Weight: 250g (m), 200g (w).

Features: The shirt’s main selling point is its sun and mosquito protection. It offers UPF50+ sun protection, an extendable collar where an extra flap can be lifted up to cover more of the neck and mesh-lined shoulders with a large vent. The fabric has been impregnated with Nosilife – a permethrin-based insect killer. There are five pockets, including a hidden zippered security pocket and a large zippered and mesh-lined Napolean pocket.

Fit: The size medium fitted me in all the right places – across the shoulders and the arm length was good, allowing me to raise my arms without the sleeves riding up. But the cut is quite loose – it’s a formless shape that doesn’t benefit those with a slim build.

Comfort: The fabric – a polyamide (nylon) – is soft against the skin and wicks moisture well to make it quick drying. Seams and buttons – possible irritants while wearing a pack – are not noticed.

In use: I used it throughout the summer and though reluctant to wear long-sleeves on hot days, the fabric wicked moisture and the large back vents effectively dissipated heat. When I got too hot, I rolled up the sleeves and buttoned them in place. I could also open the large mesh-lined Napolean pocket for extra venting. On an extremely hot climb
of Karangahake, I was drenched in sweat but, at the summit I stopped and took my pack off and the shirt dried quickly. I liked the extendable collar – necks are prone to sunburn and this is a good solution. I’ve put the shirt through six washes without a sign of wear. The Nosilife treatment is claimed to last the life of the garment and, based on a couple of evenings sitting outside, it seemed to work. For me, the shirt was baggy around the waist and chest, which limited its desirability for use outside a tramping setting.

Value: On the expensive side, it is nonetheless a well-made and technical top that performs as
advertised.

Verdict: A comfortable and durable shirt made for travel to places where mosquitoes can prove deadly, but also suitable for tramping – and looking presentable for a post-hike pub visit.