Review: Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoody

When it arrives to spring climate, there is just one point you can rely on: unpredictability. Blazing solar can quickly give way to chilly conditions—or even worse. Dressing correctly usually will involve a ton of guesswork, and flexible layers are a need to when venturing outdoors (even if you’re just strolling to the article business). The new Astroman Sunlight Hoody from Out of doors Analysis falls squarely in that class. It’s a light-weight, breathable pullover that will make a wonderful decide for solar safety and day-to-day shoulder time wear.

What It Is: The Astroman Sunlight Hoody is a quarter-zip pullover with a upper body pocket and unstructured hood, all built from a stretchy, delicate nylon-elastane material. It’s a new variation on OR’s Astroman Sunlight Shirt, which is created to protect rock climbers from the solar. While the hoody is also aimed at climbers, its flexibility and solar safety (it is rated at UPF 50+, the maximum attainable score) must arrive in helpful for any out of doors activity where you’d like a minimal extra shelter from the things.

Why We Like It: As equally a piece of functionality outerwear and a new addition to my weekend wardrobe, the Astroman amazed me. The material stretches simply and feels delicate and comfortable versus the skin—there’s no bizarre, plasticky texture other artificial fabrics have. It breathes exceptionally nicely and I by no means felt overheated, even when hoofing it up a steep hike. Sunny climate is where this hoodie really shines: Thanks to the extra hood, it presents highest UV safety devoid of stifling you. You can carry the shade and however beat the heat.

The slim material doesn’t lure a great deal warmth, so the Astroman has less to present in chilly problems. Even so, it definitely will not hurt as an extra layer. When worn around a extensive-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt, it assisted me stay heat when I hit the path on a brisk morning. In addition, it is light-weight (just 6 oz) and packs down into the entrance upper body pocket with ease—a definite plus for touring.

I also favored the Astroman off the path, particularly in the smooth and understated direct colorway. The clear-cut, unstructured style and design lends itself nicely to informal wear, and the stretch and flexibility in the material make it quick to layer around other clothing. It retained me comfortable when a heat afternoon at the canine park stretched earlier sunset, and did not look out of location when paired with denims and sneakers.

Nitpick: While the Astroman gets superior marks for convenience and flexibility, it doesn’t block wind or drinking water, and that unquestionably limits its usefulness. On a really blustery or wet working day, you will want anything more considerable.

[$89 outdoorresearch.com]

Get it

For obtain to exclusive gear videos, celeb interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!