I used to think sun shirts were a bit ridiculous. I mean, how could long sleeves possibly keep you cool in the heat, right? I was so wrong. After spending sweltering days hiking the Heysen Trail in South Australia, where the Flinders Ranges offer breathtaking views but absolutely zero shade, everything changed. Sun shirts became a lifesaver and a permanent part of my gear lineup. Here’s the lowdown on a few options that deserve a spot in every hikers wardrobe.
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- Patagonia Sun Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt
- Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
- Arc’teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt
- Patagonia Swift Drift Sun Hoody
- Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Shirt
- Final Thoughts
Patagonia Sun Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt
Worn on the Te Araroa (3000km)
Weight: 190g Price: $170
Buy the Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt here
This shirt screams classic hiking style: button-down collar, long sleeves, and a couple of handy chest pockets. But it’s more than just a hiker’s fashion statement. Made from a blend of nylon and T400 polyester, it’s feather-light, stretchy, and incredibly breathable. The fabric wicks away moisture like a champ and dries quickly. Perfect for sweaty, sun-soaked days on the trail.
With UPF 50+ sun protection, it’s a shield against harmful rays. It has tabs on the shoulders to keep the sleeves rolled up and secured if that’s your style (but kind of defeats the purpose of a sun shirt IMO). The button-up design means it can be worn open, but obviously this also compromises the sun protection. It’s a shirt built for serious trekking, yet it’s comfy enough to wear off the trail, too.
The only downside? When my partner ordered the men’s version, it was clear it had some major perks over the women’s. The men’s design included vertical back vents for extra airflow, and front zipper pockets that were far easier to access than the alternatives on the women’s version. It was disappointing to see Patagonia label these as the same shirt while offering a noticeably better design for men.
Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
Worn on the Heysen Trail (1000km)
Weight: Not listed Price: $ 65
Buy the Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie here
The Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie is the ultimate sun protection meets comfort combo. Its lightweight fabric feels breezy, while the recycled materials score big points for sustainability. The hood, a standout feature, offers solid coverage for the neck and face, ideal for those never-ending, exposed trail stretches. Thumb holes on the sleeves add a practical touch, keeping them securely in place and shielding the back of the hands. This is my favourite sun shirt ATM, so much so, that I bought 2.
Now, let’s talk about the back zip pocket. At first, I was a bit skeptical of it rubbing against my skin when wearing a pack but its low-profile design makes it barely noticeable It’s great for when you’re in town and need a place to stash cash or bank cards.
Arc’teryx Taema Crew Neck Shirt
My go-to for backcountry skiing/splitboarding
Weight: 105g Price: $130
Buy the Arc’teryx Taema Crew Shirt here
This one’s not technically a sun shirt but more of an exercise top, but it’s worth mentioning for its excellent layering capability in summer and on snow. The Taema is crafted from Arc’teryx’s Phasic™ LT fabric, a moisture-wicking, breathable material designed for maximum comfort. Its odour-resistant properties are a game-changer on hikes or sweaty backcountry tours. It’s also incredibly lightweight and soft against the skin, perfect for layering on snow. The drawback? It doesn’t provide neck coverage like the other shirts, but paired with a good hat and sunscreen, it’s an excellent choice.
Honourable mention: Patagonia Swift Drift Sun Hoody
Price: $189.95 Weight: 210g
Buy the Patagonia Swift Drift Sun Hoody here
Though untested personally, the Swift Drift Sun Hoody has earned a solid reputation among outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the fly-fishing community. It’s lightweight and designed with UPF protection in mind, making it a strong contender for trail use. Moisture-wicking fabric and a full hood make it versatile for long, sunny days. While reviews praise its functionality, the hefty price tag might make it more of a luxury purchase for some. It’s firmly on the wish list for me though for future gear upgrades.
Honourable Mention: Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Shirt
Buy the Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Shirt here
Another option that caught my eye was the Tropic Comfort Natural Shirt, also from Patagonia. The fabric looks soft enough to live in, but this season’s design switch to a neck buff instead of a full hood felt like a step backward. For those seeking full coverage, the Swift Drift remains the better bet.
Final Thoughts
Sun shirts aren’t just a passing trend; they’re a smart solution for anyone spending extended time outdoors. By offering UPF protection and advanced fabric technologies, they keep the skin safe without trapping heat. The lightweight, breathable materials make a huge difference on blazing hot days, and the added features like hoods, thumb holes, or vented panels, bring an extra layer of functionality to the table. So, whether it’s rolling up sleeves, pulling on hoods, or de-layering on snow, these shirts ensure the only thing burning on the trail is passion for the outdoors 😉
Disclosure: I am a WildEarth ambassador, which means some of this gear has been gifted or bought at a discounted rate from wildearth.com.au. I wasn’t paid to write this article, but where WildEarth products are linked, an affiliate code has been used. Everything written here is based on my own experience using this gear in the outdoors. Outdoor adventures carry risk, and Path & Pedal accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage.
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