Why every hiker needs a sun hoodie in their gear arsenal

Hikers, Meet Your New Best Friend

• Are sun hoodies worth it? Short answer: yes, they allow sweat to evaporate, regulating temperature and preventing sunburn through built-in UPF protection

• Do sun hoodies really block UV rays? Yes, the material is tightly woven, leaving little to no space for UV rays to penetrate past the fibers onto your skin. Many sun hoodies are treated with UV-absorbing chemical finishes during manufacturing. These finishes help absorb or reflect UVA and UVB rays before they hit your skin.

• What is UPF clothing? 

  UPF clothing is apparel specifically designed to block ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching your skin. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it's the rating system used for fabrics similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in sunscreen.

  A UPF rating tells you how much UV radiation a fabric allows through.

  For example, UPF 50 means only 1/50th (or 2%) of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the fabric.

  The higher the number, the better the protection.

  Unlike sunscreen, which wears off or needs reapplying, UPF clothing provides continuous protection as long as you’re wearing it. It’s especially useful for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers who spend hours under the sun.

You thought the clouds had your back? Think again. UV rays don’t care if the sun’s playing peekaboo behind a mountain ridge. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, which means you’re getting roasted even when it feels like a chilly day. Worse, if you're on high summits with lots of snow, the UV rays will bounce off that snow like dodgeballs on your face on a 2000s elementary P.E. day.

That’s where sun hoodies come in. They’re the underrated, lightweight, breathable, and often life-saving piece of outdoor gear every hiker should have in their pack (or on their back). And yes, they’re a lot more convenient than slathering on sunscreen every 90 minutes while sweating like a boiled potato.

Let’s break down exactly why every Outdoorsy human needs a sun hoodie.

A sun hoodie is not your average cotton pullover. This is technical apparel built for the wild.

• Material: Usually lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable (poly blends, bamboo, or other natural-synthetic hybrids).

• Coverage: Full-length sleeves and a fitted hood that offers neck and ear protection.

• UPF Rating: Designed with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 30-50+ built-in.

• Fit: Tailored to reduce chafing and regulate temperature on the move.

Whether you’re trekking through alpine ridgelines, backpacking in desert canyons, or just chasing waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, the right hoodie is your invisible forcefield against the elements.

As you climb, UV exposure ramps up significantly.

UV radiation increases by about 2% for every 1,000-foot increase in elevation due to thinner mountain air.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, UV radiation increases by about 2% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain kelownaskincancer.comKOAA News 5+2WebMD+2.

• Other reputable sources, including clinical guidelines, estimate increases of 8–10% per 1,000 feet depending on conditions like clean air and reflective ground surfaces Vanguard Skin Specialistskelownaskincancer.comAspen Valley Health.

At higher altitudes, there’s less atmosphere to filter out UV rays and that adds up fast:

• For example, at 8,500 feet in Vail, Colorado, UV‑B exposure was found to be approximately 60% higher than at sea level Verywell Health+4KOAA News 5+4Wyoming Academy of Dermatology+4Iris Publishers+8Newswise+8Vanguard Skin Specialists+8.

• Global observational data shows UV irradiance increasing roughly 9% per 1,000 meters (≈3,280 feet)

We’re not saying toss your SPF 50 in the trash. But there are a few reasons sun hoodies have a permanent place in your hiking backpack:

• No Reapplication: Hoodies don’t sweat off. Sunscreen does.

• Coverage: Full protection for hard-to-reach spots like your upper back, neck, and ears.

• Eco-Friendly: Less chemical runoff into rivers, lakes, and soil.

• Budget Win: A high-quality sun hoodie lasts for years. Sunscreen empties fast and isn’t cheap.

• Better for Sensitive Skin: Especially if you break out or burn easily.

Here’s the part that most folks overlook: UV exposure doesn’t always feel hot. Your skin doesn’t need to be sweating to get torched. Here’s when a sun hoodie saves your hide

, according to the  Skin Cancer Foundation: 80% of UV rays penetrate through clouds and reach your skin

• Cloudy Days: As mentioned earlier, clouds don’t block UV. You’re still cooking.

• High Elevation: UV increases 4-5% per 1,000 feet gained in altitude.

• Windy Ridges: Wind can cool your skin while UV still penetrates.

• Snow-Covered Trails: UV reflects off snow, doubling exposure.

• Early Spring & Fall: Lower sun angle doesn’t mean lower risk.

Not all hoodies are created equal. If you want something functional, long-lasting, and adventure-ready, prioritize these features:

• UPF 50+ rating (blocks 98% of UV rays)

• Breathable Fabric that wicks away sweat

• Stretch for Mobility (so you don’t feel like a wrapped burrito)

• Thumb Loops to keep sleeves in place

• Fitted Hood that stays on even in windy conditions

• Flatlock Seams reduce chafing on the trail

Basically, if it doesn’t feel good when you're wearing a loaded hiking backpack, it’s not good enough.

 The Patagonia Effect (And Why It Matters)

Big brands like Patagonia have helped popularize the sun hoodie for good reason. Their technical gear, while pricey, sets the standard for quality. People search terms like:

• "Patagonia hoodie"

• "cool hoodies"

• "outdoor gear"

• "lightweight hiking hoodie"

...because they trust the functionality and fit.

But here's the kicker: you don’t have to pay top-tier prices to get top-tier quality. Independent outdoor brands (like Woodland Clothing Co.) are now designing durable, functional, and aesthetic sun hoodies that punch way above their weight.

This isn’t just a hoodie. It’s a damn shield for your wild adventures.

• UPF 50+ rating

• Lightweight moisture-wicking blend that doesn’t feel plastic-y

• Tailored fit: Tight in the right places, loose where it matters

• Perfect for backpacking, hiking, climbing, fishing, or just running errands with style

• Ethically sourced materials and small-batch crafted

Our customers say this thing feels like magic when you’re miles from a trailhead. And judging by the out-of-state orders, hikers across the country agree.

if you're new and looking to get into hiking, here's our guide to getting started. Click Here

One of the best parts? A sun hoodie is a killer base or mid-layer, depending on your adventure.

• Pair with a vest or windbreaker for chilly mornings

• Throw over a tank or tee when the trail gets toasty

• Layer under a shell when storm clouds roll in

It’s light enough to carry in your hiking backpack without noticing, and versatile enough to keep on all day.

we have a step-by-step guide on how to layer for hiking. click here for the guide

Let’s be real, this isn’t just for hardcore mountaineers. It’s for anyone who:

• Hikes regularly in spring, summer, or fall

• Backpacks and camps over the weekend

• Lives in high elevation areas or deserts

• Fishes, paddles, or bikes outdoors often

• Just wants a cool hoodie that serves a function

Bonus points: you look good. Whether you're hitting up your favorite outdoor store or just grabbing post-hike tacos, you’ll look like you belong in the REI catalog.

This one’s simple but essential. Your sun hoodie should be:

• Snug enough to keep the sleeves in place under a pack

• Loose enough for airflow

• Long enough to stay tucked or cover your hips

If it feels like a second skin without suffocating you, you nailed it.

Sun damage adds up. It drains energy, causes premature aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer. But gear up right, and you can hike longer, feel better, and look like an outdoorsy badass doing it.

So whether you’re a casual trail wanderer or a summit chaser, it’s time to upgrade from that cotton hoodie and step into something built for the wild.

Don’t wait until next summer. Our sun hoodies are selling fast, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Click here to grab yours – before someone in Colorado beats you to it.

Written by Matt Streeter – outdoor gear expert, lifelong adventurer, and founder of Woodland Clothing Co