Poncho Outfitting: Fishing Shirts Elevated
Cast aside your past shirts. Go with Poncho.
Guys-have you ever been fishing and you find your shirt kind of sucks? Like, it starts smelling after a full day of casting, it doesn't really function in the environment you are in, or it just sort of does not have the same durability as the gear you brought? Yeah- we have been there. So has the crew over at Poncho Outfitting and that is why they came up with an elevated fishing shirt that is taking the market by storm. No, the shirt doesn't send flares from its sleeves when in distress or integrate with your Google Home devices, but it does feature the essentials that any fisherman would want to have while out on the river, lake, or ocean outing.
Poncho
Fishing T Shirts
For many guys (honestly including us) not much thought goes into the shirt one would wear while fishing. With most attention on the rod, lines, hooks, bait, boat, tracking gear-and beyond, most focus steers away from the gear you wear while out fishing to the gear you use to fish. Well, what if we told you the shirts from Poncho checked both boxes in comfort and functionality? Yeah- minds blown.
Our crew wanted to test out the shirts over at Poncho to see if their shirts really were up to scale (see what we did there) on their claims to have the “world’s best fishing shirt.” Their team sent us the Castaway short sleeve shirt and challenged us to cut-the-bait on our old fishing shirts and give theirs a go. Will we cast aside our old shirts and will their shirts be betta than any others out there? We dive into that in the review while ending this ridiculous attempt to humor you with fishing puns-sorry we couldn't help ourselves.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
When our crew initially opened the shipped green (looks almost more teal-like) color Castaway short sleeve shirt we felt like it looked like just an ordinary button up shirt- BEFORE we ripped open the clear packaging like a kid on Christmas. Once we opened the shirt and got our hands on it, our initial impression changed from “some ordinary shirt” to “this is something different.”
The feel, material, texture, lightweight composition of the shirt was something that we did not expect. In our defense we didn't really know what to expect so the shock was sort of expected. The smooth feel, and design of the shirt instantly stood out to our crew.
As we explored the shirt more we found the buttons to be solid in quality, the zipper on the front pocket was smooth and easy to use, and the breathability design of the shirts back gave the shirt an added element of comfort one could get used to when rocking at the lake. The shirts cut and trim (we tried the regular fit shirt) was a perfect design in shape, fit, and maneuverability when we initially tried it on.
Our overall duuude first impression: Would it be weird if we wore this even when we are NOT fishing? Who cares it is worth it!
TESTING IT OUT
Now the ultimate test: trying out the Castaway Poncho Shirt. This may sound strange but how do you try out a shirt that highlights features like “lightweight and breathable fabric”, “fast drying for no smell”, and “UPF 50 to protect from sun?”....well, we thought about smearing fish guts on it and throwing it in a hot car for a day, but then someone suggested: go fishing with it. -DUH.
Our crew went out and loaded up the fishing gear and hit a local stream that has been giving some guys good luck (not that kind of luck). Our crew put the shirt to the ultimate test by wearing it while fishing for a full real environment experience. The weather was warm so it added the extra test of the shirts features by heating up the ole armpit sweat.
From the start, the shirt was comfortable, flexible, and lightweight. The shirts pockets and front zipper pocket gave us easy access to store some extra items for the trip. We used the front pockets to store our slim wallet, and easily secured our cell phone in the front zipper pocket. The shirts pocket flaps have hidden magnets in the flaps, adding a ease of access to the items inside. The magnets secure enough to keep things safe, but not too secure to where you need iron man to separate them.
The shirt’s fabric according to Poncho is built with lightweight fabric that features a breathability to help reduce the odor from body sweat, spilled coffee on the front (not saying this happened-clears throat), all while holding the structure of the shirt. The shirts are also rated at UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50, which to give you an idea of the meaning, a rating of 25 allows only 4% of UV radiation to penetrate fabric- 50 is the highest rating out there. Our crew wore it for 4 hours of non fishing time, 1 hour of fishing time (including baiting, casting, reaching into the cooler for a drink, and then reeling in the big catch (we caught nothing). Over the course of this time the shirt wicked off the sweat, the odor was non-existent, and it stayed study.
We didn't stop there. Another crew member put on the shirt (not washed-sorry duuude), and hopped in the stream. Completely submerged, and then back on shore, the shirt dried relatively fast in the sun. After drying, odor was still absent and structure of shirt was as if none of that happened. The durability of the shirt stood up to the claims and was worn home-even after all that. Washing and care after was a breeze- throw in washing machine cold water and low dry- shirts ready for next adventure.
Jump on in!
Our last test of the shirt came down to life’s messes- sorry Poncho for what we did next. We smeared some gunk on it, rolled it in the dirt, and then tossed it in a bucket of dirty water for a day. Washed it and tested out the shirt again- after all those extra tests, the shirt remained in tact, the structure was in place, and the color kept the same strong green when shipped. The shirt was put through the ringer and came out with flying colors.
Our crew is all in on the Poncho Castaway shirt.
STANDOUT FEATURES
The shirt as it is was a standout find our crew was able to test-but there are some more standout features that come with the Poncho Outfitting line of shirts.
The materials- Poncho uses materials that may cost more- but they are really durable shirts. Some shirts may be cheaper, yet they do not last as long or provide the features Poncho offers. Poncho buys better materials to reduce environmental impacts while also delivering high quality shirts.
The environment- Poncho’s shirts achieves the rigorous Bluesign environmental standards, with fabrics that consume dramatically less water and only feature non-toxic dyes in the coloring of their shirts.
Innovation- we mentioned it before but it was a major standout with their attention to detail. The magnet pocket buttons and zipper front pocket really provide an ease of use while holding a rod in one hand and needing to freely access the gear on the front of the shirt.
BONUS FEATURES
As an added bonus, Poncho Outfitting offers more than just the Castaway shirt. With over 14 varieties of shirts, including long and short sleeves, Poncho has a shirt for any preference. In addition to their shirt line, Poncho offers hats for the outdoors to keep the top of your dome protected from the elements.
One other added bonus is the community of fishermen who enjoy the outdoors while also respecting mother nature. You can join in and share your moments on the lake, or see what Poncho is doing to try and make quality gear while respecting the world you use their products in.
Poncho Overall duuude Factor: We are hooked!
Price: $64.95
BRAND INFO
Poncho Outfitting wanted to do a fishing shirt- but different.
“Somewhere along the way, someone decided that fishing shirts should fit like trash bags. They put too much stuff on them and in them. Everyone else followed. We wanted to be different. And better. So we set out on a journey to make our own. Breathable, lightweight and simple. No cargo-short pockets on your chest. No velcro. No jamming every sized person into a single fit. Just a high quality shirt. That fits. In every way. Oh, and we decided to change the way fishing shirts are sold so that we can offer the best product, to all people, at all times, at a remarkable value.”
Poncho also stands for more than just a simple , no gimmick nod to St. Francisco, they stand for the environment:
“Open water. Open range. Public lands. Abundant wildlife. These are some of the things we love, and we want more of them.”
To learn more about Poncho and to check out their line of shirts head over and see what they have in store.
