The sun hoody has become a part of the unofficial uniform of the great outdoors. Fly fishing, climbing, hiking, running, spring skiing—you name it, you’ll probably want to be wearing a sun hoody. Some people wear them so often, they look like a different person when the layer comes off. So what is up with these slinky, sweaty, sun-protective layers?

We’re here to answer some of your burning questions about sun hoodies. Why wear one? When do you wear one? How does it even work? How often should you wash your sun hoody? Which one should you buy? What’s the difference?

Summer sun can be intense, especially in the mountains or close to water. A lot of the time, sunscreen doesn’t cut it when you are out in the sun all day. That’s where sun hoodies come in. These long-sleeved shirts provide UPF protection (a UPF rating measures how well a fabric blocks solar ultraviolet radiation from reaching your skin, including both UVA and UVB rays), shade, and a cooling effect that can help you avoid overheating.

Our sun hoodies are made from fabrics engineered not only to block UV rays but also to wick moisture and provide a cooling effect in hot weather. Unlike a normal hoody or long sleeve, these technical fabrics are specifically designed for high-heat, highly exposed environments. We’ve got a few options for sun protection, each with features outlined below.

The tried-and-tested favorite is the Alpenglow Sun Hoody. This hoody has a simple set of features, and its strength lies in its material construction. Made with a fabric that has a UPF 40+ rating and BD.cool technology, which uses minerals to provide in-fiber cooling, the Alpenglow reduces the perceived ambient temperature. It also features Polygiene® odor control technology, an embedded fabric treatment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, allowing you to wear it more and wash it less. The Alpenglow is great for all activities—running, hiking, climbing.

If you’re looking for a few more features and a little bit more versatility, the Alpenglow Pro is a great option. This sun hoody has a ¼ zip that provides a bit more airflow around your neck and features breathable underarm mesh with HeiQ Pure™ fabric treatment for odor control and added ventilation. It also has a chest pocket, which makes it great for outings where you may want a phone or other small essentials close at hand.

Our final sun-protective option is the Circuit Hoody, which, although not marketed as a traditional sun hoody, provides the same UPF protection in a comfortable, stylish package. It is a little more casual than the super-technical Alpenglow Pro and Alpenglow, which makes it great for bouldering, wearing around town in the summer, or kicking it in the garden. It’s built with wicking, odor-treated fabric that is buttery-soft to the touch.  

Even though these sun hoodies have all sorts of sun-protective technologies built in, they don’t require that much more special attention than the rest of your wardrobe. According to our apparel developer, you can wash your sun hoody in a regular washing machine, and there is no need to follow any special care instructions. Just wash cold and tumble dry low. Simply put, wash your sun hoody as you would any other article of technical clothing; just avoid a high-heat drying cycle and stick with gentle detergent.

Sun hoodies are incredibly versatile, comfortable, and protective layers that should be a part of everyone’s summer wardrobe. There’s really no reason not to wear one, and your dermatologist will be happy. Below is a list of Black Diamond Approved sun hoody activities:

  • Talus walking
  • Ridge traversing
  • Switchbacking
  • Bushwacking
  • Creek crossing
  • Fly fishing
  • Desert tower climbing
  • Alpine granite climbing
  • Backpacking
  • Water filtering
  • Camp chair sitting
  • River rafting
  • Tide-pool gazing
  • Beach walking
  • Sailing
  • Belaying
  • Scree-skiing
  • Spring skiing
  • Snow field crossing
  • Couloir ascending
  • Gardening
  • Cloud watching
  • Meadow napping
  • Foraging
  • Hunting
  • Roofing
  • Painting
  • Beer drinking
  • Coffee drinking
  • Bouldering
  • Project cruxing
  • Dog walking


This list could go on much longer, but we don’t want to bore you. Go get outside!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Jackson is a writer and editor based in the Sierra Nevada. She loves granite and being in the mountains, and has spent most of her adult life obsessed with rock climbing in all of its forms.