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Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Gear Review: Rab Aeon Print T-shirt

A polyester performance t-shirt that's worth every penny–and we're giving away four! Read on to win!

by: Joe Flowers

Rab Aeon Print T-shirt (Courtesy Photo)
Rab Aeon Print T-shirt (Courtesy Photo)

The Specs:
Weight: 3 oz.
Colors: Beluga, Western, Ultraviolet
Sizes: Men’s Print: S-XXL
MSRP: $30.00
rab.uk.com
I’ve always felt non-cotton t-shirts cost a fortune for a shirt that ends up getting pilled and stinky. I am amazed that a couple years ago I paid $40 for a simple baselayer t-shirt and now it is coming undone at the seams and has a stretched neck. Then I came across this polyester t-shirt by Rab. The UK-based company makes expedition-worthy equipment, from sleeping bags to gaiters…to t-shirts…and they are worth the extra dollars.

Admittedly, the design of the men’s Rab Aeon Print t-shirt caught my eye as it has both style, heavy stitching, and a good fit all packaged in a three-ounce baselayer. During a four-day trip on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina, I didn’t smell nearly as bad as when I wear my Duofold polyester. Credit a high-gauge 100% polyester knit woven to feel like silk that wicks moisture (and odors - there’s no chemical odor treatment), dries fast (insanely fast), and feels great against the skin.

The thick, flat-locked (stitched flat) seams don’t crease and bunch compared to regular shirts so there’s no chafing in the underarms. The overall fit, while loose, isn’t skater baggy, but allows a little more breathing room than other performance t-shirts I’ve tested. (Note: The shirt I tested was a UK size large, and it fit like a roomy US medium.) The t-shirt also has a UPF rating of 30+, and protected my skin enough during mid-day jogs to maintain my hard-earned farmer’s tan.

Note: A “standard” t-shirt (same fit and performance without the print on the back) is also available in men’s and women’s styles. The Print version is only available in men’s sizes.

Bottom line: This is a great t-shirt for spring backpacking, and the price tag is competitive with other performance t-shirts on the market.

Congrats to our winners and thanks to everyone who entered! BUT, LUCKY YOU, Rab has agreed to give away several Aeon t-shirts! Here’s what you have to do: Post a photo of your tired, stinky, holey, ratty, worn-out, but favorite hiking t-shirt in one of three places. 1. Post a link to the photo in the comments below (with a way to contact you - via FB is fine). 2. Email us the photo at online@backpacker.com (subject line: t-shirt contest). 3. Post the photo on our Facebook page. We will collect entries until midnight next Monday, April 4, 2011 at which time the editors will choose two men’s and two women’s winners to receive brand-new Rab t-shirts. (Please note only S, M, and L shirts are available and the women’s t-shirt does not have a reflective graphic on the back.)


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READERS COMMENTS

don
Apr 03, 2011

shut up short stacks

eric
Apr 03, 2011

what a bunch of whiners.... no XL. ahh, poor baby. Go complain somewhere else. It is a free contest - no complaining allowed.

Jason
Apr 02, 2011

On no! No free XL shirt for a bunch of winers...get over it. It's a free contest and you don't have to participate.

Lance
Mar 31, 2011

Seriously, giving away $120 worth of t-shirts, break the bank why don't you. Plus no XL or XXL, and limitations on womens...?! What a real cheesey contest. You should be ashamed BP Magizine. You want me to run your promotional department? I will, but you'll have to pay for it this time.

Tyler Lloyd
Mar 29, 2011

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38315302#!/photo.php?fbid=114461876997&set=t.38315302&theater

The above link is of me in one of my favorite camp/hiking shirts. I wear this super soft cotton shirt at camp and on short hikes from camp. The stain on the front isn't sweat from hiking in the Daintree rain forest, but from olive oil that exploded in my pack weeks before. The oil stain has never worked its way out, yet I still faithfully wear this shirt.

LeanDean
Mar 29, 2011

Yeah...what gives with no XL? Sheese, I guess we long and lanky ranger-esque guys are SOL...

Christine Ashley
Mar 29, 2011

Disregard my first post... it wasn't a tee but just a hiking shirt. Here's my ratty old tee shirt...https://www.facebook.com/backpackermag?sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=10150155915227745&set=o.9933495891&theater

Christine Ashley
Mar 29, 2011

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?fbid=10150154749792745&set=a.59526992744.59482.576927744&theater

Brian
Mar 29, 2011

What? No XL? WTF?

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