The 4 Best Ultralight Hiking Shirts to Protect Your Delicate Epidermis
Just about everything we do outside here at Terradrift we do ultralight: backpacking, hiking, traveling, you name it. So when we shop for hiking apparel, we look for the lightest, most packable, functional brands we can find. Fortunately, there are plenty of ultralight hiking shirts available these days that keep your pack light, you cool, and save room in your bag for what really matters: snacks.
These are our favorite sustainable ultralight hiking shirts: tops we would wear to the end of the world and back (and have) and happily recommend to fellow hikers. Most feature UPF sun protective ratings, but don’t forget the sunscreen for any skin skill on display.
The Best Ultralight Sun Shirts
REI Flash Shade Hoodie
Weight: 6 oz (average)
Lightweight, fitted, a curved hem and ponytail port on the women’s version, and available in a slew of colors…what more could you want in an ultralight sun shirt? While the material sometimes got a little clingy on the hottest days, the light fabric was plenty breathable and the scuba-style hood protected not just our faces, but necks, too. Thumb holes offered robust protection for hands and the shirt packs down to a perfectly portable size that ultra lighters will love. It’s also UPF 50+.
How it’s sustainable: Made of 67% recycled polyester/33% LanzaTech polyester (bluesign approved), from a Climate Label Certified brand.
Sizes Available: Women’s: XS-3XL, Men’s: S-3XL.
Royal Robbins Salathé Sun Hoodie
Weight: 4.9 oz (average)
For hot summer hikes, nothing beats the new RR Salathé Sun Hoodie, which available for women and men. In addition to being UPF 40, the material is also mosquito proof, so you don’t have to apply sunscreen OR insect repellent. It’s super duper light and airy, designed to be loose for ultimate breathability (fabric was never clingy during testing), and elasticated cuffs meant sleeves stayed put when pulled up. Our favorite feature, though? The adjustable bungee in the hem for styling flexibility (but also keeping bugs out and the hem in place).
How it’s sustainable: Made with 100% recycled polyester ripstop material, Bluesign®-approved fabric.
Sizes available: Women’s: XS-XL, Men’s: S-XXL.
Royal Robbins Salathé Sun Shirt
Weight: 4.2 oz
Meet one of Josh’s all-time favorite new shirts for hiking, sure, but also running errands around town, travel, beach days, you name it. It comes in a handful of colors and patterns for men and women (the women’s version is only available in long sleeve), is stretchy, super breathable and impressively lightweight, and wicks sweat and dries fast. Plus, it looks sleek enough to wear straight to the pub after a long hike and it’s UPF 40+.
How it’s sustainable: Made with 100% recycled polyester ripstop material, Bluesign®-approved fabric.
Sizes Available: Women’s: XS-XL, Men’s: S-XXL.
Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie
Weight: 4 oz
Lightweight, fitted, and available in a slew of colors and prints, this has been an all-time favorite sun hoodie here at Terradrift. The fabric features just enough stretch, all shirts are at least UPF 15, thumb holes help protect the backs of hands, and the hem is the perfect length (just a touch long for maximum coverage). It’s the hoodie we continually reach for for hiking and backpacking, but also adventurous travel because it’s so dang light and packable.
How it’s sustainable: Made of Bluesign approved 100% recycled polyester.
Sizes Available: Women’s: XXS-4XL, Men’s: S-3XL. There’s a women’s plus size available!
Bottom Line
Not all sun shirts are created equal. And not all help keep your base weight under 10 lbs. But these options are easy to pack, won’t weigh you down whether they’re in your pack or on your back, and help protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. So gear up, stay sheltered from the sun on long hikes, and wander on. And don’t forget a hiking hat.
