I used to dread summer sunburns on the trail. Now I reach for a UPF hoodie that keeps me cool.
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As a very pale person who loves the outdoors, I’ve learned the hard way that covering up from the sun in the summer months is much easier than having to remember how often I need to reapply sunscreen. Even though there are plenty of high-quality, sweat- and waterproof sunscreens on the market (which I certainly still use on my face, neck, hands, and legs), I have grown very fond of the UV-protective, lightweight tops for my summer trail runs and other activities.
Although seeing long sleeves may be daunting for runners in the summer, I promise these shirts do not provide heat. They do the opposite job, actually. UPF tops are great for running thanks to their breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, which help keep you cool and dry during long runs, while the hood and long sleeves offer extra coverage for your neck and arms when the sun is strongest.
I got into wearing a lightweight hoodie with built-in sun protection a few summers ago after getting a bad sunburn while hiking in the Rocky Mountains. The next day, I had plans to go paddleboarding and wanted to keep my sunburnt shoulders protected, so I bought the REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie to wear for the rest of my trip, and it’s been a go-to product for me every summer since. I have it in two colors now as well.
Whether I’m trail running, hiking, kayaking, or even just relaxing on the beach before I jump in the water, my UPF hoodie goes with me on every trip and sun-filled outing. There are some really great options for UPF shirts beyond the REI model. Here are some others Runner’s World recommends.
The Nike ACG Solar Chase is built for runners who spend hours on exposed trails. Its lightweight Dri-FIT fabric wicks sweat quickly while UPF 40+ protection helps shield covered skin from harsh UV rays. Thoughtful details like thumbholes keep the sleeves in place, and the relaxed fit makes it easy to wear on its own or over a base layer in cooler months. If you're looking for a technical sun hoodie with Nike's signature trail styling, this one is ready for long days in the sun.
I listed the hoodie option because I think a hood is a great option to prevent sunburn on the neck and ears, but the Janji Sunchaser is also available as a regular long-sleeve shirt and as arm sleeves if you want even less weight on your body during your runs.
This hoodie’s UPF 50 fabric is cool to the touch, lightweight, and breathable, with perforated underarm panels that help dump heat on warm-weather runs. Small but thoughtful features like thumbholes, a watch window, and a roomy hood that stays put—make it especially well-suited for long-run days when you're constantly checking your pace and spending hours under direct sun.
The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is the sun shirt that converted me into a UPF hoodie believer. Its buttery-soft, stretchy fabric feels surprisingly cool even on hot days, while built-in UPF 50+ protection means you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying sunscreen to your shoulders and arms.
A crossover hood, thumbholes, and quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric make it just as useful for runs as it is for boating, sunny walks, or hanging out at the beach.
Patagonia's Capilene Cool Sun Shirt is a great option if you don’t love the extra bulk of a hood. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester, the lightweight fabric dries quickly, wicks sweat, and has a textured interior that lifts the material off your skin for better airflow on hot runs. Thumb loops provide extra coverage for the backs of your hands, while the minimal-seam construction helps reduce chafing over long miles.
This is the same shirt as the one listed above, just with a hood and a convenient breast pocket. The lightweight, recycled polyester fabric offers permanent UPF 40+ protection, dries quickly, and features a textured interior that keeps the material from sticking to sweaty skin.
If you're looking for solid sun protection without spending a fortune, Baleaf's UPF 50+ hoodie is one of the best values around. The lightweight polyester fabric wicks sweat, dries quickly, and provides full coverage with a built-in hood, thumbholes, and an integrated face gaiter for extra protection on especially sunny days.
This sun shirt also from Baleaf proves you don't have to spend a lot to get dependable sun protection. The lightweight, quick-drying fabric wicks moisture to help keep you comfortable on warm runs, while built-in UPF 50+ protection shields covered skin from harmful UV rays. Raglan sleeves promote unrestricted movement, and flatlock seams help reduce chafing over long miles. At a budget-friendly price, it's an easy pick for runners.
For another budget-friendly option, the Soothfeel Sun Protection Hoodie offers a front zipper for easy removal. The lightweight, breathable fabric helps keep you cool on hot runs while providing UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays. Thumbholes and a fitted hood add extra coverage, and unlike many running sun shirts, this one includes zippered hand pockets for stashing keys, cards, or other small essentials.
Not every runner wants full-arm coverage, and that's where the Baleaf UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Sun Shirt shines. It offers the same lightweight, quick-drying performance and UPF 50+ protection as many long-sleeve options but with a classic T-shirt fit that's ideal for hot, humid runs. Just don’t forget to add sunscreen to your exposed arms.
The Carhartt Force Sun Defender Hoodie brings the brand's workwear durability to long days outside, making it a great option for runners who also hike, fish, or tackle yard work in the summer. The lightweight jersey fabric features UPF 50+ sun protection and Carhartt's Force technology to wick sweat and dry quickly. Odor-fighting treatment helps keep the shirt feeling fresh, making it a versatile choice for everything from easy miles to all-day outdoor adventures.
Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.
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