REI's 'Ultimately Comfortable' Solar Hoodie Is Just $35 in the Labor Day Sale, and Shoppers Say It's a 'Must-Buy'

Men's Journal aims to highlight only the best products and services. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Sun hoodies have become some of the most popular garments of the summer, offering adventurers, fishermen, and anyone who hates to put on sunscreen a new way to protect their skin. Styles from top brands like Fjallraven and Kuhl can be pricey, but REI’s own Co-op brand makes a high-quality, incredibly comfortable, and ultra-protective version, and it’s currently on sale for less than $40 during the retailer’s big Labor Day sale.

REI Co-op’s Sahara Shade Hoodie is on sale for an incredibly affordable $35—30% off the regular $50 price. These protective layers have earned nearly 500 five-star ratings from shoppers who use them for everything from summer backpacking to day fishing trips to just plain traveling. Of the 10,000-plus items featured in REI’s Labor Day sale, it’s one of the top 25 best-sellers, making it a great addition to any adventurer’s arsenal. It comes in eight great colors and comes in sizes small to 3XL, as well as some tall sizes. Make sure to grab one soon, because the sale ends on September 2.

REI Co-op Sahara Shadow Hoodie in Saragasso Sea, $35 at REI (Was $50)

This hoodie is part of REI Co-op’s Sahara collection, which offers styles specifically designed to breathe, protect your skin from the sun, and keep you comfortable in warm weather. What makes this piece so important is the material. It’s made from a polyester and spandex blend that provides UPF 50+ protection against harmful UV rays, maintains optimal ventilation, wicks sweat, and provides plenty of stretch for improved range of motion. That means you can wear it as your only top on all-day hikes and still stay mobile, shaded, and dry, even if you get sweaty. It has a three-panel hood that easily clips on over a hat, and thumbholes allow the sleeves to rest comfortably over your hands so they don’t burn.

There’s a lot to love about this hoodie, but most importantly, it feels good enough to wear for hours. “It’s super comfortable,” said one customer. “Good-sized hood with a great hidden drawstring. Pairing this with the long sleeves is super effective at preventing mosquito bites and not having to use any sprays or lotions. The thumb holes are a handy feature—they keep the sleeves down if you choose to sleep in this shirt… I hate when the sleeves ride up in your sleep! I have four of them.”

REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie in Red River Clay, $35 at REI (was $50)

Others swear by the Sahara Shade Hoodie in the hot summer sun. “This is a must-have,” insisted another shopper. “The material is so soft, comfortable, and breathable. It dries quickly and has become my go-to base layer… I wear this tee almost every day, from hiking in 90-degree-plus heat to sun protection to cold weather.”

Even the pros say it’s a good investment. “I’m a professional guide and wear it almost every day,” another shopper exclaimed. “It looks great, doesn’t smell bad too quickly, and most importantly, it keeps the sun off you. I work on a glacier most days and the sun can reflect off of you, which makes it very easy to burn. I’ve never burned! The hoodie is also very comfortable and makes a great base layer. The hood can be a bit fiddly, but overall this is a great piece of gear.”

REI's Labor Day Sale featured hundreds of great gear deals, but the Sahara Shade Hoodie is one of the best in terms of both performance and price.