Columbia Hogback Trail Tee : Techno Cool

Columbia likes to say their gear is the product of an overly protective mother. I thought this was just so much matron-centric marketing hype, but after a few weeks of testing the Hogback Trail Tee - a lightweight, high-tech shirt without a trace of fat - I've come to think of this durable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant garment as the mother of all Tees.

There's a lot of technology in the oddly named Hogback. Part of the Titanium line ("technical gear for people who push the limits, and often break them"), the polyester fabric incorporates both Omni-control (antimicrobial protection) and Omni-dry (moisture management), so you can sweat more and stink less. You also get ultraviolet protection and an undetectable "security" pocket that you can zip shut to stow keys, dough, or a credit card. Since people tend not to want to hear about your antimicrobial protection, if someone asks about the shirt's shiny exterior or space-age feel, do what I do: get a tad folksy and just say that the Hogback ain't your average tee.  

While it's easy to poke fun at a shirt with so many bells and whistles, the versatile Hogback is a valuable addition to any jock's closet. Going for a run, weight training in the gym, headed out for a mountain bike ride? Need a comfortable base layer during a hike on a chilly day? The Hogback will do you just fine. And because it's odor-resistant, wrinkle-free, and non-clingy, you can segue right into a non-athletic, albeit, casual outing, especially if you're hanging with titanium salesman.

Bottom Line: A high-tech, ultra-comfortable shirt ideal for working out or walking around town.--J.G. (May '06)

Price: $24.99

Manufacturer's Site: www.columbia.com

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