Summertime is about staying cool and being ready for whatever plans pop into your head – and Merrell makes apparel that shifts from casual to active whenever the spirit moves you.
Merrell Grafton Shirt Features:
- 100% polyester fabric
- Merrell Opti-Wick technology for moisture transfer
- 20+ UPF
- Snap closure chest pocket
- 23.5” center back length
- Five plaid color options
- MSRP $65
My Experience
For many years, my typical day hiking shirts have been performance fabric running shirts; and while they do the job fairly well, they lack something when it comes to style on the trail. Which is why it’s nice that companies like Merrell make performance apparel that can pass for everyday casual wear as well.
Merrell’s Grafton is composed of a very lightweight wicking fabric that feels as soft against the skin as my best running shirts. It’s cut fairly loose through the trunk, and has a second layer of thin mesh across the shoulders to further improve breathability on top of the garment. Trunk length is adequate for tucking into shorts underneath a shell in the early morning, or for wearing untucked once the morning heats up.
I wore the Grafton for a 10-hour day hike in Yosemite on a day when temps approached 100 degrees, and didn’t have any problems with chafing or irritation along seams or under my pack. I also had plenty of opportunity to test how quickly the fabric dries – either on my backside after taking the pack off, or after complete water immersion in mountain lakes or rivers.
Cooling off in the Merced River
Like most performance shirts, the Grafton tends to accumulate odor if it’s used for multiple days without washing. However, for long trail outings without laundry facilities, odors are managed fairly well with simple freshwater rinsing in the nearest available stream.
The Good:
- Versatile styling for active and casual wear
- Comfortable feel for long trail days
- Highly effective moisture management
The Bad:
- Retains odor with extended casual use
The Bottom Line
Merrell’s Grafton is a lightweight, comfortable top that effectively combines campfire style with through-hiking function.
Buy Now: Available at REI.com
