Now that I’ve been doing so much hiking, I’m beginning to really understand the importance of layering, particularly with my tops.
I know, that’s probably a lesson from Hiking 101. But until I started testing a variety of layers and paying close attention to the fit and feel of each item, it didn’t occur to me that my old t-shirt just wasn’t going to be as effective as something like a technical shirt.
The Sherpa Adventure Gear Kipu Tee is one of the items I’ve been testing out. On warmer days, I wear it on its own and if it cools off at elevation or gets windy, I can just throw a long-sleeved shirt over it.
Besides having a lovely feminine design, it’s most important feature is its IceFil® Xylitol technology. Xylitol, you know, like that stuff they put in gum that makes your mouth feel all fresh? Well, this technology will cool your body by a few degrees. I have to admit this is a really hard thing to actually feel when you’re out hiking in the heat, so I’ll trust the folks who created it that it works.
The Kipu Tee also has UPF 30 sun protection built in.
While the sun protection and Xylitol technology are nice features, what I noticed most is that it’s got a nice stretch to it so it’s easy for me to move around in my pack and it’s moisture-wicking, so it pulls away the sweat from my body.
Though I do have a slightly older version of the Kipu–without the Wheel of Life design on it–the shirt style is similar with the same properties. It held up really well when I went hiking in Santa Fe (right) up to 12,600 feet. I did wear another layer (and a jacket) over it once we got to elevation and the wind picked up. The nice thing was that when the temperature dropped, I didn’t feel cold because I was sweaty. That’s moisture-wicking at work.
What I Love
- The stretch fabric makes it really easy to move around in
- Athletic fit makes it look feminine
- Mesh on sides and back provide some breathability on hotter days
- It’s such a nice tee, I don’t feel like I only have to wear this while hiking. It can be a great top for any relaxing day.
A woman on one of our recent tours said that when she shops for travel clothes, she makes a beeline for the athletic section of any store as those items make the best travel clothes. I dunno why, but that had never occurred to me. But now I look at the Kipu Tee as a great travel top. 🙂
Available at REI for about $50.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Moving Comfort Workout Clothes
Disclosure: Sherpa Adventure Gear sent this top to me for review. Regardless, everything I have said in the post reflects my honest opinions.
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