Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Road & Gravel
      • Mountain Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Gear Reviews

    Merrell Grafton Shirt Review

    Donald BuraglioBy Donald BuraglioJuly 1, 2013No Comments2 Mins Read

    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

    merrell grafton shirt

    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.

    merrell grafton at yosemite

    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
    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

    merrell
    Donald Buraglio
    • Website

    Donald is a physical therapist, ultrarunner, barefoot aficionado, and father of three with more than 20 years of experience in endurance sports. When he's not training for ultramarathons, he enjoys hiking or slacklining with his family in Monterey County, CA.

    You Might Also Like

    Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody Review

    November 27, 2023

    Smith Forefront 2 Helmet Review

    November 22, 2023

    WTB Gravelier Titanium Saddle Review

    November 20, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Popular Now

    Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 Groupset Review

    November 16, 2023

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021

    Canyon Neuron AL 6 Review — An Unreal Value

    October 6, 2023

    Patagonia Downdrift Parka Review

    February 2, 2022

    SRAM Rival XPLR AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Suunto 9 Peak Pro Watch Review

    August 21, 2023

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Max Gravel with 3T Extrema Italia
    • Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody Review
    • Smith Forefront 2 Helmet Review
    • WTB Gravelier Titanium Saddle Review
    • Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 Groupset Review
    • Dirt Speed: Hoka Zinal 2 Review
    • Black Diamond Aspect Pro Climbing Shoes Review
    • Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Pants Review
    • Swiss Gravel: Thömus Sliker X Review
    • Power Wheels: 3T Racemax Boost Italia Integrale
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.