Gear Review: 100% Merino Lightweight Hoodie by Wūru Wool

Looking for the ultimate merino sun hoodie? The Wuru Wool 100% Merino Lightweight Hoodie is soft, breathable, and made for long days on the trail. We’ve worn it everywhere- from alpine peaks to desert canyons -and it continues to impress.

Gear Review: 100% Merino Lightweight Hoodie by Wūru Wool
From snow to sunshine, this hoodie performs across seasons and activities. Here I am paddleboarding in the Wuru Wool Lightweight Hoodie at Lake Meade.

A Long-Term Favorite That Just Keeps Delivering

If you’ve been following along with our hiking and backpacking reviews for a while, you already know: I don’t say something is the best unless it’s earned it. And Wuru Wool’s 100% Merino Lightweight Hoodie? This one’s earned it a hundred times over. I’ve been wearing these hoodies for years across all kinds of terrain; from desert heat to alpine snowfields!

 Person wearing a yellow-colored Wuru Wool Lightweight Hoodie hiking across a snowy slope in the San Juan Mountains under a bright sky.
Traversing a summer snowfield in the San Juan Mountains, putting the Wuru Wool Lightweight Hoodie to the test in high-alpine conditions.

Lightweight. Breathable. Naturally odor-resistant. This is one of the nicest sun hoodies I’ve ever owned, and trust me: I’ve tried them all.


Standout Features

  • 100% Merino Wool: Unlike blends, this is the real deal—ultra-soft, 17.5 micron merino at 170gsm. It’s buttery and breathable, not scratchy or stiff.
  • Thoughtful Fit: Slightly longer hem for coverage, excellent sleeve length, and a hood that fits comfortably over a hat or under a helmet.
  • Thumb Loops: Always a win for layering and sun protection.
  • Flatlock Seams: No rubbing or chafing, even under a pack.
  • Naturally UPF-Rated: No chemicals, just wool doing what wool does; blocking the sun while staying breathable.
  • Made in the USA: Designed and sewn in Salt Lake City, Utah, by a small company that cares.

How It Performs in the Wild

This is my go-to layer for just about everything. I’ve hiked countless miles in it, from desert canyons in Utah to high-elevation Colorado peaks, and I’ve even slept in it on cold summer nights. The fabric breathes beautifully while offering just enough warmth for cool starts. It dries reasonably fast for merino, and the odor resistance is real. I’ve gone days (okay, weeks) without washing it on extended trips and still felt comfortable wearing it around camp.

 Backpacker wearing a yellow Wuru Wool hoodie navigating a tangle of fallen trees in a forest while bushwhacking with trekking poles and a helmet on their pack.
Scrambling through dense Colorado blowdown, where durability and comfort matter most. Wuru’s lightweight wool hoodie does surprisingly well in terrain like this and somehow avoids snags, which doesn't make sense, but is awesome.

It layers incredibly well under puffies or rain shells, but honestly, I wear it solo most of the time. It shines brightest in shoulder seasons and during high-elevation summer adventures when you need a breathable but protective layer.


Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
100% merino is ultra-comfortable May be too warm for midsummer desert hiking
Odor-resistant and breathable Limited color options
Excellent hood fit and thumb loops They sell out very fast
Great sun protection without chemicals
 Close-up of a hand holding the cuff of a mustard yellow Wuru Wool hoodie, highlighting fabric texture and brand tag with a sheep logo.
Details matter. Wuru Wool’s 100% merino construction and thoughtful seam work make it one of the best sun hoodies on the market.

Final Thoughts

The Wuru Wool Lightweight Hoodie is one of those rare pieces of gear that makes you want to buy a backup just in case they ever stop making it. Trust me... I have four. They sell out quickly when restocked, so I always snag one when they're available. This hoodie is simple, functional, thoughtfully designed, and made for real hikers who abuse gear! If you love the feel and performance of merino, and you want a sun hoodie that does everything right, this is the one.

I've worn mine constantly over the years, and I’ll keep wearing them until they finally give out. At this point I am truly amazed at their durability.


My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.