Advnture Verdict
Stay breezy in the heat in this cool and casual 100% cotton shirt, a nice summer top that can also keep up on hikes in dry weather.
Pros
- +
Very breathable
- +
Smart patterns on offer
- +
Lightweight
Cons
- -
Cotton lacks thermal qualities and is slow to dry once wet (so not suitable for mountain or winter wear)
- -
Sizes small
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
Columbia Camp Henry shirt: first impressions
The popular Columbia Camp Henry shirt is a versatile, long-sleeve, plaid-patterned shirt for more relaxed use. Despite its cosy flannel looks, the shirt is surprisingly light, cool and breathable – ideal for hot weather hiking when worn alone, or easily popped over a base layer in chillier climates, but if you’re heading into the mountains, there are more suitable choices in our best women’s hiking tops buying guide.
That’s because this shirt is 100% cotton, and cotton has zero thermal properties when it gets wet, so it is not appropriate for alpine or cold-weather wear. Keep this one for hiking on nice warm days, either at home or when on holiday, and then it will perform well.
• RRP: $52 (US) / £55 (UK)
• Materials: 100% Cotton
• Weight: 180g / 6oz
• Sizes available: XS / S / M / L
• Colors: New Mint / Sun Glow / Faded Sky / Stone Green / Nocturnal Canyon / Where Stripe / Cedar Blush / Peach Cloud
• Compatibility: Look smart on dry summer trails in this versatile shirt
Columbia Camp Henry shirt: on the trails
On test, we discovered that the sleeves rolled up quickly and easily, thanks to well-placed tabs, and we found the shoulders sat nicely under a hiking backpack, with no rucking up or rubbing.
We did find this shirt a little shorter in the torso than some others on test, and we’d recommend sizing up in to make sure you get a loose and unencumbered fit. It’s a good one to try on in person if you can.
Various check and striped versions are available – the plain blue, striped incarnation of this shirt would be smart enough for the workplace, while the cheery checks look great on the trail.
If you’re after a casual shirt that can still come happily along on a hike or a camping trip, rather than a tough, technical shirt with all the bells and whistles, the Columbia Camp Henry will be a smart addition to your wardrobe.
