Backpacking Sun Hoodie
Stay protected from the sun on your outdoor adventures with our collection of backpacking sun hoodies. Designed for comfort and functionality, these lightweight hoodies feature moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable materials to keep you cool during long hikes. With added UV protection, you can enjoy your time in nature without worrying about harmful rays. The versatile designs offer a relaxed fit, making them perfect for layering or wearing on their own. Gear up for your next expedition with a stylish and practical backpacking sun hoodie that meets all your outdoor needs.
(4) 
DSG Youth Sun Hoodie
$15.99-$25.00
WAS: $25.00*
Amazing light- weight shirt ... It is a great long- sleeved shirt for Houston where you only need a little extra layer ... He out grew it so I bought 2 more since he loved this
5
Aehyx1621
I bought this short for my son a few years ago. He out grew it so I bought 2 more since he loved this shirt. It is light weight and flexible. It is a great long- sleeved shirt for Houston where you only need a little extra layer
5
Brooks E
Great for oudtdoor activities for sun protection. My grandkids use these for fishing trips. Great value and quality.
Fjallraven Women's Abisko Sun-Hoodie
$80.75
WAS: $95.00*
Like other reviewers said, it's a little rougher that ideal, but I do have to say, it held up to backpack friction much better than the Abisko wool shirt I took on the same trip and I did* not* get any irritation despite walking all day with a 10- 20kg bag for the first
5
Ksenia
I took this shirt with me for walking the Camino in the early fall( ~35C on the coast with no shade). I 'm very sensitive to heat( due to both MS and some of my medication), but after soaking this shirt in water, the combination of the quick evaporation and the UV protection was enough to keep me comfortable even at noon. It was great to be able to skip out on sunblock and still not end the day looking like a tomato. Like other reviewers said, it's a little rougher that ideal, but I do have to say, it held up to backpack friction much better than the Abisko wool shirt I took on the same trip and I did* not* get any irritation despite walking all day with a 10- 20kg bag for the first time. Dries very very quickly, which is great when conditions are damp.
5
Tina
I have bought 5 of them in both men and women sizing. I find them great. They are a life saver in the LA valley heat! I wear them almost everyday in the summer, I ’ m a commuter so trying to get as much sun protection is very important. I am between sizes so I sized up. I might just buy the new wool option.
5
FjällFox
I love this hoodie so much I bought it in four different colours. It's lightweight and softer than I expected it to be. It fits very well and is flattering and the hood is easy to wear even with a ponytail which is a nice touch. I think the only thing that could make it better would be the inclusion of a zippered pocket but it's still five stars even without that.
5
RiverPup
[ Keeps the sun and bugs off while keeping me cool. Quick drying and super cute. The green color matches my eyes perfectly. The pony tail hole is a little weird, but I appreciate it nonetheless.
4
Mac N.
I work as a construction project manager in tropical Costa Rica, this shirt is nearly perfect. It's light, it shields you from the sun, and the reinforced stitches makes it durable. The downside, this type of fabric forces me to wash it everyday after work to avoid odor from sticking. I would love to see this very design but with wool, the hoodie is a must for warm climates.
Marmot Women's Windridge Hoodie
$46.75
WAS: $55.00*
The sleeves are my favorite part, the length actually covers my hands up to my knuckles and the thumb loop is comfy. ... [ The material is so soft and
5
Morgan C the Dogtrainer
[ Absolutely love it!!! I live in way too hot Arizona, and this feels like the sun is n't frying me. It's cooler than short sleeve t- shirts and looks cool, too!
5
Idee
[ The material is so soft and comfortable. This is my second top. I just love wearing it. It ’s great to have the hoodie on those chilly days/nights.
5
Jess T
[ I use this sun shirt for hiking and running in Colorado. The torso is slightly short( I have a long torso) but I love that the breeze easily cools me in the slightly wider/ shorter torso style. The sleeves are my favorite part, the length actually covers my hands up to my knuckles and the thumb loop is comfy. The hood is thick which feels nice for sun protection. I purchased this second color because I liked the shirt so much. A few more neutral colors would be great.
5
skunk extraordinaire
[ a 14. 4 mile walk/hike in the scorching utah sun visiting various arches, i was ashamed to admit i was highly unprepared garment- wise. enter the marmot sun hoody- fit is true to size( works well with my 5'4 '' height: not too short, not too long), super comfy( feels relaxed at my 128lbs) and wicks away that dang moisture like a champ! i 'd love to see some more neutral colors but that said, i 'm very pleased with the rain cloud blue shade, thank you!!
4
lsline
[ I love the color and fabric of this shirt. I just wish it was longer vs a crop top. I returned it due to being too short but I was so sad because I really loved it otherwise.
Chubbies Men's Sun Hoodie
$64.50
Typical for summer. Very comfortable. Especially for beach abd fishing. ... Bought multiple of these for my husband as they are his favorite for pool wear and summer
5
jfrov11
Comfortable, looks good and kept me from burning. Solid sun shirt.
5
Mike92641
I bought this a month ago, and I love it so far. I bought it for two upcoming beach vacations, but have worn it a couple of times. Quality material and it fits as expected.
5
satisfied_customer11
Dick's had the right options for me to choose. I purchased this online and got what i wanted and needed. The sun hoodie itself was well designed and built. it even has a little nook to hook your sunglasses to. I hate applying sunscreen so this was a great option for me when i go to the beach.
5
reviewer1239
I want more of these in every color! It's so comfortable and flattering on my shape.
5
Gstew83
This really turned out to be the best some shirt that I own and matches so many of my swim trunks and fits well when I ’ m at the beach
Outdoor Research Women's Echo Hoodie
$75.00
An all- around great piece that is flattering and functional. ... The best thing about this hoody is the lightweight breathable material. ... This sun shirt is thin, so very breathable and fast
5
Pacific Huckleberry
[ I now own 3 of these. I got them for backpacking for some sun protection without overheating and I like to wear them a little loose for extra ventilation or layering over a t- shirt. I end up living in them all summer long as they are also great for water sports. And when it ’s a slightly cooler evening they are a nice layer to have. Love the the ponytail hole feature! They are super comfy, lightweight and dry quickly.
5
Andrea
I 've used this for paddle- boarding when it's a little chilly and for protection from the sun. It's also a great base layer for cooler hikes. Very comfortable, has thumb holes and fits true to size! And a cool bonus feature, it has a slit in the hood to pull your ponytail through.!!!
5
Sun friend
I wanted something to wear while I did aerobic activities on sunny, warm days. Other sun shirts I tried were too thick- I 'd roll up the sleeves( so I might as well have worn a short sleeve) and the shirt would get soaked and stick to me. This sun shirt is thin, so very breathable and fast drying. I know it comes at the cost of sun protection but this is what I was optimizing for.
5
LC
[ Spent a week in this shirt fishing and hiking. I will buy at least 2 more before summer is over.
5
Jane
[ I love this sun hoodie!! I 'm typically an XS( 5'1, 117 lbs), but I took a chance with the XXS because they were sold out of the xs in the color I wanted and it fits perfect. Not too tight, not too loose. I 've worn it biking/running/hiking and it's so lightweight and cool while providing good sun protection. Starts to smell a little after a couple uses but that's to be expected imo!
Cotopaxi Men's Sombra Sun Hoodie
$70.00-$75.00
WAS: $75.00*
The sombra sun hoodie was perfect for my adventure outdoors. ... It is perfect at keeping my arms out of the sun and when I need to cover my neck, I just throw the hood up and continue
5
James M.
I love you guys. I love the products, i love the mission i love the company. Thanks guys!
5
Tobias S.
I purchased this top for shore fishing. It is perfect at keeping my arms out of the sun and when I need to cover my neck, I just throw the hood up and continue on. Nice and lightweight for wearing on the beach. I did buy the large so I could wear a shirt underneath more comfortably if I needed to keep warm.
5
THEODORE S.
Second Sombra Hoodie I 've bought, love them! Great material, quality product and of course great colors!
5
Andrew L.
These hoodies are high quality and quite durable. They are excellent in the rain/sweaty conditions for quickly drying out. I have already purchased two more and they are one of my favorite clothing items.
5
Tamara L.
The color is very cute and looks really good on him. Not too tight, but definitely not loose. He will use it also as his “ air conditioning layer ”.
prAna Men's Sol Shade Hoodie
$75.00
The UPF protection is so crucial in Arizona and it's classic Prana durability so I 'm comfortable backpacking or climbing in it. ... Light weight and soft to the skin this has quickly become one of my favorite sun
5
Justin
I recieved this the other day and LOVED the feel of it. Exactly as I was expecting it to feel. A long sleeve that still feels nice and light. Will be a stable for this spring!
5
David
Light weight and soft to the skin this has quickly become one of my favorite sun hoodies. The UPF protection is so crucial in Arizona and it's classic Prana durability so I 'm comfortable backpacking or climbing in it.
5
Jeans
LOVE the thumbholes. Fits true to size, and the fabric is very breathable. You will feel every light breeze through this, which is perfect in the summer when you are wanting to stay cool while active. Stretchy material leaves you with great mobility as well
5
Erik
I love how light this material is. Great for sun protection in the hottest days.
5
E
The nicest sun hoodie I own. Very high quality material.
Outdoor Research Women's Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
$99.00
Great for Spring and early Fall. ... Solid layer ... I 'm a sweaty hiker and it's pretty amazing how little sweat this shows and how fast it dries. ... I bought this sun hoody this summer and have worn it many times to keep the sun off my skin, but also stay nice and cool in the hot
5
jjcep
I purchased this hoodie for sun protection on a recent 9- day backpacking trip. I bought the light grey colour because I thought it could double as bug protection, since the mosquitoes were horrendous. I really liked how feather- light it was, it dried fast and the hood was great when the bugs were fierce. Furthermore, all the bug/blood/sweat stains cleaned up nicely after the trip and it looks good as new! As for durability and wind- proofness, I will bring it on my next two canoe trips this July and report back:)
5
Frankie
I love this pullover the fabric is lightweight and comfortable. I use it for running and often layer the Astroman tank under it. Great for Spring and early Fall. Living in the South it is the perfect weight.
5
Taryn S
Works as a great base layer over a top too
5
Mollie L
Quite happy with this version of the Astroman! Still the same great sun protection and durability but the material seems lighter/faster drying somehow. Not sure how they managed that without sacrificing durability but so far it's held up beautifully! I 'm a sweaty hiker and it's pretty amazing how little sweat this shows and how fast it dries. This lil hoody is also extremely packable- have taken it on quite a few birding/hiking trips and long days bike- packing. I plan to take it to AZ this weekend for a friend's bday trip to really put it to the test( I 've been using it in Idaho thus far). Also- LOVE this pink color. I would buy anything and everything in this pink, so dang cute! I bought a Small and Medium and I 'm keeping the Medium- I 'm 5'4 '' and about 140- 150lbs( 30 '' waist and 40 '' low hip, aka most of my weight is in my booty/thighs). The small fit fine, but I prefer a looser fit for layering and breathability:) And because this is a sun shirt, looser fit is best for the fabric to keep out sun rays, anyways. The ONLY thing I would change about this: please move the pocket to the chest or somewhere more useful. It's on the right hip and goes backwards which is strange and not natural at all, I really dislike it. I 'd prefer it be on the chest( like the men's version) or even still on the hip but a zippered drop pocket( like the Freewheel Hoodie).
5
Anna W
Perfect piece for an avid outdoorswoman; thin enough to pack up super well.
The North Face Men's Sunriser Hoodie
$80.00
I ’ m a little larger in the shoulder area so the XL fit perfectly. ... Quality product ... Solid sun
5
Samlep
Solid sun hoodie! I ’ m a little larger in the shoulder area so the XL fit perfectly.
Patagonia Men's Capilene Cool Sun Hoody
$62.50-$89.00
WAS: $89.00*
Love the thumb holes as well for running in cool mornings ... Very comfortable in the hot Italian sun. ... Hood is perfect size and the neck button makes for a great
5
Lisette
Bought this for my husband for our beach vacation. He raved about how comfortable and lightweight it is. It was even dressy enough to wear out to a restaurant.
5
Ssmyth38
Super light but soft. My wife keeps stealing it. Love the thumb holes as well for running in cool mornings
5
antelope0531
Great lightweight hoody that provides excellent sun protection. the zip chest pocket is a nice touch
5
TheDeacon
Bought this to wear on a pilgrimage to Rome in the month of June. Wish I would have purchased two. Very comfortable in the hot Italian sun. No sunburn for this guy from Wisconsin! Easy to smash into your day pack and look decent when you put it on. As a bonus, it was super comfortable for flying, right down to pulling up the hood to sleep better on the plane
5
Gingerbread
Bought to keep the sun off at a tournament. Works great.
Outdoor Research Men's Astroman Air Sun Hoodie
$99.00
Great shell for hiking, running, skiing, or just walking around town. ... Great for most outdoor activities. ... Sleeves are good length but would n't have minded another
5
OR
Light, breathable, stretchy, and minimalist. Great shell for hiking, running, skiing, or just walking around town. The' cenote' blue is just right.
5
Jeff
Love this piece so far. I 'm 6'4 '', 250lbs and the XL fits me great. I typically need to order XLT shirts but this is sized well for me. Sleeves are good length but would n't have minded another inch. Thumb holes would have been nice. I have to maneuver a little to get it over my chest( 46 inch) but it's not a problem, just noticeable. The material has a nice stretch to it. Might have a shirt on underneath or nothing under depending on temperature and wind. Love the hood fit with or without a hat. Zipped up the hood stays on well. Zippers work well. I 've washed it several times now and the material and color still look new. Washing on delicate and hang dry. I like it so much I might get another.
5
D S
Absolutely love this shirt. It ’s made of magic. Awesome for summer around water. Dries very quickly. Can wear swimming instead of sunblock. Keeps the sun off you and keeps you cool as it breathes well. Also keeps you warm as the sun goes down. I have a bunch of these. I wear them all the time! Great for most outdoor activities.
5
Thomas A
I live in this thing all summer. On the boat, on the beach, biking the Andes Mountain. I also got it treated for mosquito protection. It's my favorite piece of clothing.
5
CJ I
Breathable and well fitting. Protection from the sun without feeling too stuffy.
Fjallraven Men's Abisko Sun-Hoodie
$95.00
This is my favourite Base layer hoodie for day to day and backpacking. ... This is my favorite everyday light jacket for so many different reasons. ... Amazing Sun Protection and breathability- No need for a ball cap ever
5
Jonathan M.
This is my favorite everyday light jacket for so many different reasons. First I love how light and effective it is as just a little something to keep the chill away. Secondly it dries so fast it blows my mind, no complaints from me on how quick it dried up when doing some sprinkler repair. It is very comfortable and has a very nice appealing look to it when worn. A cool feature on the women's version that my wife pointed out is the hole in the hood for a ponytail when running. Will definitely be buying another if this one ever wears out.
5
Peter C.
The quintessential shirt for hot, exposed hikes in the Grand Canyon! Kept me quite cool in 106 degree heat with it ’s excellent ventilation and windsock like quality vectoring any light breeze around my face, head, neck and upper back. So well made!
5
Jack R.
This is my favourite Base layer hoodie for day to day and backpacking. There is a nice wide brim on it to shade your face. The fit is relaxed so it never feels uncomfortable. The sleeves are long enough to cover your hands to keep them shaded. The fabric is crazy breathable and dries super fast. The hoody is a bit heavy at 170grams but not having to use a stupid ball cap on my head more than makes up for that.
5
Henri d.
I ’ ve used this shirt for countless fishing trips and about 2, 800 miles of backpacking. The fit is non- constricting and the material is super breathable. I really like the size of the hood and the fact that it covers your neck. If you wear it with a brimmed hat the hood protects your peripheral from sun as well. After thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail wearing this as my everyday shirt with a backpack on it showed very little wear. Great shirt!
5
Timothy M.
I live in the high desert where the sun can really fry you if you are exposed or if you 're too covered up. I love this shirt because it's lightest thing I 've ever worn, so soft, plus the mesh breathes like a charm. I like walking around with the hood up more than wearing a hat, I still get the same protection. I got the darker Navy color and have no problem, does n't feel like it's getting too warm from the sun's rays. Another perk are the thumb holes on the long sleeves, making sure that even my hands are covered! It fits big, I 'm usually a XXL but wear the XL without any issue.
Mountain Hardwear Men's Sunblocker Hoodie
$75.00
[ Employee of mountainhardwear] Superb sun protection and slightly more robust than the Crater Lake hoody ... Superb sun protection ... Perfect top for sun or any other type of weather
5
Fondula
Good for under layer or to keep the sun and bugs off. Plan to order a few more.
5
jm
Light weight and very breathable, great sun protection!
5
MAW
Perfect top for sun or any other type of weather conditions.
5
T. Jensen
Love these shirts! Very lightweight and breathable to wear in the heat while protecting my skin.
5
Vcsl
Soft and breathable. Beats all other Sun hoodies I own.
Outdoor Research Women's Vigor Pullover Hoodie
$110.00
This shirt is SO warm and comfortable. ... It's super warm but also lightweight, and the Sulfur color is gorgeous! ... I love the face protection features for skiing and
5
moun10_climbr
I bought this for visibility while running, but I think it will also be the perfect ski baselayer because of the gaiter/face mask and ponytail slot in the back. It's super warm but also lightweight, and the Sulfur color is gorgeous! I have really broad shoulders so I debated sizing up to a M or a L but ended up deciding on the M, and I 'm happy with my choice. Yes, it's a fitted top but it's supposed to be. It hugs the top half with a little bit more of a flowy( but not baggy) fit at the bottom. The arms are long with thumbholes to help hold them in place. This is high quality, and they need to restock all the colors!
5
CM
Like some other comments have identified, this is a tighter fit so size up from your typical OR size. I am a 32B, 5'7 '', and 118 LBS and I got the size S and it fits perfectly. I wear this to go running and hiking, and I can fit a wool base layer underneath on very cold days. Perfect addition to my outdoor apparel.
5
Sam
I took this backpacking and it was in the 30s at night. This kept me nice and comfortable throughout the night
5
Kel
This shirt is SO warm and comfortable. The built in hood/mask is great. I wear it as my base layer skiing and it keeps me cozy, and covers my mouth/ nose perfectly. My only complaint is the sleeves are a bit long so I fold them back for under my coat.
5
RC
Great base layer for hiking but stylish enough to wear around town. Great details include: 1- the hood has a slot for your ponytail, 2- zipping side pockets, 3- thumbhole to keep the sleeves down.
Columbia Boys' PFG Solar Stream II Hoodie
$32.00
WAS: $40.00*
It ’s very soft and breathable. ... They wash well, don ’ t really wrinkle when shoved into a sports bag, and always look nice on them ... It ’s great but runs a little
5
DDev
[ This shirt is perfect for fishing! I love the new fabric and my son does also! It ’s very soft and breathable.
5
Grandma Mary
I have purchased several of these for my grandsons and they love them. They wash well, don ’ t really wrinkle when shoved into a sports bag, and always look nice on them
4
ShaninFl
Great Columbia quality. Great color. Maybe a bit pricey.
4
Zdog
My son likes it. It ’s great but runs a little large.
Columbia Men's Wild Cast Sun Hoodie
$70.00
The material feels soft on the skin, and the fit is great. ... Great and effective sun protection for everyone perfect functionality ... The cooling fabric is `` cool '' to the skin and is so
5
Ken Mattson
[ Love this shirt it is lightweight and very comfortable
5
Xx
Great and effective sun protection for everyone perfect functionality
5
B
[ I work on pools and this shirt is great to keep my skin protected from the sun. Its very lightweight.
5
Nicolette
[ Great fit and kept me cool. Love that the hood and color
5
Ray525
[ This shirt is large because the extra large is too big and fits me like a bag. Some shirts for my size takes extra large and some large fit me better
On this page...
- What features should I look for in a backpacking sun hoodie?
- How do materials affect the performance of a backpacking sun hoodie?
- What are the benefits of wearing a sun hoodie while backpacking?
- Are there different styles of backpacking sun hoodies?
- Can I wear a backpacking sun hoodie in cooler weather?
Frequently Asked Questions For Backpacking Sun Hoodie
When selecting a backpacking sun hoodie, consider features such as UPF protection, moisture-wicking materials, and breathability. A good sun hoodie should also have a lightweight design for easy packing and comfort during long hikes. Look for additional features like a hood for extra sun protection and thumbholes for added coverage.
The materials used in a backpacking sun hoodie play a crucial role in its performance. Lightweight, synthetic fabrics often provide excellent moisture management and quick-drying capabilities, which are essential for active outdoor use. Additionally, look for fabrics with built-in UV protection to ensure effective shielding from harmful sun rays.
Wearing a sun hoodie while backpacking offers several benefits, including protection from harmful UV rays and reduced risk of sunburn. These hoodies also help regulate body temperature by providing a barrier against direct sunlight while allowing for breathability. Furthermore, they can be an excellent alternative to sunscreen, providing continuous coverage without the need for reapplication.
Yes, backpacking sun hoodies come in various styles to suit different preferences and activities. Some may feature long sleeves for maximum sun protection, while others might have short sleeves for increased ventilation. Additionally, designs can vary in terms of fit, from loose and relaxed to more fitted styles, allowing you to choose one that best suits your comfort and activity level.
While backpacking sun hoodies are primarily designed for sun protection, they can also be worn in cooler weather as a lightweight layering option. Depending on the material, they may provide some insulation and can be combined with other layers for added warmth. However, it's essential to consider the specific fabric properties to ensure comfort in varying temperatures.
Continue browsing
