Gear Review: Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II

As an avid outdoorsman, I spend a lot of time out in the sun. Fly fishing definitely takes the top spot, however I also enjoy hiking, kayaking, and camping. With how much time I spend outside, I am constantly being battered with the hot sun. I do not particularly enjoy putting on sunscreen, so for the past while I have been searching for something to protect me from the rays. I tried a buff and, although it works, I find them better to wear in the winter. When the temperature is hot, a buff makes me feel even warmer. Also, when I put a buff over my mouth and nose, it fogs up my sunglasses, a big no-no. I then wore a long sleeved Columbia shirt for a while. It worked, but again it did not cover up my hands nor my head and neck. I wanted to find something that would provide substantial coverage of my upper body. Preferably, I wanted it to be a solo item. I didn't want to pack a sun shirt, gloves, and buff all to protect me. Frustrated, I did more research and finally found the perfect solution. Researching led me to an article from Fly Fish Food, reviewing a great sun protection shirt from Patagonia.

The Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II is the only clothing item you'll ever need for great sun protection. Not only is it rated for UPF 50+, it's also lightweight and incredibly breathable, all very important characteristics when spending all day in the sun. I never feel too warm in this shirt, and with it's lightweight stretchy fabric, am never restricted with casting.

Another big selling point are the sleeves which contain thumb holes. I don't know about you, but I would find the tops of my hands to always be a place that sunburned. With this sun hoody, the sleeves extend the fabric to the knuckles which completely cover your hands. This is a well thought out design, and makes me wonder why so many other top companies have not included thumb holes.

The hood is another great feature. With it's wide capacity it easily covers your face, even when wearing a hat. There is also a button at the top of the shirt that when buttoned, easily covers your neck. Due to the lightweight fabric, your head never feels warm as one might suspect. The hood simply eliminates the need for a buff, a big positive for me.

Lastly, Patagonia claims that the item has permanent odor control with Polygiene technology. I can attest that this clothing item will not leave you stranded outside the tent due to your buddy kicking you out because you smell like skunk. Whatever Polygiene is, it works. Odors do not linger around with this hoody.

Truth is, if you spend lots of time outdoors, you should be taking care of your largest organ, your skin. Living in Utah, which has one of the nations highest rates of melanoma, I try and take extra precaution when I know i'll be in the sun for long periods of time. I have spent many days all day in the hot sun and have never been burned when wearing this hoody. Although my skin can at times feel very warm, I have never burned. You will occasionally still need to put sunscreen on your face, as the hoody cannot completely block out UV rays (reflection of sunlight on water). Though, it still does provide ample protection.

Patagonia is also one of the only companies who strives for clean practices when making their clothing and gear. All of their cotton is organic, and the facilities that produce and house their gear use much less (and more efficient) energy than others. All good things for the environment, which is the cornerstone of the company. This is a company I am thoroughly impressed with, and that's why I will continue to purchase from them.