Testing sun hoodies brings back the naiveté of youth when we thought it was good to slather baby oil on our bodies, lie in the sun for hours soaking up its placid rays turning our baby soft skin to summer seasoned. We were alive, healthy and free running around in bikinis sporting tans. Little did we know the price we would pay for our vanities.
Today’s skiers and climbers lather up with 50+ sunscreen and don hoodies as protection from the sun’s cancer causing rays. As a sun worshiper it is still hard to cower from its warmth, but after the dermatologist dug two precancerous holes out, it’s become critical.
Sun hoodies are easy to find, though there is a need for more in varying colors, fabrics and styles. We hope our reviews of a selection of them designed for women will spur new ideas among outdoor companies for more options in the future.
Almost all of the hoodies below use similar designs with different fits and fabrics. Thumb loops, high neck, and longer sleeves are the standard but some variety exists. Our testing and personal experience suggests that the lighter fabrics are best for true hot weather use, multi-pitch or multi-day trips. The heavier versions with spandex have more stretch but take a little longer to dry.
