Columbia Bug Shield Shirt Review
As temperatures begin to warm and standing water becoming more frequent, there is the unfortunate truth that mosquitoes and friends are on their way to a neighborhood and trail near you. If you are anything like me, you can’t stand mosquitoes. And while I can’t stand those little annoying buggers, I don’t let them keep me from enjoying the activities I enjoy most such as hiking and camping. Some of the options we have to help protect ourselves from bug bites include; bug spray, clip-on bug repellents, and clothing with the bug repellent infused in the material.
The Columbia Bug Shield Shirt is not only a shirt that is infused with bug repellent (effective against mosquitoes, ants, and ticks), but it is an excellent shirt for hiking and other outdoor activities. For starters, the bug shield shirt is coated with a 40 UVA and UVB sun protection, helping keep out the harmful sun’s rays. As someone who has had a Melanoma scare due to over-exposure of the sun, I welcome this 40 UVA and UVB protection. If you find yourself in warmer climates or you build up a sweat through activity, it’s good to know the shirt is made of Columbia’s Omni-Wick which helps pull moisture away from your skin and helps keep you dry. Wearing this shirt while hiking in Colorado and walking the warm beaches of Florida, I can attest to Omni-Wick’s performance. In addition to the Omni-Wick material helping keep you cool, the shirts arms can be folded up above the elbow making it a short sleeve shirt. There are also vents near the armpits of each side for optimal ventilation.
The fit of the shirt is very flattering. Typically with these types of Sahara style shirts, they are super baggy and only can be pulled off by someone who is 50+ or overweight. I am 6’0 and 175lbs and I found a size medium to fit nicely, not too baggy and not too tight. The material used in the Columbia Bug Shield Shirt is extremely comfortable. It has almost a silky feeling, but it doesn’t soak through with sweat or have that shiny look like silk has. Overall, I have been extremely happy with the Columbia Bug Shield Shirt. Those who I recommend this shirt to include; hikers, campers, fishermen and women, people looking to travel light, and those living in areas with a high concentration of insects.
MSRP $80
For more information on the Columbia Bug Shield Shirt, please visit Columbia.com
