Advnture Verdict
With classic styling and a host of trail features, the Columbia Newton Ridge is a great choice for hot weather hikes. Designed with performance in mind, this highly-breathable shirt quickly wicks away moisture and is very fast drying.
Pros
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Fast wicking
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Lightweight
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Breathable
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Comfortable
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Lots of handy features
Cons
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Large fit not for everyone
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Lacks chic
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Columbia Newton Ridge: first impressions
The Columbia Newton Ridge is a lightweight hiking shirt that’s billed as ideal for the warmer months. Complete with Columbia’s own Omni-Wick technology, it promises high-performance wicking to quickly move moisture away from the skin and disperse it across the outer fabric for rapid evaporation.
The Newton Ridge has been designed with performance in mind. It has some nifty features including decent-sized breast pockets, a zip-up security pocket, well-tailored back vents and a sunglasses wipe. Columbia has strived to create a durable shirt that keeps you dry, using a blend of nylon and elastane,
At £55, it’s the most budget-friendly of all the button-up and collared offerings in our guide to the best hiking shirts and promises solid trail performance without breaking the bank.
• RRP: £55 (UK)
• Materials: Nylon (94%), elastane (6%)
• Sizes available: S-XXL
• Colors: Shark / Ancient Fossil / Stone Green / Bluestone
Columbia Newton Ridge: on the trails
When we slipped on the Newton Ridge, the first thing we noticed was how lightweight, spacious and breathable it felt. The fabric might not be the softest, but it almost seems to levitate over the skin allowing air to sweep through and cool.
As we climbed a steep and sustained woodland path in humid conditions, the shirt did a great job of keeping us cool. Without packs, the tailored back vents are able to get to work. As we started to perspire, the Newton Ridge rose to the occasion; effortlessly wicking moisture away, dispersing it efficiently and drying very quickly indeed.
The Columbia Newton Ridge is, of course, a hot weather performer. In the latter stages of the hike, a misty rain descended and the afternoon cooled dramatically. It didn’t take long for us to feel chilly and reach for an outer layer. Then again, Columbia never promised insulation.
We found the Newton Ridge to be quite a loose fit. While this inevitably helps with ventilation, you might consider sizing down if you're on the size border or prefer a tighter fit. Looks-wise, it’s very much the classic hiking shirt. If you’re looking to make a fashion statement on the trails, the Newton Ridge might lack chic. But if you want a hot weather workhorse, it’s a good choice.
