The Force Hoody is more fitted than many sun shirts on the market right now, making it ideal for hikers, climbers and mountaineers who prefer a non-chafing, skintight feel that won’t snag on boulders or errant branches. UPF rated sun shirts offer several advantages over conventional sunscreen when it comes to UV protection in the outdoors, especially for extended periods of exposure and for water activities.

You might be wondering why sun hoodies have thumb loops. The reason is that sleeves will typically roll up when you extend your arms for things like climbing or sailing, leaving your hands and wrists exposed. So, having thumb loops keeps the tops of your hands protected, which regular hoodies don’t. For most people, you should get a hoody with UPF 50+ fabric to make sure your skin stays sunburn-free with sun-protective clothing. We intentionally didn’t recommend any tops that didn’t have this rating, but an example of a factor 30+ UPF shirt would be the Rab Pulse which offers one of the lightest weights we’ve seen in exchange. Lightweight There is absolutely no doubt that sun hoodies with UPF 50+ fabric protect you from harmful UV rays and help keep you cool. They are also more breathable and stretchy than what you probably currently wear to hike in, which improves comfort and reduces chafing. They perform very highly when used for intensive exercise and are so comfy you will want to wear them at home and for everyday use too. With the addition of a sun hat like the Tilley Range, you can also cover your face to be 100% safe. Sun Hoodies Vs Sun Shirts Thumb loops are more of a personal preference, and I personally like having them and think they offer some key benefits. For instance, they protect the top of your hand from the sun when you are climbing or using hiking poles all day. They also offer some protection from the wind and cold when you are summiting a mountain. And, if you choose to wear your sun hoody in winter, then the thumb loops can be worn under gloves to keep snow from getting up your sleeve. Long Torso and Sleeves CONCLUSION: If you want to try using a sun hoody for your next hiking trip but don’t want to spend a fortune in case you don’t like it, then this is the perfect entry-level option. It does everything most of the other hot weather hoodies do but for half the price. You might be wondering how good can it be if it is so cheap. You have nothing to worry about here. The BALEAF hoody is plenty durable and provides breathable protection from the sun, just as well as the others.

What Are Sun Hoodies?

Covering up with clothing is the safest and easiest way to protect yourself from UV rays, and sun hoodies are specifically designed for the job. They protect your entire upper body apart from your face and are nothing like your typical hoody. For many, it might seem counterintuitive to wear a long sleeve shirt or hoodie in high temps, but with the right materials, walking around in your own cooling shade will convert even the most diehard "suns out, buns out" devotee.

Let’s face it: No one wants to slather their body in greasy creams or sprays multiple times a day while slogging up the edge of a summit, sweaty from the day’s exertion, and these days, your hiking shirt can do most of the heavy lifting for you. (Just be sure to apply a solid face sunscreen before you head out — we recommend EltaMD’s UV Clear Face Sunscreen.) CONCLUSION: For things like desert hiking or for when you are exposed to the sun for long periods, this trusty sun hoodie will make sure you stay safe. It also helps you stay cooler which keeps you feeling fresher for longer. You don’t need to wear anything underneath as the breathable and stretchy fabric is feather-soft on your skin and also helps to reduce any chafing. I definitely recommend the white version, which will keep you the coolest and reflect the most heat. Rab Pulse Hoody– Extremely lightweight at just 4.1 ounces but only offers UPF 30+ fabric which isn’t enough in extreme heat. UPF is similar to SPF, but the latter rating is specific to sunscreen. In simplified terms, the higher the UPF number, the more protected your covered skin will be from UV rays. Are Sun Shirts Better Than Sunscreen? As I mentioned before, Rab’s OG Pulse Hoody was the lightest in its class, at a scant 3.6 ounces. The Force, on the other hand, weighs in at 5.3 ounces. Still light, certainly, but no longer the lightest top in stores today. With that extra weight come added sun protection and durability, of course, but a big part of me still longs for the featherlight feel of the old design.Marmot Sunrift Hoodie– A classic sun hoody with a 1/4 zip that featured some innovative breathability but seemed to have been discontinued For budget-minded shoppers, REI Co-op’s Sahara Shade Hoodie is a fan favorite, having been 5-star reviewed by hundreds of loyal shoppers. It boasts a top-of-the-line UPF 50+ rating, an antimicrobial odor-controlling treatment, thumbholes and Bluesign-approved fabrics. The only catch? It’s noticeably heavier at 7 ounces. If you’re interested in oodles of fun colors, a lightweight profile and a limited lifetime warranty on craftsmanship, Mountain Hardwear’s Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody might fit the bill (5.6 ounces for a size medium), and this year, the brand released a smattering of funky prints to stoke your adventurous side.