Advnture Verdict
Pack the REI Co-op Sahara for hiking abroad in hot weather – it’s breathable and easy to care for, and is definitely worth a look for petite women looking for a hiking shirt that really fits. It’s just a pity the fabric has a slightly rumpled finish.
Pros
- +
Breathable
- +
Great fit
- +
Hides dirt
- +
Recycled material
Cons
- -
Pricy
- -
No insect protection
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Royal Robbins Expedition Pro: first impressions
One of the top shirts in our best women’s hiking tops buying guide, the Royal Robbins Expedition Pro is nicely cut to fit the female body, looks very smart and, miracle of miracles, doesn’t crease or need ironing (or even much washing) even after days of walking and wandering.
The white version is very cool to wear, but the khaki and black are the standout colors here – they hide the inevitable dirt of outdoor adventuring very well. The Royal Robbins Expedition Pro is highly breathable in hot climates (see also: what are the most breathable fabrics?), so it’s ideal for walking holidays in tropical locations. Multiple vents further help to wick away sweat. A bit of stretch makes the Expedition comfy to wear all day, and it works nicely when worn under a hiking backpack.
• RRP: $75 (US) / £77.65 (UK) / €90
• Materials: 100% recycled polyester
• Weight: 170g / 6oz
• Sizes available: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Colors: White / Everglade / Asphalt
• Compatibility: Ideal for hikes in hot climates
Royal Robbins Expedition Pro: on the trails
We wore the Royal Robbins Expedition Pro all summer on hikes both in the UK and further afield, and reckon that if you can only fit one shirt in your rucksack for a backpacking trip, this is a reliable and flattering choice. Royal Robbins got feedback from walking guides when designing this shirt, and you can tell – it’s a shirt worth investing in to wear for many adventures to come.
Various other versions of this shirt art available if you want to mix it up, including a tunic style and some jazzy patterned materials as well as a short-sleeve style.
