Tank tops that play nice with your pack straps

[lumba]

I'm not a fan of t-shirts and prefer wearing long-sleeve shirts and tank tops when I hike, but I've noticed that tank top straps (at least in women's styles) don't provide much coverage for the shoulders/chest/arm area where my Osprey pack straps wrap around. I'll take my pack off and see the mesh pattern etched into my skin, and I'm concerned that this might become a problem on my LT hike. Has anyone discovered a tank that has enough fabric to protect your skin from the straps?

I picked up a new tank at Dick's Sporting Goods (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-womens-dry-tomboy-cross-dye-tank-top-16nikwtmbycrssdytapt/16nikwtmbycrssdytapt) that might fit the bill, going to try it out this weekend with a heavy pack. I think the tank straps might still be too narrow though.

I'm wishing I'd kept all the tech t-shirts I've gotten from 5k runs so I could cut them up and make a custom tank, but of course I donated all of them months ago!

40138

[illabelle]

This is why I don't backpack in a tank top. :(

[gracebowen]

Why dont you just go to a thrift store and pick up a few cheap shirts to cut up?

[DownEaster]

I don't know if one of these (https://www.boscovs.com/shop/prod/cougar-sport-closed-hole-mesh-tank-top/542117.htm) would work for you as they're only offered in Men's and Boys' sizes, but I got one and it's worked OK both for wicking perspiration and protecting against pack strap rubbing.

40139

I think the key is to find something that's actually a sleeveless tee to give your shoulders and back protection, even if it's billed as a tank top.

[Traveler]

Outfitters like REI and EMS have womens tank tops in both thin and wide straps for pack strap protection.

[Riocielo]

You could cut the toes off some fluffy socks, then thread the straps through them. I've been tempted to do this, too, because that mesh is uncomfortable on bare skin.


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