While I don’t have the research chops to argue correlation and causation, one thing is clear: if you are playing or working in the outdoors, you need to protect yourself against the sun. Here are All Outdoors News, we’ve been evaluating several lightweight sun protection hoodies that are worth your consideration.
While data varies on how much the ozone layer has been depleted, there is strong data showing that the number of skin cancer cases have increased 42% since 2015. Indeed, the rate of diagnosis is expected to increase by nearly 6%. The increase is especially shocking given that there has been an overall decrease in those actively participating in outdoor activities over the same period.
All of the hoodies that we reviewed were generally similar, with a UV protection factor (UPF) of at least 50, a hood that can be worn up or to protect your neck, and lightweight, breathable fabrics that help you stay cooler in the heat.
KÜHL Eclipser Hoody
The KÜHL Eclipser Hoody ($89) not only brings UPF 50+ protection but is also infused with graphene – the lightest, fastest cooling, and best temperature-regulating material known to man. Constructed with nylon-blended, skin-cooling yarns, this high-tech sun top is super quick to dry and includes built-in odor-resistance that never washes out.
The body of the hoody is made with a seamless construction, so there are no side seams, but the innovative knitting of the Eclipser allow KÜHL to nonetheless integrate mesh sections into the main body to increase its breathability.
Also included are integrated thumb loops. I will give a ‘thumbs up’ to KÜHL for the design of these on the Eclipser. I found the thumb loops on previous long sleeve shirts that I tested from KÜHL to be tight and make it difficult to push up the sleeves, but these have plenty of stretch.
While plenty comfortable and cool, I did find the overall look of the Eclipser to be more like a technical base layer than something you’d wear to the beach or while out on a boat.
Reviewers gave strong praise to the Ecliper for both its softness and durability under a pack and the ability to stay cool and dry under bright sun and high temps.
If you don’t want to go the hoody route, the Eclipser is also available in short and long sleeve models ($69/$79) without a hood.
Marmot AirExchange UPF50 Hoody
Marmot’s AirExchange UPF50 Hoody ($70) ticks many of the same boxes in the feature column as the Eclipser, offering UPF 50 sun protection, flat-felled seams for durability and chafe-free, and a dropped shoulder seam that does not create a hot spot under pack straps. comfort when wearing a pack, and thumb loops to extend sun protection to the back off your hands.
The AirExchange distinguishes itself a little with what Marmot calls a scuba hood. Think winter wet suit with a hood and you’ll get a better idea. It’s more of a cowl that protects your chin and throat from rays that might reflect off of the water.
The AirExchange also has a small zipped pocket on the side that allows you to securely store some cards or a key when you might be wearing swim shorts with less than reliable pockets.
While the fabric of the AirExchange does seem lighter overall (just 6 ounces for a men’s large), it still seems to lack some of the breathability of the Eclipser.
Mountain Hardwear Sunshield Hoody
The Mountain Hardwear Sunshield Hoody ($99) comes with a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation and offers a similar slate of features to the Eclipser and the AirExchange.
Like the AirExchange, the Sunshield Hoody has the scuba style hood, but it also adds a half zip neck to give you more options for venting and temperature control. There’s also a chest pocket for additional storage, great for things like a pair of sunglasses or a map. The Sunshield also has a zippered pocket on the lower side seam that you can pack the shirt into, making for a better fit in your pack.
Increasing its versatility for long weekends, the Sunshield Hoody also includes HeiQ Mint plant-based odor control technology.
Reviewers liked the versatility of the Sunshield, wearing it over a wide range of temperatures, but generally agreed that it was less breathable than its competitors.
Conclusion
There was no real clear winner in this comparison test. All three hoodies will protect your skin and generally keep you cool and dry in the summer heat. The most important thing here is to protect yourself!
I should also add that all of these hoodies also come in women’s versions! Our female tester is in Kruger National Park in South Africa doing some testing right now.
All Outdoors 