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How not to burn! Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody

Original Post
NC Rock Climber · · The Oven, AKA Phoenix · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 60

I am white... really, really white. I burn easy, and I hate sunscreen. This combination has proved problematic while climbing in warm weather in the sun. It has also resulted in more than a few burns and some uncomfortable fashion decisions like a big hat and long sleeve shirst. A few months ago a friend turned me onto this piece of clothing, and since getting it I have not gone climbing without it.

patagonia.com/us/product/tr…

This hoody is VERY lightweight and has zero insulation and windbreak value. I won't say that I am cooler with it on than I would be without it, but I barley notice it during even the hottest days. The hood keeps the sun off the back of my neck and fits just fine under a helmet.

I just wanted to share this in case there are other folks like me out there that are looking for a way to avoid getting burnt that doesn't involve heavy clothing or sunscreen.

Em Cos · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 5

I hate sunscreen, this looks awesome. Does anyone know if they make a women's version?

Dan Allard · · West Chester, PA · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 1,070
Em Cos wrote:I hate sunscreen, this looks awesome. Does anyone know if they make a women's version?
http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-polarized-sun-hoody?p=52275-0-498
W L · · NEVADASTAN · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 851

I have a very similar, if not older, product like this from Patagucci. Absofreakinlutely love it and wear it more frequently than I would care to admit here in the deserts of Southern Nevada...

Em Cos · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 5

Yeah I saw that one too, but it's got a different name, and on closer read one of the commenters makes it clear it is not the equivalent of the men's one we were looking at- different fabric.

If any ladies have used a shirt like this that they love, let me know!

tom donnelly · · san diego · Joined Aug 2002 · Points: 364

I am looking for something like this alsom maybe one that works for biking also.
Other choices look like the Sunshade shirt, the Sol Patrol shirt, and Polarized Tee.

Em Cos: Looking at the Patagonia website & comments, it looks like the Womens Sun Hoody is made of the same stuff as the Tropic Comfort Hoody, or Tropic Cancer Crew, with a much slimmer fit.
The mens lightweight sun hoody is the one made of different stuff.

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

Looks like the Tropic Hoody doesn't provide UV protection whereas the Sun Hoody advertises SPF ("UPF"?) 35.

Scott O · · Anchorage · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 70
FrankPS wrote:Looks like the Tropic Hoody doesn't provide UV protection whereas the Sun Hoody advertises SPF ("UPF"?) 35.
Almost any clothing will offer some degree of sun protection. Cotton t-shirts don't advertise an SPF rating, but my farmer's tan says otherwise.
BSheriden · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 0

Just curious as to why you HATE sunscreen? Whats the big deal?

Although the shirt looks like a great item in addition to sunscreen...

Ellenore Zimmerman · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 75

I am far from white, but I still spray sunscreen. If you don't get it on your palms it's ok. They have the non greasy non cometogenic formulas by Neutrogena. Besides sun is what ages your face skin the most, so it's wise to take precautions. I don't like climbing in anything but a Prana tank top. Heat totally brings my climbing ability down. I would opt for sumblock vs shirt anytime.

BSheriden · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 0
craghead wrote:I am far from white, but I still spray sunscreen. If you don't get it on your palms it's ok. They have the non greasy non cometogenic formulas by Neutrogena. Besides sun is what ages your face skin the most, so it's wise to take precautions. I don't like climbing in anything but a Prana tank top. Heat totally brings my climbing ability down. I would opt for sumblock vs shirt anytime.
Thanks elenor
GhaMby Eagan · · Heaven · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 385

I bought one of these for water sampling and if there is a slight breeze it is great, otherwise you'll definitely start overheating. I wear it climbing a lot also I just wish the sleeves were a touch longer.

Most bishop-items wear long sleeves if they'll be in the sun much.

dano-colorado · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 15

I've had the Tropic Hoody for over a year and I've spent time hiking around Breckenridge, water skiing in Utah and on the beaches in Mexico. It's worked well for me. I'm not a big fan of sunscreen either.

Ellenore Zimmerman · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 75

my boyfriend is insisting on me adopting the 'deserto style' and wearing a birka....everywhere for sun protection....

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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