A good sun shirt should be moisture-wicking, increasing the surface area of exposure for quick evaporation. As the name implies, it was designed as a technical, durable, stretchy, form-fitting layer for rock climbers with a UPF 50+ rating. Unlike the button fasteners found on other sun shirts, the Solstice has a drawstring hood that allows exacting precision for securing the hood. Therefore, we preferred sun protection shirts that button up to the neck or completely cover the neck.

Kevlar® Sleeves with Thumbhole | Cromwell Tools

One minor design issue we have with the Crater Lake Hoodie is that the bottom has a drawstring to cinch around the waist.You may also need some kind of neck covering, depending on how much coverage your hoodless sun shirt provides. It only takes one tumble down the ski slope to realize just how many places snow can end up given the opportunity. Keep in mind that if you don't have a hood, you'll likely need to wear a sun hat to shade your face and neck.

Cut-Resistant Sleeves - Grainger Industrial Supply Cut-Resistant Sleeves - Grainger Industrial Supply

We put these base layers to work, and came out with the best base layers for warmth, durability, comfort, wicking away sweat, and not retaining odor over time. This makes it potentially less durable than other sun shirts, especially when it comes in contact with velcro. That being said, we’ve tested this shirt over thousands of miles of hiking and backpacking and think this fishing shirt is an excellent sun shirt for other outdoor activities, too.

In addition to convenience many people select a garment with thumbholes for the added protection of potential exposed skin between a cuff edge and glove. A sun shirt is the easiest way to protect your skin (but you should still wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on your face — and arguably, on your hands, wrists, and even under your sun shirt, depending on how much protection you want). In a previous version of this story, we wrote that we were concerned about the long-term durability of the thin fabric. I've written Treeline's stories on Backpacking Stoves and Cooking Pots for Backpacking and contributed to our Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail coverage. Whether you wear lighter or darker colors, the key is choosing loose clothing that can draw away heat and isn't heavy or thick.

Sleeves Thumb Hole - Etsy Arm Sleeves Thumb Hole - Etsy

But when deciding whether a shirt is worth it, it's worth considering its cost relative to its lifetime. It’s quickly become a popular shirt on long trails for its stylish and fun designs—and more importantly, practical features.After conducting a year's worth of further testing, we also believe the initial shirt we tested was from a bad batch. I tested this sun shirt peak bagging in Southern California in the summer and found it to be the best cooling sun shirt. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer at least once in their life.

Thumb Hole Sleeve - Etsy UK

We also like that the Crater Lake is available in various sizes, from XS to 3X, and in various cuts. Black clothing is the best way to stay cool in the summer, according to this story in Gizmodo on the physics of why different colors provide better sun protection. The fabric is 50% recycled, bluesign certified for environmentally-friendly dying, and sewn in a Fair Trade factory. It measures the time it takes for your skin to redden after sun exposure when using the product exactly as directed. Athletic shirts have thumbholes to prevent your sleeves from rolling up and bunching especially if you're wearing a baselayer.We award the Patagonia Sun Stretch the award for Best Sun Shirt for Fishing for its full coverage and ample pockets.