ProView: Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie

Living in the Colorado Front Range where it’s sunny 300 days a year, sun protection is a constant battle. Even on the cloudy days, there’s still a good chance you’ll get a sunburn if you’re out long enough. Who wants to stop every few hours to re-apply another layer of sticky sunscreen to your dusty, sweaty skin? Not me, that’s for sure. On top of that, imagine a layer that not only protects you from the sun, but also helps regulate your temperature with cooling technology … sign me up!! As sun hoodies are gaining popularity (for obvious reasons), I immediately jumped on the chance to give the OR ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoody a try.

Fit/Comfort

This is the best hiking layer I have ever had, hands down. I refuse to wear anything else while hiking/backpacking or any other sun activities going forward. I’m usually right in between a small and medium on tops (I am 5’6”, 150 pounds for reference), but I went medium for a roomier fit and it’s perfect. It wasn’t tight and didn’t fit awkwardly in any areas, and made me feel confident and comfortable, and ready to hit the trails.

Look/Style

Upon receiving the package, I immediately fell in love with the color of the hoodie. It was vibrant, eye-catching, and spoke to my personal sense of style. I was also pleased to discover that this came in a fun variety of colors, giving me even more options to choose from in the future! When I tried this on, I found that it not only looked great in the color that I had chosen, but it also had a flattering fit. It was evident that the designers had put in the effort to ensure that this sun hoodie was practical and wearable, but also looks good.

Features

This comes equipped with several features that set it apart from other hoodies on the market. The 3-panel hood is huge and provides excellent coverage, shielding your face and neck from the sun’s rays. It even has enough space for a hat/ponytail/bun/etc. The thumb holes are comfortable and help the hoodie stay in place on your hands, adding extra sun protection to your hands.

The flat seam construction provides a chafe-free experience while on the trail. The thoughtful drop-tail hem was awesome when wearing a backpack. Naturally my shirts tend to ride up in the back when I am hiking with a pack on, but the extra material in the back helped keep me covered! One small feature I wish this hoodie had was a small zipper pocket for keys, snacks, or other small items.

Function/Performance

I was really impressed with the features of this garment. It is designed with lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable materials that make it ideal for all outdoor activities. The wicking feature draws moisture away from the body, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable during intense physical activities. The ActiveIce™ Cooling technology is a standout feature that uses your body’s sweat to cool you down, keeping you comfortable and refreshed even on the hottest days. The UPF 50 rating ensures that you are protected from harmful UV rays.

The material this is constructed from has the perfect amount of stretch, so it moves with your body and keeps you comfortable no matter the activity. This hoodie will keep you cool, dry, and protected from the sun all day.

Durability/Construction

When this hoodie first arrived, I was surprised at the thickness of this sun hoodie in comparison to other sun hoodies I’ve worn. Despite the material feeling thicker, OR was able to maintain a lightweight feel on and off your body. It’s held up remarkably well over a few wash cycles!

The Final Word

I can’t say enough good things about this sun hoodie. Overall, the Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie is an exceptional garment that offers great protection and comfort for outdoor activities. Its thoughtful features such as the 3-panel hood, flat-seam construction, dynamic reach, and drop-tail hem make it stand out from other hoodies on the market. The only downside is the absence of a pocket, but it’s still a highly recommended piece of outdoor apparel.

This article was written by Allison Lano and originally published on Dirtbag Dreams.

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