Outside Analysis Echo Hoodie Evaluation

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is a lightweight breathable hoodie with a UPF of 15 which provides a moderate level of sun protection. It’s intended for use in hot weather during high-exertion activities such as hiking and trail running. While it has a hood, it’s best used with a brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun’s UV radiation. A loose fit layers well over other clothing while thumbholes at the ends of the sleeves provide additional protection for your wrists and the tops of your hands.

Specs at a Glance

• Fabric: Open Weave Polyester
• UPF: 15
• Gender: Men’s, Women’s also available
• Odor Control Treatment: Yes
• Thumb Holes: Yes
• Weight: 4.9 oz in a men’s XL

While I love the feeling of the sun on my skin, I take sun protection pretty seriously and cover up whenever I’m hiking or fishing. I watched my father, who was also a sun-worshipper, suffer through multiple medical procedures late in his life, all related to a lifetime of excessive sun exposure.

While gooping up with sun-tan lotion is one option, my preference is to wear sun-protective clothing and eye protection when I’m outdoors for long periods of time in intense sunshine because it’s simpler and doesn’t need to be reapplied periodically. That means I always wear a hat when I hike or fish, a long sleeve shirt, pants, sun gloves, and sunglasses when appropriate. But, the potential downside of a clothing-based approach to sun protection is it can make you sweat more during intense exercise and stink.

The thing I like about the OR Echo Hoodie is that it’s made with a loose polyester weave that fits great, dries really fast and keeps the sun off. The hood is very stretchy and large enough to accommodate a brimmed hat, which you need to keep the sun off your forehead, cheeks, and nose, while the hood keeps the sun off your neck and ears. The Echo still lets some UV through but provides enough protection, with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 15, to keep you from getting burned. While a denser weave would increase its UPF, it would be at the cost of breathability and ventilation.

The Echo Hoodie is not a thermal layer like a fleece hoodie and the wind cuts right through it. It really is purpose-built for sun protection especially when it’s warm or hot outdoors.

The Echo has an added anti-odor treatment that is not silver-based. It works surprisingly well, once the garment has dried, which is good if you need to wear it for days at a time.

Recommendation

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is a super lightweight sun hoodie designed to protect you from intense sunshine. Its fine open mesh weave pulls perspiration away from your skin as you sweat, evaporating it and keeping you cool.  With a UPF rating of 15, the Echo is best used in conjunction with other sun-protective clothing including a brimmed hat, sunglasses, sun gloves, and other lightweight clothing layers. If you’re concerned about your exposure to intense sunlight the Echo Hoodie will put your mind at ease while providing the additional protection you need to prevent sunburn.

Disclosure: The author owns this product.

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