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. A hot-weather hiking shirt should be constructed from breathable, light-weight material that does not chafe the skin. Most shirts for hot weather are made of synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester and spandex, with a bit of cotton sometimes thrown in as well.

Wetting the towel with water to trigger its cooling effects, which can lower temperatures down to 30 degrees. Once wet, the towel utilizes the power of simple evaporation to produce a refreshing coolness. As long as the towel is wet, exposed to the air, and allowed to "breathe," the Chilly Pad will continue to evaporate and keep you cool. As the sun peaks over the horizon for another day of adventure, the Mountain Hardwear Canyon Long Sleeve is the shirt we reach for. Whether you're planning to work in the yard, bike commute, or go on a trail run followed by beers and tacos with friends, this shirt has you covered. It's versatile enough to excel at any mini-mission while still looking stylish, keeping you cool, and, most importantly, protecting you from the sun. Durability is also top-notch, making the Canyon a true all-around winner.

Top 16 Product Ratings

For a highly effective, dependable, and versatile cooling towel, we recommend the Mission Max Plus Original Cooling Towel as an excellent choice for cooling relief. Made of soft and soothing material, it starts cooling instantly and can last for up to two hours. It’s also extremely affordable and works for a wide range of activities and needs. How We Selected the Best Cooling Towels Comfortable with a great balance of features and functionality, this shirt is great on and off-trail Most extra-warm hoodies are made from cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two. This is because those two fabrics tend to be breathable, durable, and insulating — but they're also really versatile. For example, fleece and waffle-knit are just two fabric construction techniques that can use either cotton or polyester (or, often, a blend of the two), but their dense constructions and soft textures make them insulating. With its front half zip and ventilation side mesh panels, you'll stay protected, cool, dry, and comfortable under this excellent sun hoody

Towels made of PVA (polyvinyl acetate) are extremely absorbent and remain cool for several hours. The advanced fabric won't soak your clothing or weigh you down because it feels dry to the touch even when it’s wet. It's designed to draw sweat away from your skin and stay cool for up to three hours, depending on conditions. Unlike some other products that utilize alcohol-based materials, no chemicals are used in its manufacturing, making it safe and suitable for even kids and pets. Plus, the organic nature of the material means that when it's time to dispose of the towel, you can grind it up and blend it with soil to help dry soil retain moisture, according to the brand.

More Great Sun Shirts & Hoodies

This simple, lightweight sun shirt offers excellent sun protection thanks to its extra long sleeves, hood, and thumb holes Material and comfort: The material of the cooling towel plays a crucial role in its effectiveness and comfort. Look for towels made of fabrics like microfiber or PVA (Polyvinyl acetate) that are soft against the skin and provide optimal moisture absorption.

We favored options that were durable but lightweight, made with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) material, and machine washable. Because some towels have different price points, we then weighed the cost against the strengths of the towels to determine which options offered the best value at different price points. But if the shirt is light enough and it breathes well, long sleeves can add an extra layer of protection for your arms which get more direct daily exposure to the sun than most other parts of the body. Long sleeves are particularly useful in the desert, where you also have to worry about thorny bushes and blowing sand. Button-up shirts typically have a looser fit, though some are form-fitting around the middle and can be uncomfortable if too tight. Again, try on several styles before deciding, so you can find the best fit for your needs. Additional features: Some cooling towels may offer extra features such as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) sun protection, antimicrobial properties, or the ability to cut or customize the towel's size to fit your needs.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!

This towel is constructed from Frogg Toggs' exclusive 100% Poly Vinyl Alcohol material, known for its hyper-evaporative properties that can absorb up to eight times its weight in water while remaining dry to the touch. Microfiber towels provide reliable cooling, and they feel soft and comfortable against your skin. However, they won't stay cool for as long as a PVA towel, and they're not dry to the touch when wet. The highest UPF is 50, allowing just 2 percent of UV radiation through. The materials that typically have high UPFs are lycra, polyester and nylon. But, remember that even the highest UPF will be compromised if your shirt gets wet or stretched out. We also had an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for what to look for in cooling towels, how they work, and the best ways to use them.

1. The fan-favorite fleece-lined hoodie

The experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend wearing loose fitting clothing when exercising in the heat, and “avoid[ing] dark colors, which can absorb heat.” The most important thing to consider when choosing a material for your hiking shirt is how it feels on your body. Nothing ruins an otherwise great hike like poorly chosen gear. An exemplary fishing sun hoodie with UPF 50+ rated fabric that's tough enough to wear all day out on the creek