However, if money is something to consider, take a look at the WorldWide Sportsman Grande Banks shirt, it is available at Bass Pro Shops.
I own 1 AirStrip Lite and 2 Grande Banks shirts. They have almost identical characteristics: both have three position sun collar, fabrics on both feel the same, both have roll up sleeves with tabs, both have billows pockets with security zipper, both have the utility tab, both have vented backs, and both are button down collars. Both shirts are VERY durable, I have been on multiple climbs/hikes with the Ex Officio and it took it like a champ. I have gotten in a motorcycle wreck (I was riding the bike) with the Grande Banks on: it didn't tear, was dirty...but washed out and looks just fine now. Both shirt are easily hand washable.
The differences are that the Grande Banks shirt is made with Nanotex and will repel water and stains. This shirt also has TWO side vents where the AirStrip Lite has only one.
The AirStrip Lite however has a cool little function where the back vent can be looped around a small tab in the back and basically expose the back. The Grande Banks does not have this; it only lacks the little tab on the back to loop around. If someone added this on their own, it would be the exact same as the AirStrip Lite.
The best part is that the Grand Banks at full price costs USD 29.99. I have never seen a new AirStrip Lite at that price.
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I think these are the best shirts available in the travel wear genre. They work well in all climates, but are especially useful in hot weather, esp in places where sun protection is a must. The side openings really do allow heat to escape. The shirts always look neat and trim when touring around in an urban setting. They come in lots of colors. The security pocket is a great plus; as is the sleeve rolling system. Easy to wash by hand and dry overnight. I recommend that they NEVER be put in a dryer, though. All the seams pucker and the shirt simply never looks as good again. No need to use a machine. Just hang it for a few hours.Best Deals for ExOfficio Men's Air Strip Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
This is easily the best travel shirt money can buy. It dries quickly, is wrinkle-free, lends itself to being worn over a couple of days without looking any the worse for the wear, and has a nice stylish feel to it.Honest reviews on ExOfficio Men's Air Strip Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
EXPERIENCE: 8 years of ASL use as a scout leader, baseball coach, and dad. I own 15.TEMPERATURE: Hot Houston. High humidity with heat indexes 100+.
OTHER SHIRTS OWNED: Patagonia Cap, UA Heatgear & Flats Guide II, Easton skinz II (w/bamboo), Magellan Laguna Madre, Columbia Perfect Cast, various cotton & linen.
BEST PERFORMS: In sun or shade with movement and/or wind. Higher humidity worsens performance.
WEAKEST ABILITY: In stagnant conditions with high humidity.
WEIGHT: Lighter than any other button-down outdoor shirt on the market.
DRY TIME: Unreal. Fully soaked after a dunking booth and I was dry again in 45 minutes.
IN FULL SUN: ASL performs best. My other shirts feel "on fire" with direct sun, especially UA. Being L/S with a collar, you can still be reasonably comfortable even with sleeves rolled down during extended time in full sun.
IN HUMIDITY: All the shirts have challenges here. With some air movement, ASL performs as good as can be expected but its tight weave versus the micro mesh on the stretch fabrics means Capilene I/Silkweight and my Easton Skinz II win here.
IN STAGNANT CONDITIONS: Because of the tight weave, body heat feels trapped despite the excellent venting. However, as soon as you move, or have some air flow, the heat is dissipated.
FIT: I'm 5'10" with a 45" chest and 40" waist. The large is too tight across the chest and causes the lateral edge of the pocket flaps to bend over. I wear 34/35 arms for dress shirts but the large ASL is little short on reach. The length is also short flashing my abs when reaching up. In contrast, the XL is a bit baggy and a little long. HOWEVER, this makes it perform BETTER and COOLER for outdoor activities. Additionally, when stretching up, the extra length conceals whatever I carry on my belt. In contrast to a proper dress shirt fit, notice the Ex Officio models wear it baggy (the top of the armholes are over the side and not the top of the shoulder and the rolled sleeves are below the elbow). For work or non-active travel you may want the smaller size.
LOOK & DESIGN: While a button-down looks more formal than a T, they are far more versatile. If your arms start sizzling, roll the sleeves down. The collar protects your neck. And when the heat is on, unbutton the shirt for maximum venting and still retain the sun protection for your back and shoulders. The fabric is softer than any other button-down Poly/Nylon shirt around, doesn't have a "plastic" feel and doesn't pill like my UA shirts. The shirt is generally wrinke-free, but the pocket corners need to be pressed periodically. Unfortunately, the pockets are a little low and sag with contents. Color selection is subdued to promote use at home, office, or travel, but I wish they would offer more "bold" colors for fishing/beach activities in the bright pastels or tropical hues. The ASL color durability seems a little weak and is easily bleached/stained. I also think the sleeve tabs are too low as I would prefer them to roll up above and not below the elbow.
SMELL: I don't find they retain smells, but the tight weave holds an individual's own scents worse than a mesh type shirt.
OVERALL COMMENTS: I'm addicted to these shirts. I washed it each night and wore it daily at Disney and Sea World during the hottest summers and remained reasonably comfortable. Not perfect, but HIGHLY recommended if you can find a sale.
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