Sierra Designs is known for their backpacking tents (I love my old Sierra Designs Sirius 3 Tent), sleeping bags, and apparel. Their apparel is high quality, functional, and stylish. What I am excited about is their true innovation, particularly in the Solar Wind Shirt!
Are you making plans to go hiking this summer? Then it is about time that you start looking for some new summer weight hiking tops! Sierra Designs has two summer hiking tops that I tried out, the Women’s Short Sleeve Solar Wind Shirt and the Trail Tank.
Sierra Designs Solar Wind Shirt Review
The Short Sleeve Solar Wind Shirt is essentially the same as the Long Sleeve Solar Wind Shirt that I reviewed a few months ago, except that the sleeves are short! There is a key feature of both the short sleeve and long sleeve version of this hiking top: a highly breathable back panel. Having short sleeves is really nice for summertime, and combined with the breathable back panel of this shirt I stayed fairly cool in my testing.
With most hiking shirts, my back gets pretty sweaty when I hike with a daypack or full on backpacking backpack. I guess I am just used to it now. However, I did notice a marked improvement when wearing both the Long Sleeve Solar Wind Shirt and Short Sleeve Solar Wind Shirt.
What don’t I like? The Short Sleeve Shirt tends to look a bit like a girl’s private school uniform shirt. The Long Sleeve Shirt did not, and is more stylish in my opinion. Both are equally functional and will serve you well on trails this summer.
Specs:
- Sizing: The Sierra Designs Solar Wind Shirt comes in XS to XXL, a nice wide range of sizes for all shapes and sizes of hiking ladies.
- Where to Buy? SierraDesigns.com
- Pricing? $85
- Weight: 5 ounces.
- Materials: Nylon, Polyester, Spandex.
- Sun protection? Yes, UPF rated at 35 for the main fabric, UPF 40 for the stretch panels.
- Colors: Blue (French Blue), Purple (Lilac), and Tan (Aluminum)
Sierra Designs Trail Tank Review
The Sierra Designs Trail Tank was introduced in the summer of 2015, and the materials are excellent! It is soft, breathable, and extremely comfortable. What didn’t I like? Well…it is REALLY low cut! If you want to show off your chest, then this is the top for you. If not, and you want some extra sun protection over the delicate skin of your chest and neck, I’d recommend sticking to a more traditional hiking top like the Sierra Designs Short Sleeve Solar Wind Shirt!
Specs:
- Sizing: The Sierra Designs Trail Tank comes in XS to XXL, a nice wide range of sizes for all shapes and sizes of hiking ladies.
- Where to Buy? SierraDesigns.com
- Pricing? $40
- Weight: 3 ounces.
- Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex.
- Sun protection? Yes, UPF rated at 40.
- Colors: Black, Capri Blue, Coral, Lilac, White.
Happy trails!
