Performance Fabrics - Truth or Myth?

[Aggie79]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Perhaps our local "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - is the reason for what we experienced. And maybe Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

 

[markie6]

quick drying clothing is beneficial to me... 100% cotton on my first trip caused me to have trouble drying stuff. The move to in expensive tech t shirts was a no brainer

 

[Joynz]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings and odor control; however, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% polyester).

Perhaps it has been our "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - and Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

i found that my nylon Polartec tee shirt, with polygiene, was very breathable in Egypt’s hot temperatures - and retained no odour at all.

I find the breathability of a tightly woven cotton shirt about the same as that of a tightly woven nylon UV protection hiking shirt. A linen shirt would be cooler - but the loose weave isn’t as sun protective. Make sure you are comparing apples with apples!

My loose, non-stretchy nylon hiking pants are a lot cooler than my nylon hiking pants with a bit of ‘stretch’ in them.

 

[backlasher]

Your training area makes a big difference. On the Gulf Coast of Texas, the high humidity keeps synthetic shirts from wicking and any advantage over cotton is lost. Spain is a different climate and synthetics might be better and would certainly dry faster.

 

[JabbaPapa]

A huge part of these things is individual interaction between skin and fabric. Personally, I need to avoid nearly all non-natural fabrics - - the one notable exception in my kit is a pair of sport shorts that I can use as sleeping shorts, Albergue gear, and even as swimming trunks.

So that's an example of this sort of kit with a functional advantage over, say, cotton boxer shorts.

Other than that, if you can dry the stuff without too much hassle, 100% cotton clothing and 100% woollen socks do have real advantages on a Camino provided that this is the sort of clothing that you are comfortable with.

The more serious hiker people, particularly mountain and wilderness hiking ones, might have their cause to disagree.

 

[MikeJS]

I agree with the OP. I use simple inexpensive polyester t shirts are shorts. They wash and dry easily and simply work for me.

 

[Aggie79]

Your training area makes a big difference. On the Gulf Coast of Texas, the high humidity keeps synthetic shirts from wicking and any advantage over cotton is lost. Spain is a different climate and synthetics might be better and would certainly dry faster.

Thank you. I should have mentioned that we live in the Fort Worth area of Texas, with similar weather to the Gulf Coast but with (slightly) less humidity.

We have tourist-traveled in eastern, southern and central Spain in mid-May and June. I know that is a wide range of climates but overall, compared to Texas weather, the Spanish climate was much more comfortable. We probably averaged 8-10 miles walking daily, wearing mostly cotton gear, but without packs and hiking the duration of the Camino Frances.

For summer hikes here, we typically wear short-sleeve cotton shirts with polyester sun sleeves. Our second choice is long-sleeve polyester "fishing shirts" that have vertical ventilation slits/openings in the side and/or back of the shirts. Both options provide sun protection and allow air movement; however, admittedly, that is without wearing a Camino-sized pack.

Fortunately we have time to keep trying out gear. Thank you again.

 

[Juspassinthru]

Thank you. I should have mentioned that we live in the Fort Worth area of Texas, with similar weather to the Gulf Coast but with (slightly) less humidity.

We have tourist-traveled in eastern, southern and central Spain in mid-May and June. I know that is a wide range of climates but overall, compared to Texas weather, the Spanish climate was much more comfortable. We probably averaged 8-10 miles walking daily, wearing mostly cotton gear, but without packs and hiking the duration of the Camino Frances.

For summer hikes here, we typically wear short-sleeve cotton shirts with polyester sun sleeves. Our second choice is long-sleeve polyester "fishing shirts" that have vertical ventilation slits/openings in the side and/or back of the shirts. Both options provide sun protection and allow air movement; however, admittedly, that is without wearing a Camino-sized pack.

Fortunately we have time to keep trying out gear. Thank you again.

Hello from Dallas, I understand your conditions perfectly. I’ve now completed 3 Caminos, the last I finished in mid-May. I swear by tech materials as they’re comfortable, color fast and dry quickly. For me REI is the place, you may want to check these T-shirts out. I also take 1 long sleeve for sun protection or on cooler days or evenings.

https://www.rei.com/product/228505/rei-co-op-active-pursuits-t-shirt-mens

Good luck!

 

[Telelama]

we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

If by "comfort" you mean how the fabric feels on your skin, how the shirt fits on your torso and comfort under the backpack, I have to advocate for Arc'teryx T-shirts. They're ridiculously expensive, but I've worn the same one on five Caminos, months of training for those Caminos and on everyday hikes. I've had it for ten years now and it hardly shows any wear. They don't have seams on the shoulders to reduce any impact from backpack shoulder straps.

I got a new one last spring before our Primitivo. It does not look like a tech shirt, is somewhat fashionable, cool color and is super comfortable in all aspects. I walked in the 10 year old one and spent the evenings in the new one. It was a great combination.

In these ways I believe the Arc'teryx to be superior certainly to 100% cotton, but also to most other tech shirts.

Good luck on your search and buen camino perigrino!

 

[Stephan the Painter]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

My opinion: Don't overthink it, it's not a wilderness expedition. Wear what is comfortable for you.

For me, the consideration was drying time. Cotton takes forever to get dry, and sometimes the Camino can be wet. That's the reason to focus on synthetics. I had a thin button up shirt that was a cotton-poly blend, which dried pretty quickly. My other clothes were mostly nylon and polyester mixed synthetics, except for one T-shirt and all my Darn Tuff socks, which were Merino blends.

The Merino and other fabrics that reduce odor are really nice. But not necessary.

 

[trecile]

For me, the consideration was drying time. Cotton takes forever to get dry

And cotton can hold on to the dampness, keeping it close to your skin, which can be uncomfortable.

 

[NYSE]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Perhaps our local "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - is the reason for what we experienced. And maybe Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

I walk 2000 plus miles a year. The years I walk a Camino, 2500+. Nothing is better than light weight merino wool for fast wicking, odor control, cooling and warmth.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I absolutely love the cozy, comfy feeling of cotton and wear it at home a lot in the summer.
I never bring it on the Camino as when it gets wet it becomes heavy and takes a much longer time to dry than the various techy poly/nylon combo fabrics, especially since I prefer to only do hand laundry on my Caminos.
P.S. I am allergic to all wool including merino.

 

[joramos]

quick drying clothing is beneficial to me... 100% cotton on my first trip caused me to have trouble drying stuff. The move to in expensive tech t shirts was a no brainer

Yes! Key is balance between comfort, and quick dry.

 

[Nanners]

I’ve had bad experiences with tech shirts that develop an intractable stink, so it’s quick-drying, odor resistant merino for me. I also switched out my underwear to quick dry, odor resistant panties and bras from Patagonia. After a few test runs with handwashing and air drying, I found that my every day undergarments took way too long to dry.

 

[BobY333]

I agree with "don't overthink it". The first time I definitely did. Got the merino shirts, etc. They were fine, but I didn't find them to be anything that special. The second time I wore my running shirts. Same thing - they were fine. The last two times I wore Costco 32 Degree Cool black short sleeve shirts. They were great. They weigh almost nothing, the black hides the sweat, they have odor fighting stuff, and I think I paid $12 for a three or four pack?

 

[pjacobi]

I suggest you Google "cotton kills".


-Paul

 

[trecile]

I suggest you Google "cotton kills".

Cotton might not be the most comfortable, but I doubt that the conditions that will lead to cotton being actually dangerous are common on the Camino de Santiago.

From this article: I don’t mean to downplay the dangers of cotton in specific conditions. Cotton absorbs moisture, insulates poorly when wet, and dries slowly, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Rest assured, cotton is a bad choice when engaging in high exertion activities in frigid weather.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I suggest you Google "cotton kills"

I suggest you Google YMMV

 

[MassNative]

I had nothing made of cotton on my camino, nor any hiking I have done over the past decades.
Cotton is just the wrong fabric for long distance walking/treking.

I carried/wore 2 "tech" short sleeve tees, 1 long sleeve hiking shirt, 1 polyester golf shirt for town, but also good for walking if needed. 2 pairs of hiking shorts and 1 pair hiking pants. 2 pair silk sock liners, 3 pairs of merino wool socks.

 

[mikebet]

If you don't sweat, never get caught in the rain or don't have to air-dry your clothes overnight cotton works just fine. But for normal mortals synthetic is best.

 

[MassNative]

Cotton might not be the most comfortable, but I doubt that the conditions that will lead to cotton being actually dangerous are common on the Camino de Santiago.

As an experienced New England hiker, I have to disagree. Any time you go above 4000', you need to be prepared for cold weather any time of the year. That happens 3 times on the Frances: Pyrenees, Foncebadon-El Acebo, and O Cebreiro-Fonfria.

When we walked through O Cebreiro (full disclosure, October) we climbed in cool rain/mist. By the time we got to Linares 2 miles away, it was sleet and freezing rain. I am glad I was wearing 0% cotton that day.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I had nothing made of cotton on my camino, nor any hiking I have done over the past decades.
Cotton is just the wrong fabric for long distance walking/treking.

I have done ALL of my long-distance hiking over the past 30+ years in jeans and t-shirt.

This does not mean that OK everyone else can do the same no problem ; just as your own experience does not mean that nobody can.

Fabric ideology is not terribly helpful IMHO.

 

[JabbaPapa]

When we walked through O Cebreiro (full disclosure, October) we climbed in cool rain/mist. By the time we got to Linares 2 miles away, it was sleet and freezing rain. I am glad I was wearing 0% cotton that day.

You cannot project your own experiences onto others.

Personally, I radiate a great deal of body heat. I walked into Cacabelos the other day in some fairly extensive drizzle, the kind that gets everywhere. My long-sleeved t-shirt was basically dry and my jeans no more than damp.

I have walked in very heavy rain with my woollen pilgrim cape over t-shirt and jeans, with only the very bottom of the jeans actually getting durably wet as such.

No, if your body does not do so, that will NOT work - - this is because nobody should ever assume that what works for oneself must necessarily work for everyone else too.

 

[MassNative]

I have done ALL of my long-distance hiking over the past 30+ years in jeans and t-shirt.

This does not mean that OK everyone else can do the same no problem ; just as your own experience does not mean that nobody can.

Fabric ideology is not terribly helpful IMHO.

Good for you.

The OP can now take all our opinions and take those into account when making their decision for their camino.

Calling people with a different opinion than yours a "Fabric ideologue" is not very helpful to anybody.

Peace.

 

[hikentravel1234]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Perhaps our local "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - is the reason for what we experienced. And maybe Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

The women's Patagonia lightweight tee shirts is a game changer for me. I bought 1, then 2 more after I tried it. I can barely feel it when I am wearing it.

 

[dfox]

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Cotton "keeps" moisture (sweat) a bit "longer", cause it does not "quick dry" the moisture, thus the person might feel wearing a "wet?" clothing.

If a person does not "sweat" a lot, cotton may seem ok.

 

[Rick Davidson]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Perhaps our local "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - is the reason for what we experienced. And maybe Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

I am very happy with the new polyesters and the new blends. Polyester only is great. Great fabrics that are very easy durable, lightweight, quick drying, much improved smell management. Thin. Excellent for layering. Easy to rinse out or wash. And lower cost than merino! Everyone is making them…OR…Patagonia, REI, etc.

 

[David with new Kit!]

I wear cotton at home as I dont need to bother about how long the clothing takes to dry.

But, when on Camino, if you need to "air dry" after washing your clothes then anything cotton or wool will undoubtedly still be wet when you take them off the washing line.

So, I use "tech" fabrics (quick drying) for that reason

 

[mick53]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Perhaps our local "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - is the reason for what we experienced. And maybe Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

In Australia no sensible bushwalker, yes Caminos and bushwalks are similar but different, wears cotton tops or pants.
When they get wet you get cold, and takes too long to dry. So synthetics or wool is preferred.

 

[Peterbb]

In my previous two Caminos and for my upcoming Norte, I have always been a Uniqlo Dry-X T-Shirt fan

 

[DwainS]

In preparation for our first Camino in spring/summer or fall 2025, my wife and I have been "testing" different gear - particularly shirts - for our trek.

We understand and acknowledge weight savings, odor control, and quick-drying qualities of performance materials (80% merino wool-20% polyester; 100% polyester; and 50% cotton-30% merino wool-20% tencel, etc.) However, what we have found is that there seems to be no difference in comfort for us between 100% cotton and performance materials/blends.

Perhaps our local "test environment" - full sun, little to no breeze, 85-100° F (29-38° C), and 60-80% humidity - is the reason for what we experienced. And maybe Camino conditions would be more favorable to benefits of performance materials.

What have others experienced? If this has been answered in another thread please direct me there.

Thank you and take care,
Tom

I just walked the Camino Francés and I used 100% merino wool long and short sleeve shirts. It was cold at the beginning of my walk and and a few morning walking from Foncebadon. As well, mix in some 33 to 36 C on the Meseta. My merino shirts worked well in both cold and hot and after a sniff test each morning I found I could wear them up to 3 days without washing. Usually I washed them after 2 days. They also dried quickly. I washed them by hand, in a laundromat and paid to get them washed in some Albergues. Had no problem with my shirts being done by all 3 methods.

 

[pjacobi]

If a person does not "sweat" a lot, cotton may seem ok.

If you are not sweating during physical activity, then it means you are dehydrated!

First Responders to hikers in distress often cut wet cotton clothing from the victim and wrap them in a dry blanker.


-Paul

 

[JabbaPapa]

If you are not sweating during physical activity, then it means you are dehydrated!

Or it's cold weather and your physical activity is moderate or light, or you are not over-exerting yourself beyond your abilities.

I have no idea why you seem to be advocating for the physical destruction of cotton clothing.

 

[joramos]

Or it's cold weather and your physical activity is moderate or light, or you are not over-exerting yourself beyond your abilities.

I have no idea why you seem to be advocating for the physical destruction of cotton clothing.

Have to be very careful, this is a merino territory.

 

[Jodean]

I have been wearing long sleeve cotton blouses on 4 of my Caminos. They dry quickly, I can roll up the sleeves when it is hot, or leave them down to protect from the sun. They are light too.
I think there is a big difference between cotton t-shirts and cotton blouses/shirts, from weight to drying times. My blouses came from thrift stores and wore beautifully being handwashed every other day over 6 and then 7 weeks.

 

[Aggie79]

Update: Today I’ve been trialing a Smartwool Ultralite t-shirt while doing landscape and shop activities. The temperature is 91 degrees and the humidity is 62% with minimal breeze. (My wife and I would describe this environment as warm). The shirt is a merino/tencel blend and has been quite comfortable. I have had wool allergies in the past but not with this shirt.

 

[David with new Kit!]

Update: Today I’ve been trialing a Smartwool Ultralite t-shirt while doing landscape and shop activities. The temperature is 91 degrees and the humidity is 62% with minimal breeze. (My wife and I would describe this environment as warm). The shirt is a merino/tencel blend and has been quite comfortable. I have had wool allergies in the past but not with this shirt.

I´m quite sure its comfortable, but can you tell me that if its washed at say 1500hrs in the afternoon and air dried, will it be dry before I need to take it off the line (when I go to bed)

Thanks

 

[Aggie79]

I´m quite sure its comfortable, but can you tell me that if its washed at say 1500hrs in the afternoon and air dried, will it be dry before I need to take it off the line (when I go to bed)

Thanks

Yes, the shirt material is quite thin and dries quickly. It seemed to wick perspiration well. I’m sure it would be completely dry in less than 2 hours after a wash.

 

[David with new Kit!]

Yes, the shirt material is quite thin and dries quickly. It seemed to wick perspiration well. I’m sure it would be completely dry in less than 2 hours after a wash.

Thank you