Gear
Gear Guy
Q:

What are the Best Performance Plaid Shirts?

I’m trying to find a long-sleeve shirt that feels good while mountaineering but also looks good on a date. What have you got for me?

Check out his shirt. (Photo: Benfulton/Flickr)
Bob Parks
Jul 8, 2013
A:

Our dads dismissed them as “lumberjack” shirts and deemed them unworthy for special family occasions. Now these long-sleeve, plaid performers are back in style, gracing the pages of the latest fashion magazines.

Fashion benefits aside, they work double-duty as a technical midlayer, hiding features like moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics, wrinkle-free care, and built-in stretch for climbing or scrambling. That means you can complete a multi-day trek on the mountain—accumulate sweat, dirt, and strong aromas—and appear (at least from a safe distance) appropriately attired for dinner Sunday night.

The Best Performance Plaid Shirts: Arcteryx Borderline Revised Shirt

arcteryx-flannel_fe
Arcteryx Borderline Revised Shirt (Photo: Courtesy Arcteryx)

The Borderline uses a 78 percent cotton, 22 percent poly blend for a shirt that dries quickly. Its mesh yoke also increases airflow in hot weather. All told, it’s lightest-weight shirt among our favorites.

Weight: 7.1 ounces
Price: $89

The Best Performance Plaid Shirts: Outdoor Research Tempo Shirt

outdoor_research-flannel_fe
Outdoor Research Tempo Shirt (Photo: Courtesy Outdoor Research)

A shirt that expects to get a little grubby, the Tempo is made from drirelease cotton (a 85 percent polyester, 15 percent cotton mix) that wicks sweat fast, dries in a hurry, and has built-in odor control. A UPF shield on this lightweight layer has you ready for a range of conditions.

Weight: 8.9 ounces
Price: $75

The Best Performance Plaid Shirts: The North Face Gallito Flannel

northface-flannel_fe
The North Face Gallito Flannel (Photo: Courtesy The North Face)

No special powers for the outdoors here, but North Face washes its 100-percent cotton Gallito with enzymes so it feels soft from the start. It’s a great shirt for breaking camp in the cool evening.

Weight: 13 ounces
Price: $80

The Best Performance Plaid Shirts: Patagonia Kiragg Shirt

patagonia-flannel_fe
Patagonia Kiragg Shirt (Photo: Courtesy Patagonia )

Patagonia’s Kiragg blends 60 percent organic cotton and 40 percent recycled polyester to resist wrinkles and keep you feeling cool.

Weight: 11.7 ounces
Price: $89

The Best Performance Plaid Shirts: Burton Fletcher Woven Shirt

burton-flannel_fe
Burton Fletcher Woven Shirt (Photo: Courtesy Burton)

The Fletcher is just straight-up 100-percent cotton twill from Burton. Two colors—red and even more red.

Price: $65

Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.
Contribute to Outside →
Lead Photo: Benfulton/Flickr
More Gear