REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
After wearing a handful of sun shirts, the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is my second favorite. The details of the shirt are great but the fabric is a little bit thicker than I would like.
That being said, I kept this hoodie to wear in cooler weather. I took it camping and wore the shirt for a hike, at the beach, and slept in at night when the temperature dropped. That also proves the effectiveness of the antimicrobial treatment to minimize odors.
As mentioned in the cons, the fit is baggy so I bought a small instead of the usual medium. The baggy fit does help keep you cool thought. I liked all the of room in the armpit areas to help keep air flowing and sweat drying.
The curved hemline is cute and functional. I always appreciated a little extra coverage at the rear and it also hits below the hip straps of a backpack. The shirt is a perfect match for leggings with side pockets.
This is the only sun hoodie I found with a drawstring. It is appreciated for windy days and boat rides.
I also prefer the heathered colors to one solid.
Where To Buy
Pros
Confortable fabric and fit
Hoodie has a drawstring
Shaped hem + thumbholes
Cons
Fabric is thicker than some other sun shirts
Baggy fit
Summary
The Sahara Hoodie is a lightweight hoodie with UPF 50 sun protection. This is one of the few sun hoodies with a drawstring to keep the hood on in windy conditions.
Who Should Buy?
If you’re look for protection from the sun and more, try the Sahara Shade Hoodie. The quick-dry fabric keeps you cool in the heat while being thick enough to keep you warm in the evening. It’s an excellent multi-purpose shirt that is better than sunscreen.