Summer is just around the corner and with it comes warmer weather and longer days, allowing for ample time to get out on the water. While hours of endless sunshine may be good for morale, the heat will likely catch up with you at some point. In addition to plenty of water and sunscreen, it’s important to have the proper gear to keep up with your summertime outings. When it comes to gear that works to keep you cool during warm weather endeavors, Patagonia’s Capilene Cool tech tees hit the nail on the head.
According to the company, the “iconic, multifunctional next-to-skin Capilene layers wick moisture, breathe efficiently and dry fast to provide a foundation of comfort and temperature regulation for any pursuit. The new Capilene Cool tech tees wick moisture, dry fast and were made to handle the heat. They keep you comfortable when you’re working hard in conditions ranging from temperate to scorching. Offered in three styles: Daily, Trail and Lightweight.”
I recently took a trip down to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where the weather was warm, calling for lightweight paddling attire. In addition to my inflatable SUP, reef safe sunscreen, and personal necessities, I added Patagonia’s women’s long-sleeved Capilene Cool daily shirt and trail tank to my pack and boarded a plane headed south.
The Capilene Cool Trail Tank Top is advertised as their softest performance knit. While I can’t vouch for all of their other tanks, I will say this: it sure is soft! It is quick drying and wicking, which was perfect for long, hot paddles and inland hikes. It also has Polygiene permanent odor control to help keep the stink factor at bay, even with minimal washes. The tank is made from 100% polyester spun jersey and like many of Patagonia’s products is Fair Trade Certified and bluesign® approved.
The Women’s Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Daily Shirt is advertised as Patagonia’s most versatile performance knit for use on trail or on the water. With built in 50+ UPF sun protection, this ultra thin and comfortable shirt was the perfect option for long paddles under the powerful Mexican sun. It is made with miDori bioSoft for added wicking and softness and has minimal stitching and seams to help reduce chafing during paddles. Made from 100% recycled polyester, the long-sleeve shirt also includes Polygiene permanent odor control, is Fair Trade Certified, and is bluesign approved.
Photo: Sarah Parsons
Like everything at Patagonia, the Capilene Cool collection is extremely high quality and is made with the environment in mind. On Patagonia’s website, you can follow “The Footprint Chronicles” for each piece, where the environmental impact of each is thoroughly laid out—we greatly appreciate the transparency and green heart of this company. With three different men’s and women’s styles, Patagonia’s Capilene Cool collection gets our stamp of approval.
