In addition to the Redington Deschutes Rain Jacket I reviewed a few weeks ago, I was sent a couple items for testing from the women's sportswear line: the Chelan Tee and the Tideland Shorts. With every Redington piece I have tried, the things that stand out are the attention to detail and a fit that is meant for "regular" sized people, not too tight and not too loose.
The Chelan Tee is built with a feminine cut and crossed neck detail that is a nice stylistic change from the usual high neck or zip neck performance shirts. Fast wicking fabric will keep you cool and dry with a UPF 30+ rating for sun protection. The fabric is 100% polyester, so even though it is anti-microbial treated, you will run into the usual stink issue of synthetic shirts.
With Redington apparel, the excellence is in the details. A tiny pocket at the back of the performance shirt is perfect for storing keys or spare money if you happen to be out without a backpack. Probably my favorite feature of the Chelan Tee is the elongated sleeves. Slide your thumbs through the loops and the v-shaped top of the sleeves slip nicely over the back of your hands, protecting them from the sun.
The Tideland Shorts are made from a stretchy, quick drying fabric, great for the occasional river crossing or rain storm. The nylon fabric is super comfortable against the skin and UPF 30+ provides your legs with some sun protection. The performance shorts hit just at the knee, so will protect you pretty well from foliage, though I might stick to the wide open trails for those of you in poison oak and poison ivy country like me.
Six pockets, including two zippered front leg pockets, offer plenty of storage space for your phone, camera or snacks. Particularly handy for those of us women with actual hips but a small waist, the Tideland Shorts feature a hidden elastic band that can be moved up to 1.5" to cinch in the waist.
Bottom Line: The Redington Chelan Tee is a stylish, super functional performance shirt perfect for any outdoor activity. The Tideland Shorts will keep you cool and dry whether you are hanging around the 4th of July barbeque or hitting the trails.
In case lime green is not your color, the Chelan Tee also comes in blue and white and retails for $34.95. The Tideland shorts come in either khaki or gray and retail for $39.95.