Fly Fishing Gear | Six of The Best Women’s Sun Hoodies on The Market

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Jess McGlothlin | Last updated May 16, 2024 10:40 PM ET

I spend many months each year out in the sun, often in random hot equatorial climates. This year alone, fly fishing and work have brought me to Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil—all wonderful places with sunshine strong enough to give one’s skin a crispy burn if not careful. Sunscreen is a great tool, sure, but I’m more and more a believer in mechanical sun coverage: a physical barrier that helps keep the sun off my skin. And the first thing I look for in sun shirts? A hood. Being able to cover my ears and the back of my neck (as well as tug up a hood to ward off swarms of bugs) is a key feature for me. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I headed out onto the water without a hood.

Function and Then Form

So let's talk about sun hoodies. Features I look for are quick-drying material (for swims, sweat, and washing before hang-drying), long-enough arms and thumb loops to keep the sun off the back of my hands, a hood that’s somewhat tailored to help it stay on during runs on the boat, and ideally a feminine-enough look—not tight, but just a bit tailored—so I don’t look like another dude with a fly rod.

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I’ve been testing a handful of sun hoodies in a quest to replace some of my old favorites, which, admittedly, have enough holes that they need to be retired. (And here’s some random trivia for you: some brands spell it “hoodie,” while others use “hoody.” I’ve gone with what each brand calls their shirt in the list below.) Here are a few of the stand-out winners so far:

Orvis Women’s Sun Defense Hoodie | $79

This super-light hoodie from Orvis is made with heat-reflecting anti-NIR (near-infrared radiation) yarn, provides maximum sun protection in a lightweight knit which packs small and is comfortable even when wet. The arms were just a hair short for me (I’m 5’10” with long arms) but otherwise the fit was feminine yet functional. Maximum UPF 50+ both wet or dry, and quick-drying for swim or shower days.

Outdoor Research Women’s Echo Hoodie | $75

This hoodie from Outdoor Research isn’t designed specifically with fly fishing in mind, but it’s so wickedly light that it’s made it into my rotation. I’m curious to see how the bluesign®-approved recycled stretch material holds up, but so far it’s held true to its claims of anti-odor, and it’s such a light layer I keep reaching for it. It does only have an UPF 15 rating, however, so I’ve been laying sunscreen underneath for full days in high sun.

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Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody | $99

I have several old-style Patagonia hoodies that I love, and really wanted this one to carry on the tradition. To be fair, for someone in a moderate to cool climate, it’s a great fit. The fabric is super soft and feels like cotton, eliminating the “cling” found in some of the other hoodies listed here. But for tropical or jungle climates the fabric is just a hair too thick and hot, and doesn’t dry quickly once it’s wet. I do love the long arms, thumb holes, and the cut of the shirt, so if you’re fishing temperate climates, give it a look. The hoody offers UPF 40+ and is made with modal fabric from renewable, natural beet pulp.

Backcountry Tahoe Women’s Sun Hoodie | $74

An expected favorite on the list. Though not specifically made for the fly angler, this sun hoodie by Backcountry stands out thanks to the “active fit” cut which allows for a full range of motion, even when double-hauling big rods to big saltwater species. The stretchy, breathable fabric offers UPF 50+ rating, the hood offers great coverage around the neck, and the thumb holes are some of the best-engineered I’ve found.

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Columbia Women’s PFG Solar Stream Hoodie | $50

From Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear line, the Solar Stream Hoodie is maybe the least tech-specific hoodie on the list, but it’s still a comfortable choice for the budget-conscious. The brand’s lightweight fabric offers UPF 50+ while being lightweight and cool, and wicks moisture well. The fit was a little short and boxy for my preferences, but for those looking for that fit, this could be your new favorite hoodie.

Fieldsheer Women’s Hooded Long-Sleeve Shirt | $40

Another solid budget choice that’s unexpectedly become a favorite of mine. These shirts from Fieldsheer are super lightweight and dry well, and have held up well on multiple trips in challenging environments. The shirts dry very quickly, offer good hood fit (could be a little more tailored, but it’s not bad) and thumbholes, and bring UPF 50+ coverage. The light colors can be a little sheer (the mesh back will show a bra even in the dark colors, so plan either a swimsuit underneath or neutral basics), but overall they are a steal for the price.