The Best Sun Hoodies and Sun Shirts for Hiking, Backpacking, and Climbing (2026)
Trail-Tested and Reviewed: The Best Sun Hoodies and UPF Sun Shirts for Hiking, Backpacking, Climbing, and Thru-Hiking
If you're looking for the best sun hoodie for hiking or backpacking, you've come to the right place. We've spent years testing sun hoodies and UPF sun shirts across every kind of terrain and condition — hot desert trails in Utah, alpine climbs in the North Cascades, week-long backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies, and high-UV mountaineering routes where sun protection isn't optional. A good sun hoodie isn't just a summer layer. It's one of the most versatile, hardest-working pieces of outdoor clothing you can own, and once you find the right one, you'll reach for it in every season.
Not All Sun Hoodies Are Created Equal: How to Find the Right One for Hiking and Backpacking
There are a lot of sun hoodies and long-sleeve sun shirts out there, and they are not all created equal. The right one for you will come down to your preferences for fit, fabric, weight, and how you use it most. Some are ultra-light synthetics that feel almost like wearing nothing in the heat.
Others use soft merino wool blends for natural odor resistance and all-day comfort. Some are loose and breezy for hot-weather hiking, while others have a more fitted cut that moves well under a climbing harness or shell. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each, along with what they're best for, how they fit, what they cost, and whether they're worth it — so you can shop with confidence and skip the guesswork.
In this guide, you’ll find our top picks for everything from the lightest sun hoodie for thru-hiking to the most durable option for rugged alpine days. Whether you’re buying your first sun shirt or upgrading an old favorite, we hope this helps you find one that will keep you comfortable, protected, and ready for any adventure in the sun.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission on every purchase made with our links at no additional cost to you. Sometimes there is even a discount code for my readers which we specify next to the links and at the bottom of the blog.
Table of Contents
How We Tested These Sun Hoodies (And What We Actually Look for on Trail)
Every sun hoodie and sun shirt featured in this guide has been personally tested by one or both of us in real outdoor conditions; day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, alpine climbing routes, and everything in between. We didn't just wear these once on a neighborhood walk and call it good. Many of them have seen multiple seasons of use across different climates, activity levels, and trip types, from scorching summer hikes on exposed ridgelines to high-UV mountaineering days in the North Cascades where the sun reflects off snow and hits you from every angle.
To be transparent: some of the sun hoodies in this guide were purchased by us, and others were gifted by brands we reached out to for testing. Either way, every opinion here is 100% our own. No section is sponsored, and being gifted a piece never guaranteed it a spot in this guide. If a sun hoodie didn't perform well on trail, it didn't make the cut.
This guide is designed to help hikers, backpackers, climbers, and thru-hikers:
Understand the difference between sun hoodies and sun shirts, and when each makes sense
Compare breathability, UPF rating, weight, and fit across the best options on the market
Choose the right sun hoodie for their specific activity, climate, and layering system
Whether you're dialing in an ultralight thru-hiking kit, gearing up for a big alpine objective, or just want a reliable sun shirt for summer day hikes, this guide will help you find the right one without the guesswork.
What to Look for in a Sun Hoodie or Sun Shirt
Not all sun hoodies are built for the same conditions, and the features that matter most will depend on how and where you use it. After testing more sun hoodies than we can count across desert hikes, alpine routes, and week-long backpacking trips, here are the key features we look for — and that we evaluate every piece against before recommending it:
UPF Rating: This is your sun protection factor for clothing, similar to SPF in sunscreen. A UPF 50 rating blocks 98% of the sun's harmful UV rays, which is ideal for long days on exposed trails or alpine routes. We look for a minimum of UPF 30 for anything we'd rely on in serious sun.
Cool-to-the-Touch Fabric: Lightweight synthetic blends or certain merino weaves can feel noticeably cooler against your skin, which is a game-changer for hot weather hiking and backpacking.
Breathability: Look for fabrics that allow heat and moisture to escape while still protecting you from the sun, especially important for high-output activities like climbing, thru-hiking, or fast hiking on exposed terrain.
Weight: The lighter, the better, especially important for long trips where every ounce adds up. The best ultralight sun hoodies come in under 5 ounces, which means you have zero excuse not to bring one.
Quick-Drying: Whether you're sweating hard on a long climb, caught in a rain shower, or hand washing your hoodie on a thru-hike, quick-dry fabric means you won't be stuck in a damp shirt for hours.
Design - Hood vs. No Hood: We almost always recommend a sun hoodie over a basic crew-neck sun shirt. A hood adds extra neck and face protection from angled sunlight, and most fit under or over a climbing helmet. That said, if you run hot or just don't love wearing a hood, we've included our top sun shirt picks at the end of this guide too.
Choosing the right combination of these features will make your sun hoodie not just another piece of clothing, but one of the most useful layers in your outdoor kit.
The Best Sun Hoodies of 2026: Comprehensive Sun Shirt Reviews
Sun Hoodie and Sun Shirt Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price | Weight* | UPF Rating | Hood Fit | Key Features | Best For | Shop |
|---|
*The listed weight is the official weight listed on the maker's website. Actual weight may differ based on size or fabric.
Wearing our Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodies on the 8 day O-Circuit in Patagonia
The Best of the Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking, Backpacking, Thru-Hiking, and Climbing
These top three in this section are the sun hoodies we reach for again and again, whether we're hiking in hot desert sun, backpacking for a week in the mountains, or climbing long alpine routes in the North Cascades. We've personally tested each one over miles of real-world use in all different temperatures and conditions, and rated them for comfort, protection, breathability, and overall value.
Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
Our Top Pick: The Best All-Around Sun Hoodie for Hot Weather Hiking and Backpacking
Of all the sun hoodies we've tested over the years, this one is our favorite, and it's not particularly close. The Astroman Air is slightly baggier than most, which makes a real difference for airflow on hot days, and the chest zip lets you vent when you need it without having to take the whole thing off.
The large hood fits comfortably over a climbing helmet, and it's one of the only sun hoodies on the market with an actual pocket — a small thing that ends up being surprisingly useful on trail. It's also one of the lightest options we've tested at 5.4 oz, which makes it an easy choice for backpacking and thru-hiking.
This is our go-to sun hoodie all summer long, and it's the first one we recommend to anyone who asks.
Features and Specs
Price: $115
Fabric: 85% recycled nylon/15% spandex
UPF Rating: 30-50+
Weight: 5.4 oz
Hood Fit: Loose, fits over helmet
Additions to Love: Chest zipper, pocket, ultralight, cool touch fabric
Does Not Have: Thumb loops, ponytail hole
Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie
The Best Ultralight Sun Hoodie for Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Climbing
An excellent lightweight option that fits more closely than the Astroman Air and looks great on. The fitted cut moves well under a backpack hip belt or climbing harness without bunching, and the fabric is breathable and quick-drying — ideal for thru-hiking and travel when you're wearing the same layer day after day.
The women's version has a ponytail port in the hood to help keep your hair off your neck on hot days, which is a small detail we really appreciate. One thing to note: the UPF rating on the Echo is lower than most at UPF 15-20, so if you burn easily or are spending long days on exposed alpine terrain, you may want to pair it with sunscreen on uncovered skin.
We both wear this one year-round and it's held up well across multiple seasons of heavy use.
Features and Specs
Price: $85
Fabric: 100% polyester
UPF Rating: 15-20
Weight: 3.9 oz
Hood Fit: Small, tighter fit, under helmet
Additions to Love: Ponytail hole for women, thumb loops
Does Not Have: Pocket
Ridge Merino Solstice Pullover Hoodie
The Best Merino Wool Sun Hoodie for Hiking and Backpacking
The Ridge Merino Solstice Pullover Hoodie is our go-to recommendation for those who want a sun hoodie that doesn't feel synthetic. After months of testing and wearing the Solstice in winter snow and 100 degree desert heat, this hoodie has quickly become one of our favorites for year round adventures.
The merino-nylon blend is soft against the skin, naturally odor-resistant, and breathable in a way that pure synthetics are not. And, the loose fit makes it incredibly comfortable for long days on trail or lounging around camp.
An added bonus is that it looks good enough to wear straight from the trailhead into town without a second thought. If you prefer natural fabrics, or want something that won’t get smelly after days on trail, this is the best choice.
Features and Specs
Price: $90
Fabric: 87% Merino wool, 13% nylon
UPF Rating: 30+
Weight: 6.9oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Additions to Love: Loose and breathable natural fabric that doesn’t hold body odor scents.
Does Not Have: Pocket or ponytail port
More Amazing Sun Hoodies for Specific Activities and Conditions
These hoodies didn't land in our top three picks, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked. We still wear the majority of these often, just not on all of our trips.
Every trip is different, and the best sun hoodie for a hot thru-hiking day in the desert is not the same one you want for a cool shoulder-season backpack or a multipitch climbing route.
If you have a specific use case in mind — cooler fall hikes, water sports, high-altitude climbs, or just a tighter budget — one of these could be exactly the right fit for you.
Town Shirt Co. Ultralight Sun Hoodie
Lightweight Sun Hoodie with all the features
You'll always stand out on the trail with Town Shirt Co. designs. Their UL sun hoodie has the same fabric and fit as the OR Astroman Hoodie, but with a few extra features. The shirt shares that fitted feel and thumb loops, while also standing out with a pouch pocket and one-button neck closure. The one notable drawback is that the wrist cuff fabric doesn't stretch much, which made pulling up the sleeves difficult and tight on larger forearms.
Features and Specs
Price: $85
Fabric: 100% Polyester
UPF Rating: 40
Weight: 5 oz (XS) - 6.75 oz (XXL)
Hood Fit: Tight
Additions to Love: Simple UL design, thumb loops, pouch, button style neck closure.
Ridge Merino Pursuit Ultralight Hoodie
The Lightest Weight Wool Sun Hoodie for Backpacking
For ultralight backpacking, the Pursuit Ultralight Hoodie is a no-brainer for those who don’t want a synthetic feel.
Ridge Merino in general has soft Merino wool, and these are no different. We prefer their clothing to any other wool brands we have tried.
We love how light these feel while being active and we’re planning to use them as a sleep base layer for backpacking as well. They are very fitted, so if you want something looser, you may want to opt for the Solstice. Skye loves the women’s fit in an XS, while Garrett found the men’s medium a little tighter than his normal fit.
Shop Women’s Ridge Merino Pursuit | Shop Men’s Ridge Merino Pursuit
Features and Specs
Price: $100
Fabric: 84% Merino wool, 16% polyester
UPF Rating: UPF 25 (except Rock Ridge & Sierra Cement - unrated)
Weight: 6.5oz
Hood Fit: Tight
Additions to Love: Simple UL design, thumb loops, thin material feels cooler in hot weather and wool blend reduces stink factor.
Town Shirt Co. Sun Hoodie
Best Patterns + High UPF Rating (50+)
We love Town Shirt Co. for their fun patterns and colors. They're the most exciting of all the sun hoodies we've tried.
Their original sun hoodies feel cool to the touch but are a bit thicker than most in our top three section, so they could get a little hot on very warm days. Their sun hoodies stand out by adding more features than other brands, including flashy designs, a button neck closure on the hood, thumb holes, and a kangaroo pocket.
Features and Specs
Price: $85
Fabric: 88% Polyester, 12% Spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 7.5oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Additions to Love: More features than most like button neck closure on the hood, thumb holes, and a kangaroo pocket.
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoodie
The Best Sun Hoodie for Multipitch and Alpine Climbing
A bomber option for climbing days, featuring a quarter-zip for ventilation when you need it and thumb loops and pockets on both the men's and women's versions — details that matter when you're on a long route and need everything accessible.
The nylon-elastane fabric moves well with your body and holds up to the abrasion of a harness and pack straps better than lighter options. The tradeoff is weight and breathability: at 8.2 oz it's one of the heavier options in this guide, and you'll feel that compared to the Astroman Air on a hot approach. But for technical climbing days where durability and UPF 50+ protection are the priority, it earns its spot in the pack.
Features and Specs
Price: $149
Fabric: 92% nylon/8% elastane
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 8.2 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Additions to Love: Thumb loops and chest pockets
Does Not Have: Ponytail hole for women
FarPointe Sun Cruiser
Unisex Merino Wool Blend Sun Hoodie
The FarPointe Sun Cruiser is a lightweight, loose-fitting hoodie made from a polyester and merino wool blend that's breathable, temperature-regulating, and noticeably less stinky than a pure synthetic after multiple days on trail — which matters a lot on a longer backpacking trip.
We took both the men's and women's versions on our backpacking and climbing trip in the Core Enchantments last fall and they were comfortable and breathable from start to finish, really perfect for shoulder-season adventures where you need a little more from your base layer than a pure synthetic can offer. If you're looking for a sun hoodie that does double duty as a light insulating layer on cool mornings and a breathable top on warm afternoons, this is the one.
Features and Specs
Price: $98
Fabric: Color Dependent
Merino Blend: 90% Merino / 10% Nylon
PowerWool: 70% Polyester / 30% WoolUPF Rating: 20 - 30
Weight: 7.5 oz (Merino Blend) / 5.8 oz (PowerWool 100gsm) / 8 oz (PowerWool 150gsm)
Hood Fit: Loose
Additions to Love: Simple UL design, wool blend reduces stink factor.
Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie
Best Budget Sun Hoodie for Day Hiking, Climbing, and Cooler Shoulder-Season Adventures
We really like this hoodie for fall and winter hikes, backpacking trips, and even ski tours — it's a great layer when temperatures drop and you need a little more from your sun hoodie than just UV protection.
It can feel warm for midsummer hiking, especially if you run hot, but for cooler conditions it's hard to beat at this price point. The color selection is always great, and we own a few that get a lot of use from late summer through fall.
Features and Specs
Price: $69
Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 7.2 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Stio Vescent Hoodie
Best Sun Hoodie for Rock Climbing and Durability
Stio launched the Vescent in spring 2025 and it's quickly become one of our favorites for climbing days. The durability is the real standout here — it holds up to abrasive rock and harness wear better than anything else in this guide, which makes it an easy reach for multipitch days and cragging trips.
The hood is generously sized, there's a snap at the neck for venting, and it has a pocket. We wore it on a lot of spring wildflower hikes and climbing trips and it performed great across both. If durability is your top priority in a sun hoodie, this is the one.
Features and Specs
Price: $129
Fabric: 84% Nylon, 16% Spandex
UPF Rating: 40+
Weight: 8.1 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Stio Hylas Sun Hoodie
Best Sun Hoodie for Water Sports — Not Ideal for Hiking and Backpacking
We'll be honest — this one feels more like a rash guard than a traditional sun hoodie, and that's not necessarily a bad thing depending on what you're doing, but it also is not one of our favorites for that reason. For fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking, it's an excellent choice with a high UPF rating and fabric that handles water well.
For hiking and backpacking, though, we found it too thick and not breathable enough for high-output trail use. Know your use case before you buy this one.
Features and Specs
Price: $99
Fabric: 90% polyester and 10% Spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 8.8 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie
Great All-Around Sun Hoodie for Day Hiking and Fall Temperatures
Outdoor Research built this one around their ActiveIce fabric, which genuinely does feel cool against your skin even though it's thicker than the Echo or Astroman Air. It's a little heavy for backpacking in our opinion, but it's been a reliable go-to for summer day hikes and fall activities where you want a bit more fabric weight without sacrificing that cool-to-the-touch feel.
A solid option if you're primarily a day hiker and want something that holds up to regular use across seasons.
Shop Women’s OR ActiveIce Spectrum | Shop Men’s OR ActiveIce Spectrum
Features and Specs
Price: $95
Fabric: 94% polyester/6% spandex
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: 9 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
Best Budget Option — Better Suited for Casual Use Than Active Hiking
This is one of the most talked-about sun hoodies on social media, and we get the appeal — it's soft, affordable, and widely available. But after testing it on actual hikes, we found the fabric runs thick and warm for high-output trail use in the summer.
It's more cotton-like in feel than most technical sun hoodies, which is comfortable around camp or around town but can feel heavy and slow-drying when you're moving hard. We’ll be honest, we would not wear this one on hikes, it is just too thick and hot compared to the lighter hoodies above.
If you're looking for a casual sun hoodie for light outdoor activities or everyday wear, it's a solid pick at the price. For serious hiking and backpacking, we'd steer you toward the Echo or Astroman Air instead.
Features and Specs
Price: $60
Fabric: 92% polyester/8% spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 8.8 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie
Great Lightweight Option for Summer Hiking and Backpacking
A soft, cool-on-skin sun hoodie that's a great option for summer hiking and backpacking. It has a similar look and feel to the OR Echo — close-fitting, breathable, and comfortable for warm-weather use.
The fabric runs slightly heavier than the Echo, which is the main reason it landed here rather than in our top picks, but it's still a really comfortable and capable option that we'd recommend without hesitation. If you're already a Black Diamond fan or find it on sale, it's absolutely worth it.
Features and Specs
Price: $109
Fabric: 87% polyester/13% elastane
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: 8.6 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
More Sun Hoodies Worth Exploring
Not every great sun hoodie made it into our main reviews, and the market keeps growing. Here are a few more options worth a look if none of the above quite fits what you're after — whether you're chasing a specific fabric, price point, or feature set.
Rab Sonic Hoodie
Great Ultralight Option for Day Hiking and Fall Temperatures
A super lightweight 100% polyester option at just 4.3 oz that's worth a look if you're chasing an ultralight kit. The tight hood fit makes it better suited for under-helmet use than loose coverage, and at $75 it's one of the more affordable options in this weight class.
Features and Specs
Price: $75
Fabric: 100% polyester
UPF Rating: Unlisted
Weight: 4.3 oz
Hood Fit: Tight
Zpacks Mirage Merino Sun Hoodie
A Good Merino Wool Option for Thru-Hiking and Multi-Day Backpacking
A rare merino wool sun hoodie in a sea of polyester and nylon. The loose-fitting quarter-zip design gives you excellent ventilation on hot days, and the wool naturally fights odor even after multiple days on trail — a real advantage for thru-hikers and long backpacking trips. At 4 oz it's impressively light for a wool-blend piece.
Shop Women’s Zpacks Mirage Merino | Shop Men’s Zpacks Mirage Merino
Features and Specs
Price: $100
Fabric: 96% Merino Wool, 4% unlisted.
UPF Rating: 40+
Weight: 4 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Mountain Hardwear Sun Shield Hoody
Great All-Around Option for Hiking and Climbing
A versatile nylon-elastane option with UPF 50 protection and a close-fitting hood. The stretchy fabric moves well for climbing and active use, and at $110 it sits in the mid-range price-wise. Worth a look if you're a Mountain Hardwear fan or find it at a discount.
Features and Specs
Price: $110
Fabric: 87% nylon/13% elastane
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: Unlisted
Hood Fit: Tight
Free Fly Shade Hoodie II
Best Bamboo Blend Sun Hoodie for Hikers Who Prefer Natural Fabrics
Made from a bamboo-polyester blend that feels noticeably soft against the skin — different from most synthetic sun hoodies in a good way. The bamboo fibers offer some natural odor resistance, and at 4.8 oz it's light enough for backpacking. A solid option if you prefer natural-feel fabrics over traditional synthetics.
Features and Specs
Price: $80
Fabric: 68% viscose from bamboo/29% polyester/3% spandex
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: 4.8 oz
Hood Fit: Tight
Skye wearing an OR Echo Sun Hoodie on the Howe Sound Crest Trail in BC
The Best Sun Hoodies for Women: What to Look For and Our Top Picks
Finding the best sun hoodie as a woman comes down to a few fit and feature details that don't always get enough attention in general gear guides. Women's-specific sun hoodies typically have a more tailored cut through the shoulders and torso, which matters a lot when you're wearing one under a backpack for hours. Too much extra fabric bunches under shoulder straps and hip belts in ways that get uncomfortable fast.
A few other features worth looking for in a women's sun hoodie specifically:
Ponytail port in the hood: A small detail that makes a big difference on hot days when you want your hood up but don't want your hair trapping heat on your neck. The OR Echo and several others on this list have this.
Fitted vs. relaxed cut: Women's versions of most sun hoodies run more fitted than men's, but there's still a range. The Echo is the most fitted option on this list and works great under a harness. The Astroman Air runs a little looser, which we actually prefer for hot weather airflow.
Length: Some women's sun hoodies run short in the torso, which can leave your lower back exposed when you're reaching or climbing. We've noted fit quirks like this in the individual reviews above where relevant.
Skye’s top picks for women are the same as our overall top picks — the OR Astroman Air for hot weather and all-around use with a half zip for easy venting, and the OR Echo for ultralight and fitted performance with a ponytail port.
If you're looking for a merino blend option, the Ridge Merino Pursuit Ultralight Hoodie is a great choice for multi-day trips without the stink factor — just note that it can feel a little warmer than the Astroman and Echo, but it is a great option and a slim fit. Skye wears this a ton and really loves the look and fit.
Outdoor Research men’s Astroman Tee and women’s Echo Tee
Not in to Hoodies? Try These Sun Shirts Instead
Not everyone loves the feel of a hood, especially in hot weather or when you're layering under a helmet or pack for hours at a time. If you prefer to keep things simple, there are plenty of great long-sleeve sun shirts that still deliver excellent UPF protection, breathability, and quick-dry performance, just without the hood. These are our top picks for sun shirts that keep you cool and covered on trail.
Outdoor Research Echo T-Shirt
An ultralight, no-frills option from one of our favorite sun hoodie brands. The Echo Tee carries the same fast-drying, breathable fabric as the Echo Hoodie in a simple crew-neck design, perfect if you want minimal coverage and maximum airflow on hot days. At under 3 ounces it's one of the lightest sun shirts you'll find anywhere.
Features and Specs
Price: $55
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
UPF Rating: 15
Weight: 2.82 oz
Outdoor Research Astroman Long Sleeve
All of the performance of our top-pick Astroman Air in a long-sleeve sun shirt format. If you love the Astroman fabric but prefer to skip the hood entirely, this is your option. The nylon-spandex blend is cool-to-the-touch, quick-drying, and moves well on trail and on the wall.
Shop Women’s OR Astroman Long Sleeve | Shop Men’s OR Astroman Long Sleeve
Features and Specs
Price: $120
Fabric: 85% nylon 15% spandex
UPF Rating: 30-50+
Weight: 6.7 oz
Outdoor Research Echo Long Sleeve
A lightweight, packable long-sleeve sun shirt that's ideal for thru-hiking and travel. Same breathable recycled polyester as the Echo Hoodie, just without the hood. A great choice if you want to cover your arms without any extra bulk or weight.
Shop Women’s OR Echo Long Sleeve | Shop Men’s OR Echo Long Sleeve
Features and Specs
Price: $65
Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester
UPF Rating: 15
Weight: 4.6 oz
Backcountry Tahoe Sun Crew
A crew-neck version of our Honorable Mention Tahoe Sun Hoodie. At $59 it's one of the most affordable sun shirts in this guide, and the UPF 50+ rating means you're getting solid sun protection without spending a lot. Best for day hiking and casual outdoor use rather than high-output backpacking given the heavier fabric weight.
Shop Women’s Backcountry Tahoe Sun Crew | Shop Men’s Backcountry Tahoe Sun Crew
Features and Specs
Price: $59
Fabric: 74% polyester, 14% cationic polyester, 12% spandex knit jersey
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 10.5 oz
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Sun Gloves
What Is a UPF Rating and Why Does It Matter for Hiking and Backpacking Gear?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it's the standard rating system used to measure how much UV radiation a fabric can block. While SPF applies to sunscreen, UPF is specific to clothing, and the difference matters. A UPF 50 rating means only 1/50th of the sun's UV rays can penetrate the fabric, blocking 98% of harmful rays. For comparison, a regular cotton t-shirt typically has a UPF rating of around 5, meaning it blocks very little UV radiation at all.
For hiking, backpacking, climbing, and thru-hiking, UPF protection is especially important because you're exposed to intense sun for long hours, often on exposed ridgelines, snowfields, or alpine terrain where UV intensity is significantly higher than at sea level. UV exposure increases by roughly 10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, which means a full day in the mountains can add up fast even on a cloudy day.
Here's a quick breakdown of UPF ratings and what they mean in practice:
UPF 15–24: Provides good protection, blocking roughly 93–95% of UV rays. Fine for moderate sun exposure but not ideal for long days on exposed terrain.
UPF 25–39: Very good protection, blocking around 96–97% of UV rays. A solid middle ground for most hiking and backpacking use.
UPF 40–50+: Excellent protection, blocking 97.5–98%+ of UV rays. The gold standard for alpine climbing, thru-hiking, and any activity involving prolonged sun exposure.
Do You Still Need Sunscreen Under UPF Clothing?
The short answer is: it depends. For any skin that's covered by a UPF 30+ rated garment, you're getting solid protection without sunscreen. We still apply sunscreen to any exposed skin; face, ears, hands, and lower arms if we push up our sleeves, and if you burn easily, layering sunscreen under a sun hoodie adds an extra margin of safety. Personally, we've never burned while wearing a sun shirt with a UPF rating of 15 or higher, but everyone's skin is different and it's worth knowing your own burn threshold before relying solely on clothing for protection.
Worried About Sun on Your Hands? Don't Overlook Sun Gloves
If you're spending multiple days in a row on trail, whether you're thru-hiking, on a long backpacking trip, or putting in big days in the alpine, sun gloves are a smart and often overlooked addition to your kit. The backs of your hands are especially vulnerable to sunburn when you're hiking with trekking poles all day, and it's one of those areas that's easy to forget until you're already burnt. Lightweight and breathable, a good pair of sun gloves adds meaningful UV protection without the greasy mess of constantly reapplying sunscreen to your hands. A few of our favorites are linked below.
Final Thoughts: Why a Sun Hoodie Belongs in Every Hiker's and Backpacker's Kit
If you spend long days outside, whether you're backpacking, climbing, thru-hiking, or just chasing summits on the weekends, a good sun hoodie or sun shirt is one of the smartest pieces of gear you can own. Instead of slathering on sunscreen every few hours, you get reliable, built-in sun protection that won't sweat off, wash away, or run into your eyes on a hot climb. The right one will keep you cool, dry quickly, and move with you on the trail or on the wall.
They're also incredibly versatile. Toss one on over a tank top for extra coverage during exposed climbs, wear it all day while thru-hiking to save your skin, or use it as your base layer on alpine routes where the sun is strong but temps are still cool. Once you find the right one, it's hard to imagine going back to short sleeves.
We've tested a lot of sun hoodies over a lot of miles, and the ones in this guide are the ones we actually reach for. Whether you're buying your first sun hoodie or upgrading an old favorite, we hope this guide helps you find one that keeps you comfortable, protected, and ready for whatever the trail throws at you.
More Gear Reviews and Packing Lists for Hiking & Backpacking
Gear Discount Codes and Links
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10% off Will and Bear hats with code SKYESTOURY - Click the link and the discount will be added to your cart automatically.
20% off Wild Deodorant with code SKYESTOURY- Must enter the promo code at checkout to receive discount. They make a deodorant mini that is perfect for backpacking, it’s the size of a lip balm.
10% off Loop Earplugs with code SKYE10 - Enter the promo code at checkout. I use their Dream earplugs for sleeping both backpacking and car camping.
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Backpacking the Berg Lake Trail: Ultimate Guide to Mount Robson’s Most Iconic Hike
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