A reliable sunshirt can make or break your time outdoors—whether you’re summiting mountains, paddling, or spending long days in the sun.
We put four brands of sunshirts to the test in some of the harshest conditions possible—from blistering 110+°F heat in Arizona to frigid 5°F temperatures in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Based on these extremes, we’re confident you’ll stay comfortable on Kilimanjaro with any of these four brands we tested. But how do they compare when it comes to comfort, cooling, design, and value? Here’s our breakdown.
Here’s how they rank:
1. Men’s Alpenglow Sun Hoodie
by Black Diamond
- Comfort, Fit, Cooling: 5/5 each – Hands down the most comfortable, breathable, and well-fitting option.
- Design: 4/5 – Streamlined and functional, though limited color variety.
- Cost: 3/5 – Pricey, but the performance justifies it.
- Verdict: Overall winner. If performance is your priority, this is the one to get.
- Suggested improvement: Normally, a looser sunshirt allows more airflow, but the fabric of the Alpenglow breathes so well you don’t need the looser fit. No improvements suggested.
- Overall Rating: ★★★★★
2. Men’s Sahara Shade Hoodie
by REI
- Comfort, Fit, Cooling: 3/5 – Adequate but not exceptional. Fit could be looser, and breathability is average.
- Design: 4/5 – Clean look with decent style.
- Cost: 4/5 – Fairly priced, making it a solid budget-friendly choice.
- Verdict: A good entry-level sunshirt for casual use.
- Suggested improvement: While we typically prefer an athletic cut, sunshirts benefit from a looser fit. The extra space allows better airflow, which helps you stay cooler in hot conditions.
- Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆
3. Men’s UPF 50+ Performance Hoodie
by Eddie Bauer
- Comfort, Fit, Cooling: 4/5 – Lightweight and moisture-wicking, works well in heat.
- Design: 3/5 – Basic appearance compared to others.
- Cost: 5/5 – Best value for money; strong performance at the lowest price.
- Verdict: Best budget performer. Delivers comfort and protection without overspending.
- Suggested improvement: Loosen the sleeve ends to allow better airflow on the hot days.
- Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
4. Men’s PFG Solar Stream Hoodie
by Columbia
- Comfort, Fit, Cooling: 2/5 – Fit feels off, and breathability lags behind competitors.
- Design: 2/5 – Stiff fabric and limited appeal.
- Cost: 3/5 – Surprisingly expensive given its underwhelming performance.
- Verdict: Disappointing. Doesn’t fit well, the fabric feels stiff, and it falls short in breathability compared to every other brand here.
- Suggested improvement: Use a better fabric that breathes better.
- Overall Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Sunshirt Comparison Table
| Sunshirt | Comfort / Fit / Cooling | Design | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Alpenglow Sun Hoodie | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Overall Winner. Unmatched comfort, fit, and cooling. Worth the higher price. |
| REI Men’s Sahara Shade Hoodie | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | Best for casual use. Decent value, but average performance. |
| Eddie Bauer Men’s UPF 50+ Performance Hoodie | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | Best budget performer. Strong function at the lowest price. |
| Columbia PFG Solar Stream Hoodie | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | Skip this one. Poor fit, stiff fabric, and low breathability. |
Final Recommendation
Best Overall: Black Diamond Alpenglow – unbeatable comfort and cooling.
Best Budget Performer: Eddie Bauer Performance Hoodie – top value at the lowest cost.
Best Casual Pick: REI Sahara Shade – solid if you want decent performance at a reasonable price.
One to Skip: Columbia PFG Solar Stream – falls short across the board.
