Backcountry.com’s new in-house brand, Basin and Range, has a whole line of summer apparel available right now – from shorts and pants, to light jackets and even outdoor dresses. Last winter I tested the Guardsman Hoody and found it to be versatile and of impressive quality. So now that it’s summer, I’ve been wearing the Flying Dog plaid shirt both at work, and when recreating in the mountains.
The Flying Dog shirt is a light-weight, technical shirt that transitions easily from the singletrack to the brewpub. It features:
- Nylon, polyester blend
- UPF 30 sun protection
- Regular fit
- Chest pocket
I love how Basin and Range named their apparel after Utah’s local landmarks. Flying Dog, of course, refers to the popular trail in Park City’s Glenwild area, which is also one of my favorite mountain bike rides. While the Basin and Range Flying Dog looks casual (because it is) don’t let it fool you. This shirt has outdoor DNA through and through. Since the spring, it’s been my go-to for hiking and mountain bike rides. Always one to scoff at the idea of spandex when riding, I found the Flying Dog to be an excellent choice for pedaling the Bountiful foothills, Corner Canyon, and Park City trails.
What makes this shirt so good for aerobic activity is the nylon/polyester material. The fabric is light and soft against the skin, and it breathes really well when the sweat factor ramps up to 100. The 30 UPF sun protection is another nice touch that leaves this ginger kid a modicum of peace-of-mind. When not riding, the shirt (with a subtle plaid pattern and subdued colors) still looks downright dressy, which means I’ve been sporting it at the office, or when having a rare date night with the wife.
My only complaint with the Flying Dog shirt is the fit. At 6’0″ and 160 lbs, I’m a solid size medium, but the medium shirt feels and looks a bit baggy on my frame. Also, the length of the shirt is kinda’ long to the point that I wonder if it’s meant to be tucked in. I hate tucking shirts in. However, I found after testing that the larger fit was actually nice when recreating, as it allowed airflow inside the shirt, and the long length made it nice to wear under a climbing harness or pack waist straps. So was the larger cut of the shirt intentional by Basin and Range, or just a happy accident?
The Good: Breathable, comfortable, quick drying material, nice-looking, appropriate for both trail and street.
The Bad: Fit is long and loose (which can actually be a good thing depending on your activity.)
Final Word: The Basin and Range Flying Dog is a shirt that can do it all, both indoors and out, fancy or dirtball. I have a lot of shirts in my closet, but the Flying Dog is really the only one I need. Plus, I love the name.