Columbia Sportswear Zero Rules Short Sleeve Shirt

Fishing, backpacking, hiking, and camping are all-important outdoor summertime activities that bring friends and family together to make memories that will last a lifetime. The one setback to the summer months is the heat, which can make being outside for long periods of time pretty uncomfortable and sometimes downright unbearable. When Columbia Sportswear came out with their new Zero Rules short-sleeved t-shirts this spring, I was anxious to try them out over the summer months to see whether they do, in fact, “keep you cool when you sweat.”

I recently received one of the Zero Rules shirts to test, and I’m impressed. I have worn this shirt camping, fishing, and backpacking and it is unbelievable how lightweight and comfortable it is. The material is super-soft and stretchy, and just feels good against your skin. The new Zero Rules t-shirt washed really well in the washer and didn’t shrink in the dryer, and it looks as good after a dozen washes as it did when they sent it to me. As an added bonus, you don’t have to worry if you can’t wash it for a couple of days while camping or on some other outdoor adventure, as it has an antimicrobial treatment that protects against bacterial growth.

The Omni-Freeze ZERO sweat-activated cooling technology really works; as you sweat the tiny blue rings on the shirt cool the surrounding fabric, providing you with an instant and prolonged cooling effect. The shirt also has Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology, I wore it on a rafting trip and drenched the entire shirt, and it dried out in just a few minutes while still retaining its shape and good looks. You can feel good about being outside in this shirt because it has the Omni-Shade UPF 30 sun protection and helps protect your skin from UV radiation, allowing you to spend more time outside.

The short-sleeved fits and looks great for fishing, however, I would suggest wearing the long-sleeved Zero Rules shirt for the added sun protection while out on the water for extended trips. It is one of the most comfortable shirts I have worn and it really keeps you cool, even in Oklahoma’s searing heat and humidity. Columbia really got this one right. From a trip to the gym to a campout (or any other activity that makes you hot and sweaty), this shirt really is a great choice. You can purchase them at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores or online here.

Andy and Tami McDaniels

Andy McDaniels is the Sportsmen’s Outreach Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise Campaign. Andy works with hunters, anglers, outdoor media and the hunting and fishing industry throughout the United States. Andy also serves as the Conservation Director of Pro-Staff for Hardcore Decoys and Huntducks.com. He believes that conservation is the cornerstone of hunting and fishing, and he has committed himself to educating hunters and fishermen about the conservation issues that will affect our children and grandchildren. His effort on behalf of conservation and his outreach to hunters, anglers, congressional members, political groups, and citizen action organizations has been monumental. In 2003 and 2004 Andy was recognized for his work on State Wildlife Grants by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. His efforts on the Farm Bill garnered him the esteemed Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership Award from the National Wildlife Federation in May 2008.

Tami is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a certified English teacher and freelance writer. She has published numerous articles on a variety of outdoor topics. Her most recent articles on outdoor subjects include 10 Indicators of a Quality Guide, The Anatomy of a Hunting Guide Website, Hunting Guides along the Corridor, and First Steps to Get Kids Hunting and Back into the Outdoors. In addition, she is the web content administrator for three websites. Her volunteer work includes managing web and social media sites, writing grants, organizing fundraising activities, and planning community events.