When you’re hiking, climbing or backpacking in the mountains, you need a good, quick-drying, comfortable shirt. And even though the moose don’t care what you look like, you still want to look good too. Bergans of Norway has you covered on both fronts with the Langli Mountain Sports Shirt. I got my hands on one and donned it on multiple adventures in the Wasatch.
Features of the Bergans of Norway Langli Mountain Sports Shirt include:
- Button closure front
- Chest pocket
- 95% Polyamide/5% Polyester fabric
- Athletic fit
- Weighs only 6 ounces
Okay, I’m a sucker for plaid these days, especially dark blue colors. So as soon as I saw the Navy Langli, I instantly fell in love. But when I put it on, I was dismayed to find that it was just a little too snug. I’m a solid size medium, but a medium in the Langli was tight around the shoulders and under the arms. Now I like to think it’s because my muscles are so big that I no longer fit in medium shirts, but it’s far more likely that the Bergans “athletic fit” means you might want to size up or at least try it on if you are shopping in a brick-and-mortar store.
I also didn’t like the seams inside the shirt. There was a bit of extra material at the sew lines, which rubbed against my skin – very annoying. It wasn’t an issue at all if I wore an undershirt, but that made it even more tight. Many similar shirts I’ve owned are seamless or at least have less material at the inside seams.
However, looking past those flaws, I found the Bergans of Norway Langli to be an outdoor shirt of the highest caliber. Nylon/polyester blends should keep a person cool and wick moisture, and this shirt does both with ease. I also like the chest pocket to store small items like when I take off my camera lens cap and have nowhere to put it.
Of course having an outdoor shirt that looks kinda’ dressy is also an advantage because you can come off the mountain and head straight to dinner at a restaurant or pub without changing. By the time you get there, your sweat stains will be dry and the shirt’s cut and collar won’t make you feel like the dirtbag you really are.
The Good: Nice looking plaid pattern, chest pocket, fabric dries and wicks moisture like the best of ’em.
The Bad: Sizes a bit small, inner seams rub and irritate.
Final Word: The Bergans of Norway Langli Mountain Sports Shirt is a well rounded piece for just about any summer activity in the mountains. Just be sure to try it on before purchasing.