Name Brand Sun Hoodies Vs Amazon special

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Nov 30, 2022
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I’m in the market for some sun hoodies. I’ve got a Simms one that I love, but man it’s pricey. I know people like the Kuiu Gila and OV Altitude. The new SG one looks nice too. Does anyone know how these brand name ones compare to the $30 amazon bamboo versions? Usually I go for the known brand name products, but how much extra performance etc does doubling the price get you?
 
Whatever you get, look at the UPF rating. Basically similar the a SPF rating. Higher the number, better overall protection. You don’t necessarily need the spendy brands as long as the sun protection is there.

I have a few shirts from Backcountry and also Gohunt. Both work well.


 
I have a number of hooded sunshirts.

I bought the amazon specials for myself and my kids. They were significantly thicker and less breathable than others. Fine for the kids, but I don't wear them. Too hot.

My current favorites are from Ketle Mtn and Rab:


 
I have a cheaper Amazon bamboo one and have enjoyed it. Also have a more expensive free fly bamboo that is nice but not necessarily twice as good.

I just bought the "Bamboo Cool" brand from amazon. Seems like a good value so far.
 
I've had an Amazon sun hoody (cost 20$) for 5 years still going strong. No sweat funk, even though I've sweated who knows how much through it over that time.
 
You can get columbia PFG long sleeve sun shirts and hoodies for $15-$20 quite often from Midway USA. Midway also has some sun shirts under their own brand, bought two camo ones for $18 each.
 
I buy what ever is on sale. They all fall apart. I had cheap ones but hated replacing them. Got the Kuiu Gila because it was supposed to be extra durable and tough.

My Kuiu Gila got snags and holes and pills in one 6 hour day hiking. Such a let down. They offered to take it back and refund but I felt like it was my fault so I ate it. They did say their tibburon is the heavy duty one.

I no longer buy expensive name brand unless it’s on clearance, like every fall Sportsman’s clears out Huk shirts for like $20 a pop.
 
It's all about the breathability. Some are so dense that they're like wearing a towel that gets drenched. Being in the south I have quite a few. I prefer the PFG hoodies but my favorite are the Aftco hoodies. They fit a bit tighter though so size up if you're on the edge.
 
Same as every sun hoody thread, here to advise the Black Diamond Alpen Glow Pro -make sure you get the Pro version as it has vented armpits and chest zipper.
I finally bought one partially based off of your nagging and a few weeks and one 7 day hut trip later I now own 3 of these. They are the best sun hoody I've ever worn.
 
Same as every sun hoody thread, here to advise the Black Diamond Alpen Glow Pro -make sure you get the Pro version as it has vented armpits and chest zipper.
I came here to mention this BD version and the regular. I have a form of Lupus that is onset by sun exposure so I’ve done extensive research and trying sun shirts on. These two are the best out there. They are the first shirt I’ve put on and felt as if I didn’t have anything retaining heat on my body.
 
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