A love letter to the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie, arguably the best sun hoodie on the market
Quick Pros and Cons
- super affordable ($34.50-$74), especially on sale
- excellent UV resistance
- comfortable fit and material
- plenty of colors to choose from
- retains odor
- perhaps a bit long in the torso
For us outdoorsy people, sun protection is a must. But rather than slather myself in zinc and Banana Boat or smell like Sun Bum artificial coconut for the whole day, this summer, I jumped on the sun hoodie train.
Myself and 3 other climbing friends purchased the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie (in different colors of course), and it quickly became a uniform standard piece in our summer wardrobe.
With its lightweight, breathable fabric and built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, the Backcountry Sun Hoodie proved to be a reliable companion for hiking, climbing, and more. After all, UPF clothing provides a physical barrier from UV rays, which actually functions in a superior way to a lot of sunscreens that operate on a chemical level.
In this review, we’ll dive into its design, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next adventure.
How I've Tested and Used the Tahoe Sun Hoodie
I basically lived in the Tahoe Sun Hoodie for all my outdoor trips this summer from 6+ hr climbing days to backpacking trips and day hikes. I’ve hiked and climbed in the hoodie for hours on end, and even ended up wearing it during an unexpected hailstorm (not the recommended use for the hoodie).
Sun Protection, Design, and Fit
The sun protection is rated UPF 50+, meaning it blocks 98% of UV rays and allows just 2 percent (1/50th) to penetrate the barrier. I have worn this hoodie for hours in the California sun and in the alpine and have never gotten burnt through it.
I’ve also worn the Tahoe hoodie while hiking and moving around in 95°F plus weather, and in my experience, wearing the sun hoodie has actually helped keep me cooler since the fabric is decently breathable and the physical barrier blocks UV rays.
The fabric is mostly polyester with 12% spandex knit jersey. The knit jersey adds a nice bit of stretch, making the sun hoodie a perfect light layer for active use.
With a slim yet flexible cut, the Tahoe hoodie accommodates a wide range of motion without feeling restrictive. If you’re into using thumbholes, they’re well positioned and keep your hands protected from UV rays.
If I have one critique, it is related to the fit. The torso length is pretty long in a way that doesn’t fully make sense to me from a practical or sun coverage standpoint.
Still, overall, the fit strikes a good balance between athletic functionality and everyday comfort.
Durability and Wear over Time
Having used the Tahoe Hoodie primarily for climbing, I can say it’s held up pretty well in terms of abrasion against granite and rock in general. That said, it’s certainly not bulletproof. My climbing partner took a fall in the hoodie and had a couple little holds/rips to show for it.
After a season of heavy use, my light blue color is starting to show signs of staining. Dirt, chalk, and sweat tend to linger in the fabric, and the hoodie doesn’t always come out spotless even after a thorough wash.
The light-colored options, in particular, seem to be more prone to visible staining. While this doesn’t affect the performance or durability, it’s something to keep in mind if you prioritize gear that looks fresh after every adventure.
The major con of the sun hoodie is just how it holds onto odor. To tackle the stink, I’ve found myself resorting to a combination of long, luxurious soaks for my sun hoodie in OxiClean and Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, which effectively neutralizes the smell.
This odor retention could be attributed to the fabric composition and UPF treatment. Polyester, a key component in the hoodie, is known for its moisture-wicking properties but can also trap oils and bacteria from sweat, leading to persistent odors over time. Additionally, UPF treatments often involve chemical coatings or additives that may further inhibit the fabric’s ability to release odors during washing. While these features enhance the hoodie’s sun protection and performance, they may inadvertently contribute to the challenge of keeping it smelling fresh. Par for the course perhaps. I’ve experienced the same issue with the REI Sahara Shirt.
Value for the Money and Deals
The Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie retails for $74, but you can find it on sale once a season as they seem to cycle through a bunch of colors. Take a look at what’s for grabs June and November, when I’ve seen a couple colors go on sale. I purchased mine for $34.50, which you really can’t beat. And even at $74, I’d argue the Tahoe Sun Hoodie offers tremendous value given how practically and well it performs.
Comparisons to Other Sun Hoodies
I looked at two main competitor products before my decision to purchase the Tahoe hoodie: the Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody ($99) and the REI Sahara Shade Hoody ($50).
The Patagonia Tropic Comfort has a buttery fabric feel compared to the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie. But the neck design is the most standout difference in design. The Tropic Comfort has a marginally lower neckline with a button, so you can increase neck coverage. But this creates an odd keyhole look, and it felt less practical for me given I frequently use the hoodie in conjunction with a climbing helmet and the hood up.
I also couldn’t justify the price difference given the Tahoe hoodie was $34.50 at the time I purchased it, since it was a past-season color.
The REI Sahara Shade strikes me as a very comparable product, and I know several people who swear by their Sahara Shades. I wasn’t a fan of the curved hem on the women’s version, so I decided against it.
Closing Thoughts
The Tahoe Sun Hoodie is a very effective piece of outdoor apparel. It’s comfy enough to throw on for any activity and forget you’re wearing it, which means you won’t hesitate to put it on and get that UPF 50+ protection.
I’ve enjoyed my first season of use with this product and know I will continue to use it when the sun comes around next year.
This review sold me on trying out a new product! I saw that one of the colors was on deep sale in my size, so I snagged it (great recommendation on timing to look for sales!). I previously had both a REI Sahara Shade and another Patagonia sun hoodie, I’m excited to see how this compares. Thanks for the recommendation!