The Best Sun Hoodies and Sun Shirts for Hiking, Backpacking, and Climbing (2026)
Trail-Tested and Reviewed Sun Hoodies and Sun Shirts with UPF Protection, Lightweight Comfort, and All-Day Breathability
Sun hoodies have become my go-to top for every season of hiking and backpacking. They’re lightweight, protective, and just as useful in fall and winter as they are in the summer. A good sun hoodie isn’t just a summer layer, it’s one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor clothing you can own. From hot and sunny summer hikes, to cold, bluebird days in the mountains, and even on windy fall hikes, the built-in UV protection and breathable fabric make sun shirts a staple that I wear outside all year long.
Meet Your New Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear, the Sun Hoodie
Over the years, I’ve tested more sun hoodies than I can count, on backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies, alpine climbs in the North Cascades, sunny desert hikes in Utah, and even on mountaineering routes where the UV exposure is no joke. A good sun hoodie is one of the most important pieces of outdoor clothing I own. It keeps you protected from harsh rays, saves you from constantly reapplying sunscreen, and, when you find the right one, can actually keep you cooler on hot days.
The thing is, there are a lot of different sun hoodies and long-sleeve sun shirts out there. My goal with this guide is to help you narrow it down to the best options I’ve personally tested and recommend for hiking, backpacking, climbing, and mountaineering. While every sun hoodie is designed to block the sun, the perfect one for you will depend on your preferences for fit, weight, and material.
Some sun hoodies are made from ultra-light synthetics that feel airy and cool, others use soft merino wool 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 layers easily under a climbing harness or shell. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, along with what they’re best for, how they fit, what they cost, and whether they’re worth the splurge.
In this guide, you’ll find my 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, I 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 I receive a small commission of every purchase made with my links at no additional cost to you. Sometimes there is even a discount code for my readers which I specify next to the links.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Sun Hoodie or Sun Shirt
Not all sun hoodies are created equal, and knowing what to look for can help you choose one that’s comfortable, protective, and worth the price. Here are the key features I consider before recommending a sun hoodie or long-sleeve sun shirt for hiking, backpacking, climbing, or mountaineering:
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.
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.
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 or fast hiking.
Weight: The lighter, the better, extremely important for long trips where every ounce counts. Ultralight sun hoodies often weigh less than 5 ounces.
Quick-Drying: Whether you’re sweating hard, caught in a rain shower, or hand washing your hoodie on a thru-hike, quick-dry fabric means you won’t be stuck with a damp shirt for long.
Design: I almost always recommend a hoodie over a basic crew-neck sun shirt. A hood adds extra neck protection, shields your face from angled sunlight, and can even fit under or over a climbing helmet. But if you’re not a hood person, most of these products come in a long sleeve version without the hood that are listed at the end of this post.
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
Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodies
The Best of the Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking, Backpacking, Thru-Hiking, and Climbing
These are the sun hoodies I reach for again and again, whether I’m hiking in hot desert sun, backpacking for a week in the mountains, or climbing long alpine routes. I’ve personally tested each one over miles of real-world use and rated them for comfort, protection, breathability, and overall value.
Sun Hoodie and Sun Shirt Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price | Weight | UPF Rating | Hood Fit | Key Features | Best For | Shop |
|---|
Outdoor Research Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
My Number One Top Pick - The Best All Around and Best for Hot Weather
Of all the sun hoodies I’ve tried over the years, this is by far my favorite. It feels the lightest and coolest on, its a little bit baggier than some, which really helps with air flow in hot temperatures. Plus having a chest zip is so nice to be able to vent, and the large hood fits well over a climbing helmet. It also is one of the only sun hoodies with a pocket, if you’re into that. This is my go-to sun hoodie all summer long.
Features and Specs
Price: $99
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 and Fitted Hoodie for Hiking, Backpacking, and Climbing
An amazing lightweight option that is more fitted than the Astroman and looks flattering on. It also fits well under a backpack hip belt or climbing harness. The fabric is breathable and quick drying which is great for thru hiking and travel, and the women’s version has a ponytail port in the hood to help keep your hair off your neck on hot days with your hood up. I wear this hoodie a ton all year round.
Features and Specs
Price: $75
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
FarPointe Sun Cruiser
Top Pick as a Synthetic/Wool blend option for Hiking and Backpacking Days
The FarPointe Sun Cruiser is a lightweight, loose-fitting hoodie made from a a polyester and merino wool blend (note the amount differs by color) that’s breathable and temperature regulating. It’s designed for comfort on long days outside on the trail. We took both versions of this sun hoodie with us on our backpacking and climbing trip in the Core Enchantments this past fall and they were so comfortable and breathable, really perfect for fall adventures.
Features and Specs
Price: $98
Fabric: Color Dependent
Merino Blend: 90% Merino / 10% Nylon
PowerWool: 70% Polyester / 30% WoolUPF Rating: 20 - 30
Weight: Color Dependent
Merino Blend 150gsm: 7.5oz
PowerWool 100gsm: 5.8oz
PowerWool 150gsm: 8ozHood Fit: Loose
Additions to Love: Simple UL design, wool blend reduces stink factor.
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoodie
The Best Sun Hoodie for Mulitpitch and Alpine Climbing
Another great option featuring a quarter-zip for better ventilation on hot days. Both the men’s and women’s versions include thumb loops and pockets. The nylon-elastane fabric moves well with your body, and while the thicker material provides better sun protection, it comes at the cost of extra weight and slightly reduced breathability compared to the OR Astroman.
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: Pony tail hole for women
Honorable Mentions: Great Sun Hoodies for Specific Activities and Conditions
Just because these didn’t make the top three, doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. Not every sun hoodie works for every trip, but these are still solid picks for certain seasons, climates, or activities. If you have a specific use case in mind, like cooler shoulder-season hikes, fishing trips, or high-altitude climbs, these options could be a great fit.
Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie
Perfect for Day Hiking, Climbing, Cooler Days, and Fall
I really like this hoodie for fall and winter hikes, backpacks, and ski tours. It’s a really great layer, but can feel a little too warm for summer hiking. But I do tend to overheat, so this may be a really great option for you. There are always a ton of awesome colors each year, and I own a couple that I do love for fall.
Features and Specs
Price: $69
Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 7.2 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Stio Vescent Hoodie
Great for Rock Climbing, Amazing Durability
This was a new sun hoodie that Stio launched in spring of 2025, and I’m so glad I got one. I really love how durable this hoodie is, which makes it really great for rock climbing in. The hood is huge, it has a snap at the neck that helps vent out heat, and it has a pocket. I wore this hoodie on a lot of spring wildflower hikes and on climbing trips, and it felt good on and held up to abrasive rocks. Out of every sun hoodie here, this is definitely the most durable.
Features and Specs
Price: $119
Fabric: 84% Nylon, 16% Spandex
UPF Rating: 40+
Weight: 8.1 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Stio Hylas Sun Hoodie
Good for Water Sports and Cool Days - Too thick and hot for hiking and backpacking
The Stio Hylas feels more like a rash guard than the other sun hoodies I’ve tried. It is perfect for water sports and has a high UPF rating. If you are looking for a sun hoodie for fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking, this is an amazing option. For hiking, I found it too thick and not very breathable.
Features and Specs
Price: $89
Fabric: 90% polyester and 10% Spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 8.8 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie
Good All Around, Perfect for Day Hikes and Fall Temperatures
Outdoor Research made this to feel cool on, and the ActiveIce fabric does just that. It is thicker than their Astroman and Echo hoodies, but still feels cool to the touch and has been a great option for summer day hikes and fall activities. It’s a little heavy for backpacking in my opinion, but I love this hoodie and keep it in my closet for when the time is right.
Shop Women’s OR ActiveIce Spectrum | Shop Men’s OR ActiveIce Spectrum
Features and Specs
Price: $90
Fabric: 94% polyester/6% spandex
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: 9 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
Soft Feel On, But Honestly Too Hot/Thick for Hiking and Backpacking
This is the one sun hoodie that I see promoted a ton on social media, but once I tried it on a hike, I realized it was not for me. It is soft and feels more like cotton, which isn’t a bad thing but it did feel thick and hot on while hiking in the summer. this would be a great layer for not active outdoor activities, or just for around town.
Features and Specs
Price: $50
Fabric: 92% polyester/8% spandex
UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 8.8 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodie
Great for Summer Hikes and Backpacking
A soft and cool on skin feeling, this sun hoodie is perfect for summer. It’s more minimal than the Alpenglow Pro, and a similar look and feel to the OR Echo Hoodie. It’s a little heavier fabric, which is the only reason it didn’t make it into my top picks of all time. But it’s still a really great and comfortable option.
Features and Specs
Price: $109
Fabric: 87% polyester/13% elastane
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: 8.6 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
On My Radar - More Sun Hoodies I’m Excited to Try Next
I haven’t tested these YET personally, but they’re on my list based on promising specs, brand reputation, or innovative design features. If you’re shopping for something new, these might be worth considering, especially if you want to try the latest fabrics and cuts in sun protection.
Rab Sonic Hoodie - Good All Around, Perfect for Day Hikes and Fall Temperatures
Features and Specs
Price: $70
Fabric: 100% polyester
UPF Rating: Unlisted
Weight: 4.3 oz
Hood Fit: Tight
Zpacks Mirage Merino Sun Hoodie
A rare sun hoodie made from natural wool fibers, this piece stands out in a sea of polyester, nylon, and other petroleum-based fabrics. The loose-fitting quarter-zip design provides excellent ventilation on hot days, while the wool naturally helps reduce odor, even after days on the trail.
Shop Women’s Zpacks Mirage Merino | Shop Men’s Zpacks Mirage Merino
Features and Specs
Price: $100
Fabric: 96% Merino Wool, remaining 4% was unlisted.
UPF Rating: 40+
Weight: 4 oz
Hood Fit: Loose
Mountain Hardware Sun Shield Hoody
Features and Specs
Price: $99
Fabric: 87% nylon/13% elastane
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: Unlisted oz
Hood Fit: Tight
Free Fly Shade Hoodie II
Features and Specs
Price: $74
Fabric: 68% viscose from bamboo/29% polyester/3% spandex
UPF Rating: 50
Weight: 4.8 oz
Hood Fit: Tight
Outdoor Research men’s Astroman Tee and women’s Echo Tee
Not into Hoodies, Try These Sun Shirts Instead
Not everyone loves the feel of a hood, especially in hot weather or when layering under a helmet or pack. If you prefer to keep things simple, there are plenty of great long-sleeve sun shirts out there that still offer excellent UPF protection, breathability, and quick-dry performance, just without the hood. Here are a few top picks for sun shirts that keep you cool and covered on trail.
Outdoor Research Echo T-Shirt
Features and Specs
Price: $53
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
UPF Rating: 15
Weight: 2.82 oz
Outdoor Research Astroman Long Sleeve
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
Shop Women’s OR Echo Long Sleeve | Shop Men’s OR Echo Long Sleeve
Features and Specs
Price: $63
Fabric: 100% Recycled Polyester
UPF Rating: 15
Weight: 4.6 oz
Backcountry Tahoe Sun Crew
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 Matters in Outdoor Gear?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it's the rating system used to measure how much UV radiation a fabric can block. While SPF applies to sunscreen, UPF is specific to clothing. A UPF 50 rating, the gold standard for sun hoodies and shirts, means that only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the fabric, blocking 98% of harmful rays. This is especially important for outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and climbing, where you're exposed to intense sun for long hours.
Do You Still Need Sunscreen Under UPF Clothing?
The short answer is it depends. When choosing outdoor gear that you don’t want to have to put sunscreen on under, always check for a UPF rating of 30 or higher (and ideally UPF 50) to ensure you’re getting solid protection. I do still apply sunscreen to any skin not covered by clothing (face, ears, hands, etc.), including my lower arms if I push up my sleeves. If you burn easily, you may want to still apply sunscreen under a sun shirt. Personally I don’t and have never been burnt when wearing a shirt with a UPF rating of 15 or higher.
Worried About Sun on Your Hands? Get Sun Gloves
If you’re spending multiple days in a row on trail, whether you're thru-hiking or on a backpacking trip, sun gloves are a smart addition to your kit. They help protect the backs of your hands, which are easy to overlook but especially vulnerable to sunburn when you’re hiking with trekking poles. Lightweight and breathable, most sun gloves are designed to keep you cool while adding an extra layer of UV protection without the greasy mess of sunscreen. I’m listing a few of my favorites below.
Gear Discount Codes and Links
I’ve partnered with a few of my favorite outdoor brands to hook you up with exclusive discounts on trail-tested gear. These are companies I actually use and love, and when you shop through the links below, you’ll get a deal and help support my blog. Win-win!
20% off SkyGOAT (grid fleece) - Click the link and add code SKYEGOAT to your cart at checkout to get 20% off your order.
15% off LUNA Sandals - Click the link and the discount will be added to your cart automatically.
15% off Stio with code SKYE15 - Click the link and enter the code in your cart.
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.
Final Thoughts: Why a Sun Hoodie Belongs in Your Backcountry Kit
If you spend long days outside, whether you're backpacking, climbing, hiking, or chasing summits, 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 or wash away. The right one will keep you cool, dry quickly, and move with you on the trail or wall.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Toss one on over your 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 cool. Once you try one, it’s hard to go back to short sleeves.
Whether you're looking to stay cooler on summer hikes or just want a little extra protection without carrying more weight, a sun hoodie is a low-bulk, high-reward piece of gear you won’t regret bringing along.
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