Sun hoodie, a term that doesn’t sound like it should exist, has become one of the latest trends in the shooting industry. I say shooting industry and not gun industry because there is a difference. The shooting industry focuses on the actual shooting part of owning guns.
Shooters often face the elements, and if you shoot outdoors, the sun is one of those elements. When you hear the term “sun hoodie,” you might be a little confused. Hoodies are associated with being cozy and warm, so why would you want one in the sun?
That leads us to one question: what exactly is a sun hoodie?
The Safariland Sun Hoodie
A sun hoodie is a shirt designed for hot weather. It’s a long-sleeved, hooded shirt designed for sun-drenched hot environments. Their origin is tied to the sport of fishing, which makes a lot of sense.
If you want to beat the sun, go to the guys who spend a lot of time in the sun. These shirts aren’t limited to protecting you from the sun. They are flexible, thin, often moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and generally designed with freedom of movement in mind.
That all works well for dudes who fish, but they work equally well for dudes who shoot. We have some of the same demands, and Safariland was quick to recognize those demands.
The Safariland Bamboo Hoodie is a sun hoodie designed for shooters, but don’t get me wrong, you can, and I have, gone fishing in it.
The Bamboo hoodie is made from a mix of bamboo, polyester, and spandex. The three combine to provide a moisture-wicking, flexible design that’s still quite tough. The use of bamboo keeps it comfier than synthetic shirts and also helps keep odors low.
It comes in black and tiger stripes, and I’m urging them to do more because it’s an underserved space.
If you’re worried about insignia and logos, don’t be. It has the tiniest little logo on the chest that’s easy to miss.
Why The Sun Hoodie?
Have you ever seen Beverly Hills Cop? Did you know that the actor who played Taggart was only 36 years old? That’s why you need a sun hoodie.
I joke, but at best you just wrinkle early and turn into a bag of leather; at worst, you deal with skin cancer. This turns the sun hoodie into a piece of safety gear. That’s the biggest why, but in an age where attention spans are low and satisfaction is demanded immediately, there is a more immediate advantage.
It feels good! The long sleeves and the hood of the Safariland Bamboo Hoodie are designed to keep the sun off your skin and prevent that cooking effect the sun has on you. At the same time, the material is thin and breathable, allowing the breeze to come in and provide that cooling relief.
The Safariland Bamboo Hoodie is made for shooters. It’s not overly baggy, so it doesn’t get in the way of your belt, holster, and guns. It’s easy to tuck in and get out of the way.
The sleeves have thumbholes to keep them from rising upward and getting bunched up and annoying. The hood offers enough room to get your ear pro under without the hoodie stretching uncomfortably.
The Safariland Bamboo provides a nice, comfortable fit. It moves and stretches as I move. Drawing, reloading, and shooting in odd positions is never a problem. I’m doing all that while staying comfy and cool.
You also don’t need a hat to protect your head. A hat’s fine, but I hate hats; they annoy me, and I’d much rather deal with a hood.
Who’s It For?
I’m not advocating sun hoodies for tactical shooters, SWAT teams, or the troops. I’m sure it’s fine for that, but good luck getting your command to approve something more comfortable than BDUs. The Safariland Bamboo Hoodie is best for training, plinking, and even competing outdoors.
I’ve been doing more and more classes this summer, and it’s hot and bright in the Southeastern United States. I’m sick of sunburn, and I don’t want to go to my doctor two years from now complaining about a weird mole.
It’s for any shooter who shoots outdoors, in the sun, a lot, or a little. It’s well suited for hot weather. The moisture-wicking material ensures the sweat dries and doesn’t start dragging at the shirt.
I use it when I mow the yard, or even when I run. I’m kinda digging the idea of fresh skin, so why limit it to shooting? It’s a performance shirt and isn’t isolated to the range. As mentioned, it all came full circle when I wore the shirt on my last trip fishing.
Do I have complaints? I wish it came in a tall size and they had other color options. At the end of the day, it’s a shirt; it’s not complicated, but it sure is comfy.
