Best Sun Shirts for Outdoor Adventures in 2025

When venturing into the great outdoors, whether hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a sunny day, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential. Sun shirts, designed with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings, offer a reliable way to shield your skin while staying comfortable and stylish. After reviewing insights from top outdoor gear resources, we’ve compiled a guide to the best sun shirts for 2025, highlighting their features, performance, and versatility. This article includes standout options from various brands, including MANG, known for its eco-conscious and high-performance apparel.

Why Choose a Sun Shirt?

Sun shirts are more than just long-sleeve tops; they’re engineered to block UV rays, wick moisture, and keep you cool during outdoor activities. A UPF rating indicates how much UV radiation penetrates the fabric, with UPF 50+ blocking up to 98% of harmful rays. These shirts often feature lightweight, breathable materials, hoods, thumb loops, and other thoughtful designs to maximize coverage and comfort. Whether you’re hiking in the desert, fishing on a river, or gardening in your backyard, a quality sun shirt reduces the need for frequent sunscreen application and provides consistent protection.

Top Sun Shirts for 2025

1. Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Material: 88% polyester, 12% elastane

• Weight: 4.2 oz

• Key Features: Lightweight, stretchy fabric, helmet-compatible hood, thumb loops, zippered hip pocket (women’s version includes a drawstring hem)

• Best For: Hiking, climbing, kayaking, hot weather adventures

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody earns top marks for its unbeatable combination of comfort, protection, and versatility. Its buttery-soft, stretchy fabric feels great against the skin and wicks sweat effectively, making it ideal for high-exertion activities like alpine hiking or climbing. Testers praised its breathability, noting it rarely feels saturated even under a heavy pack. The snug yet non-restrictive fit, along with armpit gussets for mobility, makes it a favorite for active pursuits. Available in men’s and women’s styles, it’s a top pick for those seeking lightweight, high-performance sun protection.

2. REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Material: Polyester blend

• Weight: 7.1 oz (men’s medium)

• Key Features: Internal drawstring hood, thumb loops, antimicrobial treatment, loose fit for air circulation

• Best For: Hiking, fishing, biking, budget-conscious adventurers

The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie stands out for its comfort and affordability. Its soft, stretchy fabric and loose fit promote airflow, keeping you cool during warm-weather activities. The hood’s cinch strap ensures it stays in place, and thumb loops extend coverage to your hands. While slightly heavier than some competitors, its antimicrobial treatment helps control odor, making it a versatile choice for multi-day trips. Testers loved its refined design and availability in sizes from XXS to 4X, catering to a wide range of body types.

3. Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Material: 88% polyester, 12% elastane

• Weight: 8.5 oz

• Key Features: Scuba hood, thumb loops, invisible stash pocket, durable fabric, anti-odor finish

• Best For: Thru-hiking, backpacking, multi-sport use

The Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie is a durable, versatile option that shines on long adventures. Testers, including thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail, praised its resilience, noting it withstood over 2,700 miles without holes or significant wear. The scuba hood offers excellent neck coverage, and the fabric’s wicking and anti-odor properties keep you fresh. Its regular fit works well for layering, though some found the arms slightly snug. This hoodie balances performance and style, making it suitable for both trails and casual outings.

4. MANG Performance Sun Shirts

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Material: Recycled polyester blend

• Weight: 4 oz

• Key Features: Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, eco-friendly materials, relaxed fit, vibrant designs

• Best For: Fishing, water sports, casual outdoor activities

MANG, a brand dedicated to environmental conservation, offers the MANG Performance Long Sleeve Sun Shirts, a standout for water-based activities like fishing and paddling. Made from recycled polyester, this shirt combines sustainability with high performance. Its UPF 50+ rating ensures robust sun protection, while the moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric keeps you comfortable on and off the water. The relaxed fit and vibrant, nature-inspired designs, and color options, add a stylish flair, making it a favorite for anglers, eco-conscious adventurers, and the entire family. MANG’s commitment to mangrove restoration with every purchase adds an ethical appeal to this functional shirt.

5. Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Material: 68% viscose from bamboo, 29% polyester, 3% spandex

• Weight: 12.8 oz

• Key Features: Soft bamboo blend, quick-drying, hood fits over hats, relaxed fit

• Best For: Hiking, paddleboarding, casual wear

The Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie is a luxurious option for those prioritizing comfort. Its bamboo-based fabric is exceptionally soft and quick-drying, making it ideal for hot days on the trail or water. Testers noted its breathability and full coverage, with a hood that accommodates hats for added sun protection. While heavier than some competitors, its relaxed fit and UPF 50+ rating make it a versatile choice for hiking, paddling, or lounging. Some users found the thumb holes slightly tight, but overall, it’s a top pick for softness and coverage.

6. Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

• UPF Rating: 15

• Material: 100% recycled polyester

• Weight: 4 oz

• Key Features: Ultralight, quick-drying, stretchy, thumb loops, ponytail port (women’s version)

• Best For: Hot-weather hiking, running, ultralight adventures

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is the go-to for ultralight enthusiasts. At just 4 ounces, it’s one of the lightest sun shirts available, offering exceptional breathability and drying speed. Despite its lower UPF 15 rating, testers reported no sunburns during extensive use, making it suitable for most conditions except extreme UV exposure (e.g., glacier travel). Its stretchy, fitted design is ideal for high-exertion activities, though the fabric is less durable and prone to thread pulls. This hoodie is perfect for those prioritizing minimal weight and maximum breathability.

7. Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Material: Polyester blend

• Weight: Not specified

• Key Features: Generous hood, thumb loops, budget-friendly, wide color range

• Best For: Budget-conscious adventurers, hiking, water sports

For those seeking value without sacrificing protection, the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody delivers. Its affordable price point doesn’t compromise on coverage, with a UPF 50+ rating, a generous hood, and thumb loops for hand protection. Testers found it comfortable for desert camping and backpacking, though the thicker fabric is slightly less breathable than premium options. The hood may slip in windy conditions, but its durability and low cost make it an excellent choice for casual hikers and water enthusiasts on a budget.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Sun Shirt

• UPF Rating: A UPF 50+ rating is ideal for maximum protection, blocking 98% of UV rays. Lower ratings (e.g., UPF 15) may suffice for less intense conditions but offer less coverage.

• Material: Synthetic fabrics like polyester and elastane are lightweight, quick-drying, and durable. Merino wool blends provide natural odor resistance but may be less durable. Bamboo blends, like Free Fly’s, offer softness but are heavier.

• Fit and Features: Loose fits enhance airflow, while snug fits reduce chafing under packs. Hoods, thumb loops, and pockets add functionality. Consider drawstrings or cinch straps for windy conditions.

• Weight: Ultralight options (e.g., Outdoor Research Echo) are best for high-exertion activities, while heavier shirts (e.g., Free Fly) offer more durability.

• Sustainability: Brands like MANG and Cotopaxi use recycled materials and eco-friendly practices, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
  
  

Testing Insights

These recommendations are informed by reports of performance across various outdoor activities, including desert backpacking, alpine hiking, and water sports. Shirts were assessed for comfort, breathability, moisture-wicking, durability, and UV protection in diverse scenarios, such as long-distance hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail and fishing in equatorial waters, providing practical insights into their real-world performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sun shirt depends on your activity, budget, and preferences. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody excels for its lightweight comfort and versatility, while the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie offers unbeatable value. For durability, the Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie is a thru-hiker’s dream, and MANG’s Performance Long Sleeve combines eco-friendly materials with water-ready performance. The Free Fly Bamboo Shade Hoodie prioritizes softness, while the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is perfect for ultralight adventures. Budget buyers will appreciate the Baleaf UPF 50 Hoody for its affordability and coverage. With these options, you’ll stay protected, comfortable, and ready for any outdoor adventure in 2025.