We also had an RRCA- and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for what to look for in cooling towels, how they work, and the best ways to use them. Many hiking shirts designed for hot weather have antimicrobial properties, which help cut down on the inevitable odors that come about from hiking in the heat. It's designed to draw sweat away from your skin and stay cool for up to three hours, depending on conditions. Unlike some other products that utilize alcohol-based materials, no chemicals are used in its manufacturing, making it safe and suitable for even kids and pets.

Ease of use: Look for towels that are easy to activate and require minimal maintenance. Consider whether the towel can be easily reactivated by simple steps like wetting, wringing, or snapping. Similarly, you'll likely want a machine washable towel to ensure cleaning is low-maintenance. The highest UPF is 50, allowing just 2 percent of UV radiation through. The materials that typically have high UPFs are lycra, polyester and nylon. But, remember that even the highest UPF will be compromised if your shirt gets wet or stretched out. An exemplary fishing sun hoodie with UPF 50+ rated fabric that's tough enough to wear all day out on the creek We favored options that were durable but lightweight, made with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) material, and machine washable. Because some towels have different price points, we then weighed the cost against the strengths of the towels to determine which options offered the best value at different price points.For many, it might seem counterintuitive to wear a long sleeve shirt or hoodie in high temps, but with the right materials, walking around in your own cooling shade will convert even the most diehard "suns out, buns out" devotee. The brand doesn't recommend freezing these towels, but it can be refrigerated for an added chill. Plus, its internal mesh reinforcing material allows you to cut it into any shape you fancy, making it customizable and versatile. Button-up shirts typically have a looser fit, though some are form-fitting around the middle and can be uncomfortable if too tight. Again, try on several styles before deciding, so you can find the best fit for your needs.

They may not call for the same level of investment or performance consideration as, say, a new rowing machine or pair of running shoes. But still, choose the right cooling towel and you'll be using it for years to come. So, keep the following in mind when shopping:For a highly effective, dependable, and versatile cooling towel, we recommend the Mission Max Plus Original Cooling Towel as an excellent choice for cooling relief. Made of soft and soothing material, it starts cooling instantly and can last for up to two hours. It’s also extremely affordable and works for a wide range of activities and needs. How We Selected the Best Cooling Towels With its front half zip and ventilation side mesh panels, you'll stay protected, cool, dry, and comfortable under this excellent sun hoody Material and comfort: The material of the cooling towel plays a crucial role in its effectiveness and comfort. Look for towels made of fabrics like microfiber or PVA (Polyvinyl acetate) that are soft against the skin and provide optimal moisture absorption. The style of hot-weather hiking shirt you choose is about more than your particular taste or fashion sense. First, consider what kind of hike you’re planning. Is it a 5- to 10-mile day hike, or is it an overnight expedition to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Grey is one of the most common colors for hiking clothes, but bright colors work well too and have the extra advantage of standing out and allowing people to see you coming. In this guide you'll find the best sun protective clothing for any season, plus a breakdown of why it's worth trusting. It’s time to ditch those tank tops folks! Storage: If you plan to use the cooling towel on the go or during outdoor activities, consider its portability and how easily it can be folded or stored. Some towels come with compact carrying cases or pouches for convenient storage and transportation that keeps them clean and protected when not in use. This is a tough decision. While we must remember that more coverage is always better than less coverage, some people just can’t stand wearing long sleeves. Long sleeves can be a bit restricting in some situations, and it seems somehow counter-intuitive to wear them when it’s hot outside.

10 Best Sun Shirts & Sun Hoodies With UPF Sun Protection

This towel is constructed from Frogg Toggs' exclusive 100% Poly Vinyl Alcohol material, known for its hyper-evaporative properties that can absorb up to eight times its weight in water while remaining dry to the touch.

UPF is similar to SPF, but the latter rating is specific to sunscreen. In simplified terms, the higher the UPF number, the more protected your covered skin will be from UV rays. Are Sun Shirts Better Than Sunscreen? We've tested more than 25 different sun shirts over the past 4 years, and our current review features 16 of the best sun shirts on the market. We wore all these shirts for months, subjecting them to hands-on testing in various climates and through all sorts of adventures. Sun protection is critical during long days outdoors, so all of these shirts feature fabric with a UPF rating. We also compared fabrics, design, coverage, and features on sun hoodies and more conventional button-down shirts. Our team of experts examined breathability, durability, and versatility through extensive field and laboratory testing. Whatever your activity, if you plan to be out in the sun for hours, you want to invest in a high-quality sun shirt. Our in-depth review compares the best options on the market side-by-side to help you choose the perfect one for you. Additional features: Some cooling towels may offer extra features such as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) sun protection, antimicrobial properties, or the ability to cut or customize the towel's size to fit your needs.

9. The hoodie with UPF protection

The most important thing to consider when choosing a material for your hiking shirt is how it feels on your body. Nothing ruins an otherwise great hike like poorly chosen gear.