Columbia Men's Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt

I live in the desert south west along the Rocky Mountain range, so skin cancer is a real problem here. I've been out in the sun for 8-10 hour's a day for 10 day's straight - & at over 7,000 ft - fly fishing, & the "Omni-Shade" protection this shirt provides has been nothing less than outstanding! I'm fair skinned, so I can't afford to get burnt. I was out fishing last week in a high mountain stream, stumbled & took a fall right into a mud hole! The whole right side of me was covered in mud. So I took off my shirt, rinsed it in the stream, put it back on, and in just a few minutes the shirt was completely dry and there were no visible stains to speak of! (Lucky for me 'cause I would have never heard the end of it from my buddies when I got back to camp ;) IMHO... If your looking for a durable yet breathable fishing shirt with optimum UV protection, I can't recommend the Columbia Bahama II Shirt enough! In fact, I think I'm gonna order me another one in a different color on I get done writing this review! Tight Lines... ><((((º> J

COMPARED TO BONEHEAD SHIRT (I purchased and wear both) > The Bonehead Shirt from the same manufacture is VERY similar, almost identical except for the fabric. Columbia Men's Bonehead Long Sleeve Shirt . SIMILARITIES > The dense weave of both are very good at blocking the UV rays, but the Bahama II is better. > The ventilation flap in back of both helps to keep you cool in the sun. > Both have 4 major placket pockets, albeit in a slightly different arrangement. Both arrangements have shortcomings. >> The deep closable placket pockets are very handy. >> The smaller pockets (in front of the big pockets) of both are very handy for cell phones, MP3 players, or small radios. For example Kaito KA200 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Black . Especially around water, you want your wallet and electronics to be as high as possible---not in vulnerable pants pockets. > Both have skinny "button down" collars, except that the Bonehead uses velcro patches rather than buttons. > Both have special straps to hold the sleeves rolled up, when desired. > Both have other loops from which you can hang things (e.g., using small carabineers), which are very handy for many purposes. DIFFERENCES The Bahama II is all nylon; the Bonehead is all cotton, as a result: > The Bonehead wicks moisture well; the Bahama II, not so much. So: > The Bonehead is more comfortable in hot humid conditions; the silky Bahama II is more comfortable in moderate dry conditons > The Bahama II dries quicker > The Bahama II offers the maximum UV protection MY RECOMMENDATION > For all day, every day, in full bright sunlight, particularly in the tropics or high altitude, or for individuals who are unusually sensitive to UV, I'd recommend the Bahama II. > For up to 6 hours or so once or twice a week in full bright sunlight, or longer in weaker or broken sunlight, I prefer the Bonehead. USES > Both are designed as fishing shirts, and are no doubt "fashionable" and functional for the purpose. > Popular with the "boating class"---I saw many on Barbados, St. Kitts, and at the exclusive Friday Harbor resort on San Juan Island in Washington State this summer (and no, I'm not "boating class"---those were business trips). > I use the shirts for doing yardwork and outdoor photography (for both purposes the multiple big pockets and loops to hang stuff from come in handy) > I would never wear one to a party because the intended fit is unflattering, and the shirts wrinkle easily. But I've seen them at some fashionable parties where they are apparently worn to make a "class" statement. > The Bahama II might get uncomfortable for activities such as hiking, yardwork, or playing tennis, in which case the Bonehead is recommended. > The Bahama II is more comfortable for "sitting around" in the sun, such as fishing, lounging around the pool, watching a kid's baseball game, etc., especially in low humidity. TAYLORING The shirts are tailored for men with relatively broad shoulders. Since they are meant to be worn outside pants, they are looser in the chest and waist than corresponding dress shirts. SIZE > I normally wear a men's medium (a little snug) to men's large (a little loose). The "men's large" fits me exactly like the model in the photos. The chest and waist are loose, which is good for a casual shirt which is not meant to be tucked into pants. The sleeves are a little long (by dress shirt standards), but again, that is good for a casual shirt. The shoulders are several inches too wide (as in the photos), but the shirt is apparently designed to fit this way. > CONCLUSION: Order according to your customary size (not the size chart, which is very misleading), with the caveat that the shirts are intended to fit very loosely. If if you can't decide which size to order, err on the small side. Amazon accepts returns, and you don't have to pay for return postage. PRICE Check out the prices of different colors. On Amazon, some colors are half-the-price of other colors. Get two shirts for the price of one (if you aren't too picky about the colors). Since the fit is an issue for many purchasers, Amazon gets a lot of returns---which are bargains as "Amazon Warehouse Deals" (I got one for $14)---the links are variously listed on the page as "new and used" or "other options" etc. if any are available. PROTECTION AGAINST SCRATCHES AND SCRAPES > On one hand, the thin fabric (especially of the Bahama II) is easily pierced by small needle-like thorns (e.g., many cactus thorns), and provides little cushioning against scrapes. On the other hand, the dense weave prevents penetration by blunt objects, such as broken ends of branches, and branches slide off the "slick" fabric of the Bahama II rather than jab or scrape. So, the shirt is pretty good for light yard work. With a heavy long-sleeve tee-shirt (or sweatshirt) underneath, you have excellent protection from all kinds of scrapes and scratches. The shirts probably resist deep penetration by fish hooks. > The smooth almost-slippery fabric of the Bahama II does not readily hold dry particulate "dirt", such as soil or leaf fragments often encountered in gardening. > The Bonehead has characteristics of an ordinary cotton shirt, but tougher. SUGGESTION If the temperature is moderate, a light cotton tee-shirt can improve comfort, and (with a tee-shirt) you can wear the shirt like a jacket, unbuttoned. > Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.

If you purchase them on sale these are good shirts for a big/tall man

Shirt is well made and looks great. I am a medium in nearly every brand, but I buy this in small and there is still room for other shirts under it.

My big man husband is very particular about his shirts. He wants long sleeve, button ( no snaps because of the sun ), two large pockets and can be worn year round. These shirts fit every criteria and I’ve ordered them over and over in almost every color. My husband especially loves that he can carry his phone, wallet, a pen and a small pad in the two pockets which are very roomy and extend out.

I love these shirts! It is very comfortable and very well made

Well made item by Columbia...I've tried this shirt on at the local sporting good store. When I tried a large on, it fit well. When I ordered the large through Amazon, experience a bigger fit. Just slightly. I don't think it was too bad. Hence the 4 stars, Good shirt for fishing and covering up on sunny days. I do recommend this item.

Bought for a professional guide fisherman. He absolutely loved it!! The buttons and tabs on the sleeves keep them rolled up and out of the way. This comes in handy when you're cleaning your catch! Keeps the hot sun directly off of your arms, while the breathable material keeps you cool and dry! Nice color choices and a Great Buy!

nice shirt, as advertised

Wow

Me quedó justo como esperaba. La tela de gran calidad y los colores de lo mejor.

Good