As I mentioned before, Rab’s OG Pulse Hoody was the lightest in its class, at a scant 3.6 ounces. The Force, on the other hand, weighs in at 5.3 ounces. Still light, certainly, but no longer the lightest top in stores today. With that extra weight come added sun protection and durability, of course, but a big part of me still longs for the featherlight feel of the old design. UPF rated sun shirts offer several advantages over conventional sunscreen when it comes to UV protection in the outdoors, especially for extended periods of exposure and for water activities. Rab’s Force Hoody is a high-performing, trail-focused beast when compared to its competition. In a similar weight range (5.2 ounces) is industry titan Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoody, which feels slightly warmer and heavier against the skin and does not offer secure thumb loops. If you’re not too worried about weight, Patagonia also sells the looser-fitting but more expensive Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody (5.9 ounces), designed more for water sports, which boasts an impressive UPF 40+ rating. For budget-minded shoppers, REI Co-op’s Sahara Shade Hoodie is a fan favorite, having been 5-star reviewed by hundreds of loyal shoppers. It boasts a top-of-the-line UPF 50+ rating, an antimicrobial odor-controlling treatment, thumbholes and Bluesign-approved fabrics. The only catch? It’s noticeably heavier at 7 ounces.

Covering up with clothing is the safest and easiest way to protect yourself from UV rays, and sun hoodies are specifically designed for the job. They protect your entire upper body apart from your face and are nothing like your typical hoody.Hikers, climbers, trail runners, joggers, gym enthusiasts, and outdoor instructors are all in the know about the benefits of sun hoodies and are some of the most avid ambassadors. Many boating and sailing enthusiasts love the sun hoodie concept, which has, of course, transferred over to sports like fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even surfing. Basically, if you are out in the sun for a prolonged period of time and either doesn’t like using or can’t rely on sunscreen, then a sun hoody will work very well to keep you safe and cool in the heat.

A sun hoody is designed to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays as well as keep you cool and comfortable. They are made from lightweight and breathable material that is stretchy and generally features UPF 50+ fabric as standard. They are very popular among hikers, trail runners, watersports and boating enthusiasts, and mountain climbers because they are ideal for high-exertion activities and situations where sunscreen isn’t practical. Do Sun Hoodies Work? For many, it might seem counterintuitive to wear a long sleeve shirt or hoodie in high temps, but with the right materials, walking around in your own cooling shade will convert even the most diehard "suns out, buns out" devotee. CONCLUSION: If you want to try using a sun hoody for your next hiking trip but don’t want to spend a fortune in case you don’t like it, then this is the perfect entry-level option. It does everything most of the other hot weather hoodies do but for half the price. You might be wondering how good can it be if it is so cheap. You have nothing to worry about here. The BALEAF hoody is plenty durable and provides breathable protection from the sun, just as well as the others.The Force Hoody is more fitted than many sun shirts on the market right now, making it ideal for hikers, climbers and mountaineers who prefer a non-chafing, skintight feel that won’t snag on boulders or errant branches. For most people, you should get a hoody with UPF 50+ fabric to make sure your skin stays sunburn-free with sun-protective clothing. We intentionally didn’t recommend any tops that didn’t have this rating, but an example of a factor 30+ UPF shirt would be the Rab Pulse which offers one of the lightest weights we’ve seen in exchange. Lightweight I’ve trekked across more than 230 miles of rugged Sierra Nevada topography on the John Muir Trail, journeyed to Africa on a week-long safari and hiked Alaska’s legendary fjords, and I’ve got to say that, after years of testing every sun shirt I could find, Rab’s Force Hoody has always stood out from of the crowd due to its ultralight fabric, comfortable fit and helmet-compatible hood. It was recommended to me by a climber bro at a random gear shop in the tiny town of Bishop, California, and, honestly, I owe that guy a beer. The fit is slightly looser than other more athletic constructions, which makes this great for everyday use, and if you are carrying a few extra pounds like me, then this doesn’t highlight the fact of being so figure-hugging. You can get this in a wide range of colors. However, we do recommend lighter colors to help reflect more sunlight and keep you cooler. The one thing I am not a fan of is the massive logo down the sleeve, which makes me feel a bit like a human billboard, but it’s not a deal-breaker.