Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking and Backpacking in 2026
Looking for the best sun hoodie for hiking or backpacking in 2026? This guide covers the top-performing sun hoodies tested for desert heat, alpine exposure, and long days on the trail.
Sun hoodies have become one of the most essential pieces of hiking and backpacking gear, especially for those spending long days under open skies. In 2026, the best sun hoodies are lighter, more breathable, and more thoughtfully designed than ever before, offering reliable sun protection without overheating or restricting movement.
Whether you’re hiking through exposed desert terrain, backpacking above treeline, or logging long summer miles, a good sun hoodie protects your skin, reduces fatigue, and often performs better than sunscreen alone. After years of testing sun hoodies in real hiking and backpacking conditions, this guide breaks down what actually matters, how to choose the right one, and which models rise to the top.
Thinking about hiking in extreme heat in 2026? Check out our pro-tips to staying safe in the desert.
Why Sun Hoodies Are Essential for Hiking & Backpacking
A high-quality sun hoodie does far more than block UV rays. When chosen correctly, it becomes a core layering piece that improves comfort, hydration, and performance on the trail.
Benefits of sun hoodies for hiking:
- Continuous UPF protection without reapplying sunscreen
- Better temperature regulation in heat and sun
- Reduced sweat evaporation stress compared to bare skin
- Neck, ear, and hand coverage in exposed environments
- Fewer sunburns = fewer long-term skin issues
For desert hiking, sky island traverses, alpine ridgelines, and long-distance backpacking, sun hoodies often outperform short sleeves or tank tops especially over multi-day trips.
How We Chose the Best Sun Hoodies of 2026
Every sun hoodie included in this guide meets real-world performance criteria, not just lab specs or marketing claims. The focus is on hiking and backpacking, not casual wear. We have backpacked hundreds of miles in some of these picks, and hold sun hoodies to a very high standard.
Selection criteria includes:
- Verified UPF ratings (UPF 30-50+)
- Breathability in hot, dry, and humid conditions
- Hood fit and coverage while moving
- Comfort under a backpack
- Weight-to-performance ratio
- Durability after repeated washes
- Field-tested design features (thumb loops, seams, hems)
What to Look for in a Great Sun Hoodie
Before diving into the top picks, here’s what actually matters when choosing a sun hoodie for hiking or backpacking.
UPF Rating
Look for UPF 30 or higher, with UPF 50+ preferred for desert and alpine use. Fabric weight alone does not guarantee protection.
Breathability & Fabric Feel
The best sun hoodies feel light and airy but still block UV. Overly thick fabrics trap heat; overly thin fabrics can cling and fail when wet.
Hood Design
A good hood:
- Covers the neck fully
- Stays in place in wind
- Layers comfortably under hats or helmets
- Doesn’t choke or collapse
Fit for Movement
Hiking-specific sun hoodies should allow:
- Full arm extension
- Comfortable pack wear
- No seam rub under shoulder straps
Weight & Packability
Especially important for backpackers and thru-hikers. Many top sun hoodies weigh under 6 oz.
Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking & Backpacking in 2026
Below are the standout sun hoodies of the year, each excelling in various conditions and use cases. This list will be updated throughout 2026 if any new and amazing sun hoodies drop!
Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie
The Altitude Sun Hoodie is built for hikers and backpackers who spend long days under direct sun and need reliable protection without overheating. Made with a lightweight, breathable fabric, it’s designed to keep air moving while still providing consistent UPF coverage across the arms, shoulders, neck, and head.
The hood offers full coverage without feeling restrictive, making it especially useful for desert hiking, alpine exposure, and high-mileage days where sunscreen alone isn’t enough. The fit is streamlined but comfortable under a backpack, and the fabric dries quickly after sweat-heavy climbs or creek crossings. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense sun hoodie that prioritizes comfort, airflow, and real-world trail performance. This is a unisex piece.
REI Sahara Shade Hoodie
The Sahara Shade Hoodie is a comfortable, easy-to-wear sun layer built for hikers and backpackers who want dependable sun protection without overthinking their kit. Made with a lightweight, breathable fabric, it offers solid UPF coverage while remaining soft against the skin during long days on trail.
The relaxed fit layers well over a sports bra or base layer and sits comfortably under a backpack, while the hood provides added coverage for the neck and head during exposed climbs. Thumb loops help extend sun protection over the hands, making it especially useful for desert hikes, summer backpacking trips, and shoulder-season adventures where sun exposure adds up fast. It’s a versatile, approachable sun hoodie that balances comfort, coverage, and affordability. Note that this one fits long.
HIMALI Eclipse Sun Hoodie
The Eclipse Sun Hoodie is designed for hikers and backpackers who prioritize breathability and performance during long days in the sun. Built with a featherweight, airy fabric, it allows heat to escape efficiently while still providing dependable UPF protection for exposed terrain.
The streamlined fit works well under a backpack without bunching, and the hood offers reliable coverage for the neck and head without feeling bulky or restrictive. Its quick-drying construction makes it well suited for hot climbs, variable weather, and sweat-heavy efforts where staying cool matters just as much as staying protected. The Eclipse is a solid choice for hikers looking for a technical sun hoodie that performs best during high-exertion adventures. Size up for a more relaxed fit.
The North Face Sunriser Hoodie
The Sunriser Hoodie is built for hikers, climbers and backpackers who want dependable sun protection in a lightweight, performance-oriented layer. Designed with breathability in mind, it offers consistent UPF coverage while allowing heat to escape during sustained movement and warm-weather efforts.
The athletic, cropped fit sits comfortably under a backpack or over a harness without excess fabric, and the hood provides added protection for the neck and head during exposed sections of trail. Its quick-drying construction makes it well suited for long summer hikes, fast-paced backpacking trips, and high-output days where staying cool is just as important as staying protected. The Sunriser strikes a strong balance between technical performance and everyday trail comfort.
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody
The Tropic Comfort Sun Hoodie is a long-standing favorite among hikers and backpackers for its balance of comfort, coverage, and breathability. Designed for hot-weather adventures, it offers dependable UPF protection while remaining light and airy enough for all-day wear. This is one of the few sun hoodies that is appropriate for the hottest deserts.
The relaxed fit layers comfortably under a backpack without clinging, and the hood provides reliable coverage for the neck and head during extended sun exposure. Its soft, quick-drying fabric makes it well suited for desert hiking, summer backpacking trips, and travel where sun protection and comfort matter more than ultralight minimalism. The Tropic Comfort is a versatile, proven sun hoodie that continues to earn its place in warm-weather trail kits.
Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
The Sombra Sun Hoodie is a comfortable, approachable sun layer built for hikers and backpackers who want reliable UV protection without sacrificing breathability. Made with a light, airy fabric, it provides consistent sun coverage while still feeling cool during long days on trail.
The relaxed fit works well under a backpack and allows for easy movement, while the hood adds protection for the neck and head during exposed stretches of hiking. Designed for hot-weather adventures, the Sombra performs well on desert hikes, summer backpacking trips, and everyday trail outings where sun exposure is constant. It’s a versatile sun hoodie that prioritizes comfort, simplicity, and dependable performance.
Stio Vescent Hoodie
The Vescent Sun Hoodie is built for hikers and backpackers who spend extended time in open, high-exposure environments and want dependable sun protection without excess bulk. Its lightweight, breathable fabric helps regulate temperature during warm-weather efforts while still providing consistent UPF coverage.
The fit is streamlined and comfortable under a backpack, with enough stretch to move easily through long climbs and technical terrain. The hood offers solid neck and head coverage without feeling restrictive, making it a reliable option for alpine hiking, desert traverses, and summer backpacking trips where sun exposure is constant. The Vescent balances clean design with practical performance for all-day trail use.
KUIU Gila LS Hoodie
The Gila LS Hoodie is designed for maximum airflow and heat management during long days in direct sun. Built with an ultra-lightweight, highly breathable fabric, it excels in hot, dry conditions where staying cool matters just as much as sun protection.
The fit is streamlined and comfortable under a backpack, allowing unrestricted movement during long climbs and sustained mileage. The hood provides solid coverage for the neck and head without excess bulk, making it especially useful for desert hiking, summer backpacking, and high-exposure routes. The Gila LS stands out as a performance-driven sun hoodie for hikers who prioritize ventilation, low weight, and all-day comfort in extreme heat.
TownShirt Sun Hoodie
The TownShirt Sun Hoodie brings reliable sun protection to the trail with fun, expressive designs that stand out from more traditional outdoor layers. Built with a lightweight, breathable fabric, it provides consistent UPF coverage while remaining comfortable during warm-weather hikes and backpacking trips.
The relaxed fit allows for easy movement and layers comfortably under a backpack, while the hood adds essential coverage for the neck and head during long stretches of sun exposure. Ideal for hikers who want solid performance without sacrificing personal style, the TownShirt Sun Hoodie is a great option for summer hiking, desert adventures, and everyday trail use where sun protection is a must. This is a unisex piece.
Sambob Coastal Sun Hoodie
The Coastal Sun Hoodie is a comfortable, easy-wearing sun layer built for long days under open skies. Designed with warm-weather use in mind, it offers dependable UPF protection while remaining lightweight and breathable enough for hiking, backpacking, and all-day outdoor travel.
The relaxed fit allows for unrestricted movement and layers comfortably under a heavy backpack, while the hood provides essential coverage for the neck and head during prolonged sun exposure. Whether used for coastal hikes, desert trails, or summer backpacking trips up high, the Coastal Sun Hoodie prioritizes comfort, coverage, and simplicity, making it a solid choice for hikers who want reliable sun protection without unnecessary bulk. This is a unisex piece.
Sun Hoodie vs Sunscreen: Which Is Better?
Sun hoodies don’t replace sunscreen entirely, but they dramatically reduce how much you need. Covering arms, neck, and shoulders minimizes reapplication and lowers the risk of missed spots. Of course sunscreen can be hard to manage while backpacking for extended periods, so a sun hoodie is simply always a good call.
Best practice:
- Sun hoodie + sunscreen on face, hands, and exposed areas
- Especially important for long hikes and backpacking trips
Packing It Out
The best sun hoodie is the one you’ll actually wear all day, in real conditions, without thinking about it. In 2026, the market is full of excellent options; but fit, breathability, and hood design still separate the best from the rest.
If you hike or backpack in exposed terrain, a sun hoodie isn’t optional gear anymore! It’s a foundational layer that protects your body and improves your experience on the trail.
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