TESTED! The Best Sun Hoodies For Mountain Adventures

Summary

In this video, the host reviews three sun hoodies, essential for hikers in 2023, offering style and practicality. Starting with the budget-friendly Amazon Basics, they note its basic features and lack of UV protection information. Moving to the RAB Force hoodie, they highlight its comfort and breathability, though question its value for the price. Finally, the Black Diamond Alpine Glow is praised for its superior lightness, breathability, and features like a zip and effective odor control, making it the top choice despite the higher cost. The video emphasizes the importance of sun protection and comfort for outdoor activities.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The video discusses the importance of sun hoodies for hikers, highlighting their style and practicality.
• 🎒 The presenter reviews three different sun hoodies from various brands, catering to different budgets.
• 💰 The first hoodie reviewed is from Amazon Basics, a budget-friendly option with basic features but lacking UV information.
• 👕 The Amazon Basics hoodie is made of 88% polyester and 12% elastane, which may not be the most comfortable against the skin.
• 🤔 Concerns are raised about the lack of clear UV protection information for the Amazon Basics hoodie compared to others with 50+ UV protection.
• 🏞️ The second hoodie is the RAB Force, a more comfortable and breathable option with a slimmer fit and higher price point.
• 👍 Features of the RAB Force include lower profile seams, a high collar, and hidden thumb loops, though the hood size may not fit over a helmet.
• 🏆 The Black Diamond Alpine Glow is the presenter's favorite, offering a higher level of lightness, breathability, and comfort.
• 🔝 The Alpine Glow stands out with a zip feature, effective odor control, and underarm breathable gussets, justifying its higher price.
• 🧢 The video emphasizes the sun hoodie's role in sun protection, comfort, and breathability, especially in warmer months.
• 👉 The presenter highly recommends trying sun hoodies for outdoor activities and suggests the Black Diamond Alpine Glow for its performance and style.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is reviewing three different sun hoodies for hikers, discussing their features, comfort, and suitability for various budgets.

What are the three sun hoodies featured in the video?

The three sun hoodies featured are from Amazon Basics, RAB (called the Force hoodie), and Black Diamond (the Alpine Glow).

What is the primary purpose of a sun hoodie according to the video?

The primary purpose of a sun hoodie is to provide style, practicality, and protection from the sun while hiking or engaging in outdoor activities.

What are some important features to consider when buying a sun hoodie?

Important features include long sleeves with thumb loops, breathability, UV protection, comfort against the skin, and the ability to fit over a helmet.

How does the Amazon Basics sun hoodie compare to the others in terms of price and features?

The Amazon Basics sun hoodie is the most affordable option but may lack some features like UV protection and has a less comfortable fabric compared to the other two options.

What is the fabric composition of the Amazon Basics sun hoodie?

The fabric composition of the Amazon Basics sun hoodie is 88% polyester and 12% elastane.

What is the 'motive' fabric used in the RAB Force hoodie, and how does it differ from the Amazon Basics hoodie?

The 'motive' fabric is 100% polyester, marketed as a premium version of polyester. It feels softer and slides more comfortably over the skin compared to the Amazon Basics hoodie.

What is the price range for the RAB Force hoodie mentioned in the video?

The RAB Force hoodie is priced at around 60 Euros.

What are some standout features of the Black Diamond Alpine Glow sun hoodie?

The Black Diamond Alpine Glow sun hoodie has a well-fitting hood, zip for ventilation, effective odor control, underarm breathable gussets, and a fabric with cooling technology.

How does the Black Diamond Alpine Glow sun hoodie differ from the other two in terms of price and perceived value?

The Black Diamond Alpine Glow is more expensive than the RAB Force and Amazon Basics hoodies but offers a higher level of performance, comfort, and style, making it worth the extra cost according to the video.

What additional advice does the video give for using a sun hoodie?

The video advises that sun hoodies are highly recommended for outdoor activities in warmer months for sun protection and comfort, and that covering the skin can actually keep you cooler with the right fabrics.

Outlines

00:00

🌞 Sun Hoodie Overview and Amazon Basics Review

The video introduces the trend of wearing sun hoodies for hikers in 2023, emphasizing their style and practicality. The host showcases three different sun hoodies from various brands and budgets, starting with the Amazon Basics model. This basic hoodie is affordable and readily available, featuring long sleeves with thumb loops for added coverage. However, it has some drawbacks, such as a less comfortable fabric composition (88% polyester, 12% elastane) that may feel sticky against the skin. The video also mentions a lack of information regarding UV protection, which is a desired feature for sun hoodies. Despite these issues, the Amazon Basics sun hoodie is considered a decent budget option.

05:01

🏔️ Comparing RAB Force Hoodie with Amazon Basics

The second paragraph compares the RAB Force hoodie with the Amazon Basics one. The RAB model is made from 100% polyester, which feels softer and more comfortable against the skin, with better breathability and a slimmer fit. It features a high collar for sun protection, intelligent seam placement to avoid irritation from backpacks, and low-profile flat lock seams for added comfort. The RAB hoodie also has hidden thumb loops, although the host finds them less comfortable than traditional ones. The hood is smaller and may not fit over a helmet comfortably. The RAB Force hoodie is more expensive than the Amazon Basics but offers a higher level of comfort and functionality, making it a better choice for those willing to invest in quality.

10:03

🏅 Black Diamond Alpineglow: The Top Sun Hoodie Choice

The final paragraph highlights the Black Diamond Alpineglow as the host's favorite sun hoodie. It offers superior lightness, breathability, and comfort. The Alpineglow features a well-fitted hood, a zipper for ventilation, effective thumb loops, and a color that, despite getting dirty, is appreciated by the host. It includes a small pocket for cards or IDs but isn't suitable for phones. The sun hoodie provides UPF 50+ sun protection and is designed to be worn under a helmet, with the possibility of fitting over it. The fabric is lightweight (200 GSM) with Polygiene odor control treatment, which is more effective than other hoodies reviewed. Additional features like underarm breathable gussets and 'Black Diamond cool' fabric technology enhance the comfort level. The Alpineglow is considered a top performer in terms of style, features, and comfort, justifying its higher price point.

⛺️ Summer Hiking Gear and Sun Protection Tips

In the concluding paragraph, the host wraps up the video by recommending the Black Diamond Alpineglow as the preferred sun hoodie for summer hiking activities. They suggest pairing it with other gear like Black Diamond Sprint shorts for a complete setup. The host also encourages viewers to check out a previous video for a comprehensive look at their summer hiking kit. The video ends with a reminder to stay safe in the sun and to consider investing in a sun hoodie for sun protection and comfort during outdoor activities.

Keywords

💡Sun hoodie

A sun hoodie is a type of garment designed to provide protection from the sun's harmful rays while also offering breathability and comfort. It is an essential piece of clothing for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers and climbers. In the video, the host discusses different sun hoodies, emphasizing their importance for sun protection and comfort during outdoor activities.

💡Practicality

Practicality refers to the quality of being practical and functional. In the context of the video, the host highlights the practicality of sun hoodies, noting their usefulness in providing sun protection and additional features like thumb loops and long sleeves that enhance their functionality for outdoor use.

💡Budget

Budget in this video refers to the price range one is willing to pay for a sun hoodie. The host reviews sun hoodies from different brands that cater to various budgets, starting from the more affordable Amazon Basics to the more expensive Black Diamond option, showing that there are options available for everyone.

💡Fabric composition

The fabric composition of a sun hoodie refers to the materials used in its construction, which can affect its comfort, breathability, and durability. The video mentions different compositions, such as 88% polyester and 12% elastane for the Amazon Basics hoodie, which impacts the feel and performance of the garment.

💡UV protection

UV protection is a key feature of sun hoodies, as it refers to the garment's ability to shield the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The host notes that all the reviewed hoodies, except for the Amazon Basics one, have a UPF 50+ rating, which indicates a high level of sun protection.

💡Breathability

Breathability is the ability of a fabric to allow air to pass through, helping to regulate body temperature and reduce perspiration. The host compares the breathability of different sun hoodies, with the Black Diamond Alpine Glow being noted as particularly breathable, making it more comfortable to wear in warmer conditions.

💡Fit

Fit refers to how well a garment conforms to the body. The video discusses the fit of different sun hoodies, with the RAB Force Hoodie having a slimmer fit compared to the Amazon Basics, which offers more room but may not be as flattering or comfortable for some wearers.

💡Seams

Seams are the lines where two pieces of fabric are joined together in a garment. The host points out that the seams in the RAB Force Hoodie and Black Diamond Alpine Glow are designed to be less irritating, with features like flat lock and tapered seams, which improve comfort, especially when wearing a backpack.

💡Thumb loops

Thumb loops are a feature found in some sun hoodies that allow the sleeves to cover the back of the hands, providing additional sun protection. The video describes how different brands implement thumb loops, with the Black Diamond Alpine Glow having particularly effective and comfortable thumb loops.

💡Odor control

Odor control refers to treatments or features in a garment that help reduce or control unpleasant smells, often caused by sweat during physical activity. The Black Diamond Alpine Glow is mentioned to have an effective polygen odor control treatment, which is an important feature for outdoor clothing.

💡Cooling technology

Cooling technology in the context of the video refers to special fabric treatments or designs that enhance the garment's ability to keep the wearer cool. The Black Diamond Alpine Glow is said to have 'Black Diamond cool' technology, which contributes to its superior comfort and cooling effect compared to other sun hoodies.

Highlights

The importance of wearing sun hoodies for hikers in 2023 for style and practicality.

Introduction of three different sun hoodies from various budgets and brands.

Review of the Amazon Basics sun hoodie, its affordability, and basic features.

Mention of the sun hoodie's material composition and its effect on skin comfort.

Concerns about the lack of UV protection information for the Amazon Basics hoodie.

Comparison of the RAB Force hoodie's fit, comfort, and material to the Amazon Basics.

Details on the RAB Force hoodie's features like the high collar and flat lock seams.

Discussion on the visibility and design differences between the RAB and Amazon Basics hoodies.

The Black Diamond Alpine Glow's superior lightness, breathability, and comfort.

Features of the Alpine Glow's hood design and compatibility with helmets.

Inclusion of thumb loops and a small pocket in the Alpine Glow design.

Alpine Glow's 50+ sun protection and odor control treatments.

Comparison of the Alpine Glow's fabric weight and feel to the RAB Force hoodie.

Mention of the Alpine Glow's underarm breathable gussets and cooling technology.

Recommendation of the Black Diamond Alpine Glow for its style, performance, and comfort.

Advice on layering sun hoodies with Merino base layers for cooler weather.

Emphasis on the sun hoodie's role in sun protection, comfort, and skin health.

Encouragement to try sun hoodies for outdoor activities, especially in warmer months.

Link to another video showcasing the complete summer hiking kit.

Transcripts

if there's one bandwagon that every

hiker needs to get on in 2023 is wearing

a sudden hoodie I think it adds a lot of

style and a lot of practicality and in

this video I want to show you three

different Sun hoodies that I've been

using from all budgets from a couple of

different brands around the world to

show you some of the best on the market

and a couple of features that I think

are really important to look out for if

you're getting your first Sun hoodie

[Music]

welcome to the biggest brothel in Italy

[Applause]

foreign

we're going to start on the lower end of

the budget with the most basic one with

this one from Amazon Basics so this is

it it's very basic I have a couple of

different colors of these I like this

gray one and I've also got like a mid

kind of blue whilst they do get a little

bit sweaty and I think they're a little

bit thick and they're not weak as well

as some of the other Fabrics it's a

really good starting point and something

you can get just like in a couple of

days because it's on Amazon right so

let's put it on and have a look so this

is the Amazon Basics ones the cheaper

end of the market obviously but it has

you know everything you pretty much need

I like that it has really long sleeves

so these sleeves actually cover like my

Knuckles and you've got a thumb Loop

there which is quite nice so the

composition of this is 88 polyester and

12 elastine and that doesn't really make

for the nicest skin feel like it's

comfortable I can wear it I'm quite

happy wearing it but it feels like it's

just kind of sticking to my skin in a

little bit and as it rubs over the skin

it kind of grips the skin if you know

what I mean so that's kind of the main

drawback of this particular garment like

it doesn't feel as good as the other

ones for sure but if you can put up with

that I think it'll be absolutely fine

for 30 bucks it does the job the other

thing is I'm not entirely sure of the UV

properties of this and how strong it is

all of the other garments have 50 plus

UV protection with this one I can't find

any information from Amazon on whether

this has a UV protection and I think

realistically that's probably something

you do want in a sun hoodie that you're

wearing out in the full sun every day

yeah I mean there's not really much else

to say about it it's a very basic kind

of setup it's a nice roomy Hood helmet

approved

it's got the sun Loops 30 bucks Amazon

it's worth a crack okay the next one we

have is from rad this is called the

force hoodie this is made from a fabric

they call motive which is 100 polyester

seems just to me like a fancy name for

polyester so this is a Slimmer fit than

the Amazon Basics one it still has

plenty of room through the back like

there's lots of room to move in it but

it's a little bit more of a Slimmer fit

than the Amazon Basics one this is a lot

more comfortable than the Amazon Basics

one on the next to skin level it just

feels like it's softer and it feels like

it slides and Glides over the skin a lot

more which is something you want when

you're wearing something as a next to

skin base layer now when you're looking

at this it's hard to see much difference

between the Amazon Basics one and this

rad version obviously we've got some rad

branding and the collar is a little bit

different it's quite a high you'll see

that this kind of sits under just like

under my beard whereas the Amazon Basics

one was more like a more like a v-neck

kind of setup where it overlaps this one

almost has like a built-in collar and if

you were concerned about getting sunburn

on your neck I never have been

personally but if you were I guess that

could be handy so that's one thing to

keep in mind if you're not really into

having like a necktie I might have set

up then you might not want to get this

one but I think the cuts in the seams

are a little bit more intelligently done

on this one for example the seams don't

go over the shoulders so it won't

irritate you on your backpack that's a

smart thing and the seams within the

fabric of this feel a lot nicer on the

skin as well so it's got that offset

tapered seam that runs down the side one

nicer feature of the wrap Force hoodie

is these really low profile flat lock

low bulk seams which make things a

little bit more comfortable than the

Amazon Basics model now for a while I

thought the wrap Force didn't have thumb

Loops but it actually does they're just

really hidden cool feature but I'm not

really a fan it's not as comfortable as

your standard kind of thumb Loop setup

where it's split through here and the

hoods is relatively small like I'm not

sure you'd be able to get a helmet under

that actually let's try it I mean it's

probably a little bit tight I'm not sure

if it's designed to be helmet compatible

but it definitely gets over it main

thing here that you're paying for as

these products get more expensive

they're going to be lighter they're

going to be more breathable so this RAB

is definitely more breathable than the

Amazon Basics one when I was wearing the

Amazon Basics one I found that I was

getting very warm it definitely didn't

breathe as well so I would actually just

jump in the lakes in the streams to cool

down when I was wearing that on that

trip that I wore in Germany also doesn't

dry too fast so if you are counting on

swimming in this and jumping in lakes

and washing it it's not going to dry as

fast as this wrap so so far we've got

the RAB versus the Amazon Basics I mean

for twice the price I'd probably just

stick to the Amazon Basics if the choice

was between these two so that's the wrap

Force hoodie price wise you're looking

at about 60 Euros or thereabouts but

I've got links in them option if you

want to check out exactly what the price

would be if you want to get shipped to

the US but if you are in the US you

might want to hang out into the next one

which is my favorite of these three Sun

hoodies this one is from black diamonds

the alpen glow and it's by far my

favorite so far this has a whole nother

level of lightness breathability and

comfort first thing I notice is the hood

sits on top of my head properly and it

doesn't like flop around because of the

way that it's cut it just sits on my

head really well I also like that it has

a zip now obviously that's going to add

a little bit of extra weight but that's

a feature that I really enjoy because

when it is very hot I can really open it

up and I can get a little bit of air in

there we've got

legitimate thumb lips like thumb Loops

that actually work dumb Loops that are

actually comfortable I love the color

although it does tend to get Pretty

Dirty after I'm through hiking for a few

days it starts to look a little bit dank

so I probably should have got another

color we have a little pocket here that

I never use apparently it's like a

credit card or like an ID pocket so I

guess that's pretty cool I was kind of

hoping that I could put my phone in it

um with the whole shirt isn't really

structurally sound enough to to carry a

phone so if you're hoping to put a phone

in there don't worry about it it's not

going to happen so the black Iron Alpine

glow definitely has 50 plus sun

protection that's a big feature an

important feature in a sun hoodie now

apparently it's designed to be worn

under the helmet certainly comfortable

enough with it under the helmet I'm

pretty sure it's actually big enough to

get over the top of the helmet as well

I think I'd prefer that because it's

you've got the choice to take it on and

take it off whenever you like it doesn't

feel like it's a stretch to get it on

it's not like it's pulling the shirt

upwards so that works for me the weight

of the fabric itself is 200 GSM although

I may I've got my facts wrong on that

because it actually feels lighter than

the rad Force hoodie which is like 165

GSM it has polygen Odor Control

treatments but what I can say is the

odor treatment on this is more effective

than the odor treatment on the wrap

force and certainly it's better than the

Amazon Basics one I like the underarm

breathable gussets that are sewed in

here obviously it's nice to have a

thinner fabric under the arms and I

think that's a nice little feature that

puts this sun hoodie for me just another

level up and the extra layer of comfort

and there's also something called Black

Diamond cool in fabric which is a

cooling technology I have no idea about

uh it's certainly cooler and nicer to

wear than the other hoodies so turn

earlier so on the whole I think the

black diamond Alpha glow just has a

whole nother level of style yes you were

paying about 15 dollars more on top of

the rad one but I think it's absolutely

worth the for the features for the

offers and also for the style I do love

this classic Black Diamond approach of

having really high technology but also a

lot of style as well so for me it's an

absolute no-brainer this is the absolute

Pinnacle of performance and comfort and

style in terms of the features and the

look and the feel it is far beyond the

other two that I've shared and certainly

worth an extra 15 bucks and if you get

it on sale you're absolutely winning and

if it's a little bit cooler sometimes

they'll put a Merino base layer

underneath this but most of the time

this is a next to skin based layer and

really when you put this on when you

feel it you realize that it's made to be

an extra skin base layer because it's so

smooth against the skimmer it's so

comfortable some hoodies are really just

something fairly new to me I've only

started using them in the last few years

and I guess they've only been around and

popularized in the last few years so

it's all something fairly new but if you

haven't gone down the route of buying

and trying out a sun hoodie for whether

it's hiking or climbing or

mountaineering whatever you're doing

highly recommended especially in the

warmer months because it really is a

game changer in terms of keeping

yourself safe from the Sun but also

being comfortable and protecting your

skin and allowing your skin to breathe

while still being cool covering your

skin is one of the most important things

for you to do if you're out in the sun

all the time and also covering your skin

can actually keep you cooler if it's

done with the right Fabrics so the BD

album glow definitely my favorite thing

to wear on my top generally I'm pairing

that now with black diamond Sprint

shorts so

if you want to see everything else that

I've been using this summer in terms of

my kit I made another video a couple of

weeks ago where you can see literally

everything that I use on my hikes I'll

leave that video here for you to check

out but other than that stay safe in the

sun definitely get yourself a sun hoodie

links are in the description I'll see

you on the summit