The Ether Crew SS tee from Arc'teryx is made for hiking and trekking in warm climates so even though the weather is closing in, it could be a good option for those winter sun getaways.
The first thing you might notice about the Ether Crew is its thin and light 'Helius' polyester material. The men's medium weighs in at only 120g and the tee can be balled up to the size of a pair of socks, so it's something that's really easy to pack in the smallest of spaces! That thin and light material means there isn't much in the way of wind resistance though and the shape doesn't have much form, but it does still manage to provide UPF 50+ sun protection.
The fabric feels silky smooth next to the skin and all the seams are flatlock construction, which gives another boost of comfort, especially when hiking with a heavy backpack.
The helius fabric, helped along by mesh panels running under the arms, from the arm seam all the way through to the hem of the t-shirt, wicks moisture fantastically and breathes well on long, hot hikes. It also dries really quickly and has an antibacterial treatment to reduce pongs, making it a great travel option.
The material has a good amount of stretch to keep things fluid when you're on the move, sizing is generous compared to the more usual athletic fit we've come to expect from Arc'teryx, this can be a good thing for warmer weather but look at sizing down if you prefer a closer fit.
The Ether SS Tee is available in a couple of muted colour options and, in stark contrast a couple of 'look at me' shouty colours for the extroverts among us, including the 'Madras' on test which sits somewhere between the tone of a madras and a pilau rice, it tends to make me feel hungry every time I look at it!
For long, hot days on the trail as well as a good dose of cross sport versatility you can't go far wrong with the Ether SS tee.
