Gear Review: SOL Hoodie By PAKA
Looking for a perfect sun hoodie for your next adventure? The PAKA SOL Hoodie blends lightweight performance with luxurious alpaca softness. Here’s how it held up on the trail!
When it comes to sun hoodies, there are a lot of options out there, but the PAKA SOL Hoodie genuinely surprised me in the best way. Made with PAKA’s signature blend of alpaca and TENCEL, the SOL is an ultralight sun hoodie designed to protect you from intense UV exposure without weighing you down.
I've been testing it across sunny hikes, alpine ridgelines, and desert treks, and I’ve gotta say it is a lovely breathable and comfortable sun layer. It isn't the lightest on the market, but it works well for most sunny adventures.
If you're looking for a responsibly made sun shirt that doesn’t sacrifice style, softness, or function, this one's worth a look.
See the SOL Hoodie on our Best Wool Sunshirts for Hiking of 2025 article!
Why I Love It
What makes the SOL Hoodie stand out is how it feels: next-level soft, with a cooling sensation when worn in the sun. This thing isn’t just tolerable under direct sunlight; it’s genuinely pleasant. It dries quickly, resists odor, and has a relaxed but not baggy fit. The natural color palette and subtle branding also give it an aesthetic edge over many sun shirts.
I’ve worn this hoodie in scorching high desert sun, on long mileage days in the alpine, and even around town. It feels effortlessly wearable and doesn’t scream “gear,” even though it absolutely performs.
Features That Shine
- Light and Breathable: Feels light while maintaining surprisingly solid UV protection.
- Alpaca + TENCEL Blend: Offers a natural feel with moisture-wicking performance and quick dry times.
- Built-In Thumbholes: Great for protecting the backs of your hands when the sun is relentless. The thumbholes are nice and big so they don't tug on your hand. Very comfortable design.
- Naturally Odor Resistant: I wore it on a multi-day trip without it getting funky.
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection: Exactly what you want when you’re high up or out for long exposed hours.
Tech Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 85% Royal Alpaca, 15% TENCEL™ |
| UPF Rating | 50+ |
| Fit | Athletic with room to move |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 oz (Men’s M) |
| Odor Resistance | Yes |
| Available Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Made In | Peru |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super soft, breathable, and natural feel | Definitely too heavy for super hot deserts |
| Excellent sun protection (UPF 50+) | Pricey for a hoodie, but fair for the material and ethics |
| Naturally odor-resistant and quick drying | Fit may run a little long in the torso for some |
| Ethically made with traceable alpaca fiber |
Packing It Out
The PAKA SOL Hoodie is a great go-to sun hoodie for hot weather hiking, alpine ascents, and big days under bluebird skies. It checks every box for comfort, breathability, and UV protection, and it's made with ethics in mind. If you’re looking for a responsibly made sun layer that doesn’t compromise on performance or style, I highly recommend it.
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.
