The Altitude Sun Hoodie from Outdoor Vitals is the lightest top layer option available – both in weight and in breathability. Made from a moisture-wicking mesh-like fabric, this is my top choice for hiking in hot weather.

When hiking in warmer weather, I prefer to cover up to protect my skin from the sun instead of needing to apply lots of sunscreen. The Altitude Sun Hoodie is the lightest fabric I’ve seen for a sun hoodie. The fabric is basically mesh, with plenty of ventilation and moisture-wicking properties for wearing in hot weather to prevent overheating. It also dries super fast. And it only weighs 3.3 ounces for a women’s size small.

Specs

• Fabric: 80 GSM 100% polyester
• Warranty: Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise
• Weight: 3.3 oz. – women’s size small
• Sizes: XS – 3XL
• UPF Rating: Inconclusive because fabric is too light & thin, making it hard to test – (the Altitude has been tested extensively in high elevation sunlight with no sign of UV ray penetration)
• Fit: Close – The Altitude hoodie should fit close to skin and fit easily beneath other layers.

About Outdoor Vitals

Outdoor Vitals is a small cottage-industry company based in Utah. Instead of selling their merchandise in traditional retail outlets, they use direct-to-consumer sales to make their gear more affordable.

Purchase from Outdoor Vitals: $49.97 (regular price)
Limited time discount – 25% off: sale price $37.48

View at Outdoor Vitals

What I like about the Altitude Sun Hoodie

• Breathability: the fabric weave allows air to flow to keep me cool when hiking
• Sun protection: I burn easily in the sun and don’t like to wear sunscreen all over, while the hood provides extra protection for my neck and ears
• Lightweight: when backpacking, this hoodie weighs so little that I don’t notice when adding it to my pack
• Style: I like the look of this hoodie… it’s not as big and loose as other hoodies and has an athletic cut that isn’t too tight either

Note that the fabric was not built to withstand abrasion so be careful about getting it snagged by brush and wash in a machine without an agitator. I prefer to hang it to dry, like all other technical apparel that I own.

My review policy

Outdoor Vitals sent me this product to test and review. Regardless, I’m under no obligation to give it a favorable review. As an independent gear reviewer, my policy is to review only items that I have used on multiple backpacking or camping trips and that I feel are quality products worthy of recommending. If I don’t like a product, I send it back and don’t review or recommend it.

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