I'm planning a short hunt in Natal and starting to get some gear together. This will be primarily walk and stalk bowhunting. Personally, I find Under Armour to be more comfortable than cotton clothing. However, I do not want to sacrifice functionality for a little additional comfort.

Any experience with Under Armour (or any of the synthetics for that matter) on safari? How did it hold up?

Two issues IMO.

1. Thorns and stickers. I would think the various thorns would be havoc on UA.

2. Washing and ironing. The washing process is not delicate. In most places they WILL iron your stuff. I don't think UA would like the hot iron and might not do well with the rough washing.

I too love UA stuff and wear it for all my hunting. I took lots of UA stuff on my hunt to Botswana and had no issues at all.

Ironically they did manage to damage one of my shirts with an iron while on safari but it was one of my COTTON shirts, they melted one of the tags on the pocket.

I would take under armour gear again in a heart beat.

Wear UA everyday at work, just like the name says under my body armor. Didn't take a piece of it w/me to Africa. Your clothes are ironed to kill bug eggs UA will not take an ironing/high heat...notice how it is not marketed to firefighters.

I took a couple of UA stocking caps and some gloves but left the tops and bottoms at home. Also took a fleece pullover for chilly mornings, but didn't submit this to the laundry service. UA items that won't need washed will be great, but don't think the ones needing daily care would make it through.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I took UA on my trip for Buff. Held up great and kept me comfy. No problems with washing in camp. I will and do take it with me on every trip. Both hot and cold versions. I love the stuff.

I wore ua everyday in moz, hunting buffalo and its perfect, I was also taking DOXY for malaria so that will get you sunburnt quick so i needed full coverage, helps keep you cool plus keeps thing off your skin, never tore any in the thorns. Washing was no problem and they deffinetly use some stiff chemical to clean, I left my spare hat in the tent that had about 3 years of grease built up from wrenching on my truck, working on the farm, and oil and greese from gunsmithing, to where you could not read the lettering on the hat, when i came back to camp I saw the hat was perfectly clean looked brand new I didnt think is was mine but it said Bijou on it so I new it was the same hat, even showed the wife when i got back she couldnt believeit, but no problem with the UA washing in RSA or Moz. take it, if it gets ruined throw it away, better to have it then not and it doesnt take up much space.

Selous killed a lot of elephants, it might just be an idea to wear what he would have worn.


Our very own Bill Stewart has also killed a lot of elephants, but you can google his underwear choices yourself.

HTH,

GH

I must say that I have no personal experience with UA. I wear medium weight cotton and it works as well in Africa today as it did 50 years ago. I do have some experience with synthetics though. After multiple pressings with that incredibly hot camp iron they just fall apart. If there is a chance that UA will do the same I'll pass.

Mark

My UA did fine in both Namibia and Zambia, hot irons or not. It wicks moisture way better than cotton, thus less chance of developing a nasty crotch rash.

I use UA on ALL my hunts, including Africa. Its the best, never a problem and wicks moisture (sweat). Cotton sucks, all it does is absorb moisture.

As for ironing have the Ph instruct tent boy to place a towel on before ironing. even better just hang dry.

Mike

Jim,

I'm sure the UA did a great job for you. I guess the point is that it's not necessary. I agree that cotton does not wick great but it does collect sweat and as sweat evaporates it has a cooling affect. Isn't that what we are looking for? As to the rash if you just go "commando" as a lot of the guys who've spent time in the tropics do you'll not need to worry about your crotch. A little Gold Bond and your just comfy.

UA is expensive and I'm always for spending less on expensive accoutrements thus leaving more for trophy fees.

Mark

I wore UA loose fit t-shirts when I went to Zim in 2008 as undershirts. Worked very well and did not have one problem with them being washed and iron by the camp staff. I wore a clean one every day so they were laundered quite a bit.

Jeff

Under Armour is great stuff. before UA I wore Patagonia, thin polypro, under my ballistic vest.

In hot weather if you wear cotton you will be wet all day and get ringworm...

I much prefer the loose fit, as it is not as "hot".

I wear UA in Africa [4 trips] and in Alaska [3 trips] and other cold areas as well.

I wear it daily in Texas.

But you should tell your PH that you are using it as with a hot iron it will be melted.

Just tell them to sun dry it, and "treat" it with a cool iron.

UA works great. It keeps me dry, and I sweat like a race horse.

Thorns do take their toll, although not enough to rip or tear the shirts. Just little nicks and nats.

I like UA shirts especially for hunting when the humidity is very high.

Lots of good info, thanks guys.

For those who like the UA shirts, which specific UA shirts have you used?

I like the loose-fitting OD green ones.

Like the one I'm wearing here:



The buffalo are extra cost accessories!

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Jim,

I'm sure the UA did a great job for you. I guess the point is that it's not necessary. I agree that cotton does not wick great but it does collect sweat and as sweat evaporates it has a cooling affect. Isn't that what we are looking for? As to the rash if you just go "commando" as a lot of the guys who've spent time in the tropics do you'll not need to worry about your crotch. A little Gold Bond and your just comfy.

UA is expensive and I'm always for spending less on expensive accoutrements thus leaving more for trophy fees.

Mark

Its pretty obvious you have never worn the hot gear. The whole point to the product is that it wicks moisture to the surface. you stay dry instead of clammy needing Gold Bond. there are also 2 tyoes, one being an open mesh. I've been wearing it in southeast asia, where I believe it would be hotter and more humid that africa. Can't say how it would take the ironing. But cotton is not even a comparison.

Men's HeatGear Tactical Full T: ($25, Loose Fit)
http://www.underarmour.com/sho...T-/1005384-390&FSR=1

Men's Tactical Shortsleeve UA Tech T ($20, Loose Fit)
http://www.underarmour.com/sho...A-Tech-T/1005684-390

As worn in hunts linked below.

I do like a button cotton shirt for an extra layer depending on temps, and a hooded sweatshirt for mornings/nights.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Jim,

I'm sure the UA did a great job for you. I guess the point is that it's not necessary. I agree that cotton does not wick great but it does collect sweat and as sweat evaporates it has a cooling affect. Isn't that what we are looking for? As to the rash if you just go "commando" as a lot of the guys who've spent time in the tropics do you'll not need to worry about your crotch. A little Gold Bond and your just comfy.

UA is expensive and I'm always for spending less on expensive accoutrements thus leaving more for trophy fees.

Mark

Mark,

You are correct that evaporation is cooling but moisture will evaporate more willingly from synthetics such as UA, thus they cool better than cotton as well.

This is also the principle behind Frogg Togg Chilly towels and man they really work.

If you wish to have your nads dangling have at it. I'll stick to UA boxer/briefs.

quote:

Originally posted by PAGuardian:
Lots of good info, thanks guys.

For those who like the UA shirts, which specific UA shirts have you used?

The loose fitting green T's. But I also had heavy cotton 5.11 Tactical long sleeve shirts. I don't think the Tsetse would find the thin UA shirts much of a barrier,

long sleeves in camo and pants, I wore these everyday even on the flight 16 days or so, and i still take the same set on all my hunts wether its hot or cold -10 degress in elk camp this year they were on. never was bothered by any bugs besides once when i happened to look down at my chest and see a giant spider that was black like a black widow and had red and colored stripes all over it, but i just calmly flicked it off, i was in a zone we were on buffalo tracks. Not that UA would have been protection against that hiddious spider least it wasnt on my skin.

I do wonder are under armor any different then spandex? just a new name that makes them cool now to wear?
either way I like what it does.






under armor in every pic Mine was a knock of brand from Bass pro, Red head, but it was only $10 each on sale. I assume its the same as UA

It would seem there is a definite preference among the tuck them in thoughtfully under UA nadders and the let them hang free au naturel clear nadders. Those that have lived the hot life most of their life hanging UA free
may be ahead of the technology and a lot of other ...

Get a grip girls. You need a pair of cotton shorts and a T shirt in any color as long as it is green.

OK - I'll get a grip mate

....but lets say someone wanted to buy UA in the USA, where would one go?? Wheres the cheapest place??

I have one set of long sleeve but it seems to make me hot and itchy.. That was in cold climate, didnt think to try it in the tropic cause I thought I would die from heat exhaustion. You learn something new every day...

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Graham:
OK - I'll get a grip mate

....but lets say someone wanted to buy UA in the USA, where would one go?? Wheres the cheapest place??

I have one set of long sleeve but it seems to make me hot and itchy.. That was in cold climate, didnt think to try it in the tropic cause I thought I would die from heat exhaustion. You learn something new every day...

My local supermarket sells it here in Alaska. I got most of mine as a "closeout" off their website a year and half ago.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
....a T shirt in any color as long as it is green.

Nice! I can't imagine doing a swamp or jungle hunt in cotton. Synthetics rock. That said don't ever get in a fire as it WILL melt to your body! Not real popular with the pilots up here. Wool base layers get the thumbs up for pilots.

Brett

If I was going to do a bunch of cold weather stuff once again I would probably try the UA as it is supposed to be the cat's ass for wicking. For Africa I'm just not going to spend $40-$45 on a set of ubdershorts and T-shirts. The benefit of UA is outweighed by the cost for me. I think if I shopped carefully I could buy a whole safari kit for what 4 sets of UA would cost.

To me UA for Africa falls into the realm of leather cartridge belts and double rifles. All cool stuff but completely unecessary.

Mark

Most of the synthetic fabrics do exactly the same thing, UA just cost more cause they have the "cool" factor right now and are riding the wave...so to speak. Plus, Americans just love to be ripped off. Hell, they actually brag about paying this much and that much....when Joe next door buys his brand at the discount store for half the price. Anybody remember Damart....which was the original synthetic fiber materials marketed to the NFL 30+ years ago? Well, things have not changed much since. As for me, I am Joe next door and I have probably 3 or 4 different brands of synthetic fiber garments from lightweight to polar weight and they all work the same way.....wick moisture from the body to the outer side of the garment to be evaporated by body heat and ambient temperature. Wicking that same moisture from the body also keeps the body warm, as moisture is very efficient at transferring the body heat away from the skin. There is only so many ways to accomplish this task. There is nothing magical about UA...all synthetics do this. You just pay a premium for the name....as in Jaguar, Cadillac, H&H, Rigby etc.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
I think if I shopped carefully

Which is what I did. The UA shirts were close outs. $6 each, the boxer/briefs were $11 each. The briefs were obviously pricy compared to tight whitys but worth every penny in comfort.

I wear ua loose gear undershirts in something called army brown every work day and when I go to Zim. Mine have lasted for about 5 years, now. You do have to be careful with the camp girls and their irons: mine have several holes burned into them while at camp.

I love under armou, have not taken it to africa or ironed it, but keep it around for when I'm planning to be active. i.e. the short period when I played softball.

I too prefer commando for tropical weather though. I've been a boxers guy ever since I spent 4.5 months in the Philippines in 95'. Got a rash the first few days, went commando or boxer the rest of the trip (after it cleared) and had no more issues. I only wear boxer briefs now for athletic stuff.

Red

quote:

Originally posted by Bill C:
Men's HeatGear Tactical Full T: ($25, Loose Fit)
http://www.underarmour.com/sho...T-/1005384-390&FSR=1

Men's Tactical Shortsleeve UA Tech T ($20, Loose Fit)
http://www.underarmour.com/sho...A-Tech-T/1005684-390

As worn in hunts linked below.

I do like a button cotton shirt for an extra layer depending on temps, and a hooded sweatshirt for mornings/nights.

Bill, what's the diff between these?

quote:

Originally posted by Bryan Chick:
I wear ua loose gear undershirts in something called army brown every work day and when I go to Zim. Mine have lasted for about 5 years, now. You do have to be careful with the camp girls and their irons: mine have several holes burned into them while at camp.

Camp girls? Tell us where you have been hunting?

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
I must say that I have no personal experience with UA. I wear medium weight cotton and it works as well in Africa today as it did 50 years ago. I do have some experience with synthetics though. After multiple pressings with that incredibly hot camp iron they just fall apart. If there is a chance that UA will do the same I'll pass.

Mark

+1

I would never go hunting anywhere without it. Heat Gear for the hot climes, cold gear for cold ones.
Heat Gear saved my ass(literaly) in Zim this October. Cold Gear allows me to hike and move around in the cold without the dreaded crotch rot.

Look for it on sale, who cares if your undies are pink. Wash it when you shower, dont let them iron it.

D

Antlers, the cheaper UA Tech are very light and thin, and at first felt "cheap". But I have several that I have worn a lot and found them to be durable, and very non-restrictive.

This is a UA Tech (my Lucky one!)


The HeatGear are more what would be expected of a "wicking shirt", a bit slicker in texture and perhaps not as loose in cut (but far from snug unless you size-down). Again, I cannot wear them out...and the sleeveless are particularly nice!!!

But they are close to the same...I'd say try one of each and decide which you like and fits better. The sizing can be a bit of a variable too.

Reg what to take on safari...wear whatever you wear at home, be it UA/tech gear or button-down shirts.

Thanks, Bill.

Let me start here by saying that I was the 2nd UA Outdoor employee and did their marketing for 5+ years. I do not work for them now...but I can't imagine anything better for safari than UA's fishing line. The Guide Pants and Shirt look like normal safari wear...cargo pocket pants, button up shirts, same with the shorts. They are light, wick, and durable. They make them in several shades of khaki, olive and brown. The loose T's are the coolest thing you can wear if you like to hunt in a T shirt.

No it is not a necessity, but it will make you way more comfortable, especially on a long walking day in warm weather. It is not cheap, but the "fishing" line isn't that much more expensive than other safari clothing.

I got a TAG safari shirt last year, and I cannot imagine walking and hunting in that thing. It is a very nice shirt, but it breathes 0, is heavy and hot, and that is without being sweat soaked. It was at least as expensive as a UA button up shirt.

Not going into the whole underwear thing, but they are hands down the best. Also the UA socks are as good as any smartwool, merino, etc. premium sock. They wick sweat just as well as the other gear. All my stuff has been fine being washed, etc. in Africa. I do ask them not to iron my underwear!

Here are a could photos of the "fishing" gear...