Perfect Safari or Tropical Hunting Shirt

[Rare Breed]

I have finally sided with Boyt shirts. I think I have tried them all and I seem to always come back to them. Cool in the heat with vents yet warm versus synthetics when cold. Just me…although not used one of the few left with shell pockets. I like them so much I bought three left hand versions even though I am right hand

The shooting pad is useless anyway. to get my size, I had to buy the left hand version which is fine...my PH's just look at me funny to see a right handed guy shooting wearing a left hand shirt...LMAO!!!

 

[SFRanger7GP]

The shooting pad is useless anyway. to get my size, I had to buy the left hand version which is fine...my PH's just look at me funny to see a right handed guy shooting wearing a left hand shirt...LMAO!!!

Just tell them you decided to try and make the hunt more challenging by trying to shoot right handed on this safari.


Safe hunting

 

[Uncompahgre]

I would really like a Safari shirt to have button down pockets that a passport would actually fit in. So far I’ve not owned a Safari shirt that would work.

 

[Hunt anything]

I have a shirt that I got from the old Mossy Oak store that has a zipper pocket underneath the left breast pocket that my passport fits in perfectly. I wear it on travel days and can wear it hunting if my bags are misplaced as it is lightweight and olive drab.

 

[Major Bonkers]

 

[yfarm]

Game Guard, Ex Officio. Synthetics dry fast. Hunting starts 9/1 in deep south Texas and continues thru February. Am generally in a olive tshirt,shorts and snake boots until mid November, Not unusual to have 100 degree temps while hunting, cotton gets wet and stays wet. Both of the mentioned companies use synthetics, previously cotton and have migrated away over performance in the heat. Simms also sells their fishing shirts in earthy colors as well as camo.

 

[rblum]

i had a similar issue with shirts so i mickey moused my own and it worked great.
ll bean long sleeved canvas shirt.
Then i purchased two bottles of RIT dye (one dark brown and one dark green)
mixed the dyes on hot water per directions. 1/4c brown and 1/2 c green. It approximates olive drab. Then i fixed the dye with RIT dye fixative.
Anyway it fit the bill. And it comes in well under your budget. Two button up breast pockets and all.

 

[Daisy]

I haven't seen Poncho mentioned yet, I've heard nothing but great things about them and see them worn often in filmed African hunts.

Poncho Outdoors - Men's Performance Shirts

Shirts made for the outdoors. Lightweight, quick-drying, and sun protective. Soft and stretchy fabric will keep you comfortable all day.

www.ponchooutdoors.com

Poncho shirts and kuiu mesa vented is pretty much all I wear everyday now. Hunting or not

 

[KurtVH]

I don’t understand the seemingly widespread love of cotton clothing for outdoor and athletic endeavors. It’s super slow drying after getting wet with sweat, rain, etc. It’s useless for retaining warmth in cold weather. It retains body odor more than any other fabric. What is good about it? Its “breathability?” That’s way overrated.

Modern synthetics dry very fast, don’t retain odors, can retain warm well in cold weather (depending on how it’s made), and can provide excellent sun protection (again, depending on the particulars of the fabric).

Merino wool is even better than synthetics in many situations and better than cotton in almost every situation. (Excluding dress and casual shirts for business/leisure/ casual wear, which we’re not talking about here.). Merino is lightweight and cooler than cotton and most synthetics in hot weather. It’s way warmer than cotton and most synthetics in cold weather. It doesn’t “feel” wet until it’s really soaked because it’s hollow fibers wick moisture from your body. Best of all, merino doesn’t absorb odors. I sweat more than anyone I know (as my son says, “you sweat when you read, Dad”) and I can wear a merino t-shirt for several days in very hot weather with it remaining odor-free the entire time. It also drys much faster than cotton (though not as fast as synthetics).

If you want buttons and pockets, get a high-performance synthetic fabric. If you don’t need those, wear merino t-shirts with short or long sleeves.

 

[Troubleshooter]

To each his own; I've yet to encounter a synthetic shirt which was comfortable in hot weather or during strenuous physical activity. I agree with you regarding wool (weather dependent of course). Haven't seen the merino wool t-shirts and will need to check that out.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I find that synthetic shirts feel slimy, very off-putting. The most comfortable shirts I have are the Westley Richards safari ones in brushed Italian cotton. They are a bit thicker and therefore warm, but great for a cool morning. I also don't lile a limp floppy shirt, the WR ones keep their form well.

 

[JP50]

Graghopper - solar dry - long lasting. Comfortable and wash and dry very quick.

 

[flying sailor]

My take on shirts. I still like cotton for most things. Cotton shirts and trousers do not make as much noise when going thru the bush, synthetics make a scratching sound as they are man made fibers. Bare skin makes no noise either, you just suffer scratches and bites. if you are that close to something with terrific hearing it could make a difference. My fifty cents worth, as two cents is worth spit these days.

 

[Tanks]

Avedon and Colby are having a 25% off sale thru July 12, applied at checkout. I would heartily recommend them.

Avedon Colby International Outfitters | Retail Products

Premier manufacturer of outdoor adventure clothing design and manufactured to exceed performance expectations.

avedoncolbystore.com

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Avedon and Colby are having a 25% off sale thru July 12, applied at checkout. I would heartily recommend them.

Avedon Colby International Outfitters | Retail Products

Premier manufacturer of outdoor adventure clothing design and manufactured to exceed performance expectations.

avedoncolbystore.com

Nice. Free ground shipping in the US too

 

[Challer]

I like my Avedon and Colby stuff, but they don't meet your cost criteria...

And they offer linen variants. I’ve had them for years

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

I find that synthetic shirts feel slimy, very off-putting. The most comfortable shirts I have are the Westley Richards safari ones in brushed Italian cotton. They are a bit thicker and therefore warm, but great for a cool morning. I also don't lile a limp floppy shirt, the WR ones keep their form well.

Just been on a hunt in the Save and wore Westley Richards cotton safari shirts exclusively. Despite their thickness they were comfortable even on the hottest day, which was 46 degrees at lunch time. The cartridge loops above the pockets were a winner, in fact I was so happy with them generally that I am about to order three more.

 

[Doug3006]

Just been on a hunt in the Save and wore Westley Richards cotton safari shirts exclusively. Despite their thickness they were comfortable even on the hottest day, which was 46 degrees at lunch time. The cartridge loops above the pockets were a winner, in fact I was so happy with them generally that I am about to order three more.
View attachment 646064

I believe a hunt report is needed!

 

[Altitude sickness]

I like Poncho brand when it’s warm

 

[Rare Breed]

I want to start this post with the fact that I have spent countless dollars attempting to find a “good” safari / tropical hunting shirt that fit my needs and build. I have owned shirts from Rigby, Westley Richards, Filson, Courteney, Tag, Patagonia, Bass Pro to Walmart and the list goes on. Every shirt has required some modification or fit lousy and made it goodwill.

I spent the last 27 years assigned to organizations within DOD where generally money was not an issue and good ideas were turned into reality and everyone was the better for it. I have spoken with a local tailor and floated the idea of prototyping a true safari / tropical hunting shirt for production. I would like this to turn into something and hopefully we all benefit. Zero clue if this will fizzle out or we all have access to a great shirt in the future.

My last 27 years were spent between the middle east and Central and South America so I have a good concept for hot weather operational clothing but would love to hear your thoughts based off your experience. While I have hunted in Africa, many of you have done it way more. I will start off with things I would be interested in regarding construction and hopefully you can tune me up.

Words used to define the shirt: simple, functional, durable, practical, classic, purpose built.

100% Cotton Fabric. Unsure on weave. I feel the Filson featherweight shirt is great all around. Fabric be hand washed in a bucked on washboard and ironed without issue.

Milspec Buttons. No Velcro

2 x chest pockets. Pockets set to not hinder shouldering of rifle if pockets are full. Sized to hold a small compass, Cell Phone or GPS / Range Finder. Does anyone use arm sleeve pockets?

Sizing: Tailored fit but not slim. I am done having shirts cut way too large in the abdomen. Long enough to tuck in as most of us wear a belt with kit. Long sleeve version sleeve, is long enough to not pull too tight when shouldering a rifle.

I see no need for epaulettes. Added cost and fabric to dry when wet.

Color: Green and or khaki

Cost: Under $75

What other design features do you love or detest?

Shell loops?

Is there a need for a purpose-built shirt or does one exist I have not found? I would love to hear your thoughts. I am not in any industry related to manufacturing or sportswear so this is 100% bottom up to make something better.

While I know older thread still intrigues me as I too have struggled with a great shirt. I am 6:2 and hate when shirts are too short and always become untucked from my pants. I wish I could have something easy to wash, yet sweat dries quickly, keeps out Tsetse flies yet not heavy and breathes. Fits my 48 inch shoulders yet also does not gather around my 37 inch waists. Yes I would want shell lupe’s. The above would be my perfect shirt!!!