I’ve been wearing sun hoodies for everything outdoors. Hiking, yard work, even just walking around. They’re great for sun protection. I only need sunscreen on my face and neck. But lately, I’ve been thinking: are they really the best for hot weather?
On super hot days, especially during long hikes, I’ve noticed they don’t ventilate as well as my old sun shirt. That shirt feels way cooler and breathes better. But I can’t deny that sun hoodies offer more protection, especially above the treeline. The hood gives great coverage for my head and neck, and I don’t have to worry about my hat blowing off in the wind.
I’ve been using a Manggear sun hoodie and a Patagonia jogger. Both are pretty lightweight and handle heat pretty well, though I’ve heard button-up sun shirts work better in humid conditions. Still, for dry heat, the hoodies and joggers seem to do the trick. At least for me.
So I’m curious if anyone else feels the same or do you prefer something else?
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When available, broad-brimmed hats and sun tops look great. Airflow is far greater and coverage is almost as excellent. When I can, I definitely prefer.
However, because of the big pack behind my head, I am unable to wear a broad-brimmed hat when camping, so I wear a sun hoodie and a cap.
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a neck gator, a large-brimmed hat, and a sun shirt.
Since I work outside every day and detest sunscreen, this method has been quite effective.
On extremely hot days, the neck gator can be submerged in water, and when I enter places with a lot of reflected light, my face may get covered (white roof tops when working, lakes when canoeing).
It’s the coolest and most affordable solution I’ve found because light sun bodies designed for hikers aren’t very affordable or long-lasting for work, but there are many more affordable 50+FPS sun shirts that are still breathable and light.
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When gardening, paddling, visiting the beach, etc., I’ll wear my sun hoodie.
I find that wearing a sun hat and sun sleeves underneath a short-sleeve shirt makes me considerably happy when engaging in moderate to high-output activities like running or hiking. When I’m pushing myself, I find that the hoodies simply don’t allow for enough airflow because I run hot and perspire a lot. As you perspire, the quality sun sleeves (OR, Columbia) will actively keep you cool. I’ll wear an OR Sun Runner cap or a hat with a wide brim.
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Sun hoodie. Mine ventilates through the sides and zips open for even more heat dump. Alpenglow Pro from BD.
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Get the hoodie if you’re only going to purchase one.
Purchase the hoodie if you’re not a big straw hat fan.