Long or Short Sleeves?

[CTM]

Hi all,

I am planning on walking the Camino Frances through August, and I was wondering about what type of shirts are recommended. I am currently debating between short sleeved polyester shirts (which I already own) or some other material, and long sleeved shirts with some UPF protection.

Does anyone have a case for what works best in their experience?

 

[Anniesantiago]

When I walk in August I do take a lightweight cotton long-sleeved shirt to protect from the sun.
I also carry an umbrella.

 

[Bajaracer]

I wear a Mountain Hardwear Canyon long sleeve collared shirt during the day. I'm a firm believer in wearing long sleeve shirt and trousers during the day, better to be covered up instead of slathering sunscreen on a daily basis.

 

[EL Guapo]

I've spent a lot of time in the tropics and deserts. What works for me is a ss tech. tee shirt worn under a long sleeve wading shirt,that is one size larger than what you would normally wear. Stay away from cotton. The material is usually a nylon blend which drys almost instantly and is cool as well as sun protective. Think Lawrence of Arabia , there is a reason for billowing garments in hot arid environments. As I said, this works for me. The tee shirt will wick moisture and the wading shirt will dry very quickly as well as allowing you to roll up the sleeves if you want. It can also double as a towel if needed . Under armor , Columbia , etc. can be purchased at any sporting goods store for less than $20. Hope this helps.

 

[Dave2525]

I wore long sleeve (tech shirts) that had SPF and were quick drying. You can always roll up the sleeves as was mentioned previously.

 

[dougfitz]

In Spain, I worn long-sleeved trekking or travel shirts and kept the sleeves down most days, although it is possible to roll them up. These dried quickly and had good sun protection.

 

[Mark Lee]

Up to your preference and your skin type.
A couple of long sleeved tech-type synthetic shirts should work fine. Maybe throw in a short-sleeved one too.
Or maybe just a couple of the tech-type synthetic button up collared shirts they make for fisherman and such. Best of both worlds as you can roll-up the sleeves when you want to.
Or a combination of any of the three.

 

[William Garza]

I agree,long sleeves for sun protection
And a size or two larger for comfort and evaporation.
I had worked decades in hot humid environs, sticky stinging heat...
And it may seem counter to reason,but long sleeves kept me cooler and. Sun safe.

 

[Jo Jo]

The short answer is that I would wear long sleeves and long pants (and a wide-brimmed hat). I saw some amazing sunburns in July 2014. August is probably worse. My fuller thoughts are in a separate gear report. That gear report is here.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...id-not-for-a-summer-camino.31137/#post-304777

I'm actually going to try the heretical idea of one set of cotton blend clothes and one set of quick-dry nylon ( both sets with long pants, long-sleeved shirt) on a Camino this summer in Italy. I'll report back how that goes.

Ultreia,
Jo Jo

 

[Angelo]

A fortnight ago, I alternately wore long sleeve Merino (for cold morning starts) and long sleeve hiking UPF-rated polo shirts (the one with vents..Columbia, ExOfficio). The latter can be rolled up if so required as it got hot by midday on the CP.

 

[NicoZ]

If you want natural linen is better then cotton. It will look wrinkled but in a good way.

All clothing has a SPF. SPF is just a measure of how much it blocks. Sheer lace will block some sun . The SPF will be very low but it will have a SPF.

Think of this. Dark jeans have a SPF of 200 or so.

 

[William Garza]

If you want natural linen is better then cotton. It will look wrinkled but in a good way.

All clothing has a SPF. SPF is just a measure of how much it blocks. Sheer lace will block some sun . The SPF will be very low but it will have a SPF.

Think of this. Dark jeans have a SPF of 200 or so.

My shirt of choice is a 2x large close weave cloth,they call them brush poppers here...
I had a linen shirt years ago and it was great!
I saw a special where they said were dark colors in radiant environs,,i think that works better in drier conditions imo.

 

[CTM]

Thanks for all the advice. I picked up some long sleeved button-ups at REI that should do the trick

 

[Annie G]

What about solar sleeves like bicyclists use sometimes?

 

[Bajaracer]

What about solar sleeves like bicyclists use sometimes?

Those wouldn't work as well while walking since they are directly against your skin and air wouldn't circulate.
If you were on a bicycle they would work because of the air passing over the solar sleeves at a higher speed.