Looking for the best sun hoodie for hiking and backpacking? I’ve got you covered! Sun hoodies are a fantastic piece of clothing that protects your skin from UV without requiring the application of tons of sunscreen. Think of them as effortless sunscreen. They’re a great piece of gear for hikers, backpackers, kayakers, and climbers who spend long days out in the sun.

I first started wearing sun shirts when I started to collect more and more tattoos. UV light can fade and distort tattoos over time, so I ditched my hiking tank tops and t-shirts and have been hiking in sun hoodies ever since. In fact, in almost all of my outdoor photos, I am always wearing a sun hoodie and leggings.

Why this blog? Hi! My name is Sarah, and I have been an avid hiker and backpacker in Washington since 2018. Even with my day job as a teacher, I am still finding ways to share my passion for education in different facets of my life. Hence, an educational blog focused on the outdoors. You can find my favorite gear here, or find all my hikes, campsites, breweries, and more in Washington here.

Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means that I could earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Amazing Sun Hoodies for Hiking, Backpacking, and More

When it comes to Sun Hoodies, it feels like I have tested them all. While my current favorite is the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie, there are so many sun shirts out there that my favorite might not be someone else’s favorite.

Wearing sun protective clothing is the smart choice for anyone spending long hours on the trail.

In this blog, I will share some of the best sun hoodies and sun shirts I’ve tried over the years.

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What to look for in a good sun hoodie?

When it comes to sun hoodies, you’ve got a lot of options out there; however, each sun hoodie is slightly different. Making it important for you to identify what features in a sun hoodie are most important to you.

For me, sun protection and breathability are the two most important features I look for in a sun hoodie. Some other features you might want to consider:

1. Sun Protection
2. Beathability
3. Odor Resistance
4. Durability
5. Weight/Packability

Sun Protection

The main reason for wearing a sun hoodie is the protection it provides from UV rays. Different sun hoodies offer varying UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) protection. If you have a sun shirt with UPF 50+, it blocks 98% of UVA & UVB rays. That level of UPF is best for people who experience extended periods of time in the sun.

A high UPF rating is recommended for people hiking at high elevations or near reflective terrain such as water or snow.

The Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie has a UPF of 50+, while the Patagonia Tropic Comfort Sun Hoody has a UPF of 40+.

Breathability

Typically, when you’re wearing a sun hoodie, you’re likely experiencing prolonged exposure to UV radiation while engaging in some sort of rigorous activity. This means that airy and breathable fabrics are preferred over heavy, dense ones.

A lightweight, synthetic material blend of polyester or nylon is quick drying and moisture-wicking. The Backcountry Tahoe hoodie is made of polyester and spandex with a UPF of 50+.

Natural materials like merino wool and bamboo are good for odor resistance, but tend to be heavier. The Paka Sol Hoodie features a breathable fabric, is odor-resistant, and provides 30+ UPF protection.

Odor Resistance

As someone who will wear the same outfit day after day while backpacking, an odor-resistant material is preferred to avoid smelling too horrible by the end of the trip. This factor is especially important when choosing a sun hoodie for thru-hikers.

Synthetic sun hoodies can contain anti-microbial or odor-fighting properties. However, it is natural fibers like merino wool that have the best resistance to odor.

The Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Wool Hoodie excels in both odor resistance and breathability.

The synthetic blend Mountain Hardwear Sunshield Hoody utilizes a plant-based odor-control technology to control stench on the trail.

Durability

In the interest of the longevity of the item, making sure the sun hoodie can withstand harsh conditions during activities is important, especially if you are going to be wearing the piece for long periods of time.

For backpackers, touch points like the back, across the chest, and over the shoulders can get worn down. Materials resistant to abrasion are key. I have found that bamboo is not great for backpacking because it gets worn down more quickly than other materials. I found this to be especially true for the FreeFly Bamboo Sun Hoodie.

Sun hoodies made of thicker materials tend to be more durable, like the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie and the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Shirt.

Related Read: Best Filtering Water Bottles for Backpacking

Weight and Packability

Especially true for ultralight hikers, a lightweight sun hoodie that can pack down is essential. Typically, the lighter the hoodie, the quicker it dries.

Many of the best sun hoodies have a weight between 4 and 8 ounces, but the best lightweight sun hoodie is the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie.

Synthetic materials tend to be the lightest and packable.

Other Considerations

Some other considerations you can take when choosing a sun hoodie that is best for you and your needs could include:

1. Color – Bright colors are great for visibility, but neutral colors tend to hide dirt more effectively. A dark color can absorb the sun’s rays, making you feel hotter.
2. Hood Shape – Do you want a hood that can fit over a helmet for climbing? Check out the Astroman Air Hoodie.
3. Torso Length – Do you want the length of the hoodie to hit your hips? The Sunshield Hoody has a more cropped style.
4. Pockets – Some hoodies have small zipper pockets.
5. Thumb holes – Most sun hoodies have thumb holes. I like the thumb loops because they protect more of my hands.

For maximum comfort on the trail, choose a hoodie that satisfies your personal preference.

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Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie (Favorite Overall)

I have been using the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie since 2024, when I first purchased it for the Salkantay Trek in Peru. I purchased two of them, and when I returned from my trek, I immediately purchased a second white sun hoodie. Now, this is one of the only sun shirts I wear for summer hikes!

Since I like my sun hoodies to fit looser, I purchased a large to increase air circulation to keep me all around cooler. I find the material to dry pretty quickly, and I like that the arms aren’t constricting.

Plus, it has the highest UV protection by industry standard.

This hoodie is great for general outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, and climbing.

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Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody (Most Durable)

The Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody was my go-to hoodie for spring backpacking because of the thicker material. It kept me warmer on sunny Spring days in Washington. The athletic fit was comfortable, and the hood of the shirt was large.

I liked that this hoodie had a small zipper pocket where I could keep my SPF Lip Balm. One of the things I did not like about this hoodie was that it pilled on the chest from rubbing against my backpacking chest buckle. For the price, I felt like this hoodie should have held up more.

This hoodie is best for climbers who cane take advantage of the large hood and lack of thumb holes. The reflective technology is also especially good for high alpine areas and desert enviornments.

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Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody (Best for Water Sports)

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is perfect for long days on the water. This hoodie is great for paddle boarding and kayaking. This is one of the softest sun hoodies I’ve ever owned, while keeping me cool. Some of the other soft sun hoodies I’ve owned keep me pretty warm.

The drawback to this sun hoodie is that it is technically not UPF rated, even though it is marketed for sun protection. This hoodie was probably my favorite hoodie for keeping thermoregulated, regardless of whether the hoodie was wet or dry.

This hoodie is best for water sports, but sunscreen application might be required for long days on the water since it is not UPF rated.

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun Shirt is also available as a short-sleeved t-shirt!

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Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody (Best Casual Hoodie)

I really like the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody for exploring town when I will be doing lots of walking, but still want to look cute(ish). This sun hoodie is extremely lightweight and would work well for ultralight hikers.

The torso on this hoodie is on the shorter side, even with the cinch along the bottom of the shirt. Many of the other sun hoodies have a longer torso. I’m not entirely sure why, but I felt like the hood didn’t stay as secure as some of my other hoodies.

Mountain Hardware is also always updating their colors for their products, and they typically have a lot of different colors for their hoodies, unlike some of the other hoodies.

This sun hoodie is best for exploring a city on a hot day, paddling, and low-intensity hikes. I do not believe this hoodie was designed with extreme sports in mind, but rather everyday wear.

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Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie (Best Ultralight Option)

The OR Echo Hoodie is by far the most lightweight and breathable sun hoodie I’ve ever owned. It honestly feels like you’re not wearing anything. However, because it is so lightweight and breathable, it was not very durable and pilled the first time I wore it with a backpack.

Additionally, the UPF is around 15, which, in my opinion, doesn’t do much for sun protection. Let it be known that it will also shrink in the wash and run very small.

The OR Echo Hoodie is a good option for ultralight backpackers who do not need a high UPF rating. This is the best lightweight sun shirt, my only complaint is it is one of the lower UPF-rated shirts.

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REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (Most Budget Friendly)

The first sun hoodie I ever purchased was the REI Co-op Sun Hoodie and is arguably one of the most popular sun hoodies in recent years. It is made of a soft, polyester blend material that can withstand the abrasion from a heavy pack. I love the drawstring on the hood to secure the hoodie.

The only downside to this hoodie is how warm you get on hot days. The only cooling property the hoodie has is that when you sweat and a cool breeze comes around, it feels great. Otherwise, I found it to be a little stifling. However, for cooler hikes, it is incredible.

Overall, the REI Co-op Sun Hoodie is a fantastic choice for hiking, backpacking, tide pooling, etc. The only real drawback is how warm it runs. If I didn’t love the Tahoe more, I’d still be wearing this sun hoodie on every hike I do!

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Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Hoodie (Most Odor Control)

When it comes to odor protection, nothing beats the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie. Merino wool is a natural odor-resistant fabric and can be woven into thin or thick material. In fact, my bestie, Maddy, who is a kayak guide in the Upper Peninsula, wears merino wool shirts year-round.

This hoodie is amazing at odor resistance; however, the UPF is on the lower side compared to other sun hoodies in the same price range. Merino wool is always pretty expensive. When I hike, I have found that wearing a merino wool bra is actually the best way for me to minimize odor on the trail.

The Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Hoodie is best used in varying temperature environments, such as a cold morning and a warm afternoon. While it can certainly be used for thru-hikers looking to minimize stench on the trail, it is rather heavy.

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Sun Shirt Options

Sun shirts are a great alternative for people who still want some UV protection but prefer to wear short sleeves or don’t want a hood. While long sleeves are great for sun protection, you can still get plenty of UV protection with a sun t-shirt and sunscreen.

The best sun shirts still offer a high UPF and breathable material like hoodies.

Product	Type	UPF Rating	Pro	Con
Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen T-Shirt	T-Shirt	UPF 50+	Lightweight with underarm venting	High price point
REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt	T-Shirt	UPF 30+	Sweat wicking and fast drying	Slim Fit/Runs Small
OR Astroman Sun Shirt	Button Down	UPF 30	Breathable with vents and durable	Lower UPF and lacks odor-control
Smartwool Merino 150 Short Sleeve Crew Shirt	T-Shirt	UPF 20	Natural odor control and lightweight	High price point and low UPF
Backcountry Tahoe Sun Shirt	Long Sleeve Shirt	UPF 50+	Breathable, durable, and relaxed fit	Heavier material

For complete sun protection, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are still a must!

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Choosing a Sun Hoodie Based on Activity

Choosing a sun hoodie is extremely personal. There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing the best sun hoodie for your needs.

Here are some recommendations, but at the end of the day, there are no rules, and you can pick something just because it has a pretty color. The best sun shirt for you might not be the best sun shirt for someone else.

• Budget Seekers: Opt for the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie
• Climbers: Need a hoodie that is helmet-compatible and abrasion-resistant. (Black Diamond Alpenglow or Outdoor Research Astroman)
• Desert Hikers: Go for something light weight and vented. (OR Echo)
• Thru Hikers: Prioritize durability and odor control (Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie)
• Casual Hikers & Backpackers: Choose something breathable, durable, and comfortable. (Backcountry Tahoe)
• Natural-Fiber Fans: Opt for the Ridge Merino or Free Fly Bamboo.

For an in-depth review of sun hoodies that are best for Thru Hikers, check out this guide by Erin Exploring.

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Pack It Up

When it comes to hiking, backpacking, and spending long hours outside in the sun, a quality sun hoodie is an essential piece of gear. With all the options available, you will likely be able to find a sun shirt that is specific to your needs. Whether you’re looking for something breathable or odor-reducing, with a looser fit, athletic fit, or made of stretchy material, or with a high sun protection factor, there’s a sun hoodie for you.

For climbers, a sun hoodie with a tighter weave to combat abrasion is a priority.

For high altitude hikers, high UPV and breathable might be the priority.

As someone who does everything from casual hikes to multiday backcountry treks, my number one pick is the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Shirt.

The bottom line? Choose a sunshirt that matches your activity level, preferred fit, and weather conditions. Prioritize comfort, protection, and versatility.

In this blog post, I shared some of my favorite sun shirts.

If you have any questions about choosing a sun hoodie for your outdoor adventure, let me know! I’d love to help you out.