Best Sun Hoodies for Desert Hiking (2026)
The top UPF 50+ sun hoodies tested on Sonoran Desert trails — ranked by breathability, coverage, durability, and value. One clear winner for most hikers.
HikeDesert Team
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Three summers of Sonoran Desert hiking and you stop questioning whether to wear a sun hoody. You just put it on. The question becomes which one.
We’ve worn four models across multiple seasons on trails ranging from the shaded lower Sabino Canyon to the fully exposed Rincon Valley Loop in Saguaro East. Here’s what we found.
Our Top Pick: Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun Hoody
The Capilene Cool Sun Hoody is the best all-around option for desert hikers at any experience level. It’s built from recycled polyester that wicks moisture fast, rated UPF 50+, and cut long enough in the sleeve to actually cover your wrists while hiking (arms raised, reaching for handholds).
What makes it stand out: the fabric actively moves air against your skin as you walk. On exposed ridgeline sections where convective cooling from shade doesn’t exist, this matters. It’s also one of the few sun hoodies with a full hood that actually covers the back of your neck when looking down at the trail.
Price runs $79–89 depending on season and color. Worth every dollar if you’re hiking more than a few times per year.
Runner-Up: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie
The OR Echo is lighter than the Patagonia by about an ounce, costs $10–15 less, and uses a similar UPF 50+ polyester-elastane blend. The main tradeoff: the sleeve length runs slightly shorter on tall hikers, and the hood sits a bit higher on the neck, leaving a small gap on steep downhills.
For hikers under 5'10" or those prioritizing packability, the Echo is the better buy. It stuffs into its own chest pocket and takes up almost no space in a pack.
Budget Option: REI Co-op Sahara Sun Hoodie
At $55–65, the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie is the entry point that doesn’t compromise where it counts. UPF 50+, wicking polyester, full hood. The fit is looser than the Patagonia and OR options — not ideal for layering under a pack’s shoulder straps, but fine for casual desert day hikes.
Where it falls short: the fabric pills faster than the premium options, and the hood doesn’t seal as well around the face in wind. For someone doing a couple desert hikes per season rather than weekly outings, the price difference doesn’t justify the Patagonia.
What to Look For
Four things matter more than anything else in a desert sun hoody:
- UPF 50+ rating (non-negotiable — this is the whole point)
- Sleeve length that covers your wrists when arms are raised
- Hood that covers the back of your neck on steep terrain
- Fabric that wicks fast and doesn’t hold odor after a sweaty day
Anything that hits all four is a solid choice. The Patagonia hits all four better than any alternative we’ve tested.
What We Tested and Skipped
We tested the Columbia Silver Ridge Sun Hoody and dismissed it — the UPF 50 rating holds, but the fabric breathes poorly in direct sun and clings when wet from sweat. The Sun Precautions Solumbra hoodies are excellent for medical-grade sun protection but run hot and feel more like beachwear than trail gear.
Arc’teryx Motus Sun Hoody is excellent but costs $120+. The Patagonia does everything it does at $30 less.
For full clothing recommendations, see our desert hiking clothing guide or head directly to the what to wear hiking in the desert article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What UPF rating do I need for desert hiking?
UPF 50+ is the standard to look for. It blocks 98%+ of UV radiation. UPF 30–49 blocks 96–97%, which is still meaningful protection. Avoid anything below UPF 30 for all-day desert sun exposure. UPF rating applies to the fabric when dry — wet fabric (from sweat) typically has lower effective UPF, so fabrics that maintain UPF when wet (polyester, nylon) are better than those that don't (some merino blends).
Is a sun hoody better than sunscreen for hiking?
Yes, for all-day sun exposure on desert hikes. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, especially on sweating skin. Most hikers don't reapply — which means they're unprotected after the first couple of hours. A sun hoody provides consistent protection all day without any maintenance. Use sunscreen on your face and any exposed skin, but let the hoody do the heavy lifting on your arms and torso.
Can I wear a sun hoody in summer heat?
Yes. This surprises people, but a lightweight UPF hoody is often cooler than a bare arm in direct desert sun. The fabric reflects some heat, prevents the burning sensation on your skin, and wicks sweat efficiently. Most experienced desert hikers wear their sun hoody in July — not despite the heat, but because of it.
How do I know if a sun hoody fits right?
The hood should cover the back of your neck when you look down, and the sleeves should reach your wrists even when your arms are raised (hiking position). A too-short sleeve leaves a gap at the wrist that catches sun on long hikes. The body should be slim enough to not catch wind but loose enough to layer a sports bra or lightweight base layer underneath comfortably.
HikeDesert Team