-neck Base Layer Top

This merino wool base layer is a trifecta of warmth, breathability, and moisture management in one naturally odor-resistant, sweat-wicking top. It helps regulate body temperature, making it awesome for everything from chilly morning hikes to intense alpine adventures. The half-zip lets you air things out if need be, flatlock seams keep the comfort at peak levels, and the slim fit makes it ideal for layering under jackets without bulk.

Patagonia Swift Drift Sun Hoody

Make this Patagonia hoodie your go-to layer for sun protection and staying cool during long days outdoors, thanks in part to its built-in UPF 50+ protection — kind of like sunscreen in clothing form. It’s made from lightweight, quick-drying fabric that’s actually 100 percent recycled polyester and is perfect for outdoor activities like fishing or kayaking. Toss this on any day you need a bit of shade and airflow.

Real Essentials Short-sleeve V-neck Dry-fit 5-pack

If you love a sweat-wicking T-shirt, you’ve hit the motherlode with this five-pack; these tops are some of the most popular on Amazon with almost 18,000 perfect reviews. The tagless tees are built for active lives, with four-way stretch, flat seams, and the versatility to be worn for sportswear or everyday wear. “Perfect for traveling, camping, no wrinkles and very comfortable,” wrote a delighted shopper.

Baleaf Men’s Sun Protection Hoodie

This breathable hoodie absolutely nails it for active days and everyday wear. It’s a lightweight, go-to layer with UPF 50+ protection that lets you opt for the all-day walking tour without feeling uncomfortably sweaty, thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry. The hood offers extra sun protection for your neck and face, and it’s a soft, non-bulky way to keep warm. “My husband likes these for his hiking trips; protects him from the sun, but still breezy! The fabric is great quality and the fit is awesome. Washed them several times already, and they are still great!” attested a reviewer.

Land’s End Short Sleeve Rapid Dry Sport Neck Polo Shirt

Pair this sweat-wicking polo shirt with a cute performance skort, and your pickleball look is instantly advanced to the next level. In addition to moisture-wicking properties, this Lands’ End shirt has odor control and UPF 50 sun protection built in — and its lack of tags and seams is a bonus. Choose from regular and plus sizes.

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