Gear Review: MontBell Wickron T
A super soft tee that feels like cotton but is really a quick-dry performance synthetic
If you crave the feel of cotton—but need the quick-dry performance of a synthetic—get the polyester Wickron. “On hikes in Utah’s Zion National Park, the Wickron kept me from getting that sticky glued-to-your-chest feeling,” one tester reports. Each yarn is encased with little round fibers that create microscopic air chambers to promote wicking. The use of very short fibers contributes to an unusually soft, cottony feel, while the round shape keeps the polyester from pilling: After weeks of wear, this bargain-priced tee still looked new.
Odor-control is decent thanks to UV-activated titanium dioxide: In the presence of sunlight, the titanium dioxide breaks down odoriferous compounds into smaller molecules that don’t stink. But the boxy “unisex” sizing didn’t fit women, who preferred the Merrell Adeeline ($40; 4.4 oz.; XS-XL; merrell.com). Its cottony Opti-Wick fabric (97 percent poly with a hint of Spandex) dries fast, and the ruched shoulder seams give it a distinctive flair. $35; 8 oz. (m’s L) XS-XL; montbell.com