I was in Moab earlier this year and the only timed entry ticket I could get into Arches National Park was at noon. If you have never been to Arches in June at Noon, it is roughly 1000 degrees and the blazing sun bounces off of all of those red rocks. In the past I had always opted with light t-shirts on the hottest days but this time I had a Sun Hoodie with me. I decided to give it a shot against the unrelenting Utah Sun. With all my skin covered I headed up to Delicate Arch, fully exposed to the sun, and to my surprise I was actually cooler and more comfortable! I was immediately a convert to the practice and wanted to share it all with you! Here is Sun Hoodies for Hiking: Everything to Know about some of the best options.
I have been lucky enough to test out a bunch of different brands and have compiled my thoughts below. I am even introducing the Fatty Awards, my picks for the best in certain categories to help you out. After the awards I will have a breakdown of my thoughts and some features of each of the brands that I tested. I hope you enjoy and learn a bit more about Sun Hoodies!
Before we begin
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The Fatty Awards
Any brand that is worth its wait has created an award system. Think of the Emmy’s or the Dundee’s. So I would like to introduce my new awards, the Fatty Awards. These awards are extremely influential and I have a feeling that all brands will be coveting them before too long. The Fatty Awards could become bigger than JD Power (Who is this JD person?) or Micheline Stars (what does a tire company know about food anyway?)
Historically, each brand below that wins a Fatty will go down in history as one of the first ever FatManLittleTrail Awards. These Fatty’s have been hand picked by myself based on my experience with the products that I tested. Congratulations to all off the awards recipient’s!
The Fatty Award Goes To…
Everything to Know about the Sun Hoodie
Well now that we have the winners announced, lets check out the whole field. These are ten of my favorite sun hoodie options that are out there currently. I hike mostly in Colorado’s high elevation and the sun is brutal and this is my first year hiking in more sun hoodies than not. I have been really impressed with each of these options on the way they perform and protect from the sun. Here are my quick thoughts on each one of the sun hoodies along with some information about each piece.
What I thought about wearing the Fjallraven Abisko Sun Hoodie:
The Fjallraven Abisko Sun Hoodie is a great light weight option for those summer hikes. The shirt is thin but solid and has a nice flexibility to it. One of my favorite features is the hood. For the Abisko the hood is very full, to the point that it can extend up and cover the nose like a neck gaiter for some extra coverage on those sunny days. However, I wish there was a way to tighten the hood a bit to allow for more consistent coverage if pulled up.
I also found the moisture wicking was really solid with the Abisko. I hiked on a really warm day and got pretty sweaty but I found this shirt very comfortable and dried really fast especially with a nice mountain breeze. It also didn’t trap odors. This is a really good option for a hot full sun summer day.
What I thought about wearing the Kuhl Eclipser Sun Hoodie:
The Kuhl Eclipser Sun Hoodie is thin, looser cut that combined with the stretch gives a ton of range of motion. The neck is loose and cut into a small V so there is plenty of room to get my giant head in. The hood has a lot of stretch to it so it fits over my head with ease but stays close to my face to help block the sun and the wind.
The Eclipser has mesh panels built into it that makes it feel really breathable. I found this to be the most breathable of all of the sun hoodies that I tested out. Despite the breathability, it still is rated at a UPF 50+ in sun protection. That gives it the best of both worlds in keeping the sun off and allowing the air to move about. Really comfortable and stretchy and kept me plenty cool.
Some More Pros:
Mesh Panels make it very Breathable
No Side Seams
Lightweight
Cuffs hug the wrist
Designed to be good for water as well
Machine Wash and Tumble Dry
Some Cons:
Not much variety in Colors.
Didn’t see a women’s option
Minus 33 Men’s 1/4 Zip Wool Sun Hoodie
Greg wearing the Minus 33 1/4 Zip Wool Sun Hoodie.
What I thought about wearing the Minus 33 1/4 Zip Sun Hoodie:
The Minus 33 1/4 Zip Sun Hoodie is soft and comfortable. the 84% Merino Wool gives kind of that barely there feel to the Sun Hoodie. It is a bit warmer that some of the other hoodies on this list and I think it would work great as a base layer in the winter or a top layer in the spring and fall. Or perhaps as a top layer on a mountain in the summer.
I like that there is a pocket and like the 1/4 zip that allows me to get some ventilation when I get warm on the hike. The neckline also comes up right under my chin when fully zipped giving me full sun coverage. The hood is thin and light weight and has nice flexibility. It should be thin enough to fit under a helmet for climbing or skiing. I do wish the hood was a little tighter to my face so it didn’t catch as much mountain wind and flap.
Some More Pros:
Works Well as a Base Layer
High Wool Content is naturally moisture wicking and antimicrobial
Machine was and dry
5 Colors available
Only weights 9 Ounces
Chest Pocket
Some Cons:
Only UPF 20 Rated
Hood is a bit loose on windy days
Mountain Equipment Glace Hooded Top
Greg wearing the Mountain Equipment Glace Hooded Top.
Cost: $74.95
Sizes: Men S-XXL, Women 8-16
Materials: 87% recycled Polyester, 13% Polyester
UPF: Not Available. (Mountain Equipment is European Based and don’t supply a UPF rating)
What I thought about wearing the Mountain Equipment Glace Sun Hoodie:
The Mountain Equipment Glace is the perfect utility sun hoodie. Those were my first thoughts and I don’t know if they come off as complimentary as they should. While I didn’t have it as the best in any one category, it does well at everything. Moisture wicking, Check. Quick Drying, Check. Sun blocking, Yep. Uses recycled materials? Oh that too, 87% recycled Poly. It was just one of those shirts you put on and are like, “yep, this feels right”, and then don’t have to think about it again because it is doing its job.
The Glace is a slim fit but with plenty of stretch to give full mobility. It would work well as a base layer as the fit is close to the skin allowing more layers on top. The hood has a cross section near the next that gives extra coverage to the exposed area around the neck. The hood is thin, to work with helmets and lightweight to keep the sun off your face and next. Plus, at around $75.00, the Glace is a great option to have in the pack.
Some More Pros:
Slim Fit
HeiQ Fresh odour neutralising technology; direct targeting of odour molecules
What I thought about wearing the Mountain Khaki Roan Sun Hoodie:
The Mountain Khaki Roan Sun Hoodie felt the most like a purely athletic hoodie. I would have no problems wearing this one on the trail, out to dinner or to they gym. The poly/spandex blend offers a lot of stretch and flexibility and makes movements super easy. It also feels sleek and almost like a silky or sateen to the touch. (I’m more of a function than a style guy so excuse those references)
As far as the function, my first hike in the Roan was on a scorching 97 degree day. I was sweating a ton and the moisture wicking features of the Roan were excellent. I felt cool the whole time and was comfortable. Once the inclines slowed down, the shirt dried out quick and let me feel human again. The hood is a bigger than most on this list which allows it to sit looser on the head and give more of an umbrella coverage. It is a very comfortable hoodie.
Some More Pros:
Tons of Stretch (10% Spandex)
UPF 30+
Moisture Wicking
Quick Dry
Anti-Microbial
Includes 45% Recycled Polyester
Some Cons:
Only 2 colors available
Ortovox 120 Tec Fast Upward Longsleeve
Greg wearing the Ortovox 120 Tec Fast Upward Longsleeve
What I thought about wearing the Ortovox 120 Tec Fast Upward Longsleeve:
I was really surprised how comfortable the Ortovox 120 Tex Fast Upward Longsleeve shirt was. Looking at it, it seemed like a cotton shirt but as I slid it on that mix of Merino wool and Tencel was just as soft as ever. The shirt is a tighter fit but has a lot of stretch to allow for great movement. It has different colored panels that give it a unique style. Despite the obvious stitching on the panel, the seams are flat and comfortable. The shirt overall is really comfortable.
This is the only shirt that I included that wasn’t a hoodie but it still gives a large amount of sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating. The long sleeves and higher next profile give really good sun coverage even without a hood. This lightweight shirt is really nice in the mountains and is tight enough so that there isn’t much if any looser fabric to get caught on a hike or climb.
Some More Pros:
UPF 50+
Tencel has cooling effect
Lightweight
Tighter, Athletic fit
Some Cons:
Do Not Tumble Dry
Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
Greg wearing the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie.
What I thought about wearing the Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie:
The Outdoor Research Astroman Air sun hoodie feels more like a light jacket than a shirt. It pairs well over a shirt for a little added sun protection and the Recycled Nylon and Spandex allow for a nice stretch. The chest pocket is deep and can fit most smart phones. Plus, the whole jacket can pack into the pocket for easy storage in a pack.
The 1/4 zip allows for venting, plus there are laser cut holes that allow for breathability in the jacket. When the zipper is fully up, it holds the hood close to the face to help protect from the sun. Plus, the hood is small enough to fit under a climbing helmet. I also liked the color!
Some More Pros:
Most Packable
Uses recycled Nylon
Weighs only 5.6 ounces
Breathable
Moisture Wicking
Impressive Stretch
Guaranteed for Life of the product.
Some Cons:
UPF varies by color (30+ light -50+ dark)
Line Dry Only
Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie
Greg wearing the Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie.
Cost: $49.97
Sizes: Men XS-XXXL Women S-XXL
Materials: 80GSM 100% Polyester
UPF: Rating wasn’t possible due to fabric being to light for machine. (According to Outdoor Vitals)
What I thought about wearing the Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie:
My first thought about the Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie was that it is impossibly lightweight. It weighs in at only 4 ounces and feels like it is barely on when I wear it! It is also a great option for those who like to keep a hoodie on the pack for those ultralight adventures. The hoodie is extremely flexible and follows my movements really well. It is also really comfortable. Almost to the point that I don’t remember I am wearing it.
The Altitude is really comfortable and fit really well. I also like that they have ultralight gear for bigger people, which can be hard to find in a lot of places. The hood is also really thin and sits fairly close to the head to give the most sun protection for your face. Plus, the price tag is a great way to get into the ultralight world.
Some More Pros:
Weighs only 4 ounces
Flat-Lock Seams
Stretch
Bacteria and Odor Resistant
Moisture Wicking
Tight fit means it can be a base layer
Some Cons:
Built for ultralight not abrasion
Can’t wash with an agitator, can’t tumble dry
Paka Sol Sun Hoodie
(Photo Coming Soon)
Cost: $95
Sizes: Men XS-XXL, Women XS-XXL
Materials: 67% Tencel, 14% Royal Alpaca, 14% Nylon, 5% Spandex
Hot off the presses! The Paka Sol Sun Hoodie was released the week before this article came out and I only had a short time to test it out. However, because of the initial quality I saw I wanted to make sure to mention it in this guide. Paka is a brand that incorporates Alpaca wool into their clothing and this is the first time I have tried that on a sun hoodie.
The Sol Sun Hoodie has a bit of a looser fit. It weighs in at 9 ounces which puts it a bit towards the heavier side of the sun hoodies showcased here. Because of the mix of the Tencel and Alpaca fabrics though, it should be comfortable between 50-100 degrees (according to Paka). I found the shirt to be very flexible and really comfortable. It is soft and more of a relaxed fit. The hood has a crossover pattern that helps cover more of the neck in front. The hood itself is soft and a little looser on the head fitting in with the rest of the shirt style. This was a really nice hoodie to hike in and I felt like it kept me cool on a late summer day.
Some More Pros:
Features unique hand-woven Inca ID
UPF 30+
Breathable
Very Good Stretch
Relaxed fit
Three-panel panel cross-over hood guards neck from sun
What I thought about wearing the Royal Robbins Amp Lite Sun Hoodie:
From the most recent to the one that I have had the longest. The Royal Robbins Amp Lite Sun Hoodie has been in my rotation for the full hiking season and it is like the comfort food of my closet. Everyone has that one shirt that just makes them feel comfortable and for me that is the Amp Lite. It is a little heavier than the rest of the sun hoodies in the review but also is warmer. The Amp Lite hoodie is a great option for spring and fall, or the tops of mountains in the summers.
The Amp Lite has a looser fit and has a good stretch to it which allows for a lot of freedom of movement. They make it out of 92% Recycled Polyester and the whole garment is bluesign approved which is great for the environment. I love the softness and the Amp Lite is just really comfortable. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a performer. The hoodie does a good job of moisture wicking and quick drying. Plus, it is breathable. Definitely the comfort food of hoodies for me.
Some More Pros:
Warmer option of Sun Hoodie
UPF 50+ Sun Protection
Breathable
Moisture Wicking
Wrinkle resistant
Made with Recycled Materials
Some Cons:
Heavier, best in spring, fall and a little cooler days.
Video Review: Get to Know Sun Hoodies
I have put together a quick video review of Melan Sunscreen for those of you who like to videos. If you enjoy the video make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. It is free and you will get updated for all of my outdoor content.
Final thoughts on the Sun Hoodies
Finding the right Sun Hoodie has been a complete game changer for my hiking. It has allowed me to stay more protected from the intense mountain sun in Colorado, be more comfortable and help me to regulate my temperature. Each one of the above hoodies has a lot of positive attributes. I am not going to pick an overall best because each hoodie will work best in different situations or styles. For instance, you might love ultralight gear or be looking for something a little heftier.
While I won’t pick an overall winner, I can tell you that the addition of sun hoodies has been a huge difference for my hiking. I strongly suggest picking one up and having it available in your pack for those days that the sun is really intense. Or, if you are like me, maybe you will start wearing one every hike!
More from the Fatman
For a list of other products that I have reviewed you can check my Product Review page here. If you have any products you would like me to review or any comments you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com or you can follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!
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