Free Fly  Shade Hoodie - Men's

I originally purchased the Shade Hoodie because I live in the desert, where summer temperatures are up to 120+ degrees and going outside requires planning and sunscreen, and I wanted the SPF 50 to be able to go outside safely. I wasn't expecting the Shade Hoodie to be so comfortable and soft, while the sun performance is great, it is also fairly warm when it's cold. I love the temperature range and comfort, so I'm looking at other Free Fly products, I'm hooked. I would highly recommend the Free Fly Shade Hoodie for anyone looking for great performance and comfort in a sun protected garment.

This is easily the most comfortable sun hoody I've worn. I've been using cheap polyester fishing hoodies from Amazon for almost a decade, and while they're fine for the money they are not that comfortable. Especially around the neck and upper arms during a long, sweaty hike. I decided it was time to invest in a better quality sun hoody, because I strongly dislike sunscreen and the cheap Amazon ones are uncomfortable for summer hiking. I went to my local store and tried sun hoodies from REI Co-op, The North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia in both Medium and Large sizes. Free Fly was easily the most comfortable in the Large size. The hood was slightly loose, comfortable, but didn't drape over my eyes or fall off easily. It has the perfect amount of hold under a baseball cap without feeling tight. The thumb holes were in the perfect spot and you forget you're using them. A week after purchasing, I used this every day for a week in Maui. It was great for direct sun and not too hot for temperatures in the mid-80s. I've been wearing this off-and-on for the last 6 months depending upon the hike, and I'm shocked how well the soft material is holding up. It feels like luxury underwear, but there is no visible abrasion from thorns or my backpack shoulder straps. For some of the other brands, the Medium was way too tight and the Large felt like a poncho. REI had the worst hood and fabric by far. Way too much material around the neck, almost as if it came with a gaiter. I don't know what they were thinking with that design. The North Face felt nice but the hood was comically big in the Large in an otherwise well fitting hoody.

It fits and feels great, no two ways about it. Wore it in Florida mid-80s and didn't feel hot, and I still wear it regularly. I'm also 5' 9" and on the slimmer side but still fits great, isn't baggy or anything. My one issue is that after only 2 wears I noticed a lot of pulls. To be fair, I supposed I should not have worn a backpack while wearing it (I work outdoor sporting events, so wore bag for about 1 mile walk to venue but that's it) but I also noticed some forming on the front after only a few more wears. That is with following the washing/drying/care instructions to hang dry.

Second purchase of these sun hoodies after being pleased with my first two. I mostly use these for work where I'm out in the sun for long hours. I like that they're soft, stretchy and a little long as I'm 6'6" but still fitted (XXL is perfect). However, I recently used these on a multi day hiking trip and now need to remove a star. Even after washing, the pine color clearly shows sweat stains that are now permanent (this is after 3 days of use). I have not had they same issue with the gray. Also, after two days of use without a shower the garment STINKS. Yes, I stank but it's as if the fabric is concentrating the odor, almost like a petri dish for underarm bacteria. I've done a lot of mountaineering trips in standard polyester/capilene Patagonia sun hoodies and never experienced this to such a degree. Bottom line - if you're concerned about the appearance of the shirt/visible permanent sweat stains, don't get the pine color. And for odor purposes, maybe not the best for multi day trips in my opinion. I'm still satisfied with the product despite these issues.

I typically wear a L for form fit and XL for looser relaxed fit (example would be Nike Dri-Fit shirts or adidas golf polos or Travis Mathew tshirts). Love the shirt. Ordered an XL looking for more of a relaxed fit, but these definitely do run small, as it fits closer to a L I’m used to.

Great color, too bad the neck 'frays' or pills. I've had many hoodies from a company that starts with P and the color dies after so much use, not the fabric. Now I'm wondering if a Shade Hoodie that is only six months old will look raggedy sooner than later!

Loved everything about this for the first 7-8 uses. BUT it has already developed a small hole in the fabric and I’ve babied this thing. Should last multiple seasons for the price.

I’m surprised no one has mentioned this, but I did not find this a “quick drying” sun hoodie like my others. I wore it on the river yesterday, and I was the only one who hadn’t dried out by the time we got in the car. It is definitely a little heavier than the Sahara Sun Shade hoodie, for example, and it just did not dry out like that one, or like my friends sun hoodies. Otherwise it’s soft and great quality, I just felt the need to write this is someone else was intending to use it how I did.

Great fit. So comfy. I have been wearing it everywhere. It was cold this morning so I did need a little extra warmth.

I like this sun hoodie. Took it on a three day trip but the stitching on the cuff is already coming undone.