Patagonia Sun Hoody

 

Photo courtesy of Atomic

The skier?

http://www.kilianjornet.cat/

 

One of the really fun things about winter alpine climbing is the amount of gear it takes. OK, one of the really annoying things about winter alpine climbing is how much gear it takes.

Because of that I am always looking for gear to make my fun..more fun.

By the time spring roles around, things lighten up gear wise.  Nothing better than being on the snow skiing or climbing and not having to be bundled up.

Once in a while you come across something that is a total surprise and you wonder how you ever got along without it. Patagonia's R1 Hoody comes to mind. Patagonia's Sun Hoody is the easy to wear mid/outer layer that is lighter yet than the R1 Hoody.  Tech shirt in weight but enough insulation for spring skiing, a chilly run or just casual wear.

Seldom do I find a useful piece of climbing clothing that I want on every spring and summer climb and ski, rock or snow.  But also a piece of clothing I want to wear every day...24 hrs a day. And this one I do. I really do. Admittedly I look like a dork in it but I LOVE this hoody! Wearing one as I type this as matter of fact. Yes, it is SICK...but these things rock!

But nothing better skiing in bright sun light on brilliant snow while dressed in a "white" set of clothing.  Helps with hydration and helps you keep a more stable body temp.  Take a hint from Jilain Jornet above.  Nice to have a hood and not have  your ears burnt off as well.

I've owned a couple of the sun hoodies since I wrote this up first in 2010.  Just picked up another one in a new color.  $59 @ full retail last week.  Easy enough to find at half that price in the off season.   I had seen only two colors until recently ..off white/silver and the ninja color, olive drab. Gotta love the military contracts.  Now they are coming in a couple of pastel colors. 

I have a couple of versions.  One with a small zipper pocket on the hem, now the pocket is on the chest and there is another version with a kangaroo pocket.  The latest/newest chest pocket version seems to be the most practical for my own use.

I say the Sun hoody rocks!

Patagonia sez:

Men's Lightweight Sun Hoody $59 msrp
Breathable, fast-drying hooded top with 30 UPF sun protection for next-to-skin use.

A highly evolved second skin designed to maximize your time on the water. For simultaneous air conditioning and tough 30 UPF sun protection, the super breathable, fast drying Sun Hoody is made of lightweight polyester jersey. A 3 panel hood protects your head, a hip closure pocket keeps keys, wax and hand lines sorted, and we've added thumb loops at the cuffs for added coverage. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Details
•Soft and supple polyester fabric with sun protection
•3-panel, self-fabric hood provides airy, ventilated sun protection
•Thumb loops at cuffs for added coverage and sun protection
•Zippered pocket at hip
•Flat seams reduce chafe
•4.3-oz 100% polyester jersey with 30-UPF sun protection. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
•246 g (8.7 oz)
•Made in Vietnam.

Technology

The UV protection offered by this garment is rated “very good.” *

* When tested in accordance with Australian/New Zealand test methods AS/NZS 4399 or AATCC
183/ASTM6603/ASTM D6544.