Fishing hoodies make an invaluable addition to any angler’s wardrobe, providing warmth on those cool mornings and evenings on the water.
Layer up on cold days with these lightweight jackets that feature stain-resistant finishes to withstand fish blood and other splashes of color.
Grundens Bering Pro 1/4 Zip Hoodie is an outstanding example. Not only is it comfortable and fashionable for watersports activities, but also dining out!
Sun Hoodies
Whether it be backpacking, day hiking, climbing, fishing, or paddling – sun protection should always be an integral component of outdoor pursuits. Ultraviolet rays from the sun cause skin cancer and can dehydrate and wear you down during any outdoor adventure. A lightweight sun hoodie protects without compromising comfort and performance on any outdoor experience.
Sun hoodies are long-sleeved, breathable clothing designed to wick away sweat while offering UPF50+ sun protection and shade from the elements. Perfect as standalone wear or as a layer under other apparel, a suitable sun hoodie starts with its fabric, which must be soft yet stretchy for breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities – materials like merino wool, synthetic blends, or natural fiber options like bamboo and modal are often utilized – some may weigh more than others but all work just as well!
Some of the best sun hoodies feature high collars for extra sun coverage and kangaroo pockets to hold items you need to access quickly. Most are loose-fitting for more comfort under PFDs and dry soon when worn against the skin.
Natural fiber sun hoodies may be harder to locate and typically don’t last as long. Their thin material often blocks less sun than polyester models and becomes stinkier quickly; additionally, they don’t handle abrasion as effectively either and may feel awkward beneath a PFD.
However, they provide several distinct advantages, such as their buttery soft texture and high UPF rating. Furthermore, they tend to be significantly cheaper than some of the other options on this list.
Soft Shell Hoodies
Softshell hoodies are versatile layers that bridge the gap between hardshells and fleeces, offering wind resistance and water protection with soft yet brushed interior fabric that wicks sweat away while trapping heat. The best models combine these qualities with chest pockets, wrist velcro adjustments for maximum mobility, drawcord hems, and peaked or helmet-compatible hoods for optimal wearer comfort.
Softshell fabrics are tightly woven synthetics designed to block wind and resist snow or rain, depending on the model, keeping you cozy while remaining dry and comfortable. Many models also include durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that helps manage moisture by keeping you dry and comfortable.
Softshell fabrics differ significantly from their hardshell counterparts in that air can move more freely through them, allowing body heat and sweat to escape more freely. This makes soft shells ideal for aerobic outdoor activities where light rain, snow, or wind might be present but require no complete waterproof protection.
For example, lightweight, soft shells like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie would be an excellent choice for alpinists and backcountry skiers descending from high-output climbs. This jacket has been tested against rough-grained granite, gusty mountain winds, and light virga while allowing its wearer to remain calm and comfortable.
However, lightweight, soft shells won’t provide as much weather resistance, so they should be worn with an insulated jacket or down puffy for best performance in wet environments.
Weight and pack size are other critical considerations in selecting a soft shell jacket, particularly its breathability. Lightweight softshell jackets that excel at breathability may be ideal for trail runners and other aerobic outdoor activities that have weight restrictions; similarly, they’re an excellent choice for cold weather backpacking as the hood won’t interfere with climbing harnesses or hiking backpack straps, though hooded models offer additional wind and snow protection.
Hard Shell Hoodies
Hardshell hoodies provide reliable protection from whipping wind and driving rain or snow when hiking to the summit of a mountain or skinning uphill, offering superior weatherproofing against whipping gusts of wind or driving rain or snow. While heavier than their soft-shell counterparts, hard shells offer maximum weatherproofing protection if you spend most of your time outside and seek maximum weatherproofness.
Minimalist hardshells are lightweight and compact hardshell jackets constructed of thin fabrics with limited bells and whistles to reduce weight and pack size. It is ideal for emergency layers or shoulder season activities like climbing and backpacking, but it won’t keep out winter weather without adding a layer underneath.
Traditional hard shells use a three-layered fabric construction, long considered the industry standard: protective face fabric, waterproof/breathable membrane, and inner, wicking layer near your skin or baselayer. Unfortunately, hardshells don’t breathe as efficiently as softshells do when exerting heavily or when exposed to extreme cold temperatures – leading to sweaty conditions when you exercise yourself heavily or when temperatures dip low enough.
Modern materials, such as Gore’s stretch variation of their Pro membrane combined with reduced seam allowance and generous cuts, can increase hardshell breathability. Outdoor Research’s Gore-Tex Archangel Hoodie from their Archangel line is tailored for rugged alpine pursuits like ice climbing and ski mountaineering with features including helmet compatibility, extended back length to accommodate harness or hip belt attachment points, stretch side panels for optimal movement, and stretchy side panels to provide movement flexibility and improve comfort.
Triple Aught Design’s Alpamayo jacket is another top choice for technical alpine use. Using Gore-Tex Pro membrane technology, its Gore-Tex Pro membrane offers similar water and wind resistance as a hardshell but offers more excellent breathability up to three times greater. A lightweight two-layer Exoshell20ST fabric covers its membrane to achieve tight-fitting comfort with sufficient stretch that it fits close against the skin while packing into jersey pockets efficiently. Besides offering increased breathability and protection from snow, its high collar can help keep snow away, while its large bags have enough room to store skins or beacons when necessary.
Flyweight Access Hoody
When wind and cold push back against you, this lightweight jacket provides mobile warmth without restricting movement. The Simms Flyweight Access Hoody perfectly combines warmth with breathability for crisp morning comfort and hard-charging performance, featuring a recycled micro ripstop polyester main body combined with Polartec Power Grid fleece on arms and back for an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio that allows freedom of movement. A fixed hood and zippered chest pocket complete the essential features of this packable, lightweight shell; it is perfect to have ready when unexpected weather changes arise out on the water!
