Rab Men's Force Hoody

Product Information

In this guide you'll find the best sun protective clothing for any season, plus a breakdown of why it's worth trusting. It’s time to ditch those tank tops folks! You might be wondering why sun hoodies have thumb loops. The reason is that sleeves will typically roll up when you extend your arms for things like climbing or sailing, leaving your hands and wrists exposed. So, having thumb loops keeps the tops of your hands protected, which regular hoodies don’t. Stretchy material is always more comfortable, and when it is also soft next to the skin, it is a recipe for success. The benefits of stretchy sun hoodies are that they don’t restrict your movement and can be worn quite tight-fitting if that’s what you want. Fitting For many, it might seem counterintuitive to wear a long sleeve shirt or hoodie in high temps, but with the right materials, walking around in your own cooling shade will convert even the most diehard "suns out, buns out" devotee. If you’re interested in oodles of fun colors, a lightweight profile and a limited lifetime warranty on craftsmanship, Mountain Hardwear’s Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody might fit the bill (5.6 ounces for a size medium), and this year, the brand released a smattering of funky prints to stoke your adventurous side.

UPF rated sun shirts offer several advantages over conventional sunscreen when it comes to UV protection in the outdoors, especially for extended periods of exposure and for water activities. There is absolutely no doubt that sun hoodies with UPF 50+ fabric protect you from harmful UV rays and help keep you cool. They are also more breathable and stretchy than what you probably currently wear to hike in, which improves comfort and reduces chafing. They perform very highly when used for intensive exercise and are so comfy you will want to wear them at home and for everyday use too. With the addition of a sun hat like the Tilley Range, you can also cover your face to be 100% safe. Sun Hoodies Vs Sun Shirts

The fit is slightly looser than other more athletic constructions, which makes this great for everyday use, and if you are carrying a few extra pounds like me, then this doesn’t highlight the fact of being so figure-hugging. You can get this in a wide range of colors. However, we do recommend lighter colors to help reflect more sunlight and keep you cooler. The one thing I am not a fan of is the massive logo down the sleeve, which makes me feel a bit like a human billboard, but it’s not a deal-breaker. Definitely more of a base layer than a mid-layer, this feels amazing next to the skin. A soft, highly breathable top that’s ideal for hiking and climbing. A lot of stretch means a lot of movement, this top will not constrict you regardless of what you are doing. I primarily use this for hiking in the warmer months, its brilliant to throw this on at the beginning of the day and know, regardless of the weather I’m covered, literally if the sun is bearing down. I can roll the sleeves down and put the hood up and thanks to the UPF protection I’m protected from the sun, and I won’t run hot, as the single jersey fabric breathes so well. I’ve trekked across more than 230 miles of rugged Sierra Nevada topography on the John Muir Trail, journeyed to Africa on a week-long safari and hiked Alaska’s legendary fjords, and I’ve got to say that, after years of testing every sun shirt I could find, Rab’s Force Hoody has always stood out from of the crowd due to its ultralight fabric, comfortable fit and helmet-compatible hood. It was recommended to me by a climber bro at a random gear shop in the tiny town of Bishop, California, and, honestly, I owe that guy a beer.

Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake– Another ultralightweight hoody that doesn’t seem to be available anymore but from the forums it seems this is still in demand. As I mentioned before, Rab’s OG Pulse Hoody was the lightest in its class, at a scant 3.6 ounces. The Force, on the other hand, weighs in at 5.3 ounces. Still light, certainly, but no longer the lightest top in stores today. With that extra weight come added sun protection and durability, of course, but a big part of me still longs for the featherlight feel of the old design. Let’s face it: No one wants to slather their body in greasy creams or sprays multiple times a day while slogging up the edge of a summit, sweaty from the day’s exertion, and these days, your hiking shirt can do most of the heavy lifting for you. (Just be sure to apply a solid face sunscreen before you head out — we recommend EltaMD’s UV Clear Face Sunscreen.)

What is a UPF rating?

The Force Hoody is more fitted than many sun shirts on the market right now, making it ideal for hikers, climbers and mountaineers who prefer a non-chafing, skintight feel that won’t snag on boulders or errant branches. Rab Pulse Hoody– Extremely lightweight at just 4.1 ounces but only offers UPF 30+ fabric which isn’t enough in extreme heat.

Hikers, climbers, trail runners, joggers, gym enthusiasts, and outdoor instructors are all in the know about the benefits of sun hoodies and are some of the most avid ambassadors. Many boating and sailing enthusiasts love the sun hoodie concept, which has, of course, transferred over to sports like fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even surfing. Basically, if you are out in the sun for a prolonged period of time and either doesn’t like using or can’t rely on sunscreen, then a sun hoody will work very well to keep you safe and cool in the heat. Rab’s Force Hoody is a high-performing, trail-focused beast when compared to its competition. In a similar weight range (5.2 ounces) is industry titan Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoody, which feels slightly warmer and heavier against the skin and does not offer secure thumb loops. If you’re not too worried about weight, Patagonia also sells the looser-fitting but more expensive Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody (5.9 ounces), designed more for water sports, which boasts an impressive UPF 40+ rating.

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CONCLUSION: For things like desert hiking or for when you are exposed to the sun for long periods, this trusty sun hoodie will make sure you stay safe. It also helps you stay cooler which keeps you feeling fresher for longer. You don’t need to wear anything underneath as the breathable and stretchy fabric is feather-soft on your skin and also helps to reduce any chafing. I definitely recommend the white version, which will keep you the coolest and reflect the most heat.