I live down in Texas, where the heat can really beat you down during the summer. I thought it would be interesting to see what people choose to keep them cool in the summer heat.
This year I am taking a special interest in the vertx Phantom ops with air flow enhancement and the normal underarmor shirts. Does anyone know of superior shirts, suitable for a day at the range?
The Kuhl Revolvr pant works well for me in the summer. Breathes much better than jeans of course. Pretty delicate though, when I wore them to a ECQC type class they tore up pretty good. Shirts I like the dry fit nike / UA / Adidas but be careful when pistol shooting AIWB, they tend to cling pretty good. To be honest though as you probably know I had to put up a dang awning to shoot under at my place. That 110 degree full sun is brutal
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It really is amazing how much a little shade can make a difference. Thanks for the input, I haven’t looked at Kuhl before, but I really don’t like stuff that wears easily. If I have something that falls apart in a year, I rarely replace it with a new one.
I just picked up a few Mountain Hardware “Double Wicked” shirts and a pair of Columbia “Silver Ridge Convertible” pants. For years I’d been wearing my 5.11 or Vertx pants to matches, this year I’m gonna try something a little lighter and see if they’ll hold up. If they columbia pants don’t hold up, I may meet in the middle for something like the Tac-Lite 5.11 or lightweight Vertx pants.
Other than that, to beat the heat I go through about 2 gallons of water on the range (matches last about 0800-1300), at least a 1/2 gallon of water at night the nights before matches, and try to hide in the shade as much as possible.
Hawaiian shirts here in seattle. But our heat isn’t the same as texas. But no one questions the guy wearing the big Hawaiian shirt about hanging loose…
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Either the already mentioned dri-weave type of shorts or a fishing shirt like the type from Columbia. As for shorts, just about any cargo shorts will do. Lots and lots and lots of sun screen and a hat.
Since i burn easy and often forget to put on sunscreen. I have a couple of different types of Columbia long sleeve shirts that have venting and omi-shade which i believe is 30 spf.
I prefer to wear columbia’s Terminal Tackle shirts made with their Omnishade technology. I’m waiting on vertex’s new airflow pants to ship out to me at the moment. So I may have a positive word about them later.
I wear 5.11 tac light shorts and most shirts are polo style from Columbia or Nike … if not on line I go to bass pro or any hunting or outdoor/shooting store in town.
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Vertex phantom light pants, a good hat for shade, and a light polo shirt.
Duluth Trading has some great clothes that affords one protection from the sun.
[ul]
[li]Ultra-light nylon with quick-dry, wicking performance
[/li][li]Made-in-the-Jade fabric feels cool to the touch
[/li][li]Antimicrobial finish resists odor
[/li][li]UPF 40+ sun protection
[/li][li]Breathable polyester mesh vents
[/li][li]Polyester mesh sweatband
[/li][li]Rear bungee with cordlock adjusts fit
[/li][li]Extra long, wide brim for superior sun blockage
[/li][li]Removable 11" long sun cape secures with hidden snaps for a low profile when not in use
[/li][/ul]
CoolPlus. F.O.M. Long Sleeve Action Shirt (I get them in the color Stone)
[ul]
[li]CoolPlus polyester with powerful wicking action keeps you drier and cooler than cotton
[/li][li]Lightweight yet durable ripstop weave with UPF 50+ sun protection
[/li][li]F.O.M.™ (Freedom of Movement) Armpit Gussets and mesh-vented bi-swing back
[/li][li]Roll-up, button-tab sleeves
[/li][li]Button down collar
[/li][li]No-spill envelope-style pockets have secure hook-and-loop closures
[/li][li]Left pocket has a hidden pencil pocket, right has a hidden cell phone pocket
[/li][li]Extra zippered Napoleon pocket is handy for high-security items
[/li][li]65% polyester/35% CoolPlus polyester ripstop fabric resists snags and tears
[/li][li]Cut slightly smaller than our Tradesman Fit for improved wicking performance
[/li][li]Machine wash, tumble dry
[/li][/ul]
Armachillo Ripstop Cargo Pants
[ul]
[li]Lightweight yet durable 100% ripstop nylon
[/li][li]Cool to the touch thanks to Made-in-the-Jade fabric (made with microscopic cooling jade)
[/li][li]Quick-drying, antimicrobial to fight odor
[/li][li]UPF 40 sun protection
[/li][li]Lower rise plus specially designed Crouch Gusset™ lets you stoop, crouch, climb with ease
[/li][li]Soft tricot-lined elastic waist with internal waist belt, button closure and zip fly
[/li][li]Cargo pockets with tuckable flaps for security or easy access
[/li][li]Additional side pockets and back pockets
[/li][li]Pencil pockets
[/li][/ul]
REI also has a similar line out called Sahara Tech.
•Soft, breathable nylon fabric is lightweight and quick drying; with a UPF 50+ rating, fabric provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays
•Rear cape offers additional sun protection for your neck; roll the cape up and stash it in the interior pocket when not needed
•Foam-stiffened bill offers sun protection for your eyes and face; brim keeps the hat afloat in water
•CoolMax® polyester inner headband wicks away moisture to keep sweat out of your eyes
•Mesh venting at the sides and back of the hat keep air moving
•Adjustable elastic cord cinches for a comfortable, secure fit
•Lightweight nylon/spandex fabric wicks moisture, dries fast and stretches comfortably; it also packs down small
•Fabric also offers UPF 50+ protection; cuff design extends coverage over backs of hands
•Sleeves can be rolled up and secured with button tabs
•Shirt has mesh underarm panels to provide ventilation
•Includes 2 large chest pockets with secure rip-and-stick? closures; also has a small pocket on the sleeve with a button flap closure
•Elbows are reinforced for added durability; locker loop in back lets you hang the shirt to dry
•Seams are placed off of the tops of the shoulders to prevent abrasion under pack straps
•The men’s REI Sahara Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt has a relaxed fit that allows for comfort and movement
•Lightweight nylon fabric packs small, dries fast and has a durable water repellent? finish
•UPF 50+ rating provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays
•Loaded with pockets for essentials, including many with secure zip closures and/or secure rip-and-stick? closures
•Center gusset and elastic in back waist ease movement; soft waistband liner and flat seams increase comfort
•Reinforced cuff backs stand up to abrasion from boots
•Men’s REI Sahara Cargo Pants with 32 in. inseam have a relaxed fit that generously allows for comfort and movement
Railriders also offers A LOT of clothing options with sun protection.
I have also had good luck with the REI Sahara Tech stuff as well.