Gear Picks
Sun Shirts: Your First Line of Defense Against UV Rays
Some even have a bit of style to boot
Featured
$75.00
from Amazon
The Terminal Deflector offers top-notch protection for long days in the sun, with a hood and a built-in turtleneck-like gaiter. In addition to the UPF 50 rating, the fabric is loaded with metallic dots on the outside that reflect sunlight. And Columbia’s Omni-Freeze treatment, which reacts with your sweat to cool down, is also a fun trick.
$89.00
from Backcountry
As the name implies, this UPF 40 shirt is built with fishing in mind, but you don’t need to be carrying tackle to appreciate the details. It’s made from a light polyester-nylon blend that’s puckered like seersucker so less material touches your skin. A sunglasses cleaner built into the hem is a nice, user-friendly hit.
$65.00
from Amazon
ExOfficio blends Tencel, a natural fabric that has a cooling effect on your skin, with cotton to make this supersoft top that wicks well and has a UPF 40 rating. Pop comes courtesy of the Hawaiian-inspired floral print.
$49.00
from REI
The Mountain shirt has the understated style and technical chops that make you want to wear it day after day. Good thing it has a Polygiene antimicrobial treatment to cut down on stink. There’s a bit of spandex in the polyester-nylon blend for added mobility, and the whole package has a UPF 40 rating to keep you unburned.
$99.00
from REI
This is the fancy UPF 45 shirt you wear for the lunch date that might include a long stroll on the beach. The sleek Skyline is made from a breathable polyester that won’t wrinkle (so it’s perfect for travel), it dries fast, and it has a surprising amount of stretch.
$40.00
from REI
O’Neill goes casual with this long-sleeved slim-cut top, which is made from a light polyester with plenty of stretch, so you can wear it all day, whether you’re surfing, fishing, or just sitting in a beach chair. The notable UPF 50+ rating is one of the highest we found in a sun shirt.
All Gear
$56
$39
from Huckberry
30% off
The timeless Crazy Creek is still one of the best camp chairs on the market. “My Crazy Creek is an essential part of my adventure kit that has literally saved my butt more times than I can count,” wrote podcast producer Maren Larsen. “Its classic design isn’t going anywhere—except on every outdoor excursion I take.”
$24
$18
from REI
25% off
If you’re a skier who wants less cushioning, these are the socks for you. “Icebreaker’s take on the superthin ski sock features moisture-wicking merino wool, nylon, and Lycra,” wrote associate editor Abigail Barronian. “It has little cushioning to speak of, but it still feels substantial, striking a good balance between weight, warmth, and breathability.”
$170
$110
from Backcountry
35% off
The Looper MIPS was the best helmet on a budget in our 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide. It “retains the fantastic fit and rich feature set we have grown accustomed to at a much lower price,” wrote one tester. “Perhaps most significantly, the Looper is remarkably breathable, with two slits each at the front and back of the helmet connected by internal channels.”
$169
$110
from Huckberry
35% off
Contributor Kaelyn Lynch fell in love with this wearable sleeping bag, which she thinks is the cure for winter blues. “An Everest expedition suit for the common folk, it is essentially a ripstop nylon, water-resistant, synthetic insulated Snuggie with legs,” she wrote.
Sponsor Content
ATG by Wrangler™ Mixed Material Shirt (Women’s)
$40
from ATG by Wrangler™
Bring comfort and style with you on your next outdoor adventure. The Women’s Mixed Material Shirt made with 85 percent recycled materials is quick drying with UPF 50 to keep you cool and protected from the sun. The comfortable stretch and zipper pockets add the functionality you need to play (or work) hard outside.
$299
$165
from Backcountry
45% off
We gave the Micro Puff jacket a Gear of the Year award when it debuted in 2017. Tester Frederick Reimers described its innovative insulation: “[It’s] tacked between sheets of ten-denier nylon fabric in long strands, so it won’t shift and create cold spots.”
$499
$399
from Evo
20% off
The Sabre Snow Pants are our Gear Guy’s favorites. He included them in his ultimate ski touring kit. “The perfectly articulated legs bend and move like champs while I’m skinning, and ample zippered vents prevent sweat buildup,” he wrote. If you plan to really get after it this winter, these are the pants you want.
$78
$51
from Huckberry
35% off
This hoodie with UV protection is made from recycled plastic bottles and upcycled oyster shells, and it’s one of columnist Jakob Schiller’s picks for sunny days. “I found the fabric surprisingly soft, and the thin build helped me hide from the sun but never caused me to overheat,” he wrote.
Sponsor Content
Columbia Labyrinth Loop Hooded Jacket (Women’s)
$180
from Columbia
Looking for the perfect jacket for your next chilly hike? The Women’s Labyrinth Loop Hooded Jacket from Columbia is your new go-to. Lined with their Omni-Heat™ gold thermal-reflective lining and filled with recycled synthetic down insulation, this jacket will keep you toasty all day.
$40
$22
from Backcountry
45% off
“Our favorite for uphill skiing or wearing under a large mitten, this glove has fleece on the back of the hand for warmth and a combination of polyester and goatskin in the palm for durability,” wrote our Buyer’s Guide tester. It’s one of the best deals we’ve found on winter gloves.
$72
$47
from Huckberry
35% off
Our reviews editor likes to lounge around in the jogger-length version of these bottoms because of the polyester-spandex blend, which he described as “silky on the skin.” These shorts have four-way stretch that never restricted our movement during workouts.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.