First Impressions of LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s is a garment that, on the surface, seems like a simple piece of apparel. However, LaCrosse Footwear has a reputation for quality, particularly in the outdoor sector, and I was eager to see if that reputation extended to their clothing line as well. The promise of a comfortable, stretchy tee built for movement immediately piqued my interest, given my demanding outdoor pursuits.
I was on the hunt for a versatile shirt that could handle everything from setting up treestands before dawn to a casual afternoon of fly fishing. Comfort and unrestricted movement were my top priorities, a need often unmet by stiff, ill-fitting shirts. I’ve tried numerous outdoor tees over the years, often finding them either too restrictive, too hot, or simply not durable enough to withstand the rigors of the wilderness.
Upon receiving the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s, my first impression was positive. The green color was a classic outdoor hue, and the fabric felt soft and surprisingly lightweight. The LaCrosse Momentum logo on the chest was subtle and tasteful, a welcome change from overly branded apparel.
Compared to similar polyester/spandex blend tees from brands like Under Armour and Columbia, the LaCrosse tee felt noticeably softer to the touch. It also seemed to have a more relaxed, less athletic fit than the Under Armour options, making it potentially more suitable for everyday wear in addition to outdoor activities. The Columbia alternatives felt slightly less durable. I chose the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s primarily for its promise of comfort and unrestricted movement, hoping it would bridge the gap between performance and casual wear.
Initially, I was optimistic but cautiously so. I’ve been burned before by gear that looked good on paper but failed to deliver in the field. My hope was that the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s would live up to the hype and become a staple in my outdoor wardrobe.
Real-World Testing: Putting LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s took place during an early-season whitetail scouting trip. I spent the day hiking through thick brush, setting up trail cameras, and clearing shooting lanes. The weather was mild but humid, creating a prime environment for testing the shirt’s breathability and comfort.
The shirt performed admirably in these conditions. The stretchy fabric allowed for a full range of motion as I maneuvered through dense vegetation, never feeling restrictive or binding. The polyester/spandex blend wicked away moisture effectively, keeping me relatively dry even as I worked up a sweat. I encountered no issues or unexpected problems during this first outing, and the comfort level exceeded my expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various outdoor settings, the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. I’ve worn it while fishing, hiking, and even during some light range work, and it has consistently performed well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, even after repeated washings.
The shirt has held its shape and color without fading or stretching. It is easy to care for; a simple machine wash and tumble dry on low heat is all it takes to keep it clean and fresh. Compared to some of my older outdoor tees, which have become stretched out and faded over time, the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s has held up exceptionally well. It surpasses the performance of cheaper alternatives and is proving to be a worthwhile investment for any outdoor enthusiast.
Breaking Down the Features of LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s
Specifications
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s is designed for outdoor performance and comfort. It features a blend of 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex, which provides both moisture-wicking properties and a comfortable stretch. The shirt is a regular fit, suitable for a wide range of body types.
The shirt weighs approximately 180 grams, making it lightweight and easy to pack for extended trips. It is a short-sleeved tee, ideal for warmer weather or layering under a jacket in cooler conditions. The green color provides a classic outdoor look, and the chest features the LaCrosse Momentum logo. These specs highlight a focus on comfort, mobility, and practicality.
Performance & Functionality
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s performs its job admirably, excelling in comfort, breathability, and range of motion. The material wicks moisture effectively, keeping you cool and dry during strenuous activity. The stretchy fabric allows for unrestricted movement, crucial for activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Its main strength is its exceptional comfort, while a minor weakness might be the lack of additional features like UPF protection. Overall, it exceeds expectations for a basic outdoor tee.
Design & Ergonomics
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s features a simple yet effective design. The blend of Polyester and Spandex results in a soft and comfortable feel against the skin. The lightweight construction adds to the overall comfort, making it easy to wear for extended periods.
The regular fit is neither too tight nor too loose, providing a comfortable and flattering silhouette. There is no significant learning curve associated with wearing it.
Durability & Maintenance
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s appears to be built to last. The material feels substantial despite its lightweight nature. With proper care, it should withstand regular use for several seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward: machine wash cold and tumble dry low. This ease of care enhances its practicality for outdoor adventures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no readily apparent customization options. However, the shirt’s simple design makes it compatible with a wide range of layering options and accessories from other brands.
You can easily pair it with a vest, jacket, or other outerwear depending on the weather conditions. The lack of specific customization options is a minor drawback but doesn’t significantly detract from the shirt’s overall value.
Pros and Cons of LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s
Pros
- Exceptional Comfort: The 95% Polyester/5% Spandex blend provides a soft and comfortable feel against the skin.
- Excellent Range of Motion: The stretchy fabric allows for unrestricted movement during outdoor activities.
- Moisture-Wicking Performance: The material effectively wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and dry.
- Lightweight and Packable: The shirt is lightweight and easy to pack for travel or extended trips.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple machine wash and tumble dry make it easy to care for.
Cons
- No UPF Protection: The shirt lacks built-in UPF protection, which might be a concern for some users.
- Limited Customization: There are no readily available customization options for this product.
Who Should Buy LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s?
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s is perfect for hunters, anglers, hikers, and anyone who spends time outdoors and values comfort and freedom of movement. It’s also a good choice for those seeking a versatile tee for casual wear. Anyone who needs a shirt that can keep up with their active lifestyle will appreciate this garment.
Those who prioritize advanced features like built-in UPF protection or require specific customization options might want to explore alternatives. If you only wear natural fibers like cotton or merino wool, this synthetic blend tee might not be for you.
Must-have accessories for this tee include a good base layer for colder weather and a quality hat for sun protection.
Conclusion on LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s
The LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s is a well-designed and comfortable outdoor tee that delivers on its promises. The combination of comfort, performance, and durability makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a versatile piece of apparel for outdoor activities. At a price of $26.00, the value proposition is excellent, considering the quality and performance it offers.
I would personally recommend this shirt to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable outdoor tee. It’s a great addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe and a testament to LaCrosse Footwear’s commitment to quality. Step into the outdoors with confidence and experience the LaCrosse Footwear Forever Forward Tee – Men’s for yourself!